Week 3 in Koh Phangan

Things are much better than my last post fortunately! It took me almost 2 weeks to get over the food poisoning with the help of a homeopathic remedy and lots of rice (did an impromptu version of the brown rice fast) but I am very well now and eating like crazy. I'm actually not so much into the Thai food. I like it and ate it every day with Emily but I'm really hungry from the many hours of yoga and classes every day and it just doesn't satisfy like western food or other Asian food. There are a lot of good, healthy restaurants here because of all the yogis so my needs are surely being met. The yoga is great and I'm learning a whole-heck-of-a-lot. Tomorrow is the end of the 3rd week which means I'll be back in America in 9 weeks. It's been a long time! I'm trying to stay focused on this teacher training and unique yoga style and not get caught up in what it'll be like to be in seattle again. Of course Koh Phangan is beautiful which makes it easier to stay present when I wake up to the sunrise over coconut trees and mountains and sit on the beach watching the sunset over the ocean. These little pleasures are temporary, though, (like everything, really) as our course gets even more intense next month and I won't be able to do either of this things. I think I've decided to stay in my guesthouse for another month and forego the beach bungalow simply because it's so nice here, I can walk to class every day, and I really don't mind just eating out when it's so quick and healthy. Plus, I'm hardly ever home! I'm trying to practice contentment and nonattachment. I know these will take more discipline in the US where there is so much choice and opportunity for food, housing, socializing, you name it. Staying simple and on a meager budget will be perhaps my biggest goals. For now, time to study, meditate, and go to bed.

The first week in Koh Phangan

It's been a crappy first week here. Food poisoning struck Emily and I upon our arrival in Koh Phangan on New Years Eve and I just started feeling better today. My classes started on Monday, 6-8 hours of yoga lecture and practice per day. I didn't have the time or energy to find that great beach bungalow so I'm staying in a guesthouse for the next month which has a cute little restaurant, really sweet owners, hot showers (!!) and is quite new and clean. I can be very happy here until I move to a beach bungalow at the beginning of February. Hopefully my regained health lasts and I can enjoy my first day off of the program with some beach time on Sunday. Well, if the rain clears up for a few hours. Apparently we're still getting a late monsoon season which would explain the almost endless rain. Lots to learn, experience, and absorb in the months to come.

I hope your New Years was better than mine. Love and peace in 2011!