Wednesday, February 28, 2007

India Journal 2006 #15 February 27-Insights and Thoughts

DETOXIFICATION ON EVERY LEVEL AND THE OPENING OF CHANNELS TO RECEIVE EVEN MORE FROM
GOD AND THE UNIVERSE

You may find this post interesting, or perhaps not and that is why I have noted in the title that it is mosting insights and thoughts about personal issues, so feel free to skip it on wait for something more interesting. In general, this trip is different from my other trips, (each trip has its own character anyway, but due to the nature of this trip, there really is not much "travelogue" stuff in it in general).

Well, after getting back to my room last night after 11, full of adrenalin and just plain good fun from the wonderful company and general nonsense talk of the whole evening, I found myself awake the entire night, not falling into a peaceful sleep until 6 AM. I awoke at 8:30 as usual, so the day was strange anyway, and spent most of it in my room...eating in the room, and finally, as a finale


having an amazing session with a young girl here...but that will be coming later.

Once I realized I would not be falling asleep, I figured I would make the most of my time and started out doing a couple of interesting, deep cleansing meditations. I figured they were in place following the physical (what I assumed was completely physical) detox I got with the panchakarma. That took up some time, and then still feeling completely awake, decided to do a full Reiki session, thinking it would relax me into sleep as it usually does. No such luck. While doing the Reiki as I usually do, almost every day, I had a profound breathing experience where I had the sensation of every pore in my body breathing...I could literally feel the breath, the air, going in and out of all the pores in my body, from legs up to my head. I felt completely energized in a very direct way, and felt as if I had slept for several hours by the time all this was over. To top it all off, I received a "message" which I was asked to pass on word for word to a young girl who I had spoken to briefly here. She was one of the girls at our laughing dinner in the evening, but I knew pretty much nothing about her personally, except her name and that she had a great smile and loved to laugh. The message was delivered basically the same way my own messages are given to me, but this is the first time I have ever been sent a message for another person! It spooked me a little bit and wasn't even sure I had understood correctly, but in the end, I decided to meditate again during the day on the matter, and I asked that if this message was INDEED for this girl, that she should come to my room to see me. (We had spoke very quickly about her coming around "one day" for a Tarot reading...never setting a date or anything). The second I finished my meditation, there was a knock on my door...guess who it was!?!? I will write more about this later...in the proper order of events.

And then I began to relax into myself and "things" began to come together...so the rest may not seem completely orderly, but I am putting down here things I understood that night and other things that followed in consequence the next day through to yesterday evening....

I have once again been placed in the role of Mataji, Mother, as I always seem to be in the end. The nurturing person who takes care of all the "children"...many of them almost my age, but never mind. I become the Mother figure very quickly. But in the past it has mostly been for girls and women. This time I have some guys in the picture as well. Perhaps this will finally give me some insights into the heart of my own son who I seem to be completely out of touch with.

In addition, many of the people I have met here are reflecting back to me issues I am still working on and lessons which I am still dealing with. "Proper listening", fear of getting to new places alone(even when walking, not only when driving), and opening the heart to loving relationships with the opposite sex. These 3 types have all come into my life as multiple examples over the past few weeks since I arrived here. I see through them, clearing, where I was, and how far I have indeed come in these 3 issues, but also where I still have to work.

When I finally awoke to a dreary, windy morning, I decided to order breakfast in my room, listen to music and just take a "day off" from vacationing! Music, reading, cards, maybe even dance a little in my room...and here is the next fascinating thing which occurred.

I was listening to Rikudei Am (Israeli folkdancing which I 've been dancing regularly for about 30 years)...I haven't felt like dancing since several months before my Father passed last October. Which means 7-8 months I haven't danced...the longest I've gone without dancing in all those years.

While listening to the music, all of a sudden I got the urge to get up and dance! I have a picture of my father always in my room, and I felt him looking at me with his lovely smile and saying "Go dance already, will ya!"...Turned to look at his picture and he is glowing with joy for me. So I finished my breakfast and began dancing right away. All the years I've danced, my father had never seen me actually dancing. Today he watched me for the full hour and we both had a great time!!!

Considering I hadn't danced in so long, and hadn't slept most of the night, I'm proud of myself and worked up a good sweat in the bargain. It's windy and cold so that was great. But I also realized something else re the Panchakarma treatments (and perhaps the cleansing meditation during the night, the reiki and breathing experience all added to this effect). My appetite had returned already a couple of days ago, but things were sitll not back to normal completely. This morning was the first time since my digestive system was shut down for cleansing by the treatments, that "what went in, finally began to come out". It was a way of saying: "You're completely cleansed of all toxins...including emotional ones, and ready to begin as fresh as new...and I immediately afterwards felt like dancing!

The whole nite of not sleeping, complex thoughts and issues continued to surface hour after hour...more detoxification of negativity in all forms...

Following all this...I did my nails and by then it was lunchtime, which I also had in my room.

The day passed and then, as mentioned above, I began contemplating the "message" which I had received during the night for this young girl. And, as mentioned, just as I requested validation etc., she knocked on my door.

I was amazed, and she was as well when I told her what had happened...about the message I received for her and my just finishing a meditation regarding the message and asking for her to come to me if I was truly meant to pass it on to her.

We spoke for awhile...I won't go into personal details, but it turns out that EXACTLY what I was told to pass on to her, were the answers to questions she has been asking for the past number of days about a certain aspect of her personal life. In addition, we did a tarot reading which gave much clarity to the issue, I gave her "homework" and she will come back in 3 days and we will continue. I was quite shaken by the whole thing and had a long "session" afterwards in a meditative state as well. It was all quite profound and uplifting...and I slept sooooooooo peacefully last night.

I woke to a really cold and rainy, today was just a "hanging around" day...but I am feeling very well and very pleased with all the last couple have days have brought me and taught me.

I am truly loved and blessed.
Namaste
Jane







Read More...

India Journal 2006 #14 February 26-CAMERA DAY!

Monday, Feb. 26th CAMERA DAY

I got a really good suggestion from a nice lady in the guesthouse, Shakti, who is a professional photographer...I had mentioned that I hate going around with the camera as I miss out on the moment when I am constantly thinking about what to photograph. she says she simply puts herself in "photo mode" for the day and then ALL she does is be a photographer...the rest of the days she forgets it.

So I decided to try that today and it was really a good idea. And turned out to supply me with some lovely shots as you can see in the next few posts....

All in all it was a lovely day...walked across the bridge, saw a palm reader who works out of a little alcove on the street floor of the Temple (when i feel like it I might even let you know what he said...it was interesting and quite fun. Even just meeting him was great...a very sweet old man...very pleasant and much love and joy in his eyes)

I had thought to have a nice vegetable salad at the orphanage
but remembered it was closed on Mondays, so tried a new place near my guesthouse which looked inviting. you take off your shoes when you come in and sit on a ledge where there are tables...quite interesting. In the end I ordered a plate of steamed veggies and it was an enormous portion but quite well prepared...very fresh and served with olive oil. It took ages for it to arrive but she explained that they have nothing cooked in advance and cook according to order. She also mentioned that if you come in the evening when it is busy, you might have to "wait awhile" to get served!

This should have warned me....a few "girls" had decided to meet for dinner and we went there as it was nearby....well, we waiting, and I am not exaggerating, 1 1/2 hours for our food...and we were REALLY starving by then. And had gotten to the point where we were punch drunk and giddy and laughing hysterically about all kinds of silly things. Then, by the time we got back to the guesthouse, decided we were still hungry and so had desserts...and more laughter. Just a lovely fun evening....but I didn't get to sleep until after 11 and for me that is a problem as you will see from the post #15 coming next.

Read More...

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Outside My Room in Rishikesh

Just thought you'd like to see the OUTSIDE of my room here as well.... Notice the swing....







Read More...

Landscapes from Laxman Jula

Just some views from the bridge and the bridge area...With this to look out everytime you go out shopping, to the doctor, to and from work or school...it is no wonder that people here are so relaxed and gentle and the energies so vibrant.


There are plenty of these on the bridges snatching bags from surprised passersby


The Temple Across the Bridge


Views Upstream and Downstream...Ram Jula, the other bridge, is 2 km. downstream






Crossing the Bridge

The Other Temple Across the Bridge



The Other Temple Across the Bridge

More Views Upstream and Downstream









border="0" />


Read More...

Laxman Jula Pictures

These first three were taken in the courtyard of a neighboring guesthouse...






Local Wildlife....A Lemur




Rhesus Monkey


And a Bull....


View from The Top of Laxman Jula on the Way down to the bridge


Local Temple


Laxman Jula Temple


Laxman Jula Temple


Statue in the Square


These guys squeeze the juice out of sugar cane...the Indians love it!


Local Alcoves with gods...for praying


Another local statue


Alcove...Hanuman



Another Local Temple...they are everywhere!!!


Read More...

Monday, February 26, 2007

India Journal 2006 #13 Feb 25th-Shopping and Great Restaurant to Recommend

Before I begin writing this new post, just wanted to let you know that if you go back to the previous post with the pictures from the Market, I have added some descriptive words...but it will not arrive with Feedblitz again so just go take a look if you are curious as to what the pictures are...

Now, Sunday, February 25th...

Went down to Ram Jula today with a lovely lady named Shakti from Australia who is now basically living in China and India..(One of these days I promise to tell you a little something about all the lovely poeple I am meeting here)...
Shakti wanted to meet Vivek and make an appointment for a consultation with my doctor, so I took her over first to meet them. It was lovely seeing them again after not seeing them for awhile, and of course Deepak was all smiles as well as a big hug which surprised me coming from an Indian man...but as I said, he is very special and full of love, for life, for people, in general. We spoke for awhile, then Shakti made an appointemnt, and then we went shopping back across the bridge. I got 3 nice blouses and 3 pair of trousers and 2 lightweight shawels and now I am set for the next few weeks here. I might even have someone take my picture to show off the clothing, but I really had being photographed...so...

Then I decided to start to explore Laxsman Jula, the other bridge area which is 2 km. upstream but closer to my guesthouse. Two people had recommended a restaurant which is run in an orphanage that is run by an American lady (the website is : www.sayyesnow.org. if anyone is interested in more information. I will check it out myself today as well. At any rate...

it is located down some small path which twists and turns ever downward until finally you wind up in this Utopia kind of hideaway sourrounded by greeen fields, vegetable gardens, flowers, trees, and the building housing the restaurant itself is designed so beautifully...definitely american thinking...so calming a relaxing. Next time I am there I will take some pictures...easier than trying to describe...

It was not easy getting there, but it was worth the effort. I just finished eating the India meal of the day. They have a very small set menu with 2 different specials each day, one Western (today was lasagne) and one Indian. But this was the most delicious and satisfying meal I have eaten ANYWHERE, not just in India, for quite some time. Everything is organic and grown here at the orphanage. The setting and ambience just adds to the taste of the food. I had organic brown rice with perfectly cooked veggies just picked and cooked, and dahl made from mung and chickpeas...perfectly seasoned. And a sidedish of some seasoned yogurt dish with pokora...a vegetable which I think might be Jerusalem Artichoke, but I am not sure...absolutely delicious. I drank "yogi tea" which ended the meal perfectly.

Next time I think I will have a large fresh salad and some home made brown bread and butter.

It is not cheap but worth every rupee. I left satisfied and not just in my stomach, and everything which I am allowed on my diet is perfectly prepared here.

Following this I continued down to the bridge just to explore...walked around for awhile longer, and finally got back to my guesthouse around 4 PM, tired but happy. I had Tulsi tea which I brewed my self in my room with the new glass and electric water heater I bought in Rishikesh the other day, together with some dried fruits, and then took a nap. All in all a lovely day, which finally ended with yoga when I awoke, then a light dinner, hot shower and music and reading until about 10 PM when I went soundly to sleep.

I have been having some very strange and vivid dreams since I did the panchakarma but I basically sleep very soundly and wake refreshed each morning. this morning I did my morning stuff as well as full yoga program and then went to eat a lovely breakfast of porridge with fruit...Delicious and filling...and for a change I am at the internet in the morning instead of the evening.

I am now on my way down to a palm reader...wonder what he will have to say.

That's it for now..
Namaste to all
Jane

This morning (Monday, 26th)I woke

Read More...

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Pictures from Rishikesh Market-THE COLORS!

I took a rickshaw down to the local Market today with a very sweet girl named Meital, 29 years old, here to get more experience in yoga before beginning classes. She is a yoga instructor but has not been doing it seriously yet...

I won't write about what we saw, just say that it was a wonderful morning, and if we would have found a toilet, we would have stayed longer!...I will let all the pictures tell the story...I've even taken a video so the sounds can be heard, but will not be posting it for awhile...perhaps only after I get home.

Make sure you open the "read more" as there are lots of pics there as well. I haven't even given them titles...I think they are self explanatory...the colors, the colors...one of the things I never get enough of in India.!

If you double click the picture, it will open in a full page view...I am adding some descriptions where necessary:


A small vegetable stand with Meital in the picture


This is a girl in a courtyard drawing water from a well...right in the center of town.



Bangles sold in the market and everyplace else you look in India!!


Florist Shop...the hanging flowers are used in pujas at temples or along the Ganga!



Marigolds are favorite offerings to the gods at the temples or on the Ganga


A Sari Shop!


Spice Shop


Tailor "shop"




Just a picture with a glimpse of a small section of the market street!


Another section of the street. The brass thing in the foreground is used to "chana masala"...a snack made of chickpeas and sold on the street during the day....


More vegetable stands...


Colors used to throw on people during the upcoming Holi Festival!


Another street view


Typical Indian street scene....cow, motorbike and Tata truck!


MOre clothing shops...

Read More...

India Journal 2006 - #12 Feb, 23-My Mountain Walk with Bernard

Well, just take a few minutes to go back to yesterday afternoon. Woke up from my nap and decided to do a little exploring before dinner and bought myself some ghee to add to my food instead of butter, some dried fruits for snacks and also found a restaurant nearby that is willing to prepare mung dahl for me (which is the kind I am supposed to eat. and now on to today and the lovely walk. First of all, I did not take a camera, which in one way was great, but

on the other hand, I was unable to video (and get the sound) of things along the way, but I will be going again so next time I will take the camera. Not having the camera is basically an advantage on such a walk as you use more of your own awareness to "photograph " what you see instead of relying on the camera.

So..let's begin the day with brown roll with butter and honey for breakfast...better than porridge anyday!.

then I met Bernard at his guesthouse just up the hill from me...lovely place with great view but I prefer mine at the moment. He turned out to be a lovely walking partner, very respectful of my pace and my need to rest, as well as my need to END the walk when I felt the need to.

Walked through village and up the valley into the hills. We actually walked the whole first 45 minutes along the narrow concrete wall of a water conduit (which I never would have thought to do on my own...I would have taken the main road)which directs water down to the village from the mountains. The sound was meditative (and that is what I want to record next time). People pay money to buy CD's with the sound of burbling brooks and running water with birds in the background etc., and this is exactly what I heard in full force the whole way. It was just wonderful. There were spots where boulders had fallen and created places for the water to pool and ripple down like small rapids on the other side of the path. Walked down to sit for awhile along one of these pools. Birds, and babbling brooks...and the butterflies of every color, yeallow, purple, orange, black, dotted, striped...Hay stacks on trees donkies carrying building materials and all around the wonderful green hills. Fields of wheat and rice almost emerald green in color. Pure Azure blue sky above with little wisps of white cloud here and there. Warmth of the sun mixed with the cool mountain breeze. Heavenly luxury!

Hope I can find my way up here again by myself. I have since met another lady who is looking for a walking partner, so I will try to do it together with her next time.

Next walk promised to me by Bernard is across Laxman Jula, up the mountain and over the ridge to get a view of the Himalayas in the distance....

He says you can continue up the we were going for a couple more hours, but it was enough for me and returned via another village...just lovely. For now just feeling completely blessed and at peace and in complete gratitude for always being provided with exactly what I need at every point of the way.

When I came back, quite hot, I decided the time was ripe for my first bowl of muesli, curd and fruit, and since I was told to no longer eat this for breakfast, why not for lunch? The fruit included strawberries, pomegranates, bananas, papaya, mango and pineapple, and raisins and nuts.

The rest of the day I rested, read, spoke with some more lovely people (one day I will have to write about the amazing variety of people I am meeting here...much different than those I meet in McLeod...more "normal" people from all over the world.

I will end here and try to get another post off with my visit today to the Market in downtown Rishikesh...let's see if we can manage it...

Namaste
Jane


Read More...

Friday, February 23, 2007

My Room in Rishikesh at Bhandari Swiss Cottage

Just thought you might like to see where I am living. It is every so comfortable and I have lots of places to sit outside, both shady and sunny, all surrounded by trees with mountains all around. And of course the swing outside...I'll have to photograph it another day....I really hate using the camera these days but I know it will be nice to see these pictures afterwards.
So enjoy my room...You are welcome to come visit! There is room for 2!!
Namaste
Jane









Read More...