From Barcelona to Bali
Back in August I was sitting in a wonderful haven of yoga and massage in the Sunshine House in Greece. I was soaking up the wisdom and friendship of a new brother and teacher Pau Castelisague. Pau and his family had just organized the Barcelona Yoga Conference a month previously, which had been a full power celebration of yoga and kula. He was also my AcroYoga teacher, handstand teacher and unwitting relationship coach. But there was something about sitting in the kitchen that night, full of inspiration from all that Pau was sharing and the potential of all that he had to share, that something compelled me to ask him and his co-teacher Ale Ruiz if they would like to come to the BaliSpirit Festival.
The seed had been planted and this afternoon I found myself witnessing what had been birthed as unfamiliar Spanish accents bubbled out of the speakers, and the vivacious pair began their journey of sharing and teaching for the first time in Bali. The Lawn Pavilion was full, and the poles and geometry made Pau’s famous circles hard to conjure. But connection was established between a huge group of once strangers, and the therapeutic flying began with Thai massage. Closing eyes, hands on shoulders, feeling, moving, sharing Metta. Learning to trust. I for one made new friends today during the workshop which carried me through all the way to this evenings rendition of Govinda, as my heart soared with spirit and gratitude for such a wonderful collection of yogis and singers from around the world.
During the workshop, apprehension of “flying” – of balancing on someone’s feet – was laughed away with Pau’s easy flowing humor and ready jokes. Ale (a real Mexian Chicka) based a gentle flow to release the spine. The group was separated into smaller groups of three, and what Pau described as “mini communities”; the perfect setting to practice communication and cooperation.
Everyone communicated and cooperated and in just 90 minutes had been on a journey through sharing loving intention and Joy. Pau and Ale will teach three more classes. They will also teach a five day therapeutic immersion from the 4th-8th April here in Ubud. For more details drop Pau a line at [email protected]. Meanwhile, if you wanted to experience another side of yoga and community see you upside down and back to front tomorrow at the Lawn Pavilion at 3.15pm.
LOVE TO YOU MY DEAR FRIENDS AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU SHARE AND INSPIRE FROM BARCELONA TO BALI.
Photo courtesy of Suki Zoe.
Written by : Administrator