Winter is definitely here

Two days.  That's how long the snow stayed last week.  After 48 hours, it melted and it just rained days after.

Winter is late this year in Finland.  The Levi World Cup in Lapland was canceled because there was no snow.

As I ride my bike every day, I can't help but be grateful for this experience.  I am in an environment where my both academic and yogic growth are supported.  In the midst of this impending darkness (I have been told that at the peak of Finnish winter, the sun comes out for only 4 hours a day), the mind is clear and the future looks bright.

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This weekend, Astanga Jyväskylä had Magnus Appelberg as visiting teacher.  He had a similar aura with Paul.  The energy was light and he was always smiling.  I also stayed after practice to listen to him explain some practice points.  Although he spoke mostly in Finnish, Susanna was very helpful that she explained everything to me in English.

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Yesterday, two more animals were released, the crocodile and the horse.  Today, the gate was opened and Nandi appeared.  And then the sleeping thunderbolt was awakened to welcome the 7 kings.


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Went to our sunday meditation group and on my way back, the snow was 6 inches deep! I was ecstatic and began throwing snow balls at friends.  It was amazing.


Thank you Finland.


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Today must be a very special day.  I completed the intermediate series, the UP Pep Squad represented the country in the 6th Cheerleading World Championships in Hong Kong and they won the bronze in the cheer mixed category, a first for the Philippines in this competition, and, I experienced my first true winter.


 

This heart has nothing but gratitude.

OM