Yoga Drama

Yoga drama.  Yes, I know, it's an oxymoron. But i caused it during my yoga retreat in Hvar this past week.  I got expelled. Yep, kicked out.  Told to leave and that my money would be returned.  Of course, it worked out that I got to stay as I begged forgiveness the next morning. I pleaded and groveled. The women who runs the retreat is so sweet that she didn't have the heart to follow through with her after midnight frustration.  I knew I had done wrong.  I had promised to be home at 1030pm so that she wouldn't lose sleep waiting up for me. But the stars in Hvar were so bright that night, and the Grand Marnier at the seaside cafe was begging for another round, and I had a key to the house and thought I could silently sneak in and everything would be okay.  The real reason I couldn't leave the cafe is my new friend, Helena from Sweden,  said something that I knew meant we'd be friends for life. The conversation was intense (maybe the Grand Marnier was talking) and we were heavy into a political discussion on either American or European affairs and we both had many opinions of the topic. Helena has a calm, quiet strength about her and I like how she would not back down on an issue if she felt she was right.  Her quintessential line to me was, "Jene, if you let me finish, you'll understand what I'm trying to say."  I sat back and smiled. I can always tell a true friend when they oh, so politely tell me to shut up. They get my passion but they also get that I need a little coaching in order to listen. I got it. And she got me. And she did have a very good point once I 'was given' the opportunity to hear it.  The next morning when I was apologizing for my tardiness I made it quite clear that it wasn't really my fault that I was late. It was Helena's because she kept me out.  Not taking responsibility was not looked on with favor.  I was moved to a new bedroom at the house next door, far from the ears of our lovely leader.