Last day in Rishikesh, Delhi

India Part 3 is just about over. Sitting in my usual web spot along Main Bazaar road in Paharganj, Delhi, then heading back to my room for what will hopefully be a restful sleep before my flight tomorrow.

Wednesday night, after blogging about my cough, I was up until 2 am because of it. It was awful. And it was accompanied by intense head pressure and sinus pain. Around 1am, I broke down. For once, my Indian tears were not ones of joy or healing, but rather of exhaustion and exasperation. The next morning, I was up at 7:30 to continue packing and go for breakfast. At 10am I had an appointment for a facial with the mother of the kids from Children of the Ganges whose home I had been to a few times. It was wonderful and the steaming part relieved my congestion. Did some last-minute shopping before meeting Swati to go for lunch at her friend's home near her mother's, did some more shopping in Rishikesh market (bought a beautiful yellow sari), went to the ENT (eyes, nose and throat) specialist and found out I had Allergic Bronchitis. Never thought I had allergies, but looks like I do. Got some meds that have helped tremendously. (Still coughing a bit, but nothing like that last few days.) Then we went to Swati's mom's for my final dinner, where we had kitcheri, chai and gujia. I practiced wrapping my sari, and I think I've finally got the hang of it. As I was on my third practice attempt, Swati said: "You're becoming a real Indian woman!" Amit came to pick us up, and once again, 4 of us (with Arnav) piled onto the scooter for the ride home. Farewells to the lovely Gupta family, then up to my room for final packing. With my newly purchased small suitcase, I managed to fit everything in.

By the time I was done packing and coughing, I only fell asleep around 1. Alarm went off at 4:30am, Amit picked me up at 5 and drove me across the bridge to my taxi pickup. Four people on the scooter is much less scary than 2 people with several heavy pieces of luggage! Thought I might topple off the back  a few times as we went over bumps, but made it safely to the waiting cab. 40 min drive to Haridwar, where I was catching my train to Delhi. (Much less eventful train adventure than last year, when I couldn't find which train car I was supposed to get into, and ended up having to run alongside the moving train and jump onto the steps, holding onto the side rail for dear life, as someone grabbed hold of my 50 pound suitcase.) Dozed in and out of semi-conscious sleep-dream for most of the 5 hour train ride. Checked into my room around noon, took a short rest, then out for some final purchases. Back to room, final pack, short nap, then out to meet Leo (my Argentinian hang drum playing neighbor from Ananda, who was also in Delhi for the day) and a couple of his friends for dinner.

And just like that, this year's Indian journey once again comes to an end.

India, you continue to stir my body, mind and soul.
You continue to tickle my being.
You continue to open my heart.
You continue to illuminate my path.
You continue to guide me towards new realities, new worlds.
To lead me into divine and magical realms.
I am forever grateful. Thankful.
But now, after 3 years, I feel ready to change the 'you' to 'I'.
I am my own guru, I am my own light, I am my own healer.
I am my own infinite source of Love and Joy.
I AM.

Namaste India, till next time!       

Coughing, coughing, and coughing

Yup, that pretty much summarizes my last few days in Rishikesh. I always get a very sore throat when I get home from India, joking that the air at home is too clean compared to here, but this year the sickness came early. I'm on day 5 now, and Swati said "Erika, it's time." She always tells me I'm crazy for waiting so long to see a doctor (I tried ayurdvedic medicine, salt water gargling, 6 different kinds of teas, but nothing seems to work. So tomorrow, she will take me to a throat specialist near her mother's). It's the kind of cough where every breath is an unpleasant tickle to the throat, bringing about painful dry coughing fits. At night time, when it's at its worst, I'm practically in tears. And sleeping has been quite difficult. Haven't had a good sleep since the barking dogs night at Maa Yoga Ashram last Friday. Dr. Amrit's brother noticed. When he saw me today, he said: "You are lacking vitality. You look weak. Are you ok?" Either I look much worse than I thought, or as an ayurvedic doctor he's quite perceptive of these things.

Ok, so there's been a little more to the last three days than coughing...

Went to my last Trika class Monday morning then did some end of trip shopping, and in the pm went to Maa. There, I wrote another blog post for Amrit's site and he took my pulse (part of an ayurvedic examinatation). He told me my vata was pretty out of whack, which would explain my difficulty sleeping. Vata is related to air and movement and stress, which would make sense with the crazy days I've been planning for myself, and trying to fit in a million things before leaving. I think the Dr's orders would be, "Shanti, shanti, take it easy, slow down". I have. A little. Did the hour-long walk back to my room, rested a bit, then headed to Children of the Ganges with Swati. That night I had planned an art project with them. I had accumulated many plastic water bottles since arriving, and, not wanting to contribute to the already horrendous pollution here, I wanted to do something with them. So each student got a bottle to decorate or make something out of. Bird feeder, basket, animal, smiley face... I was happy to be making recycling fun :)

Tuesday morning I went to my last Iyengar yoga class with Ashish. I woke up with congestion and ear pain on top of my throat soreness and coughing, so I hesitated about yoga, but went. So much for taking it easy. I was exhausted during class and had to lie down a few times. That afternoon I walked to LaxmanJhula to do more shopping, and in the evening went to the Trika lecture on Polarity of Energy. Then met Swati for our dinner date. We went to a nice recently opened resto together. On our way back she said to me, "Usually it's Amit who gets home late after closing his shop and running errands at the market, but tonight, it's my turn!" I was happy to offer her a night out, away from her regular duties at home. 

This morning was my last yoga class with Anup. Again, I should probably have slept in and rested, but I didn't want to miss my final class. Lots of pressure in my head and sinuses. Like in yesterday's class, I stopped a few times when I needed to, and even fell asleep during savasana, which never happens. This afternoon I went to Tapovan for my last visit with Amrit. I wrote a final post, had an organic ayurvedic lunch with those who were staying there, had several teas that were good for temporary throat soothing, and discussed my "project" action plan with Amrit. Very exciting collaboration possibilities in sight! Speed walked back to meet Swati in time for Children of the Ganges where I had organized games and videos for my last visit (for this year) with the kids. We had a super fun evening, and I was even offered a flower by one of the little boys :) I then invited Swati up to my room in the guesthouse (I had been to her place so many times, but she had yet to visit my "home"). We chatted, I made some tea, and showed her my recent purchases. And now I'm here, writing my second to last blog for India Part 3! Off to bed, hoping that tomorrow's consultation with the throat specialist will bring about a small miracle, and that I will be able to travel to back Delhi and to Montreal without coughing all over my train and plane neighbors...      

Home in a week!

Another quick update, with just a week left!

Friday morning I prepped some articles for Amrit and planned the yoga class I would be sharing with his teacher training group. Headed to Maa Yoga Ashram early afternoon, peak sun and heat, so took a rickshaw partway. Browsed the bookshelf in the office and typed up a blogpost for his website, then went up to the yoga hall to teach my Anahata (heart chakra) class. It was a beautiful experience with a lovely, small, grateful group. Later down to dinner with everyone, after which Chris from Newfoundland serenaded us all with his voice and guitar. I had been invited by Amrit (Dr. Raj) to stay a night at the ashram, so I then settled into my room. It was a lovely big room with mountain view, but the night was rough one. The dogs barked incessantly, screechingly high and loud all night. I was used to them disturbing my sleep from time to time, but never anything like this. It just didn't stop. I don't know how they didn't lose their "voice". After a few hours, I began having very un-yogic thoughts about them. I managed to doze off a few times, for a few minutes.

Then, at 7am, there was a soft but constant knocking on my room window, and when I drowsily opened my eyes and looked up, there was one of the staff peering in and pointing to a cup of chai he was holding. Slightly annoyed, but happy to be getting a nice warm wake-up drink, I opened the door and thanked him. I headed onto the balcony with my tea and watched a beautiful sunrise over the mountaintops. Took a book from Amrit's library down to the garden for some reading before heading to the office and writing a third article/post. Had breakfast out in the sun with the yoga group, did some more reading, then chatted with Amrit about my 'wellness community' project, and brainstormed some possible collaborations. Things are coming together very nicely and unexpectedly! Quick lunch before starting the long walk back, pausing once at the Honey Hut for refreshing cold coffee (needed a little energizing after my sleepless night). Back to my room for some downtime, then met Swati and Arnav to head to Children of the Ganges. It was their Saturday dance class, the last one I'd be attending, so for the first time, rather than just watch and film, I joined! Had lots of fun dancing with them, as they giggled at my Indian moves :) They remembered some of the French I taught them, and a few said 'Bonjour!" as they walked in :) Back home for an early night.

Today was the last satsang Mooji. While Prem Baba heals the heart, Mooji inpires us to remember who we are. Both have brought me so much this year. I had planned to go for my yearly Ganga dip on the way back from Mooji (half hour walk along the Ganga), but the clouds had covered the sky, and no spot called to me. Will now have to squeeze my swim into my busy last few days. I spent my then free afternoon starting my project mission statement and action plan (which Amrit suggested we work on together at our next meeting - giving me the little push I need to get this ball rolling!). Went to my last Trika bhajans tonight, beautiful as always.

A closing quote from Mooji about the meaning and purpose of satsang:

"Satsang is the invitation to step into the fire of self-discovery. 
This fire will not burn you, it will burn only what you are not."        

Sound Journey, Dr.Amrit Raj, Satsang

Ouf! With just over a week left in India, there just aren't enough hours in the day. It's going to be a crazy last few days - as though the previous ones weren't! So, in light of this, I will to be brief(er) in my final blogs. But I have so much to share!! But still, I will try. Ok, point form.

- Tuesday morning: up to rooftop at 6am (after only falling asleep around 1) as light rain begins. Rain picks up. Loud thunder and lightning as I listened to Charles Aznavour on my balcony. Torrential rain, as if to wash away all the colors from Holi. No electricity. Calmed enough by 8:30 that I was able to walk down to Ashish's for a great Iyengar class. Delicious muesli-fruit-curd-honey and chai for brunch. Sat by the Ganga to write more articles for Dr. Raj. Then to the rooftop yoga hall of a fancy hotel for a Sound Journey that my neighbor in Ananda, Leo, invited me to. They didn't do much advertising, wanting to keep it intimate, and after attending, I was so grateful for the invite. There were 3 musicians: Leo and 2 others, who played various instruments while walking around the hall as the 8 of us in attendance sat with eyes closed, absorbing the vibrations of the sublime sounds circling us. There was a hang drum, a didjeridoo, cymbals, singing bowls, flute, rain stick, and few other instruments I don't know the name of. It was out of this world. Back to the banks of the Ganga to watch the sun set. Sky cleared beautifully after this morning's rain.

- Wednesday morning: up at 7 for yoga at Prem Baba's from 8-9. Then Honey Hut for breakfast and reading The Times of India and The Hindustani Times. Back to PB's ashram, sat in front garden waiting for satsang to begin, as his sangha (his people, his followers) were doing their seva (selfless-service, karma yoga) around the ashram. It was incredibly beautiful to watch. People smiled and sang and chatted as laughed as they swept, mopped, gardened, cleaned toilets. Satsang was lovely as always. Then walked further uphill to Maa Yoga Ashram for my meeting with Amrit (Dr.Raj). On the way, for the second time this year, I stepped in fresh cow poo. Again with my eyes averted from the ground due to trying to avoid oncoming traffic. In French, we have a saying, "Jamais deux sans trois", so I'm expecting a third dung step before leaving. Once I arrived, I was invited to join Amrit for a delicious organic Indian lunch as we chatted. I would love to say more about the chat, but it would take up pages and pages. Those I will see back home will hear more! It was a fabulous and fruitful meeting. He invited to join his yoga class from 4-6, where we did some asanas (postures) in the hall and some pranayam (breathing) on the balcony, overlooking the majestic mountains. During asana, he said, "In some yoga classes, the teacher checks for alignment. In this class, I check for smiles!" After class, he showed me to his office, brought me a laptop, and I typed away, writing my first article/blogpost for a popular website he is a contributor to. I will share it with you soon. My first topic was The Power of Surrender. Many more are brewing. Dinner was brought up to me as I wrote, and after publishing, I was driven back to RamJhula by his personal chauffeur. Gotta admit, I felt a little like royalty.

- This morning: Early yoga at Prem Baba's again, Honey Hut for breakfast again, and then back to Prem Baba's for the final satsang of this India season. I felt a tinge of sadness knowing it was over until next year, but what I felt much more strongly was deep gratitude for what this hall and the energy of these people and the teachings and love from Prem Baba did for my soul. As satsang started today, like on the first day I was here two years ago, the inner gates opened and tears flowed. Tears of release, tears of recognition, tears of joy. I smiled through the tears, I sang through the tears, I danced through the tears. But by the end of satsang, the tears had stopped. And I was left with a feeling that, this time, I had not experienced in previous years. I felt a deep sense of stillness, of quiet, of peace. And I held it in my heart. And it remains.

- This evening I went to Children of the Ganges and taught them French. Their big eyes, their big smiles and their enthusiasm filled my heart with even more love than the day already had.

(Earlier, I mentioned a hang drum being played at the sound journey. It's an instrument I heard for the first time here two years ago at Trika bhajans. I immediately fell in love with the sound of this magical instrument. Here's one of my favorite pieces, enjoy!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=xk3BvNLeNgw&list=PL269B827E21C20BAD

HOLI - my third and best one yet!

On Sundays, I read the Bible and I go to church. That is, I read the Indian "bible" - the Bhagavad Gita - and go to the church of Awareness and Being - satsang with Mooji. But this morning, due to it being the eve of Holi, Mooji was cancelled. A kind driver at the rickshaw stand informed me of this, rather than taking me there and back, and making some cash. As I walked back across the RamJhula bridge, tons of Indian tourists were already flocking in for Holi, the festival of water and colors that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Once over the bridge, I stopped on a bench by the Ganga to read this week's chapter (11) of the BG - The Yoga of the Vision of the Cosmic Form, which ends with one of the most significant verses of the text, where Lord Krishna (symbolic of God, Consciouness, Universal Energy, or whatever else you might wish to call it) says to Arjuna:

55. He who does all actions for Me, who looks upon Me as the Supreme, who is devoted to Me, who is free from attachment, who bears enmity towards no creature, he comes to Me, O Arjuna!
COMMENTARY:This is the essence of the whole teaching of the Gita. He who practises this teaching attains supreme bliss and immortality. Such a one realises Him and enters into His Being, becoming completely one with Him. This verse contains the summary of the entire Gita philosophy.

That afternoon I did a little reading on the balcony of Ananda, then, unusually, took a long and deep daytime nap. Felt a little off that morning, and a good rest was the perfect remedy. That evening I went to Swati's, where I participated in a small puja (devotional ceremony) that she and Arnav and her mother-in-law were performing for "small" Holi (eve of Holi) where we lit a flame in front of a tower of dried cow dung patties, gave offerings of food (some gujia sweets we had made at her mother's) and walked around it a few times. Then it was time to carry the small tower down to the Ganga, adding it to the huge bonfire that was being built. Again, there was lighting of candles and circle walks around the structure. And finally, a quick stop at the temple for more acts of devotion. Geeta (mother-in-law) bought Arnav and I some yummy kulfi (indian-style hard ice-cream bar) before heading back to their place for a delicious thali dinner. Dessert before dinner, that's the way to do it! Did a puzzle with Arnav and chatted with Swati before walking home. It was the full moon and a beautiful night, so I headed up to the rooftop of Ananda for a short moon meditation, a few rounds of chandra namaskar (moon salutations), and another short med, bathing in the bright light and energy of the full moon and cool breeze. In the distance, I could hear loud dance music, coming from the Holi dance and bonfire. Last year, I went down to watch with Geeta, but this year, I opted for my rooftop.  

Monday morning I was back up there, this time for Surya Namaskar (sun salutations). I watched people in their yards get ready for "big" Holi, filling buckets, balloons and water guns with brightly colored water. Back in my room, I gathered my ammunition - a small watergun and a bag of pink powder, put on my Holi clothes (stained from my previous two Holis in India) and carefully walked out into the warzone. I stayed safe down the alley, but once on the main road, I started my sprint towards Swati's, attacked from all sides by buckets of water and fistfulls of powder. I was drenched and multi-colored by the time I reached safety in her home, where I helped Arnav fill water balloons and ate a yummy Holi breakfast snack Swati had made. Then it was up to the roof to start our attacks on those below, laughing and cheering as we hit our targets. I played with Swati's family and their neighbours for about an hour, before heading over - as promised - to the home of the kids from Children of the Ganges. As their "house" did not have a rooftop we could climb onto, we played in the yard, the 5 kids and I, as their mother brought me plate after plate of sweets and snacks. The girls kept calling me didi, big sister. Doesn't take much to be adopted into an Indian family! Back out into the wild streets, I made my way back to Swati's, played a little more on the roof, where one of the neighbours got me good with a bucket soak. The action died down early afternoon (it's a morning-only war), so I stayed a while to dry up in the sun, then went home for a shower to scrub off all (or as much as I could) of the colored powder all over me and lodged in my ears, nose and even mouth. Did a couple loads (probably my last, yay!) of bucket laundry, then took it easy for the rest of the evening. Even after a full and very active day, I was still going strong past midnight, reading up on ayurveda and brainstorming/writing for the articles I had happily agreed to work on. My first meeting with Dr. Raj is tomorrow - can't wait!

(Check out some fabulous pics of Holi on Google Images!)     

Splendid Saturday

What a day I had yesterday, full of synchronicity and joy. Was up at 7 to make it to an 8 o'clock free yoga class at Prem Baba's ashram (where I had tried my first kundalini class last year). There are several free daily activities there besides satsang, and Saturday morning was gentle hatha-trika yoga. It was only a one hour class, and I couldn't believe how soon we were in savasana (final relaxation). It went by so fast compared to my regular 2-2 1/2 hour classes here. Then I walked further up the hill to the Honey Hut for breakfast, a modern cafe where I sipped on Honey cafe latte and munched on a honey blueberry muffin while reading the honey fact booklet on the table. It's a spot I've been a few times, which Cindy and Loraine loved. I had planned to wait around till 11 to attend satsang, and then around 2pm walk up to Tapovan for the International Ayurvedic Herb Festival I had seen advertised in Prem Baba's hall. Sounded like the perfect accompaniment to my course and readings. But since I wasn't sure exactly where or how far the location of it was, and not wanting to do too much walking in the hot midday sun (yes, the heat is here!), I decided to head out in search of it right after breakfast, and risk not being back in time for satsang. I could come back to Prem Baba anytime, but this was the last day of the festival. So, off I went in search of Maa Yoga Ashram.

Walked uphill towards Tapovan (a more fancy - this is relative, of course -  part of town that I had only been to once or twice) until coming to the main road that would lead back to RamJhulah if I turned left, but when I asked for directions, I was told to go right. Walked for a while until I finally started seeing signs for the ashram. More walking, more signs, more walking, more signs... until the very end of the civilization section of the road, before it turned to just forest, the road leading further up into the mountains. The ashram was tucked away down a side road, with a beautiful view of the Himalayas, away from the noise and hustle & bustle. I walked into the reception area, inquired about the herb festival, and the response was a lowered gaze, and "Ohhh, please sit down mam." Turns out the festival had been cancelled and was postponed until next month. Bummer. Or so I thought. The friendly Pradeep told me about some of their other services, programs and trainings, and I flipped through some pamphlets and pics. As I did do, Dr. Amrit Raj, the founder of the ashram and 4th generation ayurvedic specialist came in to greet me and offered me a tour of the building and grounds, and asked if I'd like to sit and chat with him in the garden. Well, sure! Pradeep took me for the tour, showing me the beautiful yoga hall on the top floor with a gorgeous view out the large windows, their 6 guestrooms, treatment rooms, and the organic garden outside. Then I met Dr. Amrit under a parasol in the garden, for some sweet lemon water and a chat. At first, he just asked me if had any questions about ayurveda, how long I was in Rishikesh for, whether I was interested in any trainings, consultations or panchkarma (extended ayurvedic cleanse) and after a short exchange, he asked me what my heart wanted. You mean, in general, in life? So I told him. Then he asked me what my heart wanted right now. And again, I told him. He sat contemplatively for a moment and said, "Here's what has come to the back of my mind. Since you do not have much time left but seem to have a sincere and genuine interest in learning more about ayurveda, and to use this information for the benefit of others through your sharing and teaching, here's what I propose. Come by here every day or every second day until you leave, I will teach you about ayurveda, and in exchange, you can help me write some articles for The Times of India (newspaper) and other magazines and websites about health and well-being. How does that sound to you? How do you feel?" How do I feel?? I could hardly believe my ears! I knew immediately that this was a perfect proposal for me. (Last year, during my astrology appointment with Prateek, he told me I should use my creativity for writing, particularly in the the form of articles...) He said I could help with generating ideas and topics, make sure the articles are well written in English, and that he would fill any medical, ayurvedic details. I told him I already had several things planned for my last two weeks, so I didn't think I could make it every day, but that every other day sounded great (not to mention it was an hour walk there and back from my guesthouse). So we scheduled our meetings, and he invited me to stay for lunch or dinner anytime I came, asked me to guest-teach a yoga class to his current teacher training group, and said his parents (also ayurvedic doctors) were visiting next Saturday and invited me to be there to meet them. He then had to go (he was speaking to Mooji's sangha that afternoon - and has also worked with many other famous people worldwide), but invited me to stay in the garden to browse some of the previous articles he had published in collaboration with other writers, so I could get an idea of what we'd be working on. When I asked him if there were any particular topics he wanted to tackle, he said, "Whatever arises naturally from the heart. Let's see," and he was off. I sat there in an overwhelmed and excited daze, hardly believing the encounter that had just taken place. And also thinking about the synchronicity of it all. Seeing the ad that morning after yoga in Prem Baba's hall; heading there earlier than planned (he would already have left for Mooji's had I arrived later), the festival being cancelled (probably wouldn't have had the opportunity for a one-on-one chat had it been taking place). So I stayed for about an hour after he left, reading (great!) articles, enjoying the peace and calm, and examining the many different ayurvedic plants and trees growing in the organic garden. I was filled with inspiration, the perfect medicine and cure for my low and heavy energy from the day before.

It was very hot on the long walk home, so I stopped several times. First at a little shop where I bargained for two beautiful summer dresses. Then further along for lunch at the East-West Cafe, a spot I had heard a lot about and walked by many times, but had never been to. It was awesome. If the Beatle's ashram had a cafe branch, this would be it. It was straight out of the sixties, its walls covered in colorful "hippie" paintings and quotes, like those inside the huts and buildings of the Beatle's ashram. And stopping that day at a resto called East-West particularly resonated since Dr. Amrit had spoken, during our chat, of the importance and beauty that could come from the harmonious joining of the two. Walked a little further down the road, stopped at internet, and then made the last leg of the journey, along the road from LaxmanJhula to RamJhula (which usually seems like a long walk, but after the distance I had gone that day, felt like a quick stroll).

Back in my room for a short rest before meeting Swati at 5pm to go to Children of the Ganges. We stopped at the small convenience store next to Amit's shop to buy treats for the kids, as we always do when I go, but this time Arnav suggested we get them waterguns for Holi instead of the usual cookies or chocolate. Great idea! Bought 20 small pichkari and a bag of colored powder. Filmed several of their dances last night as I chatted with Swati, then distributed their gifts and gave them a pink powder forehead blessing for Holi. And then it was their turn to cover my face with the pink stuff! And that night, I finally made the effort to learn all of their names (not always easy to remember Hindi names!). Went to internet again after school, and on my way back, I stopped at the convenience store for water and raisins, and two of the little girls from school, Riya-13, and Kushboo-12, were there buying balloons to fill with water for Holi ("small" Holi is tonight, Sunday, and "big" Holi is tomorrow morning). We were heading back in the same direction, so we walked together and chatted, and they invited me to come "play" Holi (water and powder fighting) at their home on Monday morning. When I said I didn't know where they lived, they said, "Come, we'll show you, it's close!" So I followed, and was invited in. They live just two minutes from my guesthouse, in a makeshift roadside tarp-covered home. They excitedly led me through the entrance, where the rest of the family - mom, dad, Kunal (their little brother who also attends C of the G), another little sister and another little brother - sat on the bed in the one-bedroom home watching an Indian version of "America's Got Talent". I was greeted with big warm smiles, and, of course, immediately offered chai. We chatted, the girls asked me to take pics of their home and their family, and we continued watching the impressive dance talent of Indian kids auditioning on TV. At 10pm, I wished them goodnight, and the girls insisted I come back on Monday morning for Holi. I promised to do so. Kushboo walked me to front gate, and Riya waved from the yard, where she was washing our teacups in the dark. I walked home with a huge grin on my face, my heart overflowing with love for these beautiful people.

What a day, what a wonderful day.
(Sorry, haven't been writing long posts this year, but I couldn't resist this time!)

One last thing. Here a few words from Prem Baba, who had also spoken about merging the East and the West in one of his recent satsangs:

"Join therapy and meditation, join East and West, join roots and wings, intuition and reason."

And finally, the website of Maa Yoga Ashram: http://www.maayogashram.com/    

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Had another great sleep in my new room Tuesday night. After my lovely chat with John and taking off my soaked socks, I sat in bed to eat yummy vegan chocolate cake from the bakery, and read my new book on ayurveda. They were giving them away at the yoga festival, and Loraine managed to snatch me a copy just before leaving. It's the perfect "textbook" to accompany the course I took. And then I sang bhajans to myself and fell asleep to the sound of loudly falling rain and howling winds.

After a busy 4 days with C&L, I let myself lazily sleep in till 8:30. The winds were still strong, but the sun was back out and the sky was blue. Practiced a few more bhajans before walking to LaxmanJhula for breakfast on the Buddha Cafe rooftop, overlooking the sparkling emerald Ganga. Then a superb satsang with Prem Baba - divine chants and music, surrendering to the heart, emotional healing, beautiful inspiration. Sang out loud to myself as I walked back through the busy streets. Stopped at my friend's rock shop for some mala bead shopping, then walked up the hill to Pyramid Cafe for a delicious kombucha. Home for a little rest before heading to internet, where I spent the next 3 hours catching up on blogging, e-mails, article reading, banking, etc... which I hadn't done much of when C&L were here.

Thursday morning I made my own tea for the first time - there's a communal kitchen at Ananda guest house - then met Swati at 9:30 to head to her mother's, where we were spending the day to prepare special sweets for Holi - that crazy festival of water fights and colored powder throwing that's coming up on Monday. It was so much fun being part of the sweets preparation, with several other women and girls from her mother's neighborhood joining in the work. Though it didn't seem like work at all - they chatted animatedly and laughed the whole time... hopefully not always at me and my pastry rolling skills! (Couldn't understand much of the conversation...) I took detailed notes and look forward to making these scrumptious treats (called gujia) for teatime back home! We made about 200 of the little pastries! I asked Swati if the other ladies would take some home, and she laughed and said, "No, they're all coming back to my home!" The others had spent hours on previous days helping each other with their respective batches. Such a beautiful and strong community. That night, a little more web before reading in bed.

Today, Friday, I got back to yoga... hadn't been since Monday! Had a lovely morning class with Anup, Swati's brother-in-law, followed by brunch at the Health Cafe with an Aussie friend I had met my first year here. Took it easy today, felt low on energy. Did some reading in the sun on the rooftop of Ananda then went for a mini-satsang at a nearby resto. I'm used to large satsang gatherings with Prem Baba and Mooji, but at this one, we were only 4 plus the "teacher". It was very interesting and different. Just a casual meeting where we could chat, listen, ask questions at any time. Back to my room for some toenail painting, and now I've just come from dinner at a new rooftop spot where I had one of the best pizzas and herbal teas I've ever had.

Time to get back to room for an early night. After taking it easy today, I've scheduled a busy, busy weekend for myself. Only two more weeks, still so much to pack in!