The Arabian Sea

It sounds so glamorous, actually it is pretty glamorous. Or at least the beaches I have been to have been beautiful. Both Kovalum and then Varkala. I stayed in a nice hotel in Kovalum, the Sea Face. I'm now in what appears to be the premier hotel in Varkala, the Hindustaan. They are both nice, but neither one is outrageously luxurious.
I was so excited to get to the beach so I could practice on my own. Sharat had said that it is not a good idea to practice outside, he said the air takes all of your prana. It has always been one of my favorite things to do though, so I decided to give it a shot anyway. I always thought I received extra prana from being near the ocean.
I have to say, I now see what Sharat means. I practiced outside the first morning in Kovalum. The next morning I practiced in my room. I had a very distracted practice outside, and a great practice inside. I found it interesting that so many Indians were fascinated by my practicing. The whole time I've been here, I've hardly seen any Indians doing yoga.
The beach and the setting in Varkala are spectacular. There are big red cliffs overlooking the beach and the ocean. The cliffs have kept the development at bay.
I practiced in my room this morning and had maybe my best practice ever. I think it is great to have some time on my own , to work on what I've learned and what I'm taking away from Mysore.
I realized when I practiced on the beach in Kovalum that it was the first time I have done that since Dashiel died last June. It was our thing. In fact I still feel like I have to whisper the word beach, or he will be dogging me. He would here the word and he would instantly appear in front of me, tilting his big ears back and forth, willing me to take him with me.
I told Shelley that I hadn't practiced on the beach since Dash died, and she said, "I'm sure he would want you to." I guess she's right, as long as he knew he was with me. And like I've already written, it seems like he is with me, and he always will be.