“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policies and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” –John Steinbeck
From previous journeys to India, I’m accustomed to the re-integration process. Yet, each time I forget the major internal re-organization that goes on after a power journey such as this. My circadian rhythms were knocked off about 12 time zones. And, the influx of light is infusing, dismantling and re-organizing my system. The play of consciousness is at work and I’m attempting to play with it.
Seriously, all I can say is that our journey was a journey of a lifetime. And we will return.
India is a dream unto itself and you’ll know that by experiencing it. Our home, the Sattva Center was nestled outside of town at the base of the Himalayas. The joyful kitchen crew generously fed us rice and dahl, and rice and dahl, and rice and dahl + special cappuccinos in the morning. Rajni and the taxi drivers so graciously managed our movement through the varied experiences of Rishikesh: Arati at the Parmath-sunset on the Ganges, jewels at Jaipur, old sadhus, shopping, sweet faces, ayurvedic treatments, bumpy taxi rides, temples, astrology readings, monkeys and monkeys, honking horns and more honking horns. And, we can’t forget the train ride from Delhi. Or the chaos, ferries, elephants, exquisite beauty and massages we encountered in Thailand. Our whole excursion offered us an ability to practice the real yoga-facing how our mind meets life and expanding into union with all life.
The brilliant pink sunrise over the Himalayas is a moment of grace I will never forget. It was totally worth the effort to trek by taxi at 4am up to the temple in the freezing cold. Who knew you could sit on top of the world and watch the sun rise below you? That hot pink globe is forever imprinted on my heart.
The holy experience of Vasishta’s Cave at the banks of the Ganges gave us pause for gentle reflection. And a few brave souls dunked in the great Mother Ganga.
The exquisite light of yoga bathed us night and day. And to you Anand… all I can say is Thank you,Thank you! Your joy is infectious, you Rock and we will be back!
We appreciate you adventurous souls who brought your willingness to open, explore and have fun. The many twists, turns, joys and challenges we encountered were opportunities to know ourselves more deeply. Stepping out of comfort and safety is the biggest mirror to our consciousness and power journeys do just that. I’m excited to experience and witness the continued unfolding.
Enjoy a few of our sweet memories:
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