I was in Gokarna, India taking an Iyengar style daily course a few years ago. I was going through a very difficult time at work back then and India was giving me its touch of magic. After 10 days I was beginning to feel relaxed and more positive.
At the end of the afternoon class, I go to a local ayurvedic restaurant on the beach and try their special medicinal meal. It promised to help with my brain activities whilst relaxing and healing the whole body. “Yeah, whatever” I skeptically say to myself, it’s only food and herbs and spices. The meal comes, a white sticky ball of something and a red one of similar consistency, probably made of some carbohydrate I couldn’t quite recognise and a few more ingredients. All to be wrapped in a potato filled dosa and dipped into a couple of different sauces. Some special, aromatic hot tea to sip, overlooking the ocean, nice enough if not very tasty.
A couple of hours later I feel warm air coming through me, a continuous sense of joy and liberation, hedging on euphoria, a strong ability to connect with people, look into people’s eyes and go really deep. Gone are work and life anxieties. I feel really happy and capable and good looking and sensual and almost invincible but in a harmonious and loving way. And definitely different from any time before. The sense of joy and power lasted all evening and I spent an amazing night – on my own, if you wonder – with body tingling and endorphins like strong pleasure. I felt lucid and totally in control of my senses.
What was it? A few days of yoga, a chilled out Indian beach and a bit of relaxation? What did they put in my meal!? The following days were also beautiful, not as special as that one evening and night, but still beautiful. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I had a few more similar experiences since then, of varying intensity and always after days of yoga in beautiful settings. I haven’t been back to try the ayurvedic restaurant since, but I will as soon as I have a chance.
The emotional, mental benefits are what got me hooked on this beautiful discipline at first. And the magic of India.
When I focus on the breath, sometimes a certain part of my body starts feeling a vibrating sensation, usually just from below my navel all the way to the area of my lower stomach. Sometimes at the level of my heart or between my eyes. Happiness and warmth, relaxation and feeling of wholeness. What is it?
I don’t know, but it works.