Exhale.....
I have been putting of writing this third entry for many reasons, and
maybe non at all. That's exactly how I feel, contradicting, very aware
and not, happy and down, brilliant and small. It's that feeling, the one where
an immense epiphany is on the tip of you brain tongue, but you can't quite
grasp it. In the end it leaves you a bit frustrated that you haven't grasped it
yet, but at the same time you realize you are so close to something profound
that will change you forever. So...I've been in it, taking the steps to open
myself, the breathes to move forward and keeping an open mind for whatever it
is that this journey has to offer me. Of course now that I'm writing this I
realize that the epiphany my never come, and it's actually this feeling
that is so profound???? shit!!
There is a simplicity to life up here in the mountains of India. Most work and
Live in the same place and have there special place in the community. I find
this very pleasing, because no matter what you do, whether it's resoling shoes
on the side of the road, or running a successful guesthouse, you have your
place and everyone respects it. As well, no matter what they have or don't
have, they manage to keep a smiling face and greet you sincerely. The locals
here are great, even the cows and dogs have personalities of there own, special
to that of others in the world. It's very common, while I'm walking to class,
to pass a lone cow on the street, nod as if to say hello, and actually get a
long drawn out "Mooooooo" in response. The dogs have there own
society, with a hierarchical system that seems to work quite well. Turf wars
are an everyday occurrence but work themselves out swiftly, especially if a
monkey shows up then they join together and give chase. As you can imagine the
smells and food are delightful, and the scenery is nothing short of awe
inspiring. On the days that it's actually been sunny, which is about 3 in the
last month, you can see towering Himalayas which make you feel like your going
to fall on your ass. I've actually settled into this funky little mountain
town, and one day know I will miss it dearly.
I’m at my half way point in my courses which have been nothing but
enlightening. I feel more intuned with my body then ever before. Mainly because
I now know what is doing what, and how to fix most problems that come about. I
have learned over 7 kinds of massage therapy, Ayurvedic nutrition, psychology,
and will now be learning all the detox methods known as Panchakarma. We have
class six days a week with Sundays off which is the norm for most people here. On
my days off I usually take a walk to the nearest town called Mcleod Ganj, which
is where H.H. the Dalai Lama has his temple and where most of the Tibetans in exile
live. Mcleod is mostly a busy town, full of tourist and Tibetan monks walking
the streets. There are shops a plenty with all the cool Tibetan and Indian
trinkets you could ever want. That is what it’s like to the eye, but the
feeling is so much more. there is something special about it that is in the air
not to be seen but felt deeply.
I could go on and on about what’s it’s like here, but that’s not really what
interests me, it’s more what effect it has on me. It’s different, it makes me
different. I suppose this is the case when you live in any new place,
especially one like this. I’ve needed to be simple, and the humble town of
Bhagsu Nag and Mcleod offer this readily. The slowing pace and time to think
seemed to have hit a reset button in my essence. In many ways I feel I have to
relearn many things or attitudes I have towards life, as well many attitudes I
already have, have been confirmed and chissled into stone. This is allowing me
to move forward firmly in myself with the things I’m sure of and pay more attention to the things that
have been stripped bare. It’s a fine tuning of myself that has been much
needed. I am nowhere near a finish line or even an idea what that might
be, probably never will. However I do
feel more than ever I’m on the right path, and it’s a good one. I look forward
to the rest of my days here in this mountain town, and even more I look forward
to carrying the gifts it’s giving me everyday, forward, into the life in front
of me.
I will try and give a little more detail in my next entry on what my courses
are like, but for now I’m trying not to think about them. It’s my break and I’m
taking it!! Love you all!!
Nick in India
