From Nassau to Goa with Love

By Alexandra ‘Bahayogi’ Kaufmann Photographs Courtesy Of Alexandra Kaufmann

most challenging styles of yoga to practice, Ashtanga encompasses willpower, failure, consistency, and patience.

With, that being said, this was an intensive three-week journey to come. My trip began with a quick flight from Nassau to Miami, followed by a lengthy eight-hour layover riddled with nerves and excitement. However, I am always grateful for the easy access to international destinations from Nassau or a short hop away in Miami. So, after a hearty lunch and a few impulsive buys (new books and a pair of Apple AirMax Pro headphones), my journey continued from Miami to Doha, Qatar, then on to Goa, India – a total of 20 flying hours.

I landed in Goa around 2am. Almost instantly, I felt a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach. I could not believe I was actually here – I was in India! Arrival was a breeze, and not long after, I was in a taxi to my stay for the night at Bogmallo Beach Resort. The hospitality from landing straight to the hotel lobby was absolutely unmatched. I felt safe, secure, and welcomed. Even though it was pitch-black when I made it to my room, I could hear that the ocean was nearby. So close, I could smell it – salty, crisp, and fresh air. I could barely sleep and probably got in about two hours of rest, and I awoke bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to explore. My first day in Goa began with a beachside brunch at the hotel and moved right into an hour-long taxi ride to my destination for the remainder of the trip – Purple Valley Yoga Centre.

The trek from South to North Goa was filled with eye-opening sights. First and most importantly – cows. So many cows. Big ones, small ones, brown ones, black ones, even white ones – just lots of cows. And this brought me so much joy because I absolutely love cows. The cows roam through the streets independently, stopping traffic to cross the roads, graze in nearby fields, and simply lounging around. The surrounding areas are filled with tall coconut and jackfruit trees planted in this clay-like soil reminiscent of terracotta. The smell of incense, burning wood, and Indian spices consumed the air. We spent quite some time in traffic between the south and north. I have never seen so many types of motorists on a highway: cars, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and even donkeys. It was an exhilarating journey. The side streets were filled with fruit and clothing vendors, and kids giggling while they played.

Upon arriving to Purple Valley, I checked into my room and prepared for the coming weeks. The first day was a full-on immersion into the foundation of

Ashtanga Yoga. It was complex and challenging and had me second-guessing my choices. But by day four, I noticed changes in my practice – mentally and physically. Finally, I was ready to go all in. We practiced every day except Saturdays, with additional workshops three days weekly. Before going to India, I had fallen into a comfort zone rut – my practice mainly consisted of postures I was familiar with or really good at. I didn’t invite much sweat or risk into my personal practice. And this is why I chose to immerse myself in an Ashtanga-intensive course. I yearned for the discipline and passion I had when I first stepped foot onto my yoga mat. I longed for the vulnerability to make mistakes, move through the unknown, and be totally OK with it.

After the first week, I got into the swing of things – early rising, daily meditation, and yoga practice: discipline. And all the while, still mesmerized by the fact that I was in India. In addition to finding a regimen, I also made connections on and off the mat. Between classes, the friends I made along the way, and I explored restaurants, markets, and nearby towns. North Goa has some of the best culinary experiences I have ever had – boasting cuisines from across the globe. Some of my favourite spots were Gunpowder, internationally recognized as one of Goa’s best restaurants; Fig and Maple, a quaint European fusion cafe; and Black Sheep, an edgy bar spot in Panjim. Panjim has cobblestone streets with colourful villas and Portuguese colonial era buildings. A definite sight to see! The markets were decked out with live music, a plethora of food trucks and tents, and loads of arts and crafts from local vendors. I purchased cardamom, fenugreek seeds, curry powders, and cinnamon. And some of the softest cotton and silkiest silks I’ve ever felt.

The days flew by, and it was time to head home before I knew it. In those three weeks, I shared my practice with so many other beautiful souls, but I also shared laughs, meals, drinks, aches, and pains (from practice!), and, of course, memories.

The intention behind my trip to India was to build discipline and advance my practice, but I came out of it with so much more than that. Ultimately, yoga is a catalyst. It’s a catalyst for connection and transformation on and off your mat. With this practice, it’s essential to be open to grow and to give grace and hold space, and this trip showed me that this applies not only to yourself but also to the soul bonds you create and manifest along the way. I came into this solely focused on myself and my path – how will I build discipline? How am I going to advance my practice? My teaching? But instead, I learned the importance of making connections through friends, experiences, and creating memories. And in turn, that showed me the results of stepping outside my comfort zone, holding space, and giving myself grace.

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? I encourage you to dive deep into the unknown and bask in the vulnerability of doing something for the first time.

Maybe you start here with this foundational sequence of Yoga, Sun Salutation A.