MadYoggi

happy face

Salute to firefighters!

Wall E

Extra excess

Rest Day!

Why practice?

Blissful

sick leave ?

Stand TALL

Balance

limitation / challenge

A pause

Adho Mukha Vrksasana

Savasana smile

May - the crazy month

this moment

2008 !!!

It's Christmas ...

Summary

Project A - progress

Photo Album: favorite spots

Photo Album: sweet moment

Photo Album: Yoga Sept 2007

Photo Album: Hong Kong tour

Photo Album: Macau

Photo Album: 西貝莜面村 at Tianjin

Photo Album: Eating at Hangzhou

Photo Album: Breakfast at Hangzhou

Photo Album: West Lake (Xihu)

Photo Album: Tianjin, China

Photo Album: Hangzhou, China

Photo Album: Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Photo Album: The Orential, Bangkok

Photo Album: Neemrana Fort - Palace, Rajasthan

Photo Album: Yoga at Nature

Photo Album: Rain

Photo Album: International Yoga Festival - March 1-7, 2007

Photo Album: Parmarth Niketan - the Ashram I stay

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:45:27 GMT

Warm current pass through my body when I see you have a such a lovely smile. Your blood is flowing in my body. You open your arms even when I lost my temper. You ignore every impatience I have had.

Happy birthday Mama-Tong.

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:33:42 GMT

I was teaching at Mongkok yesterday, arrived the studio before 9am I knew nothing about the fire until 1pm. While I walked pass the reception counter, I over-heard the breaking news. When I made my way to lunch, Nathan Road was blocked. Many stayed on the road and watched. A stab felt into my heart. After I finished my day, I noticed 2 firemen died fighting in this alarm 5 fire.

For some particular jobs, you know dead is so close every time when you are on duty. This is the path one chosen. I am very sad.

Salute to all firefighters who chose to take up this role.

Shanti ...

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:49:44 GMT

If you only see one movie in the coming few months, Wall E should be on the top of your list.

The most touching is the message we human beings live on the earth should stop abusing it. It's time to think about whether the advance technology really enhance our daily lives or, the consequence to develop a big belly. No, we are far from developing with bigger and smarter brain. General public would only result with big belly, short legs and arms. You might think it's only some wild thought. No, it's not. When I teach, I see a lot of people who could not synchronize the action with the extremities. It may because of lack of body awareness or malfunction between the mind and body. In any case, let's live our lives simple and respect other creatures who share this same piece of land.

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:33:49 GMT

Even though I always tell my students the most important is to stay healthy and care not about being slim, it stretch my nerve when someone told me I have gain weight! Precisely, a student comments me look slightly (only slightly) rounder. This really scratch me. I know that I often have a kilo or two up and down. It normally happens when season change or friends' visit. OK, I am not fancy with being boney. It's not my body type. Just that I don't want any rounder ;)

Last week, my best friend was in town. No surprise we spent most of the time together. Eat, drink, hang-out, and Ocean Park! In summer time, my appetite naturally go with the hot weather. Not eating much generally. Yet, due to teaching, I will down with two bowls of multi grain rice easily. Basically I love carbohydrate, vegetable, fruit and cheese. I am yet a pure vegetarian. Together with her in town, I eat more often than usual. I think this is the cheque!

Indeed I found it very hard to eat 'healthy' as a yoga teacher. Sometimes we teach during the lunch and dinner break. We don't eat at regular time. I don't do late supper now it's like impossible. You feel hungry after teaching 2 or 3 classes, particular if it's hot class.

It's about time to plan how to live healthier and shred off the extra excess!

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:25:06 GMT

Ocean Park ~

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:37:05 GMT

Why do you practice yoga? Does it give you flexibility? Does it help you lose weight? Does it improve your health? We may start with a reason or few. It maybe pure physical reason or needs in the beginning. A substitute of other forms of workout. It absolute fine. If you find it fulfills your needs, why not?

I believe with consistence practice, yoga may sprout into another sheath. Probably it goes to deeper layer and connect with the consciousness.

People ask, would it be some kind of addiction if one finds missing a day or two practice the body feels uneasy. What's if we reckon that yoga is always here only with our 'busy-ness' we have covered and masked our senses. We forgot its presence. Practice, a solid daily practice helps us unveil its importance and benefits to our body and mind. It gives me solid grounding. It offers me energy to deal with the chaotic urban life. This is how I see my practice, today. Maybe my perspective will change with time. This is the beauty of journey.

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:08:07 GMT

Summer evening, clear sky, deep blue. Took ferry ride to Central. My heart is light lifted. Warm air softly touch my skin. I have a moment of bliss. I think, if you are content, you are bliss. I recall a song I heard "bountiful, beautiful, blissful". This moment, I am blissful.

Shanti.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:01:49 GMT

When you are sick, you probably take a day off from work and rest. Maybe you skip your yoga class or simply stop all activity. I mean, if you are really sick.

If you are teacher, your class is scheduled and published on the timetable. What do you do? Get someone to cover your class likely is the most sensible thing to do. I have done a lot of covers for other teachers due to their health condition/ availability, etc. Personally, I never miss a class of mine. I believe yoga really do good on me. It improves my health in general. The asana opens me up and stimulates the internal systems. Before practicing yoga, I used to get flu with the season changes and it stays. Now, it's no more flu or other sickness. Even I catch it, it's gone in a day or two. Often I feel a warm current run through my body even in winter time. The only thing I still unable to beat is freezing air conditioned places in most Hong Kong malls and studio!

Tonight, I do cover classes for a teacher. Long day today as as I start my day at 7am and finish only by 12 mid-night.

OM!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:16:28 GMT

A yogi friend told me that she grows taller! At her 40+, she gains 1/2 inch in her height after practicing yoga. Think about it, if you practice right, you create space within your body and expand beyond the limit or boundary. It's not the boundary of your body frame. It's the boundary that your mind has pre-set you in.

Maybe I am taller as well :)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:20:50 GMT

What's a yogi do in his/her 'normal' life other than practice, study (read), and teach (work)?

If those have spouse and children, I believe the priority will be given to family. If those have a yoga studio to run, their time probably will have a cut for the 'business'. For someone single independent no family obligation (me), I quite enjoy my 'anti-social' routine. I go for the morning show. Grab a bit after 'normal' lunch time. Sip the coffee and browse the net at cafe booth. Read. Letting the sun kiss on my skin and take few deep breath by the sea. How nice to be still alive and breath in the even polluted air!!

I went for the Dark Knight this morning. Salute to every person in his/ her professions. We make the world a wonderful place to live.

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:28:02 GMT

What's a teacher's role? Other than call out the poses with descriptive instruction, observe the students' response, adjust them etc, the teacher might push the students. Push them go beyond their boxes, the limit they pre-set for themselves. The box could be they prefer to stay in the comfort zone, the box could be injury history that physically and mentally create the hurdle, the box could be ... anything that stop you go further.

A student cried in my class because I pushed her too much. We talked after class. She told me she has tried the same pose before but she felt pain therefore she decided not to do it again. We walked through the pose and discussed some similar poses in related to her own fear and injury history thus her feelings. We also talked about discussing injury history in public that she feels embarrassed. It's a very good lesson for me - understand we all have different needs and issues. I learn to establish ways of communication. I am learning ... everyday to be a good teacher.

Namaste.

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:47:49 GMT

Finally the 36-hour anatomy and physiology course came to an end last Monday. Farewell party was quiz and our presentation of understanding. Great release of stress and tension but on the other hand we all miss the study time including Kerry - our course instructor!

Hardly believe I have studied another 36 hours of anatomy but the concept is still blur. Shame to say so, but this is exactly how I feel about the urge to have know more.

Back to a quiet rhythm. Some of my group mates are heading away for summer break. I am in the lonely planet.

Miss all my dear friends.

Blessings to Fred and his family.

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:19:16 GMT

Most often we do Adho Mukha Vrksasana with a palm distance from the wall. With time, strength built, we still keep some distance away from the wall when we kick the legs up.

Last Friday, I have my ever first finger tips touched the wall Adho Mukha Vrksasana. The first one was with assistance of Cle Souren. Then I asked some silly question like when we did it on our own, we normally kept some distance away from the wall. He, of course asked me to show him and the fellow students. I kicked up as usual, stayed, banana-shaped, even I crazily pressed the palm, I was still arching my back, slightly.

After I came down, he asked me to place the finger tips close to wall. Touched the wall, then kicked up again. I didn't scream but I carried the doubt if I could manage yet I still did my best to kick up 'gracefully'. And miracle happened - I managed to come to the pose with the sense of calmness, lengthening, tall, still and my lips curve toward to the floor :)

It's my intelligence leading me to the pose but not the ego I used to have in the pose. I felt at ease, calm and sense of lightness.

The following day(s), I keep practicing with finger tips close to the wall and kick the legs up. It's with me, the intelligence.

You just explore something different each single day in the practice.

What an amazing and beautiful journey.

Fri, 30 May 2008 09:53:43 GMT

Only you have experienced it you know the smile comes naturally in any "difficult" poses that you might have struggled. It feels like everything just right in place the energy inside the body flow freely which lit the lips up. You are taller than any other time and you are gracefully be still in that moment.

Last day of the 7-day intensive, Peter led a 2-hour class. It's a wonderful full stop for the training week. With his precise, sharp and clean instruction, I reach new insight. Self practice is vital for personal growth. Challenge always there to meet. Attending class from time to time is also important for advancing. 2 hours flied. In the last pose - Mariyasana 3 when I entwine my arms I sit in my tallest, the savasana smile hang on my face.

It's like the checkpoint you sure you are on the right track. In less than 4 months time Peter will be here again to conduct another training. Really look forward to it.

Fri, 30 May 2008 02:37:29 GMT

My big day I taught 5 classes followed with a 3-hour anatomy course. My group mates were lovely to celebrate with me. Photo taken by Lilian.

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:29:04 GMT

I think the most rewarding moment for a teacher is that the students share their exploration, and experience through the practice of yoga. There are students who come to my class regularly. Timid, quiet, consistent and dedicated. They do their best to accomplish with the instructions I have called out. With months, some come back and share what they have experienced in their own bodies. This is the golden moment I treasure most being as a teacher. This is the moment I am their student. Learn from their experience. It's the most rewarding and precious time I feel lightness.

Often, I feel that I am blessed to hook with yoga and have the chance to share my learning experience with someone who have the same interest.

Shanti.

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:07:53 GMT

The new interior design creates a lot of space at my place. I love being home. Even the flat is tiny it offers a strong feeling of "home sweet home". My cat shares the same feeling. She is much at ease in her fluffy bed. Mom loves the hot shower also her bedroom. Overall, I give a big thumb up for the renovation project. The process is big headache yet the outcome is incredible.

Teaching wise, I got more classes scheduled since late November. The most rewarding is students' acceptance and their compliment. They come back the same class; they ask questions after class, the interaction is most encouraging. I love teaching! I enjoy every sharing moment.

Often I feel, the more I teach, the bigger urge for more knowledge. Therefore I have committed myself to a 3-year* (minimum!!) Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training. After I have done the training with Karin last year in Rishikesh, I have lifetime goal to become a certified Iyengar Teacher. When I learnt that Peter Scott offers "progressive learning"program here, I jumped in front of him asked him to accept my application. After almost 2 weeks intensive with him, I am glad that he takes me as his student. He has all good qualities as a teacher. More to that, he's not a "shouting" Iyengar Teacher ;) Here I am, taking him my teacher, guide me on the yoga journey.

One thing I am 'under-estimated' the intensity of the IYTT program. This commitment requires a lot of self discipline also the burning desire to learn, and progress and patience. I am adapting / adjusting / working around with the teaching schedule also my daily pattern. Yet, regardless how intensive it is, I know I made the rigjht decision.

I am blessed. A new year, a new beginning.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:30:45 GMT

Last Saturday I already have the first Christmas gathering with some other fitness, pilate and yoga instructors at SoHo. We were all invited by Claire at MI. We seldom meet since we teach at different time at different places. It's the first time we get together, indeed I only have taught few classes for Claire at Matilda Hospital I am new to the group.

Teaching at Matilda Hospital is very enjoyable. Think about having the minibus ride once a week to the Peak is a nice journey getting away from the busy Central.

The climax for the Christmas gathering was present time! Claire prepared everyone of us goodies bag with Tiffany!!! Yet, this is not the first Christmas present I have received. Kelly has already given me two lovely cute tops last Friday!!

December is one of the joyous months. More gatherings to come ... I am expectin' to move back to my place in less than 10 days!!!

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:42:24 GMT

Change is not too welcoming for most of us, but in certain way it is good for inspiration, evaluation moreover it opens our mind and heart to have a further chance to review what we have been doing.

I progress in my asana practice after a few weeks off from the mat. Now I understand it takes time to understand, digest, absorb, and consolidate. When I back to the same primary series I notice some remarkable progress. Partially I believe it does with what I have learnt. Another major change is I have "connected" with the knowledge I have taken. Plus Alex keeps reminding us to stay with the breathing. It helps!

Besides the progress in asana practice, I see some changes in the level of mood swing. It maintains in a moderate level. Non-attachment works fine.

Renovation comes to the final stage. I look forwards to move back to my place in less than 2 week, not only prepare for Christmas also for the new year to come.

November is really a month for changes - I got more stable in teaching. More classes, more opportunities, more room to grow. Looking forwards to officially kick off with the 3-year Iyengar YTTC with Peter Scotts.

Oh, the 3-day intensive with Ellen Heed Anatomy Workshop was awesome. Ellen is really a gift. She's knowledgeable, humorous, attentive and considerate. Her workshop is very constructive materials. Her explanation is excellent clear and informative. I learnt a lot even though I know I learnt only the surface. She opens the book for me only a matter I keep digging into it.

This is how amazing every teacher does the effective influence on students. I enjoy being a student and keep growing and improving.

Namaste

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:51:40 GMT

My place is at last undergoing renovations. No fun. All fixtures have been dismantled. Meetings often at the site with the project-in-charge to pick the materials, color combo moreover determine the design of the furniture and fixture. How to create more space in a limited space? From the yogic perspective, the new layout and design of my place will definite be more spacious, and tidy. I think, space could be created not only within our body, we could also expand it in different dimension. Longing for the completion no later than mid December so I can prepare for cozy and homey Christmas.

Meanwhile, I enjoy my temporary stay in the familiar neighbourhood. Being well taken care of TOMATO. We do home cooking more often like the old days. Go outing more frequent to get fresh and the sweetness of the air. I am lovin' the autumn.

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:58:42 GMT

favorite spots

homeless feel

traveler

s shape

po-po bed

living statue

the best spot among all

see her tail!

the new spot! by the LCD

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:28:09 GMT

sweet moment

cake for me!

the chef & me

yummy!!

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:02:13 GMT

Yoga Sept 2007

2 Bhujapidasana by Ah tong and Franck.jpg

Parivrtta Trikonasana.jpg

Salabhasana.jpg

Marichyasana A.jpg

Navasana.jpg

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:46:12 GMT

Hong Kong tour

Jumbo pier.JPG

Jumbo Seafood Restaurant.JPG

View from carpark.JPG

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SSL17094.JPG

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 01:54:32 GMT

Macau

Fishermans Wharf.JPG

Bridge connecting Macau and Taipa.JPG

Pebble stone street.JPG

Potala at Fishermans Wharf.JPG

cat.JPG

chandelier at Wynn.JPG

Wynn.JPG

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 05:03:19 GMT

西貝莜面村 at Tianjin

西貝莜面村

拌蘿蔔苗 RMB13

豉香蕨菜 RMB23

蕨根粉拌蛰頭 RMB29

野菜雜拌 RMB20

石磨豆漿 RMB28

炸素丸子 RMB18、地皮菜炒粉 RMB23

封缸肉炒蚕豆 RMB36

雜粮筐 RMB30

烤羊背 RMB288

More Photos...

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 01:52:37 GMT

Eating at Hangzhou

yearcake 青菜年糕

Kuiyuanguan 奎元樓

Hangzhou noodle 虾爆鱔面

Dumpling 菠菜水餃

Bamboo shoot 絲瓜春荀

壽康永素菜舘

home dinner

lu-ya (duck) 鹵鴨

shrimp 油爆虾

deep fried fish 炸牙带魚

More Photos...

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 01:39:22 GMT

Breakfast at Hangzhou

pancake (salty) 葱包桧

egg roll 蛋餅

Egg roll

Starbucks ....

breakfast home

stuff cake 餡餅

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 05:24:21 GMT

West Lake (Xihu)

Leifeng Pagoda 雷峰塔

未命名的相片

Xihu Tiandi 西湖天地

未命名的相片

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 02:26:20 GMT

Tianjin, China

An Jia Da Yuan

Lotus in pot

Sleeping beauty

Chick !!

peacefulness

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 12:42:50 GMT

Hangzhou, China

Tue, 15 May 2007 06:18:19 GMT

Millennium Hilton Bangkok

lobby.JPG

entrance.JPG

pool side bar.JPG

the beach.JPG

the spa.JPG

tree outside the spa.JPG

old tree.JPG

bamboo.JPG

More Photos...

Tue, 15 May 2007 06:16:56 GMT

The Orential, Bangkok

the room.JPG

greetings.JPG

orientalboat.jpg

bamboohallway.jpg

meatorientalspa.jpg

lotus.jpg

poolside.jpg

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 07:40:40 GMT

Neemrana Fort - Palace, Rajasthan

DSC03989.JPG

DSC03997.JPG

DSC04010.JPG

DSC04012.JPG

DSC04027.JPG

DSC04038.JPG

DSC04039.JPG

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 07:40:40 GMT

Yoga at Nature

Virabhadrasana I at the Ganga water fall

Virabhadrasana II at the Ganga water fall

Bakasana by Fred at the Ganga water fall

Virabhadrasana III at the garden at Parmarth Niketan

Backbend at the garden

Vkrsasana by Fred at the Ganga water fall

Ardha Chandrasana

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

Padmasana in front of the mediation cave at Beatle Ashram

Padmasana

More Photos...

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 07:40:40 GMT

Rain

heaven

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 07:40:40 GMT

International Yoga Festival - March 1-7, 2007

Birjoo and me

Sirsasana by Birjoo

Salamba Sarvangasana with chair by Birjoo

Neha my room-mate

At Aarti

Kundalini Yoga at the tent

Joan, me and Isabel - who took good care of my eye!

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and Fred

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and me

Way up to Wu Shan

Way up to Wu Shan

Almost there

Yoga Summit

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 07:40:40 GMT

Parmarth Niketan - the Ashram I stay

dormitry

main entrance of the Ashram

corner of the garden

path to Yoga Hall

Parmarth Gurukal - 1/F is the Yoga Hall

A view to Shiva Temple

Shiva

Hall way of the dormitry