Monday, June 15, 2009

Chefs and Yogis


Kalani Yoga, originally uploaded by lmpicard.

I just returned from 7 days of being on the big island of Hawaii with a man who practices yoga like no other; without desire to yield to any trend, his asanas (poses) are scripted, choreographed and thoughtfully composed so there is deep intention on how to maximize a particular feeling or experience (e.g. expansion, thoughtfulness, vibrant energy, etc); there is no pose or movement placed by chance.

I think of his craft similar to that of a 3 star michelin chef who puts on an amazing meal with every ingredient felt, savored and tasted with intention; such a culinary experience lasts hours yet feels like minutes; Although he has studied the great culinary masters, some how this chef takes the same preparations and ingredients, orchestrates them with authenticity and candor so they sing higher on the palette.

Like a fine, fine dinner nourishing the soul, our classes were long, savory and sweet and very memorable. Thank you Jamie for one of the best meals I've ever had. We shall dine again soon.