India – See, Sit & Serve Pilgrimage, October 2017
When an invitation to a trip to India came unexpectedly I really had to listen to my first instinct.
GO…..THIS IS WHAT COMES NEXT…..GO
I often wondered where yoga will take me. Why was there such a strong pull to take my personal practice to a teaching practice?To open a studio, to take a chance, to face that constant fear of failure or disappointment and be judged by others. Where was all of this taking me?I may not have found the answers to this just yet but I know what warms my heart and inspires me; and I really try to listen to that first and foremost. I feel like I have spent so much time second guessing and doubting myself. Trying to talk myself out of things I knew felt right or trying to talk myself into being someone not authentically me.I have felt lost in that sense for many years. Maybe it has to do with the routine of life; mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and the many other hats we carry in life. I imagine like a lot of people I wasn’t a priority on my to-do list for many years.
But this feeling of curiosity around my yoga adventures is always front and center (trust me it is a constant conversation with my husband and for that I thank him for being such a great listener).So when this invitation to India came unexpectedly I really had to listen to my first instinct.I of course waited a day, telling myself why I shouldn’t even entertain it and then I mentioned it to my husband….and he was like…why wouldn’t you? It sounds like something you should do! I also chatted with my family, friends, my sister and brother in law (both travellers who have worked and lived abroad) and my grandparents who travelled most of their adult lives (at times with 8 kids most of whom were born in Guyana, South America) said they all said yes go, go, go!!!So with the support and excitement of those I truly love in life (I took the leap and) sent a message to the beautiful Mandy at Lifestyle Meditation to discuss the trip further. A few days later I had my spot amongst the 14 ladies venturing to Delhi, India this October.
Trip booked √ Crazy, Awesome, Life √
I will be fortunate to visit Delhi, Agra, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi (believed to be the oldest city in the world) and Sarnath during my 14 days abroad, as well as the Amsterdam airport. During the 14 days we will:SEE: I am so excited to visit some of the world’s most spiritual, beautiful spaces while in India. To witness other cultures and learn about them first hand is something I have been searching for. To be able to have authentic knowledge about the history around yoga and meditation and not just what Google tells us – because let’s be honest, positive or negative you can find whatever answers you want to hear on Google ;) ;)SIT: Our time in Rishikesh (The Yoga Capital of the World) is at an Ashram in the incredible Himalayan Mountains on the banks of the Ganges River. Here we will study meditation, yoga, and participate in Aartis blessings which are performed on river banks every night at sunset, and involve music and fire as offerings which has been done for thousands of years. **Interesting Fact Rishikesh and Haridwar were given the title of "twin national heritage cities”; therefore due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh.**
SERVE: Another portion of the pilgrimage that I am really looking forward to is our time volunteering (through Param Pranyog Mission) at an orphanage in Delhi. This orphanage can serve 500-1500 children daily. To learn and share with the children and serve however possible is so exciting, inspiring and brings me such happiness.My hope is that life will never look the same after India. I plan on coming back with beautiful teachings, meditations, memories, and lifelong friends.Stay tuned for more about my India adventure…