New York, New York

Last night was Integral Yoga – New York… home. Wow! What a great time! First of all, thanksgivings and cheers to our good friends, Last night was Integral Yoga – New York… home. Wow! What a great time! First of all, thanksgivings and cheers to our good friends, Brian Adler (tablas), Nina Katchadourian (vocals), and Justin Wood (saxophones and flutes). Christian seemed happy to have a night off from playing percussion on laptop and he and Justin were this incredible philharmonic horn section that really made things HUGE. Brian is a wizard at not only keeping us all together but also “singing” on his tablas. At one point in rehearsal, I was listening to him so intently and happily that I forgot to sing! Nina is talented and quick -- she picked up even the most complicated chants and led the audience through them as if she’d been doing them longer than I have. Also, someone I don’t point out enough... Christian. He played great and he’s such a constant companion and light. When I get road-weary or feel like I “just need a break,” I look over and Christian is just doing his work with dedication, great talent and without flagging. Thank you, Christian.

The chanting was great with LOTS of people who’d never chanted before. Afterward, I asked people who’d like one to share a hug with me and got many, wonderful hugs and conversations with beautiful friends, old and new. Of course, since we’re back “home” in New York, we also had a great time going out with friends after the Kirtan for food, laughs and that fantastically fast New York conversation that leaves you both exhilarated and exhausted! It was an incredibly eclectic group of friends that included Bobra (whom I met when I first came to NYC in 1993 and who is still wondering how I went from wanting to produce the first all-male version of “Dreamgirls” to becoming a yoga teacher and chanter); Bob (a genuine intellectual with whom I sang in the a cappella group Sons & Lovers in the 90s); David (fellow 2001 OMI resident and a true musician’s musician); Megan, actress, real-estate maven and fellow artist from my days wandering the hallways of New York’s greatest investment banks; Nina (from the night’s Kirtan with her new CD “The Marfa Jingles”); Christian’s friend, Lily (guitarist extraordinaire); and Amy (whom I met just before leaving NYC -- who says you can’t make new friends at the last minute? -- and who has declared us to be BFFs, much to my delight). SO MUCH FUN! Christian stayed out even later than I did -- the poor Dharmashakti had a big crash! -- and had a good time talking late into the night with Lily.

This morning (Sunday), we’re up and at a cafe because we were sleeping in a yoga classroom and had to clear out for them to reset for the day. I’m writing this at a cool spot on 8th Avenue that USED to have free internet, but doesn’t anymore. Will post it as soon as I can, but it’s an interesting reminder that even familiar things and places are constantly changing. That said, New York is New York still -- big, loud and beautiful. I don’t feel as if I’ve been gone for nearly a year; it seems like 5 minutes ago. So, I don’t really miss it here. I miss people, but thanks to the web and cell phones, who really needs to miss anyone? Being here for 24 hours reminds me of the many, many good things I did during my 15 years here. But I guess it makes be a bad New Yorker now to say that I also miss the big, blue New Mexico skies and my sweet dog nuzzling my neck... even more than I’ve missed having a good bagel.

Next stop Boston!

Much love,

Dharmashakti.