WOW! I love it here, and I love ashram life. But what you really want to hear about is Holi. Holi is the celebration of colors around something which I've totally forgotten (somebody killed a bad guy so everyone celebrates!). So if you've seen any movies or such, you know this is when everyone takes colors (some powdered pigments) and throws, smears, and rubs them all over everyone (mainly the face and hair). There is much music and dancing, and then you all go for a swim in the lake to wash off. So if only I had pictures. We looked crazy - we western white people. And it's quite entertaining that the blondes and fair skinned people have dyed hair (purple and pink) and some still have marks on the skin as it takes awhile to wash and scrub it off. And the clothes are ruined! But it was so much fun, so much energy and it was very wonderful of the ashram to provide that experience for us!
We are 6 days into TTC (teacher's training) and I have no idea what day it is except for this is our day off, so I know it's Friday! Incredibly full days, deep philosophy, and crazy asanas. And we are already in the process of "teaching" ourselves which I guess is really the best way to learn. Lots of homework and my karma yoga duty is no longer trash bin girl but roll call girl, so I'm the least liked person in the group or more like the most harassed person! And I lose 10 minutes prior to each required class (6 per day). However, I have learned most names and enjoy that I don't have to do another sweaty, physical labor job! So life is good.
Other than that, still hot, still stinky, mosquitoes are starting to take over, and taxis, oh where should I start with the taxis? I kind of look at it like Magic or Dark Mountain at Disney the one I used to love as a kid. It's definitely best to just get in, strap yourself down, close your eyes, and remember that nobody's intention is to die or kill anyone. My recommendation if you come to India, is upon your 1st taxi ride - get drunk or take some heavy sedatives! If that's not an option, a blind fold is your next best bet - don't worry the driver will understand and likely laugh. If you pray - definitely pray and keep praying until the ride is over. And definitely don't worry when a bus is coming straight at you in your lane and everyone is honking there horns. This is completely normal and nobody wants to die!
So as with this entire trip, I am enjoying the ride. Loving every minute. Learning tons. And in general just happy and full of great joy! I wish the same for each of you. Find what makes you truly happy and go after it no matter what it looks like to anyone else or what anyone else says. If you are truly happy, those around you and who love you will be truly happy and the world will be at peace.
We are 6 days into TTC (teacher's training) and I have no idea what day it is except for this is our day off, so I know it's Friday! Incredibly full days, deep philosophy, and crazy asanas. And we are already in the process of "teaching" ourselves which I guess is really the best way to learn. Lots of homework and my karma yoga duty is no longer trash bin girl but roll call girl, so I'm the least liked person in the group or more like the most harassed person! And I lose 10 minutes prior to each required class (6 per day). However, I have learned most names and enjoy that I don't have to do another sweaty, physical labor job! So life is good.
Other than that, still hot, still stinky, mosquitoes are starting to take over, and taxis, oh where should I start with the taxis? I kind of look at it like Magic or Dark Mountain at Disney the one I used to love as a kid. It's definitely best to just get in, strap yourself down, close your eyes, and remember that nobody's intention is to die or kill anyone. My recommendation if you come to India, is upon your 1st taxi ride - get drunk or take some heavy sedatives! If that's not an option, a blind fold is your next best bet - don't worry the driver will understand and likely laugh. If you pray - definitely pray and keep praying until the ride is over. And definitely don't worry when a bus is coming straight at you in your lane and everyone is honking there horns. This is completely normal and nobody wants to die!
So as with this entire trip, I am enjoying the ride. Loving every minute. Learning tons. And in general just happy and full of great joy! I wish the same for each of you. Find what makes you truly happy and go after it no matter what it looks like to anyone else or what anyone else says. If you are truly happy, those around you and who love you will be truly happy and the world will be at peace.
I now understand what all the colored dye-throwing on the tv show "Outsourced" was all about! Thanks, Mandy! Sounds like it was a riot! You should get a little card in the mail from me soon. Sorry I didn't write a personal note on it. I had to finish it quickly before my hubby left for the post office. -- Bri from bells
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