My own little Eat, Pray, Love

Earlier this week I went to the movies with a girlfriend to see Eat, Pray, Love. It was "Okay". Maybe it didn't really move me in the way that I had hoped because I had read the book; maybe it felt disappointing because I had a very different experience in my own travels to India; maybe I was let down because I had high expectations so feeling let down is the norm. The movie wasn't aweful. It was just "Okay". Yes, of course the book was better. But you already knew that.

What I loved about the movie is that it got me to reflect on my travels to India almost two years ago. My story might not have the makings of a Hollywood movie but I never really cared for a lot of drama in my life. Ironically just today I found out that Fitness Magazine published some pictures and quotes from my India adventure. So between the movie and the article I was inspired to re read the blog I kept during my trip, which made me laugh, cry and get lost in memories of a trip that I still can't believe I had the opportunity to take.

I didn't travel to India because I needed to find myself or reconnect. I went mostly because I wanted an adventure, to be a little uncomfortable, to meet new people and experience a different culture. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to deepen my yoga practice. I was turning 40 and my brother died suddenly at 43, so I didn't want to wait.

Reflecting two years later (thanks to Eat Pray Love and Fitness Magazine) I realize that my trip to India still makes me smile and fuels me (... And that this warrior is ready for another adventure!)

The words on the picture that I took while I was there (top left, which are posted in my office, my yoga studio and my living room)... Serve, Love, Meditate, Realize... summarize what I learned while I was there (my own little rendition of Eat, Pray, Love).

Stretch Your Potential

Hi all. I can't believe its been over a year since my India Adventure! That experience still has a huge impact on me almost every single day. I'm sure you've all had similar moments in your life, whether its the birth of a child, finishing a marathon, choosing to change jobs and follow your passion... Whatever it is, we all experience pivotal moments that shape who we are and how we percieve the world.

Yoga to me is so much more than the physical postures. Its the choices we make, how we respond to stress, what we do to Fuel our Prana (Life Force Energy) including people we surround ourselves with and how we nourish our minds and bodies.

I recently had the fabulous opportunity to attend the National Sports Forum, an event that I thought was WAY out of my league. A friend gave me her ID tag so I could attend in her place since she was going to be out of town. At $1300 a ticket (yes, $1300) and a long list of impressive presenters (mostly related to sports & marketing), I figured I couldn't pass up the opportunity, even though it intimidated the heck out of me. I managed to russle up some business attire and off I went.

Anyone who has ever practiced Pranayama (yoga breathing techniques) knows how handy it can be. I took some long slow breaths and entered the forum. As soon as the first session presentor was introduced I knew I was in the right place at the right time... The presentor was introduced as as "The emailyogi" he was born and raised in India and his topic was "New Media: 3 Social Media Musts". I was totally out of my comfort zone, but somehow I instantly felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I got so much out of his presentation and the entire forum, but to narrow it down to three:

1) start blogging about Yoga for Sports (in addition to Facebook, Youtube & Twitter)

2) Avatar - Do things outside our comfort zone and be someone else sometimes to open ourselves to new possibility (wearing someone elses nametag was fun :)

3) The Business of Happiness (I'll explain this more in a future post)

So, thank you for friendship and support and for following me on my India Adventure! If you want to follow my new "Stretch Your Potential" blog you can sign up at ...

http://flexiblewarrior-stretchyourpotential.blogspot.com/

Remembering India

Hi all. It's been 6 months since my India trip and I've finally created this slideshow...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFnNzWjMHug (it moves fast, so don't blink!)

We've all had experiences in places that impacted us in a deep way. Then as the days, weeks, and months go by we begin to forget. But all it took for me was an hour of looking at my photos, reading from my journal, and treasuring the gifts I brought back for myself... and I remember clearly what my Intention was for my trip, how it those 2 weeks changed me and opened my eyes, the people that made it possible for me to go and the friends I made along the way.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to visit India. I hope I never forget the many things I learned and experienced there including: being comfortable being uncomfortable, being calm in the center of chaos, being grateful for what is, letting go of control, facing fears and realizing its not as hard as you imagine it to be, crossing bridges, the joy of a hot cup of Chai, the funny way sitting still for an hour is somehow harder than running or cycling for an hour (what i called "endurance sitting" :)

I know my India Adventure was a once in a lifetime experience but thankfully with technology, photos and friends to share memories with on Facebook, India will be part of me forever...

Namaste

Namaste to India

I’ve been home for five days and I still haven’t even begun to soak in all that I experienced in India. I keep getting these little flash backs of moments, mostly with the many people and animals that made me smile …and I find myself giggling out loud thinking “I can’t believe I was there!” This shot in particular cracks me up. As I said previously, many of my best moments in India happened crossing the bridge to and from class. There was something magical about that long, somewhat intimidating suspension bridge!

 

One morning as I hustled across the chaotic yet somehow peaceful bridge, I saw this line of men coming toward me. The older man on the far left was in front, and our eyes met. It was normal to greet everyone with a smile and a “Namaste” so that’s what I did (which is one of the things I miss most about being in India – that honor and respect everyone had for everyone). And the man saw the camera wrapped around my wrist and without speaking a word of English communicates he wants a photo with the group – and me in it?! I don’t know why he thought this was a fun idea but I’m sure glad! This photo is one of my favorites from the trip. Isn’t it fun… the guy in the middle beaming, the guys in the back peaking through … it cracks me up every time. To me it’s a memory of how easy it was to connect with people that it might seem I have nothing in common with. All it takes is a smile, honor and respect – Which is universal.

 

I’ll try to share a few more photos soon! Namaste

 

Karen Dubs

www.flexiblewarrior.com

 

 

Hi from Bmore :)

Yes I got home yesterday and was the couch with my husband and dog with a cozy fire and football by 1pm. It felt SOOOO good. The journey home was very long, uncomfortable and even scary at times... but I knew every step I took got my closer to US Customs and “Welcome to the United States”. I never thought I’d look so forward to getting on a 16 hour flight, but honestly it felt almost luxurious! Funny because despite the little boy behind me kicking my seat and the 2 year old in the next row screaming bloody murder in tantrums, I was still thinking “ahhhh…this is great” The 8 hour drive to the airport had overloaded my senses and I was beyond exhausted. And believe it or not, it was refreshing to breathe airplane air. The pollution was frightening. I feel like I have smoker’s lunges. Rishikesh as an amazing, incredible, beautiful village in the Himalayas but the drive to and from did me in.

 

I definitely feel like I’ve learned to “be comfortable being uncomfortable”. It’s funny because so many people were like “have fun on your vacation” before I left. I didn’t know how to explain I wasn’t taking this trip to have fun. My intention was growth, gratitude, adventure, culture… But the thing is I did end up having so much fun – Fun seeing the world from a whole new perspective. I met so many wonderful souls along my journey and I will never forget the emotions and connections I felt there.

 

I was in a “protective mode” – Trying to focus my energy after the terrorist’s attacks so if my blog updates seemed a little too positive on those days after the attacks, it was only because I was completely depleted from lack of sleep and sensory overload by then and I needed to stay positive to get through. On the inside I was very scared and knew that 25 Americans heading to Delhi airport together was not ideal. But we were so fortunate to have Indian Nationals with us guiding us and keeping us safe, and for that I am forever grateful. Having to say I was Canadian certainly wasn’t the end of the world (those Canadians got some bonus points with Indians thanks to me and my group!)

 

Again, thank you all for your support and good wishes. I am more grateful than ever for your friendship and love, and to live in the “Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave”. We can learn so much from Indian philosophy and culture and we are fortunate to have all that we have and the ability to incorporate their ancient philosophy of wisdom and peace into our abundant lifestyles. I am especially grateful to my husband, mom, and sister – You are my best friends. And to my brother, God rest his soul, who was part of my inspiration for this once in a lifetime trip. The first photo is from 1974 and is a family favorite! The second full family shot was taken Thanksgiving Day seven years ago, after September 11^th.

 

I’ve had fun doing this blog and appreciate you following along!

 

Namaste

 

Karen Dubs

www.flexiblewarrior.com

 

 

Over the world

I'm not going to try to pretend that today was anything more than "hurry up and wait", a long and very uncomfortable drive - the sites I saw today blew my mind! Talk about scensory overload! But this mornings walk thru town was amazing! And I did my best to carry some of that peace with me thru a stressful day.

I never thought I'd be so excited for a 16 hour flight! But this will be luxery accomodations :) We r flying over the top of the earth which again just blows my mind!
Ok, taking off soon! Namaste
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Be home soon!

Hi all. Pit stop on the ride from hell!!! Kids banging on our car windows, dust in our faces, bumpy out of contol, horns honking, cars swerving, no bathroom breaks alowed (not sure why?!) And 4 more hours to go!!! Ok - I'm good though :) have home sweet home on my mind...
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Cookie monster

Ok, now this is so hilarious! Its great youtube material - sadly I don't have it on tape, but some Indain tourist taped it so ya never know...

So here what happened - a friend and I wanted to walk across the bridge to get some cookies for our travel day home. I'm out of rupees so she treats me to coconut cookies. Walking back to the hotel, the monkey who I adore - approaches me at a fast pace, which has never happened here - they usually juust sit there as u walk by... So he comes straight up to me and grabs my shirt, then my wrist (which felt so weird) and with his other hand grabs my cookies and runs up the bridge. And all the locals r there saying "ok... Friendly monkey... U ok". I almost peed my pants laughing. It was so funny. Only wish I had a video of! That little theif! Crack me up...
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Feed the World

You all know the song "feed the world"... "Its Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid. At Christmastime we let in light and we banish hate. And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile and joy... Put your arms around the world at Christmastime."

So I woke up so excited this morning with that song in my head because I that song is my favorite Christmas song and I the opportunity to live it today!

So I put together my blanket, pillow, and UA sweatshirt (which btw was gratiously given to me from a dear friend)... And one of my yoga friends and I (she with her Ugg boots) walked to find the soul to hand off our gifts. This wonderful soul (a Babaghi) which I believe is a renunciate and who lives on the street off of peoples kindness was the perfect man to give such things. What u see in this photo is all he has. He was so excited to put the sweatshirt on! Looking in these peoples eyes - I can't tell you how good it feels. He blessed us. We said Namaste with hands at our hearts. Its winter here so the nights are very cold. He'll be a little cozier tonight with his head on a pillow, an extra blanket, Ugg boots, and a UA sweatshirt!

Ok - gotta go shop! Peace + Joy... Namaste
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Happy puppy

Just got back from taking a short stroll thru town on our last morning... Feeling very nostalgic and emotional. Met the cutest little puppy!!! Make me so happy. I miss my dog so much. The animals are so amazing and sweet here but I can't snuggle them as much as I would like!

Bags r packed. Off to shop a little now...
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Thank you!

Its 5am here and I'm wide awake... Packing and reading all your emails. I am overwhelmed with your well wishes, thoughts and prayers and I just wanted to say thank you so much. Its a bizarre feeling to know so many people are thinking of and praying for my safe return. That collective consciousness is very powerful and I believe the universe hears your prayers. I'm so sorry to worry you, but remember (and I quote)... "Worrying is praying for what you don't want"... So put your focus on what you do want - in all life situations. Its very powerful.

As i packed I chose many things to donate and leave behind (I didn't plan on donating my fabulous travel yoga mat that's been so many wonderful places with me but when I think of where I left it - in that dark ancient Vashista Guha cave - I think of some Yogi who now enjoys it and that makes me smile. So among the things I'm leaving are 2 pairs of shoes, lots of clothes, all my filthy socks (oh my goodness - I walked in my sox everwhere we went since shoes are not allowed in any stores, temples, ashrams), medicine, wipes, soap... After seeing endless people living on the streets also decided to leave my blanket and pillow and one of my favorite Underarmour sweatshirts - those three things will bring someone so much warmth and comfort! Its damn cold here at night in the mountains. It tickles me to think of someone wearing that UA sweatshirt! How cute is that? And I have another at home so I can do without this one. We are all also excited to "support the local economy" here and get some last minute shopping in today! So at least now I have some extra room in my luggage for that too! Win win win.

We leave for the airport late morning and I feel very fortunate to be escorted by two Indian nationals who will ensure a smooth and safe send off for our group. I'll try to send another update later.

Thank you again for all your prayers and love. It has made me very emotional knowing I'm in so many thoughts. I feel very safe and protected. Thank you for that.

Namaste
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Blessing @ Ganges

This whole trip has been a challenging and a practice in stepping (way!)out of my comfort zone and being constistantly uncomfortable and seriously letting go... I wonder if I new then what I know now I might not have ever gotten here. But of course now that the trip almost over part of me doesn't want it to end. And so that will be the challenge - to bring it home with me and share it with all of you.

And so with that in mind we walked to the river and dipped our mala beads to bless them with the intention of bringing that peace and clarity home.

Its funny because like I've experienced with other groups (triathletes, ravens fans, harley riders...) Our group is all Yoga geeked out with our saris, bibdis, mala beads, and OM pendants and tunics... Fun and beautiful colors! What a beautiful, happy, fabulous group! I don't know a lot about blogging but I figured I'd respect everyones privacy and leave their fotos and names out. But I love each and everyone one of them. We left our homes and lives and we've become a family.

So next 2 days are doozies! 8 hour drive to the airport where there will certainly be elevated security. Then a 16 hour flight, then 5 hour layover, then 2 1/2 hours to Bmore! Gives me plenty of time to practice me letting go and patience!


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Universal prayer

I just want to reassure everyone I am safe and well. Today is my last full day here and leave have asked us to limit calls and emails to really "soak up" the experience so u may not hear much from me today! But please don't worry! In fact I prefer u place your enery on 'she is safe and well'...

Yesterdays tour of the Ashrams was so profound. They are places of peace and worship unlike anything else I've ever experienced, welcoming all - even on a day that their country was bombed by terrorists because of Americans. They welcomed and blessed us with compassion and kindness.

On the way out of the Sivananda Ashram I was handed The Universal Prayer...

Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision, balanced mind. Faith, devotion and wisdom. Grant us inner spiritual strength to resist temptations and to control the mind. Free us from egoism, lust, hatred, anger and jealousy. Fill our hearts with divine virtues.

This is only part of it, but I wanted to share that. This is beyond what we know as "yoga" in our culture, but yoga is so much more than sculpting a strong flexible body. Its our actions -our Karma - that shape our experience as humans. And its our responsibility to rise up.

I can't wait to see you all when I return! The weather is so beautiful here - not sure I want to face the cold though!

Namaste



After the tour was the Havana and Puja ceremony. It was powerful beyond description.
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Puja ceremony

Once again another intense experience I won't ever be able to do justice with words. Its called a Puja I fire purification ceremony and we were surrounded by about a hundred little boys, all of which are monks in the making. This foto I took as we walked out, but its a very small image. I was the lucky girl that some man who was assisting took my real camera and took several shot during the actual ceremony. I'll try to describe more later - now off to a meeting and dinner!

Namaste and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Kriya Ashram

Hello and happy Thanksgiving! Today we are taking a walking tour of local ashrams. This is one of our teachers, Anand who is an amazing, gifted inspiration and teacher. If you can read the pillar closely we are surroinded by peace and good intentions here in Rishikesh.

Enjoy your day! Namaste
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Holy Cow!

Hi all and thank u for your emails. I know its scary but I am fine and safe. All is well.

I had a few hours off this morning so got to enjoy walking around with my new friends and enjoy the town. There are cows everywhere - they are sacred and cared for well. I love them! Just have to be careful where u step!
I have 2 more days here. Again I am safe and well. Thank u for your well wishes!

Namaste
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Holy Cow!

Hi all and thank u for your emails. I know its scary but I am fine and safe. All is well.

I had a few hours off this morning so got to enjoy walking around with my new friends and enjoy the town. There are cows everywhere - they are sacred and cared for well. I love them! Just have to be careful where u step!
I have 2 more days here. Again I am safe and well. Thank u for your well wishes!

Namaste
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Peace + gratitude day

I have this habit of waking up @ 2am here to read and write. Its like we go so hard all day and I have no alone time to really put thoughts down, and by bed time I am so wiped out I just crash, but after a few hours of rest my mind starts to process all that I have seen and felt here...

This shot was taken from the roof over our yoga studio which overlookes the Ganges river - the very spot where the foto of Sri Swami Satchidananda was taken on the Yoga Sutras book (ancient scriptures) we study. I can't believe I am here!

Although its 70's here during the day we have to keep our skin covered during the day (no shoulders or legs allowed to show) but up on the roof and in the studio we wear our tank tops!

So its already thursday here -2:30am... And I'm sending you some peace from India :)

I have a favorite quote about gratitude since that is the true essence of Thanksgiving. I won't get it all right by memory, but its something like... "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity, problems into gifts and unexpected into perfect timing. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow". So, wishing u gratitide and peace this Thanksgiving. We live in an amazing, compassionite country.

And don't feel sad for me that I won't have turkey on Thanksgiving! The food here is amazing. I never really loved Indian food before coming here - trust me I'm not going hungry! We are being very well fed - for (Thansgiving dinner we'll probably have rice and dal with israli salad and naab (buttery good flat bread) - good stuff! With fresh hot lemon ginger honey concoction which I am addicted to since I somehow caught a head cold here! I will miss mom's pumpkin pie and of course being with my family!

I have a feeling my Thanksgiving day this year will stretch my spirit even more.

Happy gratitude and peace day to you. We are touring some Ashrams later today so I will try to send some fotos... Namaste

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Monkey bread

The monkeys here roam freely and are of course a happy bunch because we all feed and love them! So this guy makes and sells monkey bread @ the bridge. And the monkeys just troll the bridge snacking all day! Sounds like a good life, right?!

Sorry if there r tons of typos - we r on a fast track here! Off to shop now...
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My new boyfriend

Ok I know I already sent a foto of my lemur friend but I think he likes me as much as I like him! Its the "red faced monkeys" that would rather I not get so close, but this guy would come home with me I'm sure! My nephews would like that, but sorry Jesse + Wyatt - maybe next time! Some of my best experiences here have simply happened crossing this bridge before and after yoga practice. This morning this India native old man dressed in all white looked me straight in the eye and I don't know - we had a moment. He said something which I couldn't understand of course but I know was kind. Then he looked at my girlfriend and motioned to take a foto of me with him. So we did - right there in the mayhem of the crazy chaos bridge and he put his hands in prayer at his heart and smiled and said Namaste and off he went. He made my day. This was before practice - them of course mr Lemur flurting with me on the way back. So many people were like "why India" and I didn't have a great answer but I am so glad to have the opportunity to be here. It was a long, painful journey and it has not been easy but I'm here and I'm soaking up as much as possible from the animals, the people, and the culture.

Off to lunch... Namaste
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High points

Yesterdays hike to the Divine Mother Temple was a high point in more ways than one. I wish I had a pix to attach but by the time we reached the top (5 hours) battery was spent. Oh, we drove back down - which trust me when I saw that part was way more challenging for me than climbing up! Driving around here is always a practice in faith and letting go. And if u get car sick, india is no place for you. U r all set if u think like the exhileration of a roller coaster and the thrill of a dare devil.

Trekking up the moutain we passed dozens of villages and even a school of the most joyful children. The peace and joy in these peoples eyes goes straight to the soul. They all great us with hands to their hearts and 'namaste' - they learn from birth that we all share a divine spark and so there is nothing fear. We can't communicate but we share a smile and a 'namaste' and that mutual respect speaks everything. I make a wish for our country, that all our children and people be blessed with that kind of peace, devotion and faith.

Trekking up we are all excited and chatty. Two hours into it the chatting fades and the walking meditation begins. We are given a mantra to chant and the soft sound of the group chanting up the mountain fills me up. Then the chanting also starts to fade and I start singing to myself some Lenny Kravitz "when the mountain is high - just look up to the sky - and God will teach you to persevere with a smile" and then I think of those stubborn donkeys!

We stop and sit in silence to rest and just take in our surroundings and the sites and sounds of this powerful place and I think of my brother. I wore my "screamin Eb" flexible warrior hat - the one that has also gone many miles of races with me this year too. But this 5 hour marathon up the mountain is unlike any other race day - powerful yet peaceful which is exactly the balance of opposites that feels so right to me. And as I sit in lotus overlooking the Himalays in complete silence I am overwhelmed with the feeling that there is never a thing to fear - not even death. And I smile as a tear rolls down my face and I just know that Scott is ok and that we are all ok. And it may not sound like a profound revelation but it just allows me to feel more free, more fearless and present. I think in yoga philosophy its among the "Kleshas" (obstacles) - fear of dying can hold us back from truly living...

We continue our journey up and the air gets thinner and the incline gets steeper, but it feels so exilerating. - I feel so proud as I look up and back and see where I've been and where I'm going. Along the way we contine to pass joyful Indian natives - they know we are hiking up to pay tribute to their temple and I feel that they respect and love us for that. Getting to the top was awe inspiring, and we rested and ate and ate (they have these fabulous cookies called 'pure love' - how brilliant is that?! And I am addicted to chai tea. Ok. I realize I'm not supposed to be attached to anything but come on - the chai here is outstanding.
After we rest we climb two HUGE flights of steps - yes my yoga butt will feel this today! At the top is the Divine Mother Temple - and this is where it gets undescribeable. And you've all been places where pictures and descriptions can't do justice. So suffice it to say that it was the most powerful yet peaceful places on the planet... And those two words sum up what I loved about the whole day. I literally felt like I was on top of the world and I thought of all the people that helped support me to be here and who cheered me on and I can't explain the love I have in my heart.

There's a song (and I forget the name of the country singer) but its "Live like you were dying" and I first heard the song a few years ago but it inspired me even more after my brother died...and I'm not really a "country girl" but that song is one of the reasons I'm here... "And I looked deeper and I spoke sweeter and I watched an eagle as it was flying... And I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying - like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about what you'd do with it"...

Ok, I skipped hip openers to write this and trust me I needed my hips opened! Its time to head out for a new day. Xoxo and Namaste.
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Stubborn donkeys?

Its 5am here (I think 6:30pm there) and what's crazy is that even though my days and nights are flipped and we sre going non stop from 7am to 8 or 9pm every day (plus I somehow caught a cold - slacking on my hand sanitizer as I get comfortable!) I am still a "morning girl" and am waking up after 5 or 6 hours sleep. And what's even crazier is that I feel great! Like all my fears of jet lag, the poverty, and the unknown have melted away. But waking up early is good - its really the only time alone I have to think, read, write and basically just asimilate this huge experience. I appreciate all your supportive emails and thoughts! I am getting them, just no time to reply, plus my reception has been in and out.

As we headed from our hotel to trek up the mountain (our hotel is on the Ganges river at the base of the Himalays) we walked through the village and this man and his donkeys were starting their work day. And it just struck me about how our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses. And how important it is to make use of our gifts and not try to be something we are not. What's funny is that we think "oh poor donkeys... Carrying rocks up mountains - that's so mean!" Meanwhile the donkey is born to work hard and he'd be miserable without the challenge. His gift is his stubborn-ness and persistance. I thought of this image again midway through our 5 hour climb yesterday. I had overpacked food and water, peeling away layers of fleece on the way and my backpack was annoying especially during some of the trickier footing parts. But I can be stubborn like a donkey at times like this! And I laughed to myself as I thought about "accessing my inner donkey" - I mean who wants to be like a donkey? Well - happen to absolutely adore and admire donkeys. Yep, they are stubborn, simple creatures with a gift to get the job done without a complaint.
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Hi from Himalayas

I will never be able to describe todays experience. We hiked for about 5 hours to The Divine Mother Temple. My phone battery was dying then (maybe the altitude) so no shots from the top for now but the temple overlooked the most amazing view I've ever seen. It was my favorite day yet! A super challenging climb with the most rewarding reward (and chai) at the top!
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Lemurs rock

This this met the coolest lemur. I really liked him. Its like he smiled at me. They r so friendly. Right now I'm half way up our hike on the Himilayas... I'll send a foto when I get to the top. We stopped and r eating carrot sandwiches and kit cats! What a combo but its all vegetarian here. Its a very challenging hike. People r having a hard time with the altitude. I feel great! What a fantastic experience. Later...
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Bindi

Ok so for those who are asking "what is a bindi"... Here's a foto. Now bear in mind I have had a total of 9 hours sleep in 4 days I think - and no makeup! But I'm happy and feel great! Maybe its that magic bindi! Ok... Off to class. Namaste.
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Snake charmer!

Ok so coming out of yoga practice today this charming man plays a song and the cobra in fact dances and seems very charmed! I was spell-bound!

Got another bindi. I'm addicted to that now but guess back in the states I can't walk around with painted doodles on my 3rd eye (between eyebrows for u non -yogis).

Off to lunch overlooking Ganges. No meet, no alcohol, no problem! I packed packets of tuna for emergency but won't eat them I'm pretty sure. The food is awesome!

Namaste
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Crossing the bridge

Its 2:30 in the morning here (I think 4pm in bmore?!) And I'm wide awake. I heard lots of noice outside my window - not sure what... Maybe monkeys! But now that I'm awake my head is buzzing trying to absorb all that I've taken in so far. I thought writing this blog would be easy but we go non stop from 7am to 7pm everyday so far and by the time I get back to my room to wash some of the filth off and have dinner I don't know what to write - my head is buzzing with a 1000 things that its hard knowing where to start.

On our first day, after flying for 20+ hours and a bumpy, loud, honking ride thru the night on the back of a bus (half out group gets car sick so I'm always in the back) with no heat for 8 hours I hadn't slept for a day and a half, was cold, hungry, tired and yes grumpy... We arrived at our town in the morning and the first thing we had to do to get to our hotel was cross the bridge. Easy enough for me so I thought - I'm not afraid of heights. But others in my group are and they have to face that bridge several times a day. And what's crazy is how crowded it gets and motorcycles flying and swerving through full speed ahead. And the monkeys all the while just for added stimulus! I saw a little Indian girl get her candy stolen out of hand by a monkey on the bridge - of course the little girl screamed and cried! I was warned to keep my purse and camera away from the monkeys! Those crazy monkeys! I like them though. And its hard to stay away!

Anyway, when we got to our first lecture we talked a bit about courage and obstacles (kleshas)... How courageous people are not unafraid - how they too are scared to death but they face their fear and do the scary thing anyway. That we of course have the option to not "cross the bridge" - to turn away and take an easier path. But the thing is the self confidence it builds - that inner strength from deep within that over time builds and says "I can do this"... If u cross one bridge u can cross the next. And if u turn away in fear that too builds, but it also has a way of eating at u. Its always in the back of your head... What if... Fear is all in our heads.

So as we crossed that bridge the first time, in my mind all I was thinking was 'holy crap this is so cool'. I was in a daze from no sleep so my thoughts weren't deep. But last night after the ancient cave meditation I had a little more clarity and I walked across by myself instead of chatting and giggling along the way... And I realized the symbolism of it all... The stepping out of the comfort zone and facing obstacles, crossing bridges, doing the hard stuff with a calm open mind with the hope for a higher sense of awareness and self confidence - transformation. That's yoga. That's India. That is why I'm here. And You are why I'm here. Yes I'm here to full my own cup, for an adventure, culture, philosophy and wisdom, to share it with others. I have only been here 2 nights but I feel a deep sense that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be doing exactly what I'm supposed to do. And I am so happy, so grateful, so peaceful, and so excited to cross more bridges!

Here, everyone says 'namaste' like hello or aloha...
Namaste - I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the place in you of light, love, truth, peace and wisdom. I honor the place in you where, when you are in that place and I am in that place, there is only one of us.

Although I am so far away I feel very connected to my home, my family, my friends - you! Pause for just a moment to smile and breathe.
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Room with a view

I don't even know where to start. I got my first night sleep in 2 days last night and woke up beaming to the sound of maybe a hundred chanting yogis crossing the bridge at dawn. It was surreal as is much of what I've experienced so far.

We cross this long but skinny bridge to get to the village. This shot is from the top of our yoga studio temple - which is on the opposite side from where the hotel is. If u look closely to the right of the bridge u can c the balcony of our hotel where u have breakfast. Its very simple and beautiful.

Today we took the craziest bus ride along long, winding cliff side roads - more like new york city driving and beeping while u speed along the steep edges praying "I am safe" ... "I am calm" (trying to pretend I'm not scared shitless). We arrived at a 5,000 year old cave that have been homes to yogis for thousands of year. We sat in the pitch black for meditation. Again, surreal. But just like in the US we got the boot out when we stayed a few minutes past closing up shop. Gave us all a good laugh. But in my haste to find my way out in the dark I left my yoga mat - hopefully passing it on to another yogi to enjoy!

I have experienced more in 2 days than I have in months / years! This trip is all a huge "off the mat" yoga practice.

Go ravens!!!
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Monkeys galore!

This one was sitting looking right at me then a car zoomed by honking just when I snapped the photo and off he ran.
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Another world

Hi all. I'm wondering if I should send a message at all in my frame of mind but its better than watching India TV! Crack me up. Ok, I'll admit these last 2 days kicked me ass... The 20 hours of flying actually went pretty smooth, landed @ 10pm last night but then we drove over 8 hours to the hotel and didn't check in until around 9am this morning. The drive is something I'd never be able to describe. I thought I saw poverty in Nicaragua - this makes nicaragua look upscale and clean. Yet everyone greats u with a cheerful 'namaste'. After we checked in we checked out the town which is like something out of a movie...ancient buildings, crowded streets, children begging with tears in their eyes, monkeys, dogs, and cows roaming freely everywhere, groups of zen monks all dressed up in orange and painted faces - suposedly symbolic that they've renounced all worldly posessions, beautiful temples and the Ganges river with the himalayas backdrop. Maybe I can post a photo tomorrow.

But I havent slept since I left bmore. So I'm eating cookies for dinner and trying to crash early. Tomorrow we start the yoga training that should perk me up! Today we did have a short yoga philosophy talk by an indian local and basically his message is that our home is wherever we go...that if we open our mind to other cultures we gain freedom and an open heart. Its not easy to do that here -it feels intimidating to me but I have a feeling after a good nights rest the town will feel more comfy to me tomorrow!
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Ok so I've been traveling for 24 hours and am now about 2 hours from the hotel! We just stopped at a roadside chai tea stand. The smog and filth is freaky. Sad skinny dogs everywhere. I've had to pee in public twice! And no heat in our bus so we r all huddled together and giggling. But now the sun is coming up and that's always a good thing for energy and warmth!
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Hurry up + wait

Hi. Thanks for all your well wishes and for following along with my blog! I guess the way this works is when I post a new message you get an update?! Cool if it works. Remember, no news is good news (I don't know how much access I will have.

When I was in high school speech I used to volunteer to go first... Like putting off the inevitable only only made me more anxious. At that point I was as prepared or unprepared as I was going to get so might as well jump in and "just do it".

Today is all about letting go and patience. I rushed around for weeks getting ready and now its all about waiting. But soon enough I'll be on my flight and off to Rishikesh, India!

By the way, I bet 100 people asked me if I read Eat, pray, love and YES I read it :) the india section was my favorite part and although I was inspired by and connected with a lot in the book, I also skipped big chunks when she'd go off on tangents - I will try not to exhaust you with too much blah blah...

Thank you all for your friendship and love. I'll try to touch base again soon!
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Testing

OK - so although my friends make fun of me, I'm not into Facebook (or Desperate Housewives - not that one has to do with the other :) and am new to Blogging... So wanted to test this "posting" thing out from my Blackberry since supposedly I'll have internet + phone while I'm in India (I'll believe it when I see it :)

So this is just a test post... Two weeks from today I'll be in India?!
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