It feels really good to back in Tim’s shala. His new location is really beautiful!!! The last time Tam and I practiced with him he was in the process of building this space out and we were in an alternate location in Encinitas.
I woke up at about 4:30 this morning and made some tea and got ready. The room I am staying in is very quaint and right next to the train tracks in Leucadia. I got to Tim’s space early and we sat in the pranayama circle at 6am. It is great to see Tim!!! He is so casual and relaxed in his element and humerus. He went easy on us this morning with the pranayama which I am thankful for. I remember when I was first I introduced to the Pranayama practice I thought it was torture. Holding the breath for so long the lungs gasp for air. Having a bit of time to work with this at my own pace has taken a bit of the fear out of it. Yet some of those exhale retentions are so intense. Cheating a bit seems the only way to make it. Again I am thankful that he went easy on us. We then began asana practice and it was so sweet. The energy in his room is just so awesome. I kept thinking I wish everyone could come and practice here at least once in their life
to experience the vibe in his room. The skill level is so high and yet there are new students in the mix as well. I have been nursing a pinched nerve in my upper back for almost two weeks now so practice was fun but quite painful. I told Tim about this and he gave me the most critical adjustment. I am hoping it holds. Non the less, just to be able to have the opportunity to work with the sensation and move with it seems the only practical solution. The only thing that would make this trip better would be if Tam and I were here together. She is my yoga companion and we always do these things together. I feel so lucky to have her in my life. The weather here seems so out of the ordinary. In the low 70’s and perfect. The rest of the country is getting seared and So Cal is just as pleasant as ever. It is obvious because there are so many people here and the freeways are pretty thick. I love it here so much and I do miss it. I am soaking up every moment.
The afternoon was very informative and fun. One thing I really appreciate about Tim’s teaching is how he remains so relaxed and comfortable. It is great to hear his understanding of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which is becoming quite clear is a lifelong study and application. I appreciated his emphasis on the importance of expressing joy for other’s successes as a key toward happiness. The other element that I find impressive is his love for Guruji. He truly absorbed his teacher’s teaching. This becomes very apparent in listening to him speak of his guru. After the training session I sat and observed his Intro to Ashtanga class. It blows me away because Tim is so natural with his students regardless of their ability. He takes equal enthusiasm in working with everyone regardless of there skill level. He really enjoys a challenge and the more difficult scenarios seem to bring great satisfaction. I found it extremely inspirational to think about teaching with this much verve 25 years from now. I hope to have a half of Tim’s enthusiasm down the road. I am so thankful to have this time here!

Todd McLaughlin
www.nativeyogacenter.com