I've been really busy lately so I haven't blogged in a while-sorry!

A few classes ago, we focused an entire session on learning the many different forms of expressions. It was neat being able to silently portray an emotion, without actually speaking it. I'm not used to doing that, so it was hard essentially. I couldn't help but smile or keep a straight face. But soon, I got the hang of it, and let go of myself. My partners were great at portraying their emotions so it helped make it easier for me. It was a fun excercise and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to incorporating it into our final performance in one way or another.

It was great breaking up into our sub banjars to discuss our final projects. Our group had a lot of amazing ideas. We ended up settling on the idea of the wedding scene and went ahead and assigned the roles for the performance. We started designing a plan of what to wear and what we want to incorporate. I wasn't at last Wednesday's class but I heard that we will be performing at in November at a small stage? I didnt get the name, but I'm really nervous! I'm not found of performing outside of our banjar group yet so this will be an obstacle indeed for me. But I will do my best to overcome my fears and give my best foot forward.

I'm really excited to go to class tomorrow! I missed class last week on weds soo I'm looking forward to seeing our banjar and everyone :)

Getting the Full on Experience

This weeks classes were very interesting. I enjoyed the ball excercise we did on Mondays class. It was a completely different experience for me. I'm very much used to relying on my eyesight for everything. So it was interesting to not be able to see but darkness. I had to be extra careful not to hurt anyone and really rely on my sense of touch and hearing. I'm not going to lie but I was really afraid that someone was going to kick me in the face...so I had to stay in the same spot for a bit till I could move out. But in the end, I was able to reach the other side of the room which was great-I got there without harm :) I also enjoyed the excercises we did in the dark. It was interesting to hear everyone at once, die down and then start back again.

As for Wednesday's class, it was one my favorites thus far. I thought it was fascinating to see the clothes on people. I really got a chance to experience the significance and feel like apart of the culture. I never understood the importance of the clothing until that class. I feel very lucky to have been able to try on the clothing, although it was difficult to sit down in at first, I learned. I learned that your not allowed to let the clothing hit the floor, as it is really sacred and has a lot of meaning. But once you are wearing it, it becomes apart of you. That was really neat. It isn't symbolic as guru said, by symbiotic.

Our Banjar

These past two weeks in class have been quite beneficial to me, in the sense that I am creating a stronger relationship with our banjar. Two weeks ago, we had class outside (enjoying the beautiful weather) and we discussed how we each had a fish, which was a goal we wanted to achieve. After going around the circle and discussing our "fish", we made a strong bond I believe in the sense that we are all working in one way or another, towards a common goal. I also feel that I would rather help others find their fish rather then mine because I feel that is what a banjar should do, help one another.

Then this week we had a very intense discussion in class in regards to the economy and how it affects everyone. I like how Guru Francis took the time to really discuss the things we discussed because in a usual class setting, the likelihood of that happening is zero. For the first time, I really really realized that this class is different from my other classes on so many levels and it makes me happy knowing that I can go to this class with an open mind and discuss things that are effecting us. So basically, I am very appreciative of our banjar.

Last week was a good review of all the mudras and steps we learned. I liked splitting up into two smaller groups and having the gurus focus on us in smaller groups. It was a lot more helpful and beneficial. I feel that I've immensly approved from week one which is a lot considerng my lack of coordination.

I also thought it was interesting when we did the monkey activity a few weeks ago...I've never witnessed something so different and frightening all at once. At first I was having trouble letting myself go and get into character but I also got frightened at the end when people were just in full on monkey gear...BUT it was a good excercise

This week I hope we can learn to put together the many steps we learned into a routine, I think it would be fun and complicated but rewarding at the end. Well see what this week entails....