What I thought to Bring:
1. Sarah, my long time friend.
2. A tent, flashlight, etc.
3. 10-15 different pairs of yoga pants/ shirts/ leggings
4. A tiny water bottle
5. Caffeinated tea in case of minor headaches
6. Large, bulky boots with laces
7. A yoga mat
8. A sleeping bag
9. A journal
10. A book on 300 + Asanas
11. A readiness to Relax
In actuality; one should bring:
1. A friend, yes. This can be an emotional experience and it was very helpful to have a close friend to debrief all we were learning with.
2. A tent- but also a tarp! It rains a lot in the winter in Northern California! Also an umbrella, poncho...these things would have made life much drier!
3. A few pairs of yoga clothes, washing and hanging things out to dry is better than over packing and lacking space in your tent!
4. A large water bottle, and perhaps a travel mug for herbal teas. One cannot get enough herbal teas when you are washing out toxins from your body, eating such a pure diet, eliminating caffeine, and meditating frequently. Caffeine quickly becomes unnecessary with a little determination, quality sleep, specific asanas, and other energy-enriched practices.
5. CLOGS! My strappy boots were a pain when you are required to practice cleanliness and remove shoes in every building, including outside bathrooms! You need something that slips on and off!
6. A yoga mat might seem obvious; but ashrams have so many, I would suggest using the extra packing space for something more useful like a quality sleeping pad. Quality sleep was essential to be in the right mind set and to achieve continual patience required for learning and meditation.
7. A journal, or several, was a great idea. I wrote and learned more than I have in years, and even felt the need to write down conversations with other yogis along the way. In such an inspiring environment- a place to record your amazing experience is essential.
8. Books aren't necessary. Although I read a lot during my time on the ashram ; there was a library of beautiful yogi literature I didn't want to miss out on- as I could read my own books anytime. As far as a collection of asanas- 300 was too much. In the Sivananda practice, only 12 basic poses are practiced and easy to memorize quickly, especially with rapid repetition and practice.
9. Relaxation...well.. yes, this is experience was relaxing. But a better attitude might be complete openness, humility, a readiness to learn, possibly work hard and stretch mental and physical limits, and no matter what skill level you are at or where your practice is, the willingness to let go, surrender to your teachers, and look deeply inward.
