This wasn’t my first encounter with Teacher Mo. I was made aware of his existence when my mom was once promoting one of his workshops in Boracay on a January a little less than 2 years ago. I was also fortunate enough to make an appearance in one of his classes in his last Manila workshop and you know what, in that first class, he had already earned my respect.
I could say there are only a handful of souls that might have had that effect on me. I don’t know if it was his stance or firmness or serious face. But unlike other teachers that I had encountered — my mom included, he had a commanding aura that attracted my energy and undivided attention without even trying. I felt stronger and found myself a little more excited to practice that day. After the class, I was somehow upset that I did not enroll in at least a week’s session. That’s when I first realised how important it is to have a teacher that you admire. And that’s when I first caught a glimpse of how my practice could progress if I continued to do it.
So, when my mom had told me about his upcoming Boracay workshop, not only was I ecstatic about experiencing a week with him, I was excited to be in the company of her much loved Ashtangi friends. They seemed to have a pretty good relationship from what I observe. Plus, I get to go back to one of the the islands I love.
I was not a daily practitioner before this event but 6 days with Teacher Mo and the company of admirable Ashtangis was all it took for me to pursue a more consistent and religious practice.
I wouldn't call myself an Ashtangi yet, I'm far from it. But I'm thankful for this experience for it has opened my mind to the endless possibilities and benefits my practice could bring. I'm still in the process of discovering my body and still find it very difficult to keep a steady mind, free from thought, especially when I'm in the middle of Primary Series, but I do try. And I believe that's what matters. And whatever pain or ease I encounter in my practice, I will detach from any hesitations and arrogance or egotism.
I wouldn't call myself an Ashtangi yet, I'm far from it. But I'm thankful for this experience for it has opened my mind to the endless possibilities and benefits my practice could bring. I'm still in the process of discovering my body and still find it very difficult to keep a steady mind, free from thought, especially when I'm in the middle of Primary Series, but I do try. And I believe that's what matters. And whatever pain or ease I encounter in my practice, I will detach from any hesitations and arrogance or egotism.
There's literally so much to say but at the same time, it's too much to expose. There's something about discovering yourself and your practice that makes intimacy more preferable than a glorified Instagram post. There's so much more to learn and there's so much humility involved in deciding to make Ashtanga a part of your life. I can only imagine better things ahead as I continue this journey...