sketches of the technologically savvy and chronically free
I know this kid adam. He came to New York for school from California. From a rich part of California. A pretty part too. He's gay and his brother is too. New York City is one of the better places in the world to be gay. So is California.
When he got here he started up quick on yoga. It's the thing to do in New York. There's a studio here where you can pay what you want. I don't know how much Adam would pay when he started there 5 years ago, but when I go I never pay more than a dollar. Recommended is 10.
When I met Adam he was already teaching. Certification is a 200 hour process and costs $2500. I'm pretty sure it's a hustle.
He's a good teacher. Human. Sometimes he fumbles words and he laughs. He's sassy in person and blunt. Teaching though he's patient and watchful, of his students and himself. He's trying to be the best he can be.
In his classes at one studio (he teaches at probably 5) you start with a wool blanket. He tells you to take care to fold it nicely when you use it. Fold carefully and in squares, symmetrical and even. Take your time. There was a new student one time I was there who just lumped the blanket under his hips. Adam lost patience correcting him. A rarity when he teaches, less so when he doesn't.
He can do all those crazy moves like feetless pushups. His own practice is every day at 6 am. He doesn't drink like the rest of us. Or stay out much past 10. He smokes mad weed. He gets it shipped from California and always has at least 3 or 4 different strains. His "lover" is an extremely successful international doctor 20ish years his senior. They see each other every few months in some exotic country or another.
His apartment is ruled by feng shui. Not a thing is out of place. Potted bonzai trees and his fire escape is a private garden. He eats organically and has a juicer. There's a lot of glass and the lighting is calm and yellow.
He's 23. Not much in a rush. The day to day type of person. Even in New York where you're taught to keep pace with the taxis. See something pretty here, breathe deeply there, see you at the greenmarket where I get my arugula. He's learning Hindi right now to deepen his practice. There's the body part which he has down, but he senses it goes deeper than that. He bought a used harmonium and practices old hindu chants.
How slow can someone move and still be sustainable? Adam is out there balancing in neutral.
