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