A Spiritual Journey through South and North India
February 8 - 28, 2011
TRIP RECAP
Many thanks to the 33 fearless yogis who left the comforts of home to
step in into the chaos and beauty of India. What an incredible
experience we shared. Practicing yoga with Desiree and a room full of
teachers each morning was inspirational not to mention so much fun!
Highlights in the South included sunrise on the the backwaters
overnight boat ride; satsang and meditation with a spiritual master
named Mooji; a 14km pilgrimage on the full moon around the sacred Shiva
mountain in Tiruvannamalai; shopping and visiting Sri Aurobindo's
ashram in Pondicherry. Favorite parts of the North included the
Himalayan hike in Dharamsala; palm and chakra reading in Jaipur;
strolling along the ghats in Varanasi and visitng the Hanuman Temple.
Of course, we had some challenges including long travel days, showers
that weren't hot, activities that changed daily. India forced us to
live yoga "off the mat" on a regular basis. Little did we know that
those challenges were a test with a positive outcome after all....they
made us appreciate all that we have and to think about what's truly
important in life.
Here's what Desiree had to say...
"Of course we are very
happy to be back home with our Vitamix, green smoothies and and big
salads. With our spacious, comfortable homes, cars and freeways. And
yet we are different. We notice how much more appreciative we are of
well.....everything! And we can still remember the feeling of being
completely immersed into life in India. In our face. Life is so
different there and yet we are all of the same tribe. Spirits living
the human experience full on and eventually all of us heading towards
the burning ghats. Thank you India and thank you all for making the trip so vibrant and exciting with your wide-eyed, open-hearted enthusiasm."
Andi said...
"I think I will keep with me the compassion I
felt while in India. I seem to be better at calling things as they are,
and getting behind the people in my life in a supportive and inspired
way. That was an amazing experience, and my dreams take place in
Daramsala almost every night."
Jessica's insight...
"What an adventure! I have noticed a
couple of changes in me. First of all, I'm noticing the clothing
differences here. New Yorkers wear mostly black, some beige, grey, or
brown. So dull compared to the Indian people! I feel like I have a new
urge for bright colored clothing. Another thing is money. After weeks
of shopping with rupees, American dollars seem mighty valuable, and now
that I'm unpacking my belongings, I'm noticing all the stuff I've
accumulated and all the money I've spent on it and how many people live
with so little, I'm just amazed at how much I have. Thanks so much for
all your incredible efforts, it was an unforgettable and eye opening
experience, and I am truly grateful."