I can’t believe it’s been more than a month since my visit to India. I visited after 10 years with much anxiety regarding all the modern changes I was expecting to find. It was unnecessary – I found additions, but few changes. Change is not possible in a country weary with tradition – and I mean that as complement- no one there really feels the need to truly change- for they are a content people … Open to new things, open to variety, open to learning and exploring, but always settling back into their comfortable ways.
The country in which this invaluable practice started is a paradox of innumerable sorts. Alongside the vegetable vendor that brings the produce to your front door is a modern bar which serves drinks to people on a counter made of ice. The shopping mall which boasts a Gucci and Ferragamo store is right next to the tin roofed slums with no running water.
Needless to say – I loved it there- just like every other time I’ve ever visited and felt the deepest parts of me respond to the genetic pull that country has over me. As I practiced yoga, however, safe in my grandma’s living room, clean and airy, I realized I could never practice the way the native population does- amongst the dirt and grime that coats the country. Does that make me a fake yogi? Or a really lucky one?
It makes you a very lucky yogi!!! You know this time around you are meant to be in the exact place you are. Lucky enough to vist and partake of the flavor then bring it back into your life the way you desire. My 19 year old daughter visited Penekonda at Sri Kaleschwar’s ashram in July for 3 weeks. She is young woman from Kennett Square Pa and had an unbelievable adventure there. Anytime your able to have those types of experiences, your lucky. Nameste’
Thank you Alice. I am so glad your daughter enjoyed her experiences in the ashram. And yes, I do realize i am very fortunate in my life. Namaste and Happy New Year!