Welcome to Bali — stillsheryl

I can definitely say that I’ve started my yoga teacher training in Bali with a bang! I’m writing this from the top bunk of a 10+ feet tall bunk bed in a room that I’m sharing with 3 other women. It’s now 7pm, and I skipped the last class of the day due to vomiting because I’ve gotten the infamous “Bali belly.”

I arrived at the hostel right as the opening ceremony was beginning on Sunday night, so I didn’t have time to check in, but went straight to the ceremony. I was greeted with a flower necklace and joined the circle on the floor with my fellow classmates.

The ceremony was great, infused with some traditional Balinese traditions, but I was so jet lagged and tired from the 24 hours of travel that I was basically delirious by the end of it. I went to my room and was a bit surprised by the accommodation. It’s been a while since I stayed at a hostel, and even longer since I’ve slept in a bunk bed and shared a room with 3 others. After a few days I’m getting used to it, but I do miss my privacy. At least I figured out on the second day that we do have hot water, and that they just had to refill the tank!

Three days in, and I’ve cried at least 5-6 times, and already had thoughts of, “what am I doing here?” on more than one occasion. This is definitely going to be a test of my endurance, strength, and mental capacity. I’m overwhelmed by how much I need to learn in the next three and half weeks, and it’s difficult not to notice that I am the least flexible in the class and can’t do a lot of the postures. Besides the physical aspect, though, the feelings that arise during meditation, singing, and practicing are intense.

My first tears came on the morning of day two. We start every day with a 7am meditation, and after the singing, dancing and quiet meditation, the monk led us through a process of putting our hands out, imagining a flower in our hands, and offering it up. As I thought of all the things I want to let go of, including my expectations, how I am comparing myself to others, uncertainty of whether or not I will succeed, and many more doubts, I was overcome with emotion.

This is going to be an intense few weeks. I’m ready and excited, but it’s definitely going to be a journey. Even something as basic as sitting on the floor all day is extremely challenging for me. I have very tight hips and rarely sit cross legged, so it’s very difficult on my hips and back to have all my classes and breakfast every day sitting on the floor. It’s more than 6 hours a day!

I’m finally starting to feel better after vomiting up everything I’ve eaten in the past 24 hours, but I do need all the sleep I can get so I’ll be ready to take on tomorrow. One day at a time!