Happy New Year! I had the fortunate opportunity to take a
once-in-a-lifetime trip to India over the holidays and new year. It’s taken me
some time to write about the trip, and I suppose perhaps I put it off because I
needed adequate time to reflect on the experience, perhaps I was fearful that
my words would in no way describe the trip in its most beautiful expression or
perhaps 2014 came and “real life” just got in the way. Whatever the excuse, I
did want to document some highlights from the 15 days I spent in one of the
most magical, sacred, crazy and unpredictable places I have ever been….
The premise of taking the trip was to have the opportunity
to participate in the Sacred Temple Vinyasa Retreat in the rural south of India
with
Janet Stone and
Hareesh Wallis. However, since I had a few
days off over Christmas before the group trip began, I ventured first by myself
to the North to explore the infamous capital city, Delhi, and some tourist
attractions nearby….
My flight landed at night, and I have to say, after a
grueling nearly 2 days of travel, it was probably best that I went straight to
the hotel for some rest before I could digest where I had actually landed. My first morning, I was to meet a guide
for a city tour mid-morning, but after meeting another friendly solo traveler
at breakfast, we ventured out to the streets for a walk first. Everyone who has
been to India tries to prepare you for what it is like, but I will tell you, I
can’t describe it. I could tell you that I walked around the city with a heavy
feeling in my stomach, guilty to make eye contact with the crowds of people,
especially young children, living on top of garbage in the streets because
clearly I had so much and they had so little. I could also tell you the energy of the city is always
alive, full of color and smells and flavors and heat. I could even tell you
that hands down I have never experienced traffic and organized chaos like
driving the streets of Delhi. However, nothing I would tell you would prepare
you for your own experience, because India is so unique and has a certain power
that seems to connect differently within each visitor. My time in the North was mostly full of
touristy stops; visiting Old Delhi, local shops, a trip to Agra for a view of
that very famous wonder of the worldJ
and a trip to Jaipur to take in the sites of the pink city and the Amber Fort.
A few photos to share of some highlights:
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| Old Delhi views behind |
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| vendors in Old Delhi |
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| The wonder that is The Taj Mahal |
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| exquisite palaces |
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| views of Agra Fort |
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| one of the many delicious meals |
Following the hustle bustle of the north, I hopped a short
plane ride to the city of Bangalore in the south where I had the opportunity to
meet the other 35 seekers who would share the next 10-day pilgrimage with me.
Guided by the most exquisite, beautiful and authentic teachers, Janet and
Hareesh, I never dreamed of the experience that would unfold in this short time
together. I really can’t put into words everything we “did” on the journey
because so much of the experience was not necessarily an action or a place we
saw, but rather a life lesson, a self-awareness teaching, an internal shift, a
bond of friendship, a sacred ritual, a personal experience. I will sum it up
that we did have the opportunity to practice yoga as a community, visit several
spectacular, sacred temples and sites, relax among the rural backdrop of
southern India, eat…and eat again, learn from each other and our teachers and welcome
a new year, on a mountaintop as a satsung while the sun set on the past one. One thing that stood out to me thoughout the trip was the spirit of people. How they honor their tradition and how, even thought they seem to have so little, there is such happiness. It really allows one to evaluate life's important moments, people and actions and open the heart with gratitude and love. Truly a remarkable, life-changing trip and I am so thankful for the new
friends, kindred spirits and our teachers who led us on this sacred journey. A few
pictures of some highlights to capture the pilgrimage.
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| temple visit |
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| footprints of Vishnu |
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| the light peeking through the temple is magical |
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| exquisite carvings |
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| my man Ganesh |
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| new friends |
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| the teachers that inspire us |
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| beautiful pooja ceremony |
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| so lucky for my roomie and new friend |
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| all smiles |
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| sunrise at the Hanuman temple |
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| sun set on 2013 |
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| sun set yoga |
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| Yoga Bhaktas |
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| gratitude |
A trip to India was an intention I set forth as I approached
my 30th year, and I am so grateful for the experience. I know that
the seeds have been planted and now there is so much more to discover. Wishing friends
and family around the world a happy and healthy new year! with light and love, Namaste
