Hong Kong is just a quick flight away, so within a couple of hours, Richard had moved from the mostly Chinese city of Taipei, to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Hong Kong, having gained independence from Britain only ten years ago, is an amazing mix of cultures, ethnic perspectives and most of all, intense energy. It has a greater building density than Manhattan with enclosed walkways connecting many of the downtown buildings outdoor, enclosed escalators moving steadily up some of the hills. There are also many places to feel as if you’re not in the middle of a huge city with over 60% of district being devoted to park and forest lands. It’s definitely an environment that encourages people to walk and participate in the pulsation of life.
As one of the hotbeds of world finance, it’s no surprise that the modern notion of “plastic money” has taken on new meaning in Hong Kong. Some of the most modern currency there is actually made of thin plastic sheets with an intricate overlay of design.
Given all this and the fact that English is the second (and often common) language, teaching the Banker’s Pose, seemed to Richard like a good place to start with the yoga. No translator necessary, and the students got it.
Yoga in Hong Kong provides a respite from the stress of the big city, and is the perfect place of retreat for many with type-A personality tendencies that can be drawn to a cosmopolitan area. Slowing things down, dropping into the core, taking new perspectives on the yoga—as Richard has been known on occasion to do—was an eye-opening experience for many students. By the end of the weekend, many of the students found that doing the wall dog to get out of the mind and wake up the pelvic floor had become logical steps towards deepening the practice. The workshop, which was hosted by Pure Yoga, had students from all over the world.
Outside the classes, Richard had a little time to just hang out. He enjoyed time with friends like long-time student and yogini Michelle Lowe, as well as Kim Roberts–who used to teach at the Yoga Workshop. Of course Richard also got in som time visiting with our friend and ex-European Kick boxing champion, Adnan Tahirovic. Kim has actually moved full time to Hong Kong precisely to study and to teach yoga!
Even though the visit was short, in addition to teaching Richard also saw some of the city’s important attractions such as Victoria Peak which overlooks the beautiful harbor and the city. He also got to shift perspectives by taking the ferry from the mainland side of the city to the island of central Hong Kong. Again, the food he had was remarkable–vegetarian alternatives for all kinds of meat, and unique varieties of vegetables, along with tea of historical note. On the last evening in Hong Kong, Richard attended a performance of a Shaolin Monks musical movement piece. This set the meditative mood he needed to climb back on an airplane for a 15 hour flight home, to be greeted by the friendly cowboy-hat-wearing hosts at DIA.
Tune in next week from our own back yard for highlights and pictures of the Ashtanga Intensive at Estes Park.