Lovely lovely evening yesterday- friends up on the roof for tea, music, conversation and lots of laughter. It was Yaels 27th birthday and Tasha was leaving. Had a lovely day with Tasha as you can see from some of the pics in the previous post and then came back to finish up amir's movie to take home with him (received a call from home and was told to come home immediately...no details...he was really upset as you can imagine...it was very difficult saying goodbye to him as he doesn't think he will be back next year), did a Reiki treatment for Yael and then people just started to drift up to the rooftop and we spent several really pleasant hours together. 
I have a short video which I will also attempt to upload...(you may have to wait awhile for it to buffer fully-but be patient)
later in the evening we lined up facing the mountain and just laid back and stared at the almost full moon for about 45 minutes...it was beautiful. The air was so fresh and beautiful, we all commented that with the weather so hot these days, it would pay to sleep all day and stay up all night! I'm feeling a little upset about leaving next week but also at peace knowing I've received many wonderful gifts...and know more are still waiting for me both here and at home. I also know I will be back in October...hopefully for 6 months. I am very different here. I never was a social creature and yet when I am here I seem to attract people to me. All very different but together they make up a lovely social group which is closely knit and in complete harmony. I've never really had this at home and yet each time I come to India this seems to be one of the gifts I find waiting for me. You can see from the pictures the diversity of the people...but we all just seem to fit perfectly together. 
Friday, March 21, 2008
#20- March 21st- The Blessing of Friendship
Sunday, March 16, 2008
WRITING – From the Heart or From the Head
I’ve come to an interesting understanding… My blog posts this trip have been fairly dull and uninteresting and whenever I sat down at the computer to write about my day, there was no true desire to write at all. So I simply put down the basic facts of the day’s experience and left it at that. The “heart” of my experience literally never got put down “on paper”. And that was the problem.
I am now sitting in a coffee shop along the Ganga,
feeling the energies, absorbing the atmosphere, and, with pen in hand, FEELING the words for the first time this trip. I cannot go back and “fix” what has already been posted, but I would like to believe that the rest of the trip will, as in the past, first find its way through my heart and hand via pen, to paper, and then later simply be transcribed to the computer. The full range of feelings and insights can only be felt in this way it seems.
I truly have had an amazing journey here. So many things have happened in so short a time, that I honestly do not feel the need to be here longer than the originally planned 7 weeks ( which end in 2 weeks!). Everything I could have dreamt of and imagined to make this short time perfect, whole and complete, has happened. Healing on deep levels, great joy and laughter, unexpected surprises on all levels – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual – all coming together in perfect harmony to bring full and profound meaning to this trip.
I have been blessed with all those people (angels) necessary to initiate and facilitate different processes whose end results are complete tranquility, harmony and balance. A feeling of wellbeing on all levels which I haven’t experienced in a long time, and was in desperate need of.
There have been those who have been guided to me to find answers to their own issues through the Divine guidance I am always offered. And there have been those sent to ME to help ME move forward in healing issues which have plagued me for too long. Issues which I have been asking for help with for a long time.
I now sit overlooking the Ganga, with a feeling of deep contentment, knowing that once again I have journeyed inward through Divine Grace and discovered further unexplored territories and landscapes in the depth of my heart and soul.
I look forward to returning to the “real” world and continuing my journey, knowing that I have all the faith necessary to fearlessly continue to travel the new paths opened before me. I am surrounded always with loving protection and guidance from God and His Universe, my Guides, and the angels.
I amy be writing further posts…but I doubt there is any way to truly put into words the full depth and range of feelings and insights I have experienced over the past short month.
INSIGHT: It is interesting that this first “writing” comes in the wake, and seemingly as another result of, the healing in the form of past-life regression and Tikun (fixing) I experienced 2 days ago. It fits into the pattern…my meditations are deeper and more tranquil of mind, my yoga asanas are easier with a newfound flexibility of joint and muscle, my quiet, still poses, are effortless and can be held indefinitely without loosing my balance, my pranayama (breathing exercises) are much deeper and exhilarating, so ti makes sense that as a result of this deep cleansing, unblocking and release of accumulated “toxins” from the past, my words would also begin to flow as well!
Friday, March 14, 2008
# 17 March 13-14 – Lazy, Lazy, Lazy….and Rain
Started last nite…was very hot yesterday and was really tired after my walking so just hung around the rest of the afternoon and evening. Had some grilled cheese up in my room for a snack at nite. I was up the roof playing “bubbles” and listening to my lovely flute music when Ben came up and asked what I was doing. I said “Some real deep spiritual work”. He came to see what it was and burst out laughing when he saw what I was playing. I explained it really was a form of inner work for me as it was one of the few ways I could find myself completely “mindless”!. And then like a little boy he asked if he could please please please try to play too, but I warned him that it could be dangerous to begin this game.
“You can’t just ‘try’ this game and he replied: “I’m fine…I don’t get addicted to this kind of stuff”.
Well, I could not get him to relinquish the mouse for 1 ½ hours until I finally asked to be allowed to go to sleep. He said OK but please please please could he come up again to play in the morning.
I thought he was joking, but bright and early he was up here and spent another 1 ½ hours in this completely mindless but actually relaxing pursuit. I, in the meantime, realized I didn’t feel like doing anything today. Perhaps the weather-it is actually overcast, windy and chilly…so I sat in my room while he played and cursed, and I did some work I needed to for myself. Finally kicked him out and now am alone and still with no desire to do anything. I am listening to music, will play some games as well, hang around with people at lunch…all here “at home”.
This evening I am hopefully going to do a past-life regression with a guy named Dudi to see if we can find the source of my irrational fears and finish the cleansing process once and for all.
So it will be a quiet, reflective, lovely day doing “nothing” and feeling wonderful about it.
8 PM
It is now almost 8 in the evening. Had the need to sleep this afternoon, (only in retrospect did I realize the entire lack of energy the whole day was due to my anxiety of what I might find out during the healing session….) and when I woke up I did the healing and past-life regression with Dudi and it was wonderful Received more answers and insights into the fear thing and am completely energized as well. And when I came out, it was raining and no electricity! (That would explain the slight twinge in my hip yesterday and this morning). So, got a couple of candles from downstairs and am now up in room, by candlelight, incense burning, eating crackers and cheese and listening to folkdancing and for the first time this trip even have the urge to dance!. Am feeling really good and if the electricity comes back on, I have a “date” to watch the movie Himalaya with Ben this evening and if not, will dance in the dark alone!!. (Or so I imagined!!). And then the strangest thing happened. I have about 600 songs in my folkdancing playlist, and I put them on to play at random, and the first song that came up was a further answer to what went on during the healing session with Dudi. A song with words which said exactly what I still needed to hear was playing, as if the angels , or my guides were singing the answer to me disguised as the voice of Daklon (Israeli singer) singing “Al Nevakesh”. All the verses are insightful, but just as an example, here is a translation of theverse:
“There are unknown secret things which we cannot understand or know
Things may happen which seem without reason
Not all things need to be investigated and questioned
Sometimes it is alright not to know everything”
I imagine the air will also be less heavy tomorrow and I will feel like walking again (And that was exactly what happened, as I woke up the next morning to the clearest bluest sky I have seen since arriving and a lovely feeling of clean and fresh in the air).
And then Ben arrived….no lites…caught me dancing…but just asked to sit down and play again, which he did until the battery ran out on the computer. Then we just sat and talked until my sweet neighbors came up. Finding their room dark and uninviting, I asked them to come in and join us. By then it was raining hard and quite dreary…they came into my candle-lit room, and said “Why does it feel so warm and comfortable in here? Our room is the same but it is nothing like your room” It’s like when people come into my living room at home and say the same thing…good energies…My room is very inviting. We sat and enjoyed each others company, all the time with my folkdancing music still playing and everyone commenting that it was quite pleasant to listen to. Close to 10 the lites finally came on so the girls left and Ben and I still had our movie date! We even sat and held hands like in the real movies. Only thing missing was popcorn. In all, it was a lovely day!
And now it is morning. Brilliant blue sky…lovely sunshine, nice breeze and clean fresh air…like after a chamsin at home when the rains finally come. Beautiful, beautiful day.
I went down to the market with a few friends and actually found fabric I liked and which is now at the tailor to make a couple of more things for me from things I already have and like from home.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
#15 March 8, 2008 – FREEDOM FROM FEAR
Where to begin. There actually is nothing much new happening as far as “travel” goes, and you may all be finding my posts getting boring, but I am in a very personal place right now and what is happening in my life right now is exciting to ME.
So, first of all,
the video promised will have to wait until I get home as it is taking too long to upload it from here…it is a lovely one but I will get it up on the blog as soon as I get home.
The Ganga is rising from day to day. It is quite amazing. In the pictures I sent from just 2 days ago, there is a large square kind of rock sticking out of the water which I held on to so as not to slip. Yesterday it was no longer on the shore and half submerged, and today it was well out into the river and almost completely covered over. There is also a current now and eddies and small rapids forming where there were just calm waters 2 days ago. The snows are melting fast I guess and the water seems to be getting even colder, but I do my dip each day and love it.
I continued working on fears, and picked other lovely cards for the next two days as instructed (!) and I won’t go into details here but I was given further insights, reinforcement and encouragement to continue.
Yesterday I picked the angel Shanti “I am the angel of peace. I bring you new tranquility and a smoother road ahead”.
And the Goddess Hathor reminding me to “allow yourself to receive. This will increase your intuition, energy and ability to give to others”.
And today, the angel Adriana telling me “I am leading you toward the answer to your prayers, Please listen to and follow the steps I am communicating through your intuition, thoughts and dreams”
and The Goddess Ixchel…reminding me that “You are a channel for Divine healing power” and to continue my healing practice and to honour my healing knowledge and abilities and to continue to teach others….
I’ve been out 3 days in a row now for hours in the full sun, with no ill-effects, dipping in ice cold waters with no hip or knee problems, and going out at night, in the dark, alone, and completely enjoying my new found freedom…freedom to do what I want and always thought I couldn’t, and freedom from fear.
I find myself spending more and more time alone, being out of my room from 10 in the morning until 5 or 6 in the evening and then going out afterwards to eat if I feel like it, so even if people look for me, I am not around. I also have less and less need for the computer, and am only writing now to get this down “on paper”, more for me than anything else. It is a very powerful period in my life’s journey right now, bringing many things together in a process which began months ago and all things seem to be now falling into place. I feel very blessed and at peace with the process and confident that many more of my issues with fears will dissolve over the next period of time.
And the best surprise of the day was, I literally bumped into my friend Nikolai on the street! 
I know him from McLeod and only see him there, and he mentioned he was coming to Rishikesh for the first time for a short vacation in one of his e-mails. I was getting ready to write to him today to ask when he was coming, when I literally turned around in a shop and bumped into him! He has been here for a week already and is leaving in just 3 days. He is also staying at Swiss cottage but we have never seen each other. Very funny. Hopefully he will come up this evening as he wants to see pictures of the latest family members and see how the others have grown since last year when I saw him. You might remember he is my Russian born Buddhist friend, around 30 now I think, who lives about 8 months a year in India, sometimes even longer and mostly at Tashi Jong where is lama (teacher) is and where Tenzin Palmo’s nunnery is located.
I’m including his pic from a few years ago…he now sports a really smart mustache and goatee…
Ah…yesterday I finished most of the little shopping I had to do (which you all know I hate) and hope to get a package out sometime this week and know I am finished with that.
And I will end here for today
Namaste
Thursday, March 06, 2008
# 14, March 6, 2008- Massages and Messages or.. Could a Day be More Lovely?
Continuing the Story which began yesterday with my talk with Amir, I received a very clear message last night while asleep…not a dream like message, a spoken message: “Don’t go swimming at the Spa pool, BATHE IN THE GANGA and ask her to remove and wash away your fears!”.
So I awoke this morning
knowing that I would definitely go to bathe in the Ganga today, despite my fears of “where to go”, “what to wear”, “how cold will it be”, etc. But before going down for my massage, decided to just pick a card or two, and wound up pulling one from each of the two decks I have here with me…figuring I might get further reinforcement from the cards which might help me overcome the real fear I was feeling about what I knew I had to do today.
Well, the first card I picked was Archangel Raphael (one of the Archangels I ask to accompany me each day in my morning prayers and meditation), and the card says:
"I am helping you heal physical challenges in yourself and others. You are a healer, like me”.
Quite amazing…a big grin appeared on my face, knowing that I was certainly not alone in this venture and couldn’t have asked for better company.,
And then just for good measure, decided to pick from the other deck, and the card that came up was:
Sekhmet…which reads: “Be Strong”…” You are stronger than you think you are, and your strength assures a happy outcome”.
Even more amazing…
Then I happily headed down for my massage with Bablu and told him about my plan to go immerse myself in the Ganga after the massage and he said “How did you know to do it today?” Didn’t really understand the question but told him I received a message during the night that I must do it today. He said the message was directly from God because today is the best day in the whole year to bathe in the Ganga in Rishikesh as it is the once a year festival of Shiva (Shiva Aarti) today!
Well, nothing is my chance and a couple of other people I know who I met along the way, Indians, were all very excited for me that I was doing this the first time on this “most auspicious day”.
So, with all this lovely reinforcement and loving company, I set off for the Ganga at about 12 in the afternoon…gathering my faith and courage for the adventure.
(Just a quick aside: this was the fourth massage I’ve done with Bablu and we’ve got a kind of rapport going, and today he asked me if I know that my bones (I am paraphrasing, his English is very poor and this took some time to understand) are weak, lacking calcium and dry…and I must go to a doctor to find out what to do. I asked how he knew this (which is true, I have advancing oesteoporsis) and he said he can feel it when he massages me. I told him I do expensive bone density scans with fancy machines back home and they say the same thing!! He gave me good nutritional advice, which I already know, but was surprised that he knew this much about counseling his clients, and he was very happy to hear that I do panchakarma, eat the right foods etc. )
So, I had a nice fruit salad for breakfast and headed off with my longee and a towel, and went to the area where several people had told me I’d find a quiet beach, and they were right. You can see from the pictures…those are my clothes drying on the rock, .JPG)
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and you can see the place where I immersed myself, several times. It was quiet, private and intensely powerful. 
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The waters were icey cold. Fed by the mountain snows which have begun to melt. At first I gasped and thought I could not do it, but ever so slowly I dipped in up to and over my waist, and then threw waters over the rest of my body, including my head…And quickly got out, but after resting in the sun for a few minutes, I felt the need to do it again and did. Despite the numbing cold, I felt warmth spreading through my entire body as the first of my fears began to desolve, being washed away in the waters of this holy river. Quite a remarkable experience. Sat on the beach for awhile and plan to try and go each morning now…before breakfast.
Had a pleasant lunch…enjoyed Shiva Aarti Day which I was told by many is THE most auspicious day to immerse in the Ganga in Rishikesh. There will also be special celebrations this evening at the puja, but my stomach is a little “dodgy” so may remain close to my room. Will decide later this evening. After my relaxing meal I head home, com[pletely energized and this is also the first time the sun has not bothered me, and I have headache. I’ve taken to wearing my dupatta (scarf) on my head like the Indian ladies (kaffiyah style_ and that seems to do the trick. So 2 fears have gone. I can be out all day in the sun, immerse myself in ice-water, with no ill effects, even find a quiet beach all by myself and the last fear, being out along after dark will be confronted and conquered either today or tomorrow.
Then, when I get home, I will begin traveling to “unknown” places alone by car!!!
The next post will be a lovely video I made of the area around laxman Jhula, with the sounds and sights of the place. You can even see the lovely scene of a lady feeding the holy cow and blessing her (or perhaps asking for a blessing for herself) by touching the cow’s head.
Many things are falling to into place, and I think the timing for my return home is just perfect.
I am truly loved and blessed…always watched over and taken care of…truly no reason for any sort of fear to limit me.
Namaste
Jane
#13- March 5, 2008- Counseling Session with Unique Practitioner
Something very interesting happened today. I had already decided that the next few weeks I have left will be devoted entirely to me, which you can read about on the link to the Mindfulness Journal on my last post. I had a massage first thing in the morning, right after meditation and pranayama and yoga, before breakfast, it was the best massage I have ever experienced. There was something different about it. I don’t know if I mentioned the massage therapist Bablu, who studied Ayurveda massage ad the Parmath Niketan Ashram here in Rishikesh, but every massage he does , he does from a spiritual place. He says prayers over the herbs and oils before he begins, asks for Divine help and then chants OM before actually begin. He also does the massages with so much loving energies, that I see brilliant bright green surrounded by pink through the entire massage. And the massage itself is superb…among the best I’ve ever had. And having it this morning, as a continuation of my morning rituals, made it even more wonderful . Bablu explained that this was the best time to do a massage, with ,
the morning sun shining in the window, before any other earthly pursuits, and that it would serve to open all the chakras in the best and most powerful way possible. And to my surprise, it was the first time I did a massage like this and didn’t feel like sleeping afterwards. I was completely invigorated, was not hungry, even though it ended after 10 in the morning and by the time I showered, (and had unexpected company as well when I came back), I didn’t eat my first meal of the day, Kitcheri, until almost 1:30 and I felt wonderful. So I’ve ordered another one for tomorrow morning and am really looking forward to it.
I went to breakfast/lunch with a nice girl I met here, we walked down to Welcome Center, while waiting for our food, I opened some cards for her and as always, the reading was direct and to the point, I came back up, went to the internet for ½ hour and then came to my room to rest for awhile. I was awakened by a knock on the door, and thinking it was Ben, opened the door to find a young Indian friend of Einat’s called Sushil at the door. I quickly went back in and changed my clothes to something more appropriate (I was wearing just a tank top and pants), spent a short time with him but found I had no patience for chit-chat and excused myself after about 15 minutes.
I then went into the room to continue my work with the Archetype Cards I had bought a couple of days ago. It is a demanding process and I am taking it very seriously, when all of a sudden, Amir, the young guy in charge here came up to visit me. I didn’t like that Sushil had come to visit and came to see if he had left!!!
And this is where the story really begins. It is really something more suitable to the Mindfulness Journal, but I am posting it here as it is something which happened to be because I am on this journey in India, and it makes sense for it to be on the India Blog anyway. If you don’t agree, let me know.
First he asked if I had found a “friend”. (He is a sweet young, 25 year old Nepalese guy, but is not very discreet). He is always concerned that a “nice” lady like me doesn’t have a boyfriend, or at least a fling while on vacation and I always tell him I am not looking for that but for the “real thing”. He was of course referring to Ben who has been spending a lot of time around my room, and he assumed something was going on, but explained that there was nothing happening except sharing of healing sessions and pleasant discussions. He was sooooo disappointed and said “Oh, I was so happy for you because I thought you had a “friend” this time!”
And then he noticed I was working on the cards and we began talking about them and their uses, and I brought out two other decks to show him and he was amazingly interested in them. He looked at the cards with reverence, read a lot of them, and when he came to the Angel of “True Love” he commented “This is the card you need to pick”.
He is very intelligent and a highly spiritual being and we began a really serious discussion of some of the cards, and at some point the problem I have with my fear of traveling, or going to new places etc., came up. And THIS is the point of this whole post.
He looked at me and began asking me ,many questions, particularly about why and what I am afraid of etc. When I mentioned that it is all irrational and I’ve tried many ways of healing the problem, I also mentioned I feel it must be some trauma from a past life which has never been resolved…which lead to a discussion of past lives, and finally, he said he thinks he has a simple solution for me. It is WAS simply put, in very simple English, but quite profound. He gave me one concrete suggestion, and then two examples.
The suggestion, to overcome my fear of going alone to new places, which is even worse at night, was to wait until midnight, get dressed, WALK, ALONE to the nearby Spa, Narayana, get undressed and go swimming in the pool. And then walk back home alone. He said I would never be afraid again after that, not of the dark, not of being alone, not of going to a new place and not even of what might happen if someone sees me and what will happen etc. The idea is clear…confront your fear and overcome it!! But even thinking of the idea is terrifying to me, even though there is nothing really dangerous about it, and of course I won’t do it!!
Then he gave me the following two examples of how fear, or lack of it, can determine the outcome of events.
A guy has to get someplace and there are two paths. One is short but through the forest with wild animals and dangerous. The other is the long way around but safe. Which path is better to take. I of course said I always take the longer, but safe path. He said the guy decided he was in a hurry and to take the short dangerous one, but was not afraid at all as he knew he would be protected. And arrived at his goal quickly and safely, even though taken the dangerous path.
The second example. People travel very often from India to Nepal carrying large sums of money with them to bring home, in cash.. He does it too but never worries. He is calm and relaxed, attracts no attention, and has never had a problem. But other people are nervous, worried, frightened that they will be robbed, look anxious, attract attention, and in the end, THEY are the ones who DO get robbed.
No explanation is needed for either of the above, as they simply reinforce the idea that what is utmost in our thoughts is what happens. “Thoughts become things…choose the good ones”, etc. The fact that Amir, the young Nepalese working as reception manager at a guest house in Rishikesh to save money for his family at home would be profound enough to speak to me like this however, is the amazing part of this story. And he has made me begin thinking further about dealing with this fear. I don’t know yet how I will do it, but it has been on my mind more and more frequently over the past year, and SOMETHING will have to be done about it.
And that’s the story for today. Many different angels are sent to me with messages and today it was Amir.
PS: I am sitting out on my terrace, at 8:30 in the evening, listening to music and writing this. Although fairly warm for me during the few afternoon hours, the weather is otherwise beautiful.
THIS WAS NOT THE END…THIS WILL BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST…GETS MORE INTERESTING AND MORE EXCITING!!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
#12 March 4, 2008- Circus and Messages and Weather
Well, it was basically a quiet day, but yesterday evening I started to feel my hip for the first time in a very very long time and was trying to figure out why? (It is fine today). Eating all kinds of things I shouldn’t, perhaps weather changes, too much yoga, other activities, couldn’t figure it…
Turns out, today is a chamsin! I first noticed it in my hair, and then when I was out felt it was just “too hot” for me to be walking around and came back to my room to rest. I went down to the Wi-Fi café today WITH my laptop and the guy there was able to configure the settings for me and I had a lovely time using my own computer, but shlepping it down their was no fun at all. I will do it every so often, but still feel it easier to write here in the room and then send the stuff off…. Had a pleasant afternoon, did some more work with the new cards I bought (you can see a post about a message I received on my Mindfulness Journal...
HAVE TO! MUST DO! TIME OUT!
So the sudden weather change is what hit my hip…I’ve already made an appointment for a massage tomorrow morning (wanted one today but he was full up)…rested a lot, and then went out after 4 for my walk, had a nice lunch..came back to my room and found a sweet girl name Yael who arrived a couple of days ago and another Israeli (from Australia) and we sat for awhile, went to Mamaji’s for dinner (which I hardly ate) and then went down to see the circus rehearsal! Quite impressive. Maybe you can see something in the pictures.
Seems these young people from all over the world collect money from various places and then go to poor countries, particularly India for now, and perform for poor children and their families in schools etc., also teaching about the environment at the same time. It was fun and a pleasant surprise at the end of the day. I am now up in my room, listening to music, and even had to turn on the fan for a few minutes. I was considering extending my stay, but think I will come home as planned. I simply don’t feel like traveling around and would not be able to stay here longer due to the heat…and following the message I received today, I am even MORE relaxed and living the moment, so I have another 3 weeks to devote entirely to me and I will make every moment count.
I was asked to teach Reiki by a couple of girls, and something inside said “no”. Did a meditation on the question and was unequivocally told “NO”…but also told to offer them the same class back in Israeli for the Indian price, if they each bring a friend, and we’ve already discussed it and that is what I will do. Will give me an opening into a new market of Israelis and am sure will be a very good opportunity for me.
So, that’s about it for today…
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
#11- March 3, 2008- PEACEFUL DAY
Had an especially peaceful day today. Yesterday I exchanged healings with Ben and then went out for lunch and back for dinner at Mamaji’s…early to bed..I was very tired.
Early but very light breakfast today. I ate too much yesterday and felt it.
And then spent some time with Ben before going out. Picked up some DVD movies I had burnt for me from the originals…150 apiece instead of 450 at the CD shop I send everyone. Two days ago I had brought the rich ladies there and they bought a lot of stuff…also tried to get cheaper price and he held fast at the price he gave them. Well, when I came down today, the DVD’s were ready (these are movies mostly Tibetan, that I have not been able to download from the Internet), and when I went to pay my 600 rupees, he said “no…480. You deserve a discount as you brought people to me and also DID NOT ASK FOR ONE!”. I thought that was lovely…which means I got one almost free.
I will watch one tonight with Ben…”The Cup” which I never got around to seeing in Mcleod.
Then I continued down to the Book Shop by the German Bakery to look for the Cards I wanted. I found 2 sets I was interested in and bought them. And also a set of postcards, as Ben had given me an idea I never thought of. I am sending each of my grandchildren a postcard from India. Don’t know why I never thought of it all these years. I went into the German Bakery, ordered boiled veggies and lovely grilled cheese and tomato and sat to write the postcards and then go down and mail them. Realizing, that I don’t know everyones mailing addresses…only e-mails! Very Bad. So will get the addresses and mail them tomorrow. Had a lovely lunch, met some interesting people there, and then began working on the cards…A set by Caroline Myss called Archetypes and it is for personal growth purposes mainly. Fascinating. Based on archetypical Forms first mentioned by Plato but brought forward in the modern world by Carl Jung. I’ve begun working with them and you must be brutally honest about yourself to do the work. I have begun!!
Then I came back up…found Coconut Oil for one of my friends. And sandalwood oil which I didn’t buy as it was VERY expensive…will have to think about it. Moving further back up the hill, I stopped in a shop where I saw really nice stud earrings. I had looked at some in the shop with the rich ladies which were $40! Here they were 40 rupees!!! And nicer. I bought one pair and if they don’t bother my ears after a couple of days, will buy them in lots of colors. And while I was there, I looked at a mala necklace which has all the 9 sacred gemstones in it, and all the shops are asking 150 rupees. This guy asked only 100 rupees…did a test to prove to me they were real stones and not glass, and so I bought it also. Was very happy with myself and my purchases. Continued up to try and make an appointement for a facial, but no one was there. And then to my “grocery store” where I bought Yak cheese for dinner, found more of those lovely homemade chocolates which I should NOT be eating, as well as masala chai mix which I was looking for, AND Indian Taj Mahal tea to make chai with, and happily headed up to my room. Sat and worked on the cards for awhile longer until Ben came up to say hello and tell me about his day, and me him about mine, all the time listening to lovely music and sitting out on the roof terrace…(the weather has been perfect!)…he then went down for his dinner by Mamaji, I just had my crackers and cheese, and still listening to music, and then he will be coming up to watch one of the new movies with me.
Could there be a lovlier, more relaxing way to spend a day??
I am truly blessed….I have only 3 weeks left but am doing my best not to think about it. Just enjoying each day. One of these days soon I will go down and start bathing in the Ganga which has gotten a “little” warmer…still freezing cold mountain snow water, but maybe just up to my knees. I’ll see.
Namaste
Jane
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
#9-Feb 27,2008 Boring Life if you have to just read about it....
I think the blog posts this trip are basically pretty boring for others to read, but I find my days so full and exciting, and have a wonderful sense of wellbeing I haven’t had in a long time. Part of this I know probably has to do with my recent attempt to wean myself from HRT (which I’ve been using for about 15 years and never been happy about…but have never had luck in the past getting off it). This time I decided to try using ayurveda herbal replacements in one last attempt to get these chemicals out of my body, but after trying for almost 3 months, and every day seemingly worse than the day before, and I won’t go into the gruesome details here, I finally decided to get back on my hormones. And within 2 days I was feeling like my old happy, contented self, and in just 5 days, all other symptoms have disappeared. Now you may ask what made me make the final decision to give up trying…well, like most everything else in my life, I ask for guidance and direction from my Guides and the answer always comes…if I listen! This time I received the answer in a dream where I saw myself with my old happy spirit back and wished I could go back to that “self”…and the next morning I was out walking, and stopped into one of the book shops to browse, and the first book that my hand landed on was “Ayurveda for Women”, by Robert Svoboda, one of the foremost ayurveda doctors in the world today. I starting skimming through it and the page that opened was HRT and ayurveda!!! I quickly read over his description of how, in many cases, herbal remedies can reduce most symptoms and help women lead a normal life…however, there are certain cases where HE does not recommend giving up HRT…he says there are certain women who really must have these hormones replaced artificially in order stay in good health. He does not recommend it for “keeping young” etc…only where true health issues are present…and the biggest health issue he feels should be helped with HRT is osteoporosis…in cases of osteoporosis, he ALWAYS recommends his patients use HRT as they are not simply trying to get rid of hot flashes or have younger looking skin etc. And this is MY issue… So I was given a definite “go ahead” to going back on hormones without feeling guilty, and know that this has added to my feelings of contentment and wellbeing which have been missing for some months now. The change is tangible. I am happy that I gave this a fair try, but am also happy that I am now back to the “real” me! I have begun writing a post about the people I have met on this trip, and it will be quite long when finished…I may post it in sections, but for now will write before posting it. Today I had a lovely walk as you can see from some of the photos and the very short video. The sound of silence is a rare commodity in India, and walking up this road following the Ganga up into the hills was a real thrill for me this morning.
The weather is getting hotter by the day, and soon I won’t be able to take these long walks I imagine, but for now, it is invigorating and I feel uplifted when I am out in nature like this. On the way back, I decided to really go all the way with lunch, and had a veggie burger on roll, salad and chips! Now I know this doesn’t sound like anything terrible, but the burger was made with potatoes, a definite no-no for me, I am not supposed to eat cold salad, and then of course the chips!!! But it was soooooooooooo delicious, and I Rekiied the food before eating it, as I usually do, but with extra added blessings for good health, did some Reiki after eating, and so far am feeling no side effects other than joy at having eaten it! And to end it off, I stopped off to buy something sweet and found a box of homemade choclates that a local mamaji makes, and bought a box. Haven’t tried them yet, but will this evening….Yesterday evening a nice guy I met did a shamanic healing on me and got rid of the last remnants of a slight dry cough which seemed to persist in the evening hours when the weather changed, and today he surprised me with a visit and asked for a Reiki Healing in exchange…which I happily did…helping him get rid of some deep seated pain, sadness and grief over a recent incident in his life. And then the evening proceeded to move along and we went together for dinner at Mamaji’s, came back to the room with our chai’s and ate chocolate which was DEEEEEEEEEEELICIOUS!. Yesterday, after lunch, I took a Rishshaw down into the market because I really needed sandals and couldn’t get what I wanted in my size up here where I did last year. The main road into town is closed for roadwork so the rickshaws (and every other type of vehicle) must use the back alleyways to get into the market in town…these alleys are barely wide enough for 2 rickshaws to pass each other, with gulleys along both sides of the road which an unwary driver could easily fall into….and now these alleyways are being used not only by rickshaws and motorbikes, but by huge 4x4 vehicles filled to overflowing with tourists…navigating a rickshaw past one of these was an amazing experience…even the Indians, who are nonchalant about this kind of stuff, applauded the driver when we got past not one, not two, but THREE of these vehicles without mishap and eventually got into town. I immediately found sandals, and then went exploring. Bought nail polish (have to do my toenails if I want to wear sandals…did a pedicure last night)…and then went down to the puja ghat and to my great joy found the public toilets. I always have a problem with needing a toilet and so every one I found is a real blessing. It means next time I go into town I don’t have to hurry home! Well, I’ll end this here and see about getting it posted today or tomorrow. Remember, if a post contains a video you must view it in the blog to be able to open the video…like the party one I sent several days ago.
Namaste Jane
Sunday, February 24, 2008
#8 Feb 24, 2008 -Message from an Angel
OK…so, what’s happening? Why am I not writing? Because I simply don’t feel like it. I see things during the day which draw my attention, but it is not in the form of needing to report or “tell about”, but more in the way of mindfulness…being….being with and in the moment completely. I don’t even have the need to take my camera out as I thought I would, and take some videos. It is a very liberating feeling, I have to tell you. But I have been walking every day, each day in a different direction, and have so far discovered a restaurant in whatever area I happen to be when lunch time comes around, which will serve me good healthy food, and so I allow myself to eat whatever I feel like for my evening meal. Tonight I am going to Mamaji for Thali for the first time since I’ve arrived. My appetite is back and I am really hungry during the day. I have a snack in the afternoon as well, but so far, at least according to what my jeans are telling me, I have not gained any weight so far…I am feeling really good. Today I was out too long in the sun and fearing no toilet, did not drink enough, so have a slight headache, but nothing terrible. I also found, so far, 2 very clean public toilets during my walks which is good to know about.
I DID “redo” my room today and it is still small but feels a lot more homelike and I am happier now coming back into its energies…this also gives me a good feeling.
I am beginning to write some posts for my Mindfulness Journal which I hope will be ready over the next few days, but again, nothing because I “have to”…only because I
“feel like”. It is quite pleasant for me. We generally have so many things we “must” do that we don’t get around to the important things…to just “being”.
So, why am I writing at all today? To tell you about the first message I received…and it was so subtle, that I did not realize it was a message until a day later, and have not had the time to write about it since then.
While I was still not feeling entirely myself, and still a little despondent, and also feeling guilty about not “doing” anything with the short time I have here, I asked for clarity, direction, guidance before going to sleep one night, as I often do when I need insights and understanding.
Next day, I found a lovely e-mail from a wonderful friend I met last year in India, as response to my post #4. And after reading it once, and then once again, I realized that this lovely man was the angel sent to deliver the message this time. So I will copy most of the e-mail he sent, and just tell you that what he wrote was exactly what I needed to hear and was obviously a direct reply to my request the evening before at bedtime:
Thanks for the latest update. Pleased to have your news.
I totally empathize with your sense of a need to scale back a bit on
your "output" generally. I've been through the same introspective
analysis too. I regularly feel the need to interface with the greater
world and also my closer friends in a more interactive and
comprehensive way. Personally, though, I also know that I need more
time to ponder where I'm at and where to focus my energy next. I've
neglected some of my self-development - I need to spend a lot more
time just in contemplation and meditation - the problem for me is
getting focussed. . . . but it is difficult for people like ourselves to disengage or trim back our wider involvement in things. It is not a "cop out" or "reduced energy with age thing" but a maturity "thing" (for want of a better word ). I feel I need to evolve a bit to my own next level and that my "busy-ness" is just an excuse to put off my own inner development. I'm working on it anyway.
. . . You get lots of R&R and let the rest of the world stumble along a
bit. YOU are valuable too and deserve some downtime.
Hugs,
I am leaving it anonymous, but will just say that this person was just as surprised to find out he was an angel as I was. I LOVE the way things work!!!
Namaste
Jane
Thursday, February 21, 2008
#6..Feb 21, 2008 - assuming the #5 with the video uploaded earlier….
Well, things are starting to fall into a pattern, and I see now why I can never stay less than 3 weeks in any place if I’m really to get a feel for it. For the last 3 days I’ve been out walking, and yesterday I took the scenic road down all the way to Welcome Center where they have really good, homemade, made as you order it, Ayurveda cooking. As good as what I cook and enjoy at home. And I was not disappointed. So, decided to go there every day for lunch, which means I get two wholesome meals in a day as breakfast is my regular soaked overnight dried fruits and almonds mixed with porridge. That leaves me the fun of doing what I want in the evening and the rest of the day without feeling too guilty, and still being able to feel like I’m on vacation.
Today I decided, the weather being lovely, to take the full walk around. All in all it is about 4 km. I imagine but not quite sure as it is just so pleasant you don’t feel the distance. I walked down to Laxman Jula, crossed over the bridge and then headed up to Ram Jula, which I know is 2.5 km along the Ganga. The walk was beautiful and I felt alive and invigorated with a sense of wellbeing I haven’t felt in a long time. I felt so blessed I found tears welling up in my eyes. (By the way, I am now sitting outdoors, at 6 PM, listening to classical music, enjoying the air on the roof here, and of course enjoying my laptop).
Just before Ram Jula, I came to vivek’s center, the place I did my panchakarma last year, and he was there, so we sat and chatted for about an hour, I noted some definite improvements in the center. I mentioned that the Ganga seemed very low this year and he explained that is because there has been a late winter, and the snows haven't begun melting yet. Once they do, the river will fill up as I remember it. And then continued on my way, back across the Ganga via Ram Jula and again over to Welcome Center, where I had another lovely lunch.
Came back, played around with the video I took last night of the party, which I hope I’ll be able to upload to my blog without too much trouble. You are invited to listen to it just to hear the music…there is not much to see…
And then Amir, the guy in charge here, came to say hello and we had an interesting, and pleasant talk for another while…he was quite excited seeing the videos I took and asked if he could use my camera to take pictures of his work here to send back to his family in Nepal…of course I agreed…I will burn them to a CD for him afterwards. He also looked at pictures of my family and his face was alive with pleasure…he is young, about 25 I think, but you can see he misses his family. He was completely taken in by the kids, with comments about all of them, and even did a fairly good job of figuring out who the brothers and sisters were…and then he saw the pic of my girls, and Mom, and he couldn’t stop commenting. But the biggest reactions were for the men in the family…all struck his fancy…and he said Yaniv looks much much younger, and of course handsomer, without his rastot. But the final comment was for Shai…he took one look at him, asked who he was, and said “He is dangerous” He should be in the movies…the girls better watch out”. I told him he has a girlfriend and he said that SHE better keep him under lock and key…he is too gorgeous.
The evening calls of the birds has just begun…it sounds like they are arguing over who gets to sleep where tonight…what a racket!!
Anyway, I am now just writing this up to let you know that my days have found their even keel, with my morning time well spent and worthwhile, and the rest of my day spent just being. I often think that it seems strange to have to come all the way to India to do this, but I just can’t seem to manage it at home. And it is something I feel I need to get back into myself and move forward. Exactly where this trip will take me, I still don’t know, but I am finally beginning to enjoy each step of the journey once again.
Just a quick observation. Considering how sick I was just last week, and howquickly and easily I recovered, I know that the relative healthy state of my body following my recent panchakarma, the combination of antibiotics for a quick jump-start for 3 days and the ayurvedic meds I wastaking, and most important, the 2 hours of daily Reiki I did tomyslef...alll worked together in beautiful harmony. Which is as it should be. Reiki is wonderful on its own but is a perfect compliment to all other forms of medical treatment as well.
Love to all
Jane
Sunday, June 10, 2007
India Journal 2006- #72- June 9-10 The Heat, the Butterfly and Making the Most of ...
Just a few days left...I have taken to sitting outdoors, either on my own balcony or at Nick's from around 6 PM until it gets dark. And I am rewarded with a cool breeze, although the air is still sultry and humid. And with lovely dusks and sunsets...always with the mountain peak and its changing face in front of me. Also napping, or at least resting under the fan during the worst hours of the afternoon. No real appetite but doing my best to eat 3 meals a day. I will miss this all when I get ome. Where will I sit each evening? Who will lovingly serve me a lite meal in such a lovely, [peaceful setting? And as an addition to these last days, each day, at some point
a friend finds me and we sit for awhile just passing time when the heat keeps us from doing anything else. Yesterday I went to see "Happy Feet" but the sound wasn't working properly so the whole effect was lost and I will see it again at home.
I've finally had to do my last minute shopping here. What I had planned to do more cheaply in Delhi's Main Bazaar, but with temps hovering at 48 degrees there, I doubt I'll be able to. Will probably not get back to Anokhi at Khan market either as planned so will save some money as well. Even the heat is a blessing at times!!
This morning, at breakfast, an angel came to see me just to let me know that the world is still a lovely and pleasant place to be...despite the heat, and my leaving here soon...This time disguised as a butterfly, which flew past me, returned, and then lighted right on the page of the book I was holding and reading. It sat there, as if looking at me, for 3 minutes! It was white with lovely blue markings and blue antennas and eyes.
And now to get on with my day. Which, at 9 AM, is already sweltering.
Feel like just sitting here in the shade for awhile longer and not moving. But have some things to take care of and then will go rest until lunch time. Such a difficult existence these last few days.
Well, I met a friend at the restaurant attached to my hotel, and had an urge for a burger. Ordered a Tofu burger with chips (!)...It was scrumptious...I really really enjoyed every bite of it...but for a few hours following, my stomach let me know that this was definitely not according to the rules.
I am now fine, after a read, a nap, and a glass of mint tea...and meeting with another friend for an hour or so. Ordered my taxi, bought a book which hopefully will get me through the next days (I seem to be devouring them at an incredible rate lately...that's what comes from not walking 3-4 hours a day). And now here I am, posting what might just be my last, if not next to last journal entry for this trip.
So...namaste to all...it's been fun sharing with you...hope you enjoyed as well.
Jane
Friday, June 08, 2007
India Journal 2006-#71-June 5-8, 2007 Getting Close to the Wire
Just going over the past few days with some interesting meetings and comments and thoughts. I am getting close to the wire so to speak, and trying to make the most of every moment despite the fact that conditions are not ideal.
The weather has finally gotten hot here as well and will remain so for another couple of weeks until Monsoon begins toward the end of June. Yesterday for example, at 5 in the afternoon when it had already started cooling down a little bit, it was 30 degrees in the shade...it was well up into the 30's during the day, morning hours being the hottest...I am using my fan all the time now, even at night, and last night I slept without my blanket for the first time...just top sheet and little bed cover...it doesn't even get really cool even at night now, although it is pleasant enough once the sun goes down around 8 PM. If I am in the shade, it is OK, but the weather has pretty much confined me to town, as I cannot go walking any longer. Even if I take a Rickshaw up the mountain, it is still too hot to walk around up there, as much of the walking is in the sun. I go for a walk for about an hour, just up and down around town in the evening, and of course still walk back and forth during the day, but spend lots of time relaxing in my room or on the balcony in the shade.
So, what has happened over the past few days...
Well, William left 2 days ago, and I am once more left on my own. But, as I will write soon, never really alone it seems, at least not for any significant length of time.
I sent out my final package, weighing about 6 KG. And, although it is fairly simple here, just take the package to be parceled right next door to my hotel and one door away from the Post Office, and then into the post office and off it goes. Problem was, one of the 500 rupee notes I had (and the very end of my money that day), had a small corner torn, and so the Post Office refused to take it. so I went off to change it at the Bank, but when I got there, there was a very very long line. Remember, each person is depositing or withdrawing money in general, or paying a bill, and they do not have the automatic counting machines like banks at home have. and in Rupees there are MANY notes to count. So first the clerk has to count sometimes thousands of notes, and then recount them, then give them to the person who also counts them to be sure, meaning each person in line is there at least 15 minutes, many longer. There were 10 people on line in front of me. So I asked one of the other clerks if they could just change the note for me, but was told I had to wait on line!! And that's when I decided to beat the system. Walked back to the POst office and told the lady there that the bank said the note was good and did not need to be exchanged. I was very quiet, but did not back down, and after much discussion among the Postal employees, I found myself with the proper change in hand and a receipt for the package. I was so proud of myself.
I have apparently lost weight this trip and as I have been as careful as I can manage to eat properly, and stay away from cakes and sweets (generally speaking...), the weight has stayed off...I guess I am thinner than when I left home but I really feel good, and when I truly have the need, I eat something sweet, cake, or chocolate etc. But certainly not on a regular basis. I also seem to get along on much less food, particularly not having the need to eat anything, usually, between meals.
Just as William left and I thought I would settle down to a couple of quiet, alone days, Shanti (the healer who did the aura transformation for me, met me and asked for a few Reiki/healing sessions. I began them a couple of days ago and so far we have done 2, with 2 more scheduled. They have been very powerful for both of us. I find myself more and more tuned into events and feelings in other people's lives, intuitively, with much guidance...but I am no longer doubtful of what I sense, and the things I understand and then discuss with my clients, are always intense and important for them. Every time I move deeper into these places, I have more and more faith in the guidance I am given, and in myself as a healer. It is a true blessing to be in this new place. When I finished with her that day, I thought to go for a lite dinner and early to bed.
Just as I finished eating at Nick's, Vanessa, a friend from Rishikesh walked in and sat down with me, and shortly after, Akhilesh walked in as well. He and Vanessa also know each other as she took a meditation course with him. And we sat and talked for 3 hours. It was 10 by the time I headed home and on the way a an urge for chocolate. I bought a small bar with fruit and nuts and headed to my room. Ate the chocolate and read for awhile and was sure the late hour together with the chocolate would preclude easy sleeping, but I slept like a log until morning!!
Things seem to just keep flowing beautifully for me. The next day I met Yanna, the lady I met at the beginning with broken wrist, and we spent some pleasant time together as well. It seems that each day has some kind of social "event" occurring without any pre-planning. Yesterday I went to get one more thing from Ashok, the chemist, and met his girlfriend there and we sat and spoke for quite awhile as well. That's where I saw the temperature...he has a thermometer on his balcony.
Last night, decided to pick a Tarot card for some quick insight into my homecoming and what to expect or to do, direction for the next few months, etc.. Well, the card
I picked was PATIENCE...which says, in short......"simply be alert, patient, waiting...contented in waiting...be passive...let nature take its course like phases of the moon...not sleepy or indifferent...be ready for something momentous...a time full of mystery like the hours just before dawn...it is time when the only thing to do is wait!".
Couldn't have found something more perfect to take home with me!!
And that's about it. Today was even hotter yet. It is only 10 AM and it must be 35 degrees already....I will make it through the next few days with this enforced resting...and hopefully come home to cooler weather...although from what I hear, it is no different at home!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
India Journal 2006-#70-June 5, 2007 - ANGEL IN DISGUISE
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
William is more than just a great guy sent to make my final days in McLeod more pleasurable before my return home. He is basically a catalyst for further deep and final cleansing of baggage and his presence seems to give me intense focus which enables me to review past lessons already learnt over the last years. And in reviewing, and actually reliving them in very vivid dreams, the insights learnt from those lessons are even more deeply imprinted...never to be forgotten as I continue forward.
It is as if he has been sent to intensify every other form of detoxification I've been through this journey and make possible a final, indelible imprint, never to be forgotten and therefore never having to be re-learnt- of those lessons which have made such enormous changes in my life. Every important lesson in my "education" over the past 8 years has been given a thorough review, by forcing me to return to each incident, each relationship, relive it, actually FEEL it once again, and permanently ingrain the lesson deep within my soul making it absolutely definite that I will never again have to "do these courses".
I am now completely free, liberated, and can truly move forward with a "blank slate" as it were, into the new future which awaits me!
This past week has left me feeling renewed, younger in spirit and unburdened, lighter than I have felt in a very long time.
William is just another one of God's messengers, angels in disguise, lovingly sent my way in answer to prayers for further guidance, direction and clarity. But this time, the disguise is not a tree, or a channeled message or poem, or a dream or a bird or a tarot card. This time the angel is disguised as a wonderful, fun loving, cute, intelligent and perfectly lovely and loving guy who has brought nothing but lightness and joy into the past few days.
Usually my lessons are not learnt pleasantly. Very often they are quite unpleasant, but I could not have imagined a more pleasing way for this last lesson of this trip to be experienced.
Although I happily and gratefully accept any guides and angels in any form they may take, I would LOVE to have more angels like William in the future!
I am truly blessed. Thank you!
Monday, June 04, 2007
India Journal 2006 -#69- June 4, 2007- Horseback Riding
Well, today I went horseback riding with William. We first went up the mountain where I usually walk, and then continued to trails which I've partially walked in the past but never to the end. It was quite lovely. At the beginning I was very tense, felt like I would fall off the horse, was holding on really tight and not enjoying, but after the first 1/2 hour I relaxed into the swing and really began to enjoy the vista from up on the horse. I didn't take too many pics as I couldn't do it while riding...but we stopped a couple of times, and I also took a video while riding which you'll have to wait to see. coming DOWN hill was not comfortable and when we got closer to Dharamkot, we both got off and walked the rest of the way and that was fine. William is an accomplished rider, but everyone was very patient with me and I had a lovely lovely day...a real adventure.
Yesterday was a REAL storm again, but it cleared the air and the weather could not have been more perfect for this day out...I am truly blessed, again, and as always!
Enjoy the pics and imagine how much fun I was having.!!
Namaste
Jane
Half Way Point...I've very often walked up to this point but not by going all the way around the mountain as we did today.
First Rest Stop Overlooking Dal Lake and Naddi etc....been up
here by foot before a few years ago with Anil..
William
Both of Us
William at the Half way Point
From Here you can begin the walk down to the waterfalls
or up to Triund...we just rested and then came back down!!
Horsies
Overlooking Dal Lake, Army Cantonement, TCV and further to
the right, Naddi
Naddi..note the HUGE tower on the left...new...good phone
reception but not very pretty
Naddi
Guide and his son (who got to ride my horse most of the way
down and was quite happy!)
Dal Lake
Saturday, May 26, 2007
India Journal 2006 - MESSAGES FROM THE OTHER SIDE-India, May 26, 2007
Since this post really is one for the Mindfulness Journal, I have posted it there and you can follow the link
HERE
to read about my "chance" meeting with a medium at breakfast this morning, who had an entity, with a message for me, appear to her while we were eating!! Quite amazing!
Enjoy and believe if you choose to...I am sure it is real.
Namaste
Jane
Friday, May 25, 2007
India Journal 2006-#64 May 24,-25- And Another Couple of Days Go By
Thursday
Big improvement in my health but still not "myself"...or maybe this is a "new self"?. all I feel like doing is NOTHING! Just reading, enjoying the mountain air, listening to music....when I even THINK of walking up the mluntain I feel weakness all over! Maybe it's just too soon.
I am trying to relax into this feeling of doing nothing. (Things tend to happen when you are doing nothing....just BEING). Nick's, with its lovely terrace, good inexpensive food and fresh view of the mountains, as well as plenty of shade (the weather is still very hot), and of course nice clean toilet...I've made it my refuge this week. I come here in the morning
for breakfast and usually evening for dinner..it is about as far as I can walk anyways these days. I can sit here for as long as I want...sometimes I meet people...sometimes I don't...either is fine.
Perhaps this is forced relaxation for me as I have had VERY little of it since I got to India and probably will have none when I get home in 3 weeks. Not even my house to myself. So will make every effort to appreciate what I have, as boring as it may sound, for as long as it lasts. I still look forward to walking the mountain, but will not let NOT doing it depress me.
3 PM same day.....Feeling even better than this morning and know another day or so will do it. Did alot of walking today, in town, for the first time in 4 days. It's also turned very warm. and for the first time I need the fan in my room. Happy that I opted for a room with fan now that I need it.
Time is getting short but I am sure I will begin walking again in a couple of days and my mood has swiftly changed and I have my smile back. It was a hard 4 days for me, but not bad in retrospect and did put things into perspective for me so I can't complain.
I am grateful and accepting of ALL things which come my way and know each thing is for a reason which will benefit me in some way.
Friday
Woke up to a nasty day (of course ...after 2 lovely ones!)...decided to do a little walking but I guess I was being told it was too soon. By mid-morning a storm had rolled in, the wind was so powerful it was howling and the tall pines were swaying from side to side as if they were broomsticks...the power was off and I was up in my room.
So, to keep my feet moving, danced for an hour...the storm was over, with no rain, after 2 hours and now again it is VERY dry and quite hot outside.
Went to Ashoka for lunch as I felt the need for some chicken. My appetite has come back, but as I am trying to be careful about what I eat, I am quite limited and it is difficult to fill my stomach. Well, I ate the best chicken tikka I have ever had in India. Perfectly seasoned and not cooked until it is dry, but so juicy it melted in my mouth. and I met a lovely Israeli couple there. I had this uncontrollable urge to speak to them and turns out that he runs a center in Ramat Hasharon for body/soul work for professionals...doctors, psychotherapists, nurses etc. I will check out their website but it seems like a really serious center where only quality professionals come to supplement their regular work life with body/spirit work. Meditation, Vipassana, Buddhist philosophy etc. We spoke for awhile and they were quite interested in what I do and what I plan to do with spiritual group tours in India, and perhaps this is another direction for me when the time comes. It certainly was not "just by chance"that we met. We all realized that. Will send more info when I have it.
Feeling much better today, although still not 100%...but being patient and enjoying lots of music and reading.
Have my final Aura transformation this evening and will learn some interesting things there which I will write about tomorrow....all things are coming to a climax now and I think the next 3 weeks will give birth to many new things for me before I get home.
That's about it for today....boring again I know but what to do?
Namaste
Jane
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
India Journal 2006-#63 May 22,-23- Somewhere Over the Rainbow...and the Elephant
The pictures here do not do justice to what the afternoon brought today, but if you use your imagination, you will feel the blessing I felt when this rainbow appeared.
I was sitting out on the balcony with a new lady who just checked in, and a storm started to blow up so we back into our rooms. As I got into my room, I saw the sun was out on the other side of the sky and figured there had to be a rainbow, so go tmy camera and went back out, to find the lady there as well, figuring the same thing as me.
And as we stood there, quite disappointed that there was no rainbow, all of a sudden, it began to appear. Slowly and faintly at first, but as the rain and wind picked up, the colors became more alive and vibrant, and it actually began in the valley floor and spread all the way around to the trees behind us. I could not capture the whole scene, and the camera does NO justice whatsoever to the brilliance of the colors. And I've never really seen a rainbow which begins on the ground and 1/3 of it is on "land" before ascending into the heavens. It became more and more colorful and brilliant as we watched, for over 15 minutes, and then, although I doubt you can see it in the last picture, a second rainbow appeared, very faint but definitely there, above the first. So, for all the terrible weather we've been experiencing here, this was a true blessing and quite impressive. God's gifts to us are with us at every moment, but sometimes he has the need to do something spectacular to remind us!!
I Went to the Ayurveda doctor in the morning as I was feeling so bad it was becoming depressing, my third day with fever and weakness, headcold etc. He gave me something and lo and behold, I slept like a baby last night without 3 pillows to prop me up, nose dry, no cough and no fever. Too bad I didn't check him out 3 days ago!
I am still quite weak today and sure it will be a few more days, but there is a vast imporvement, in my spirits as well! He told me to continue to take the meds for three full days AFTER I'm feeling completely better. I will bring some of this stuff home with me as well.
The weather I'm sure is part of the problem, as many people are sick now...sun in the morning, stormy in the evening, and today is VERY dry and VERY hot.
I know this journal has become quite boring, but I find that I no longer have the need to WRITE about what I see here all the time...that should not be construed to mean that I take all the beauty around me for granted!! Far from it! I sit here and count my blessings many times each day and thank God often for allowing me to be here once again. But the need to describe each thing as it happens, or as I see it unfold before me, seems to no longer be a pressing need as it once was.
So, for those who still need to read these descriptive posts, simply go to my other India Journal (you can find the link on the sidebar) and check out the descriptive posts from McLeod and you will see either for the first time, or once again, the miraculous things which one finds here and the miracles that Nature and God can achieve just by being with them here in the mountains.
AND JUST TO KEEP THINGS INTERESTING ANYWAY...
While sitting on the balcony and looking across the valley to the road on the other side of the mountain, I saw an elephant coming down Bhagsu Road. At first I thought I was dreaming as I've never seen an elephant here in town before, but I followed it down the road and sure enough, it was an elephant, with loads of children running after it down the road.
If I had felt OK, I would have gone down and over to Bhagsu road to see it as it arrived in town, but you will have to take my word for it, there definitely was an elephant here yesterday!
Namaste
Jane
Monday, May 14, 2007
India Journal 2006-#60-May 14th....the Blessing of Silence
After 45 minutes of walking UP ltierally, I've come to a place where nothing exists except the forest.
As luck would have it, my camera, which I remembered to bring, is out of batteries and even the spares are dead! So I've pulled up some pictures from my trip here in 2003, but they will give you some feeling as to what I am writing about in this post. They are from the same area, but not the exact spot. This time I was even further into the dense forest, but of course no pics to show for it.
It is SOOOOOOOOOOO quiet...no cicadas, which is strange, and no birds singing. there is almost a vacuum where no sound exists, but which is pierced every few minutes by the cry of a crow, the call of a solitary bird or the shriek of a falcon. there are NO people here, not even a sign of people. Can see neither McLeod on one side nor Dharamkot on the other. Just heard a distant mooing from a cow down in the village...I am not the first person
to find this place as there are tattered prayer flags strung from a few trees. All I see are the pines soaring straight up, majestically reaching for the sun which does not penetrate down to the forest floor through the thick covering of trees. They soar 30-40 meters high ( I think...not good at this kind of measuring) but the pics above will give you some idea.
Complete oneness with Nature and with God. Just saw a weasel ! The silence is almost deafening. As if it is penetrating and pounding within me. So, on to some meditation and get this off to you later today or tomorrow.
Well, that idea didn't work. Even though I have put on insect repellent, am wearing shoes, socks and jeans, and a shirt covered with a shawl, the mosquitoes have found me...perhaps so few people come here they are in need of a feast! Whatever, I felt the bites through all those layers and finally had to give up the idea of peaceful meditation, and will just sit and enjoy the silence...meditative in itself.
Well, sat there for about 1 hour and on the way down I saw an "ancient" shepherd, could have been 60 or 100...no way to tell, urging his goats down the sheer steep slope fo the mountain and he followed them as spritely as though he was one of them. Gave me a big smile, namaste and wave.
and just as I was happy about the fact that Anil didn't follow me this time, as he always used to (he knew where I was going since he'd asked), as I got back to the tea house, he was waiting and said "Where did you go, I went looking for you!". He assumed I'd take the long (but easier) road up and didn't imagine I'd go up the steep mountain path so he didn't find me when he went looking. So looks like I still have a problem. I made it clear to him that I am busy almost every day and go to sleep at 8:30. Hopefully this will keep him up in Dharamkot.
Anyway, took a footpath down to Bhagsu, a new way I'd never gone before, pleasant and easy, and am now at Gypsey King and have ordered KITCHERI which I have been looking for since I left Rishikesh!!
Slowly things are falling into place and before you know it, I am home and will have to start AGAIN putting my life together in a new place.
But days like these are a true blessing and will try to have as many as possible before I leave here in a month.
Namaste
Jane
