Chisato is studying her notes. All the students write down EVERYTHING after they take class from me. Sequencing, instructions, etc.

Chigusa and Yuki help Yo do a drop back.

Chisato and Miyo help Miho do a drop back.

Chika represents her study group in teaching while Yuki and others do hands-on adjustments.

Here I am with two of my translators, Yuko and Anu, in Starbucks! It is almost exactly like the Starbucks in the US except the wraps are root vegetables w/ chicken and only half as big.

How does that feel, Yukiko? Ahhh....it feels great.

To paraphrase Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche, Even Supta Virasana is workable -- with lots of blocks!

This is one method for teaching beginners the feeling of handstand without even turning upside. They learn how to connect arms and legs and reach in two directions. Creating imprints.

We have lift-off!

Kazumi saved the tt study group pictures from last September and put them back up on the wall again along with the daily schedule.

Working on the full version of parvritta parsvakonasana.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana!

Joe demonstrates Parsva Bakasana and then we all did. Some people remembered how I taught them to use a block and that was helpful.

Joe demonstrates a shoulder opening exercise to prepare for pinca mayurasana.

How convenient that this dance studio we are using has a ballet barre for us to rest our arms on and help us open our shoulders.

No problem if the ballet barre is too high -- we can stand on our trusty blocks!

After the class I had a meeting in this room with Kazumi and Yuko, who will be my translator tomorrow.

Then I went for a walk in Roppongi and saw this sign which I like a lot.

Here is Chama, owner of Tokyo-yoga.

This is Joe with Anu, his translator for the day.

This is Kazumi -- manager of Tokyo-Yoga. She works so hard to make everything happen just right.

Chama in Cat Pose. Do you know how to say this pose in Sanskrit?

Virabbhadrasana 2.

Joe demonstrates Sirsasana.

The Japanese teacher training students are very good at paying attention.

I asked Joe to teach this Sirsasana variation for Tamao who has a neck injury from surfing.

Joe demonstrates how to use a blanket in Salamba Sarvangasana.

Here is the "Shyndi mark" -- many of the students asked me to sign their mats and make my drawing there, too.

Outside the studio is a bench next to this sign which says, "You may smoke here."

This shrine was on the corner. Kazumi said this deity will help your cough go away.

I feel like a pro -- got on the airport bus all by myself!

Love this little water bottle holder in the bus.

It definitely helps that some signs are in English -- I'm on the way to Shinjuku.

Sometimes we had to share the road with cows.

And cowboys.

Melanie, the smallest, with Edward, the largest. So cute.

OM yoga warriors -- fearless and gentle.

Sometimes it takes two to triangle.

Cherie and Liza -- so beautiful.

Liz and Edward -- so happy.

David finished our last class together by ringing the bell and leading us in shamata. Then he talked a bit about re-entry, to balance our beginning talk about what it means to retreat.

That night there was a concert -- here is Liz, Melanie, Suzy and Irene -- cuddling on the couch and loving the music. Later all the OMmies got up and took over the dance floor!

After morning yoga, I spent some quality time staring into space, watching clouds and birds. Just like watching thoughts coming and going.

And....buying jewelry from local designer, Ashley. Her company is called Adorning Aphrodite. Each gemstone has a meaning. Steve is amazed at us gals.

After a stretch class with Edward from 7-7:30 and another totally delicious breakfast, Dave gave a dharma talk from 9-10:30.

Enraptured yogis/dharma students.

MIndfully meditating Edward.

Then right into yoga from 10:30-12ish. Palms were up today, in the position of both giving and receiving.

I taught a warm-up vinyasa that included side bending on both sides, and twists -- both open and closed. Do you know the difference and what they prepare you for?

There's always something to work on in Downward Dog, isn't there?

Baby cobra and lion had a baby.

The reminder of a light touch.