Omkarananda Ashram

We are now settled in to a quiet ashram right next to the Laxman Jhula bridge. This means that we are closer to many more restaurants, yoga classes, and beaches. The ashram has two main temples with different gods, and one shiva-linga. There is a preist who does prayers at sunset (probably at sunrise too but i wouldn't know for sure...) We haven't really gotten too close while he is doing his puja (ceremony) but we can't miss when he sings "Om Nama Shivaya" with all his heart and voice over and over. It's nice to be in a holy place where people are showing their respect and devotion to God. we now have two rooms in the ashram so we can practice. the first day i was there we practiced together with the door open and apparently it was too loud. we almost got kicked out but then we just realized that we have to keep the doors closed and be conscientious about the volume.
We have gone to yoga for 3 days in a row since my foot has healed. It feels good to have a routine and feel improvement in our bodies. we are learning and trying to master the 12 basic yoga postures (let's see if i can remember them): corpse (shavasana), shoulder stand, plow (halasana), sitting forward, twisting, standing forward, balancing posture (eagle or something), cobra, headstand, triangle posture... hmm, i'm missing a few. oh well. we start the class with sun salutation. I think within another few days jesse will be able to hold a headstand for a few seconds. i am lengthening the amount of time i can hold mine - i think i'm back up at about 3 minutes. our teacher's name is Govinda. We pay 50 Rs per class. He seems like a good teacher and a good guy but he never smiles which is a bit odd for a yoga teacher.
one more week until my mom comes. i haven't decided exactly what we're going to do yet. good thing she's so laid back!
Who else is coming to visit india? Miss you all.
Namaste