tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58744065965246701652024-03-18T20:43:33.501-06:00Journey of Curiosity BlogThis is my story filled with chapters of
travel and adventure on
my journey of curiosity. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-21089197911087663272017-10-07T16:09:00.000-06:002017-10-07T16:49:29.270-06:00Summiting Mount Adams <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Note: Mt. Adams is usually summited in two nights or one night. But we conquered this beast in one day!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-----</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I tell myself, "one step at a time". I count each footstep as I kick-step into the snow with my crampons, refusing to lift my head up until I hit the 100th step. "...Ninety, Ninety-one, Ninety-two...". 100th step, complete! Relieved, I stop. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I lift my head up and all I see is a straight vertical incline of mountain that I am suppose to conquer. I look down and it feels like no progress is made. I talk to myself, I breath, I smile at Kevin, I continue to kick-step with my crampons into the side of the mountain. "One, Two, Three...Four...".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Every step I don't kick hard enough I stumble, sometimes fall due to the sheer vertical terrain. I mutter to myself, "kick harder Devin!" One kick-step at a time, I will make it. We will make it.</div>
<div style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
-----<br />
<br /></div>
After a 4.5 hour drive we make it to the trailhead of Mt. Adams around 9:30 at night. We pack our gear and prepare for the early morning. We set up our sleeping bag in the bed of Kev's Dodge Tacoma and get some sleep. The alarm wakes up our motionless bodies at 4:00 a.m. We spring out of the sleeping bag eager to get in the car to warm up and dress for the summit. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
By 4:30 we are on the trail. Our headlamps guide us along as we slowly gain elevation. The path is well groomed for the first few hours of trekking and despite the darkness we are able to navigate the trail quite well. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zzM2ognp0L_GMBpF82L2r-dojH754atr8PckV7jUCvHg6Y1CNKl8ZGSpxGigRP1He5Y5XLrNuslDIfpYHdMZQ3Mk9j2guRN6KAhsIeJknWWWYv7K42oblHWA3-kN4i7FpvyWSwg6dFM/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zzM2ognp0L_GMBpF82L2r-dojH754atr8PckV7jUCvHg6Y1CNKl8ZGSpxGigRP1He5Y5XLrNuslDIfpYHdMZQ3Mk9j2guRN6KAhsIeJknWWWYv7K42oblHWA3-kN4i7FpvyWSwg6dFM/s200/IMG_3895.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kev is always the man with the map!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, the well groomed trail soon ends and we face a cliff of rocks in the distance. Kev checks the map and confirms a route to get us over the top. We approach the cliff and use our hands to help us balance our way over the unsteady rocks. We finally start climbing the cliff and make it to the top. I keep telling myself within the next hour the sun will rise, we can do away with the headlamps and warm up. It is not freezing, but it is not warm, it is about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Four hours go by and I have hope that we will make it to the top in the next couple hours or so. The sun starts to rise, our headlamps are packed away and our spirits are high. We are feeling on top of the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBjPAYY5Wav5KQk8G4Kt7He3G0iz40aManAtEuGrLt1FQIW0SwBSyGzphuwxHEWxHVX77ZNBnl0A7T-MHeP5THvUfCKPhY-6L4ZqppmKvW9Fq75jMyEgOlmqZISMeb0UxLoSknQjLq1E/s1600/IMG_3898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBjPAYY5Wav5KQk8G4Kt7He3G0iz40aManAtEuGrLt1FQIW0SwBSyGzphuwxHEWxHVX77ZNBnl0A7T-MHeP5THvUfCKPhY-6L4ZqppmKvW9Fq75jMyEgOlmqZISMeb0UxLoSknQjLq1E/s320/IMG_3898.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Hood in the distance as the sun rises to the East. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the sun rises we make headway into the snow and we lose sight of the rock and gravel terrain. We can finally see the mountain we are <i>attempting</i> to climb. It is so steep we can't even see the top of Mt. Adams, rather we can only see Pikers Peak, also referred to as "False Summit".<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NJHh4Kt3U16Hc0HQ6IQwzjdNui-yOlRGnhF57QyO-UbqFnpm9RI0offZLy_5SfoCiEGlSzQO50TPGBgCp6_Flh4o1KWFtW30l5YRTRplXEt7Ccru87axfmB6AMNtG5vRxCioTlF6Ekc/s1600/Labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="601" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NJHh4Kt3U16Hc0HQ6IQwzjdNui-yOlRGnhF57QyO-UbqFnpm9RI0offZLy_5SfoCiEGlSzQO50TPGBgCp6_Flh4o1KWFtW30l5YRTRplXEt7Ccru87axfmB6AMNtG5vRxCioTlF6Ekc/s320/Labels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lunch Counter was the destination I continued to tell myself I had to reach... As we approached Lunch Counter around the early morning the sun was finally starting to shine overtop the mountain. It felt like light years until we reached Lunch Counter. Once we did I sprawled out onto the snow, not a care of how wet or cold the ground felt, I let the sun mask over my cold and tired body.<br />
<br />
After Lunch Counter, all there was to see was an unruly sheer vertical incline spanning for thousands of feet for us to conquer. We split a peanut butter sandwich and chips before continuing the summit. We strapped our crampons on, revived our energy, or that's what we told ourselves, and started the biggest most intense climb yet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24jonO9e06hQ6mc2sTo1dfJKMlAeJ0Bt6XYk48BQNgusresDcZs_xPvP3EdGk_ONLBx0vfSLnWAGUzvsXCb8eppRl_f7PRqUNUNelvGuOVskoPQ5zV6RF7qgIk6dfX73QAGKxt3h65Wk/s1600/mt+adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1024" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24jonO9e06hQ6mc2sTo1dfJKMlAeJ0Bt6XYk48BQNgusresDcZs_xPvP3EdGk_ONLBx0vfSLnWAGUzvsXCb8eppRl_f7PRqUNUNelvGuOVskoPQ5zV6RF7qgIk6dfX73QAGKxt3h65Wk/s320/mt+adams.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from SummitPost.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As we slowly step one foot at a time up the side of the mountain I begin to realize how huge and unforgiving this mountain is. It is impossible to understand how ginormous the mountain is until it is right in front of you and you have no choice but to approach it. I carry on inch by inch as Kev encourages me up the mountain. He is my backbone.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The wind continues to roar taking my breathe away as I stand in the middle of a mountain gasping for air. It is just us and the mountain. Not a human in sight. I catch my breathe as I look at the panorama view of Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, and the beautiful mountain ranges. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6CG6wPzxozD1YQJAUAyfp_IuzJB4MVXwDk4jM_TdXETcPPL_r-4dv8TbBR471hlPdGhGaG6od0akiQo6Rofp9tokz59qEkbYC86B7t7KB7uGlO16FcZHGAMSTxZ7i8QpCAq9H7ZFeEU/s1600/IMG_3900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6CG6wPzxozD1YQJAUAyfp_IuzJB4MVXwDk4jM_TdXETcPPL_r-4dv8TbBR471hlPdGhGaG6od0akiQo6Rofp9tokz59qEkbYC86B7t7KB7uGlO16FcZHGAMSTxZ7i8QpCAq9H7ZFeEU/s640/IMG_3900.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama view of Mount St. Helens in the distance to the right and Mount Hood straight ahead. This was taken on the climb up. It's hard to tell but we started down below the snow terrain. We are about halfway to the summit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
No one came to summit the mountain today, except us. It is already October but what a beautiful day to summit, the sun is shinning, the sky is blue and the winds aren't that bad. An hour passes and we are still working our way to Pikers Peak. Kev starts to get unforgiving cramps in his legs and groin causing us to stop a few times for several minutes to regroup. I shove another sandwich down his mouth and he continues to hydrate. At snail pace we slowly continue until Kev has another ruthless cramp attack. I tell Kev we don't have to go all the way. "Let's just go to Pikers Peak. That's far enough. The views are just as beautiful here. Who cares if we make it up or not." Kev nods his head, although I know he won't just turn around. He is in pain, but we continue on. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGBP87-749qn0VhvbS2cHDr4VbOZ1xjCM4zwXPEqzMN1SukfWU4lOT-a7WeVqfckqrrelJAw0g0Dx5E1I-2y2xtgnp1vDFXdlMq_UFeUAwQ4V0FJ0bXYR-x75rgZ_cJqh2t8r2Zfku1o/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGBP87-749qn0VhvbS2cHDr4VbOZ1xjCM4zwXPEqzMN1SukfWU4lOT-a7WeVqfckqrrelJAw0g0Dx5E1I-2y2xtgnp1vDFXdlMq_UFeUAwQ4V0FJ0bXYR-x75rgZ_cJqh2t8r2Zfku1o/s400/IMG_3907.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kev making his final few steps to reach Pikers Peak, also known as "False Summit" at 11,567'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I finally made it to the top of the False Summit. I sat down on the mountain and turned to watch Kev make his final steps to the top. Tears started to wash up to my eyes. I sat there looking at this mountain, this incredible view that we had to ourselves, not a soul in sight. I watch Kevin, this unstoppable force of energy that never gives up, as he powers on, using his trekking poles to pull his legs up to give the cramped leg a break. I feel this rush of gratitude like no other, this euphoric energy that ignites my spirit. And then Kev makes it to the top, he has tears in his eyes too. It was a sense of energy that we were both feeling in this moment that was so special. There was no need for verbal communication, we were summiting to the top. Screw this False Summit!<br />
<br />
We carry on. The wind picks up. I could almost be blown to the ground with the strong gusts. I laugh at the thought while I anchor down. This part of the summit was the finale, the end of the suffering.<br />
<br />
Between the False Summit and Mt. Adams summit there is a bowl that we dip down into. I was enjoying these steps as I knew they would soon end and we would, once again, be climbing another 1,000 ft. of elevation. Kev's cramps "feel better" and he only spoke to encourage me, "Dev you are doing great." I'd chirp back, "We are doing great!" Yes, we are doing it.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSF4p9rsvLQsXQSAUToTUvstq6f5xtzinnR0J__nERJpi0Fc1DqZRyIiAZ1bRxzl3dJUQon1Wr2kWF89sJdKkkJg_KSivl5VRzgZ_xmAXb0EErpHIKqI-_Fz9XXhFcQg_MooXmFN-BLo/s1600/IMG_3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSF4p9rsvLQsXQSAUToTUvstq6f5xtzinnR0J__nERJpi0Fc1DqZRyIiAZ1bRxzl3dJUQon1Wr2kWF89sJdKkkJg_KSivl5VRzgZ_xmAXb0EErpHIKqI-_Fz9XXhFcQg_MooXmFN-BLo/s320/IMG_3914.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We made it. Yes we did! Eight grueling hours later we conquered Mount Adams!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDax54RqSeDh-YffNMgGYFA7pyT5L_2QeKKZWJRKQkHGBG_0r1waK1KKGMz5QVaHj-LqJMr02eYZaUFQ4TnSgWLQ2HfbZ-8AdSuZy1fF6VH0kUEOWlU3aLCKviTb6V6jQr7tTE14HHCm8/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDax54RqSeDh-YffNMgGYFA7pyT5L_2QeKKZWJRKQkHGBG_0r1waK1KKGMz5QVaHj-LqJMr02eYZaUFQ4TnSgWLQ2HfbZ-8AdSuZy1fF6VH0kUEOWlU3aLCKviTb6V6jQr7tTE14HHCm8/s640/IMG_3908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
Mt. Adams is situated in the eastern Cascade range, east of Mount Saint Helens and north of Mount Hood, it is the<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> <a href="http://www.mountainschool.com/content/main/mt-adams-climb/" target="_blank">second highest peak</a> </span></span>in Washington state and the <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/mount-adams/150198" target="_blank">third tallest volcano</a> </span></span>in the Cascade range.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSBdxTxAq3-TxiV25SlZRJiCIbFbheYVu9v0y7YQvbKqs1njavTygjEK-IkkNZ73MFPPJRtF_fe0pbFVTecrVDiKMdBJQnPSD-jsgvJAkOP264wHa6agO5PtqfFwuYJWpXD5XPvnn0to/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSBdxTxAq3-TxiV25SlZRJiCIbFbheYVu9v0y7YQvbKqs1njavTygjEK-IkkNZ73MFPPJRtF_fe0pbFVTecrVDiKMdBJQnPSD-jsgvJAkOP264wHa6agO5PtqfFwuYJWpXD5XPvnn0to/s320/IMG_3930.JPG" width="320" /></a>We hung out at the top of Mt. Adams for an hour or so and enjoyed the beautiful views. The little shelter that was built protected us from the raging winds at the top. We couldn't go inside since it has not been maintained but we were able to use the side of the wall to shield us. It was a perfect day to summit Mt. Adams. Clear blue skies and the sun following me every step or kick-step of the way. </div>
<br />
As we left the summit we glissaded part of the way down. Unfortunately, the trash bag I was using was not sturdy and I felt this pain on my butt, like a rug burn. And I started to get grumpy but Kev wasn't having any issues with his trash bag so I thought maybe I was just numb and being a little brat. So I quit my grumpy mood and continued to glissade down... long story short, I find out I have a baseball size rug burn on my butt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrYlUNh_q8lx4dNsw7RtmwZnIYiB5ubUStFVf_zBqOp_xGACqGq2R4Ox6Kyok2wIKJQ-nT34s4gC2mA6oKwYQ_Yc2_a1YNGe066wCA3U43iMr4IcT7UZOLCWjTGwb_iFlWZlcescE8-A/s1600/IMG_3935.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrYlUNh_q8lx4dNsw7RtmwZnIYiB5ubUStFVf_zBqOp_xGACqGq2R4Ox6Kyok2wIKJQ-nT34s4gC2mA6oKwYQ_Yc2_a1YNGe066wCA3U43iMr4IcT7UZOLCWjTGwb_iFlWZlcescE8-A/s1600/IMG_3935.MOV" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Anyway, we continue the descent from the summit and five hours later we return to the trailhead around 5:30 in the evening. To say the least, it was a long way down and it was like we had almost forgotten everything we had just climbed up. <br />
<br />
We were extremely happy to make it back to the car. We quickly placed everything in the car and were on our way! We made it back to our home town around 10:00 at night but that didn't stop us from eating The Hub happy hour and stuffing our faces. As soon as we got home we showered and passed out. It was amazing. <br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
A couple things I have learned from this adventure:</h3>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li> Kev is my better half. He inspires and motivates me. I would have never summited Mt. Adams on my own. But with Kev, of course I can, of course we will. Together we challenge and inspire each other to be better, to do more. We are an unstoppable team and I am so damn lucky to have a team player like him. I am the happiest and luckiest woman on this Earth.<br /><br />And lastly,</li>
<li>When I complain that something hurts, there is something not right. I do not complain to just complain. My rug burn is real and still recuperating.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
Let the #KevDevAdventures and #JourneyofCuriosity continue...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until next time,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-12499431013627411572017-01-30T18:48:00.003-07:002017-01-30T19:40:16.736-07:00Six Months Later, I am living in Oklahoma City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>We can agree my blog is a little dusty, I apologize, but today I have returned and it feels so right.</i><br />
<br />
-------<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Six months later, here I am living in Oklahoma City. </h2>
<br />
When writing <a href="http://www.journeyofcuriosity.com/2016/07/reflection-chance-sacrifice-opportunity.html" target="_blank">that blog</a> six months ago, I would have never imagined I would be living in Oklahoma City. In fact, it was on my "no go" list. At the time I was hired you could list three locations you would not want to live. I listed, Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma... You can say I was trying to avoid the South, yet somehow here I am.<br />
<br />
When I found out I was "requested" to go to Oklahoma to help upgrade the software to our latest version I was a little weary, to say the least. But as time went on, I realized, this is an opportunity, a chance, and an experience that will shape a part of me. If I said no it would have been a rare opportunity lost and a moment of weakness and/or fear.<br />
<br />
If you close a door like this, to grow in a new work place, or to see a new environment, or to make new connections, or to live in new city, or whatever the case, then you are fearing something and that fear is holding you back and the doors are now shut. You have to be strong and willing to accept the fear. Realize this opportunity might have presented itself for a reason or that this fear is something you need to overcome or else you will always be where you are.<br />
<br />
Even if I accepted the opportunity but had a negative mindset, it would have been game over since day one. When your mind sets you up to see only the negative side you are too consumed and washed up to reap the benefits. Your mind is no longer present and will unconsciously overlook every learning opportunity in the experience.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
I started to realize... </h4>
How nice it would be to get away from my site in WA, how wonderful it will be to experience better weather (It has been 60 - 70 degrees and sunny skies, since I have been here!), how exciting it will be to live in a new city, how beneficial it will be to meet a whole new crowd of coworkers that work for my company, which will only expand my connections and growth to learn, how intriguing it will be to find out what I will miss the most with this move (last move was the weather and workout routine)... the list could travel off this page...<br />
<br />
Eventually I was more than excited. And here I am to say I am beyond grateful and relieved that I was sent to OKC. I love the coworkers, the winter weather, the city, the activities, and I love what I am doing here. I almost wish I could take this site (and the sun) and move it to WA... now that would be perfect.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
But if there is anything to learn with moving, it will never be the same, you will constantly miss something, and always wish something was different. That is just how it is, with anything really. </h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In all, even though I am still living out of a suitcase in a hotel, I am beyond appreciative to have taken this chance that has gifted me with a breath of fresh air and a step away from the dark days of WA winter. </div>
<br />
Maybe the "no go's" on my list are not so bad after all, and I should not judge a state by its location, I guess is what I would make of it... but either way, this experience is surprisingly a relief.<br />
<br />
My dear WA coworker reminded me before I left, "it is not about the destination but the journey..."<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
What to come of this? </h3>
I have learned when big opportunities present themselves, we need to personally take a moment to soak it in, weigh the logical and practical (not emotional) benefits and then commit 100%. If I look back, it has been almost a year and half since I took a "<a href="http://www.journeyofcuriosity.com/2015/11/a-deeper-look-into-sacrifice.html" target="_blank">sacrifice</a>" and let go of my dreams so that I could live them in the long run... and the best part of it all is that I am a couple pay checks shy of being student loan free. And let me tell you, it is an amazing feeling.<br />
<br />
Cheers to us all to accepting opportunities and making them positive experiences,<br />
DK<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com6Oklahoma City, OK, USA35.4675602 -97.51642759999998635.053806200000004 -98.16187459999999 35.8813142 -96.870980599999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-82002827172144583152016-07-16T12:06:00.000-06:002016-07-16T12:18:40.167-06:00Reflection: Chance, Sacrifice, Opportunity, Risk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Chance, sacrifice, opportunity, risk... Whatever your perspective. I promise it is worth it.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The chance, sacrifice, opportunity, risk, that I took to move my life to a state I had never been to or nor did I know anyone in was a challenge. It was not fun. But now looking back nine months later I can say it was the best decision of my life.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Because it was one of the hardest most unwanted decisions to take, it has made it one of the best. I had to adapt, learn, and grow with no choice but to listen to myself. No friend to hang out with on the weekend, no boyfriend to soothe the comfort of being away from home, no family a car ride away... Just me. Alone across the country from anything familiar.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I had once seen it as a sacrifice, a sacrifice to give up everything so dear to my heart - a yoga job, a ski instructor job, an internship downtown in writing, a place I was so comfortable in...Why move? At that point it was a sacrifice that my heart ached to take but my mind reminded me it was the right thing to do -- to grow, to learn, to experience...</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Today I look back and I still see it as a sacrifice, because at the time it was, but a sacrifice that slowly but surely transformed into an opportunity that I will always be grateful for. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I am so thankful for my mind and the strength that it gave me to pursue this unknown and unwanted journey because I look back and yes I struggled. The constant rain and cloudy days (I experienced the wettest winter EVER RECORD (9 months of "winter") in the history of Washington state). I moved here to a city that welcomed me by three car break-ins and constant cloudy days. A place so foreign to me I was nothing but bitter -- so bitter to have "given up" everything I loved and all that I had known to work for some software company I new less than a dime about. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Today I look back and I realize, wow. I was at an all-time low. Life was miserable let me say - but I knew it. And I had to change that. I had to say, "Okay. I sacrificed all the wonderful things, why? Because I will grow, learn, experience... I can always come back to yoga, ski instructing, etc. but this is a one time deal." A rare chance into the professional world, not to mention I am blessed to work for a company rated <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Fast-Enterprises-EI_IE241404.11,27.htm" target="_blank">Best Places to Work in 2016</a>. And so I had to remind myself I chose with the logical approach not the emotional one.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">And it was the best decision of my life.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I would shed a tear, two, or a handle full back in the winter when I missed my friends and family and just the familiarity of a sunny day or blue sky but I did not quit. I realized the importance of my growth and that if I stay strong and do not give up in these dark moments I will start to see a positive change. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">That was important - knowing this chance, sacrifice, opportunity, risk... Was a struggle because you cannot expect life to be great at every step of the way, you need to ensure challenges and struggles in order to succeed. And I had to ask myself multiple times, "Am I going to let the shitty-ness of my situation get the best of me? Or am I going to search every cloud in the sky until I find the sun in this present moment?" And yes you can. And you will, and I did. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Change your attitude to believe that this chance, sacrifice, opportunity, risk was the right decision. Remind yourself of the courage you took to take on this new path because you are strong. If you were not strong then you would have wimped out and never taken this new direction. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">But no to the question,"Is it easy?" It took me months of bitterness to be back in my "happy Dev" mode. And I'm so glad I've made it. And you can too -- hopefully quicker than it took me.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">How did I find my happiness, my "happy Dev" mode again? Well, it took a lot of self reflecting and honesty. Because I was alone I was able to listen to myself -- an amazing thing to do even if you surround yourself with friends and family. But this was an intimate chance to truly get to know myself as I lived independently in an unknown place and was able to see how I reacted as a human and what were my main struggles and what was a piece of cake.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
From my reflection, I struggled the most with the weather. I did not realize how much I love and appreciate the vitamin D. In conclusion I took vitamin D pills and got a sun lamp. Every time the sun would peak out I would sprint outside and stare at it. I absolutely, for forever, will appreciate the shinning sun and never take it for granted again.<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The second hardest challenge was replacing yoga and my typical routine of working out. I had to find a new outlet or one that could fulfill the enjoyment I got from my old days of practicing yoga. I searched and searched for a studio near me but I could not find one remotely similar. It was sad but this is when I came to the realization that you have to be flexible and adaptable - able to replace old hobbies with new and challenge yourself to find enjoyment from other things. And so I stopped searching for a studio and practiced on my own - it wasn't ideal but it was something. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I found a new outlet - I</span> signed up for my first half marathon and started to run. When moving to Washington I did not think I would complete a half marathon there. It has been on my bucket list but on the 10 year list, not the one year list... But I did it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I started running weekly and set a goal to finish. Then set a goal to run every mile in ten minutes, next a goal to finish every mile under nine minutes. Then to my surprise I finished each mile a minute and half quicker than anticipated. And shockingly I ended up ranking in third place for my age group. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It was a rewarding feeling to know there are other ways to workout, yoga doesn't have to be my always solution. Although it will always be important in my life and something I am passionate about but there are other ways and other challenges that can give you that same fulfillment and satisfaction you get from your other hobbies. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">In the winter when the clouds start rolling in day after day, week after week, month after month, I plan to join a gym and take boxing classes. I figure I should wait to join until I have no choice but to be inside to stay dry. So that is a new outlet I hope to explore to replace my old workout routine I was so accustomed to.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It is not easy adjusting to a new place on your own or even with a few familiarities but it is a challenging learning experience that will mature you. It will give you the most insight about yourself and how you need and want to live life. It will shape you and then you will know what types of goals and aspirations are dearest to your heart and the best ways to go about them. Letting yourself outside your comfort zone will only strengthen your independence and guide you closer to finding your happy place again. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I am not saying I now love Washington state. Because I certainly do not like the weather but I have learned to cope and have found ways to overcome the gloomy days. And I still do not plan to live here for a long period of time but I found a long lost peace of mind in this new city. And that does not mean loving the things that have created challenges, like for me the weather and hobbies, -- but find a way to make it livable and enjoyable as best as you can.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It can not all be all ideal but you can work to make every situation better by opening your heart, expanding your horizons, and letting your mind learn about your body and what it needs to be happy and what can replace old ways to a degree of satisfaction. In all, it is simply listening to yourself and finding what it is that made you strong enough to make this chance, sacrifice, opportunity, risk worth it.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">In conclusion, because I know most of my readers are curious and wondering why I have not mentioned the breaking and shocking news that I have met a guy... well yes I have. But I do not want anyone to get the wrong idea - Kevin, is his name (yes it rhymes with my name), is incredible and truly a beautiful person. HOWEVER, he is not what has <i><b>made</b></i> me happy, you can only make yourself happy. BUT he has significantly <i><b>added</b></i> to my happiness and lifestyle. And this will lead to my next blog which is about the people and things you surround yourself with and how it shapes you as a person. But to end, I am a very lucky gal. But let me say it took some courage to get where I am and I have full faith in whatever step you take next you are strong enough to overcome and conquer. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Until next time, </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">DK</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com1Tacoma, WA, USA47.2528768 -122.4442905999999947.0803978 -122.76701409999998 47.425355800000006 -122.1215671tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-19681350114832499682016-01-13T20:15:00.001-07:002016-01-13T20:32:15.039-07:00A thought<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">To discover what it is you truly want in life, sometimes you have to leave the places, the people, and the things you love. Because here you are strong, fearless, and most importantly alone; without a choice but to listen to yourself. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbjSs8z64M4aqTFJn2QmEBmVs-I5UluEsVL2OSNDx17ZSMFHRGOq3QboekYhkEJYbU3MovzNu9MYgheIVpIHHCKfTfjk_c7dR2OrokFAAwpT7xJUXeStXzSB2V1dg0WyGsrS9tN6sb_Y/s1600/IMG_7192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbjSs8z64M4aqTFJn2QmEBmVs-I5UluEsVL2OSNDx17ZSMFHRGOq3QboekYhkEJYbU3MovzNu9MYgheIVpIHHCKfTfjk_c7dR2OrokFAAwpT7xJUXeStXzSB2V1dg0WyGsrS9tN6sb_Y/s400/IMG_7192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhInXNOK3rc2qHW0PObSolemg-JParnjzBMCryTkHkaoK0pR2vGqkzGVlXsqntnbWWQamkmXxKDIZMLsatKyEhuZKnHIcMB9g4LiSjNhCYRCC_h88DkEhmZXCukLlV43EcvQPW8ZY8CY/s1600/IMG_7184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhInXNOK3rc2qHW0PObSolemg-JParnjzBMCryTkHkaoK0pR2vGqkzGVlXsqntnbWWQamkmXxKDIZMLsatKyEhuZKnHIcMB9g4LiSjNhCYRCC_h88DkEhmZXCukLlV43EcvQPW8ZY8CY/s320/IMG_7184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
DK</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-44748598407524170742015-12-16T23:04:00.001-07:002016-07-16T12:06:31.586-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I don't want to do this, but for some reason I can't stop thinking about it."<br />
<br />
"It is your mind that is speaking to you."<br />
<br />
"Your heart is pounding, aching of fear, of the unknown. And your mind is aware of the pain, but knows you need to choose with your mind, not your heart."<br />
<br />
"Because you can find love in all you do. But you must accept whatever it is and learn to love what comes your way. And how do you know a little sacrifice and a little faith in the unknown will not lead to better doors? Or won't lead you to greater happiness down the road?...."<br />
<br />
She sighs. Before she could say a word,<br />
<br />
"...Let your heart pump free but let your mind lead the way. Your heart hurts because it knows your mind is right and your heart will struggle because it is not easy, but it is willing to endure the pain knowing down the road your heart will be stronger and happier."<br />
<br />
"Your heart is ready. The question is are you brave enough?"<br />
<br />
----<br />
<span id="goog_78436405"></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
I look back at a draft, I never finished, of a conversation I wrote for a yoga class... how things change yet stay the same, how life moves yet stands still, how odd it is to be so far in time yet you feel like the earth stands grounded.<br />
<br />
It is hard - We must learn to adapt and be able to find comfort in things strange.<br />
<br />
I have days where life is fabulous and I am doing great. And there are days where I wonder when I will get a chance to hit up the slopes or visit home. But this is all making me stronger. With time, I know I am becoming more whole, I am learning to love new places and new experiences. I am experiencing, I am living.<br />
<br />
And with that I can say I am happy, yes I am sad I had to <a href="http://www.journeyofcuriosity.com/2015/11/a-deeper-look-into-sacrifice.html" target="_blank">sacrifice </a>things dear to my heart, but I know this hard work this moment in time, I will be able to look back and say, "Yeah I moved to Washington for a job, on my own... where I knew no one and nothing... I learned a lot...and I am proud I did it." I know months down the road I will be proud of myself and even though I have those days where I am lonely here, I know I am lucky. I making the right decisions that my mind and heart can agree on. But most importantly found in the mind and embraced by the heart.<br />
<br />
I am finding my happy place -- deep inside me.<br />
<br />
DK<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-89297425834345468442015-11-29T19:48:00.002-07:002016-01-13T20:14:15.211-07:00A Deeper Look Into Sacrifice <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a strong believer in being happy in the present and
soaking in the moment, however I also believe in a thing called sacrifice. When
searching for happiness there are hard times and decisions you must make that
will not always be appealing and sometimes you chicken out on those decisions
because you do not want to sacrifice something. But you have to have the
strength to understand them and take them because a little sacrifice here can
lead you to an even greater happiness and a stronger you in the end. To find
happiness it requires a strong mind that is willing to sacrifice in order to
receive something greater down the road. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved my life in Colorado and that is what I wanted, it
was a dream. Everything was going wonderfully for me I was about to start
teaching at a yoga studio in walking distance to my apartment which was situated
in downtown Denver that also allowed me to walk to my new job in PR on 16<sup>th</sup>
street. I was on board to be a ski instructor at Vail that winter and life was
good. I could not ask for anything more – I was happy living a life paycheck to
paycheck because I was doing things I loved in a place I loved. However an
opportunity came, a big job. A job that would almost triple what I would be
making in Denver with an amazing company that is <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Best-Small-and-Medium-Companies-to-Work-For-LST_KQ0,43.htm" target="_blank">rated one of the best companies </a>to work for … it was hard to believe the offer they gave me having
graduated college only three months prior. But it was reality. (And it was not
exactly an easy interview process…three interviews, an IQ test, and on-the-spot
problem-solving questions in front of the interviewers…and math is not my speciality so when I asked if I could use a calculator for the IQ test I was denied access..)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first I had a hard head – I said absolutely not. If I
choose this way I am choosing the materialistic path and that is not me. I am
fine with living on a tight budget doing what I love. No one could change my
mind. It was not until I felt something twisting my gut like a wet rag someone
was trying to dry… it hurt. I was twisting and hurting. It was not until I woke
up and decided to have an open mind and be realistic. This new path was not a
materialistic path – yes the benefits and salary was the main push when it came
to shove, but this way is of opportunity – of growth – of strength – a chance
to learn more about myself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was so comfortable in Denver that I was making
excuses not to leave, I had just moved there three weeks ago after traveling
the world, I wanted to be situated in Colorado, I had just made the hard
decision to say no to graduate school in Europe… – I was afraid. It was a mix
of fear, discomfort, and sadness. Fear that I would loose sight of my dreams
(to own a yoga studio and be an author). Discomfort knowing I would have to
move to a place alone where I knew no one and knew nothing more. Sadness to
leave a place I loved and things I loved doing and awareness to the fact that this sacrifice would not exactly bring me more happiness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took the job. I had no idea where the company would move me. I could have been relocated anywhere from Mississippi, to Alaska, to North Dakota, to Oklahoma, and beyond. In the end I was relocated to the state of
Washington. Never in my life did I ever think I would live in the Pacific North
West of the United States but here I am. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may be wondering why I took this sacrifice if it wouldn’t bring me
more happiness and only a monetary gain. Well, I would be lying if I said that money was not part of the reason. Of course it was. But the
other reason that I took this job– this scary unexpected move was
because this would make me stronger. It puts my foot in the door opening up more opportunities of growth in the workplace. And although it seems that it would take me away from my dreams it actually is bringing me closer. So here I am, I am doing it, I am completely
on my own, in a place I have never been that is now my home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those that fear you will loose sight of your dream -- that can only happen if you let exterior factors fog your mind. If your mind stays clear and steady you will always have your dream close to your heart and it will always beat a little different when you stray away or step closer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those that do not want to adapt or change your lifestyle -- remember change is one of the toughest challenges but because of the intensity it makes you the strongest of the pack. The ones able to adapt and change to new environments and ways of life are the ones who end up understanding the world better... we all need to learn that nothing is forever and change only makes us stronger.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those that fear sadness from the sacrifice, know that this will enlighten you with an open mind and chance to find happiness in other things and ways. With sadness comes growth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now I have proven
to myself that happiness is not all about doing what you love 24.7 or living in
a place you love. It is rooted within you. </blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_5KQwZ_va1FMDwNrm1lrPXWig2hha2rEEFhDiD7bhAAtapQCaUuP8k5LHmySyH53F4xC1p6p5WSejTlmHxkJGHRsBNH5e2JqoFDwMhuVzxThuIDtG_vi_4A-g_iCqqCKWS5upbF_vlQ/s1600/12278915_10206633111121233_1151236566945354219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_5KQwZ_va1FMDwNrm1lrPXWig2hha2rEEFhDiD7bhAAtapQCaUuP8k5LHmySyH53F4xC1p6p5WSejTlmHxkJGHRsBNH5e2JqoFDwMhuVzxThuIDtG_vi_4A-g_iCqqCKWS5upbF_vlQ/s320/12278915_10206633111121233_1151236566945354219_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the mountains of Washington!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am happy. I am happy here in this
land that rains more than not, that is a long flight from my family on the east
coast, that doesn’t have a yoga studio that I like within an hour from me… a
place so different. It is hard. It is sacrifice. But I am happy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So my point of writing this is to say that in my book I
preach to be happy and ways to find that happiness but in this short time I
have realized our generation is somewhat confused thinking that life is only
great if you are doing what you love all the time. Yes I completely agree with that but I
think we forget in order to get there, in order to do what we love we may have
to make sacrifices and now is the time to do them. Here we are young and eager
to learn so take your sacrifices now. And later you will smile at the strength
you had to make that decision, to make that sacrifice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sit here and type and think about this transition, this new
chapter of my life. At first I will admit I was unhappy. I was so upset to
discover the lack of yoga here and my antsy pants having to sit in a chair all
day to come home to a lonely hotel. Yes I may sound dramatic, but it was no fun.<br />
<br />
But part of the problem was me. I was busy sulking in my own shoes having pity
for myself – I am glad I did that for less than a week because it is you who
decides how much you enjoy life. I am happy with this sacrifice.<br />
<br />
I am now a training coordinator for a software company learning new skills and growing everyday. And I can see why it is rated one of the best places to work -- I am extremely lucky. And most importantly it is driving me
closer to my dreams.<br />
<br />
Before in Denver I was on the back-roads to get there, now
I am coasting on the highway with my dreams in sight. And here I am trying to
gain, learn, and grow as much as I can knowing this is a chance, an opportunity, a moment in my life I will respect. And the best part of this whole thing is that down the road, this sacrifice
will be worth it all. Now, only a month at the new gig I can say this sacrifice was the
best decision I could have ever made.<br />
<br />
It was one of the hardest decisions for me because I had to leave everything I loved and worked so hard for, but I was able to open my mind, be realistic, and see the possibilities that would come with sacrifice. And I am proud of myself for doing it.<br />
<br />
It is incredible to feel the power of your strength
inside you. I have embarked on this journey on my own. That is something to do – let go of the attachments that you are holding onto
and grab onto something new, unknown, and scary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember that if living your dream was so attainable
everyone would do it which looses the essence of why it is a dream. It is a
dream because it is uniquely yours – it is a challenge – and with challenges we
must sacrifice a little here and there. And I am just saying now might be a
good time to look at the big picture in your life and ask what is it I want and
how can I get there?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DK</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-76622164400246727232015-10-09T14:18:00.001-06:002016-01-13T20:13:13.476-07:00Sacrifice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes you will have to make sacrifices. Some that rip at the
core. And with sacrifice, emerges risk. Risks that are so dark you no
longer see your dreams. Where you may embark on a journey that does not
suit your fancy. But sometimes you have to do it. You have to suck it
up. You have to endure the challenges of the risks and endure the
elements of sacrifice. <br />
<br />
It is when your gut creates these powerful vibrations so heavy and deep, it almost hurts. It knows the sacrifice<span class="text_exposed_show">
will be worth it because it is part of your journey, part of your
journey that will one day shape your reality into your dreams, a cruel
expression fueling your fire to conquer them, it is part of the test...
Testing to see how much you will give to live your dream. These
sacrifices are unconsciously guiding you closer to your vision, to your
happy place. </span><br />
<br />
But you
have to be strong enough to trust in that. And so, as passionate as your
heart pumps, you must first listen to the power of your mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BJ5l65b9OEArq3pulg4YfSNT60-mbC39sN62UHetFkKJxma95koaENcgDXrmPVOZkqpV3xynrJz8hLaGJT8I5uLEat3HLR5VQyMzEVQU4rkqlPWx3apV9w07_uDfBxKbG7NyWvtoBH4/s1600/12080395_10206369813018945_1255395754872620764_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BJ5l65b9OEArq3pulg4YfSNT60-mbC39sN62UHetFkKJxma95koaENcgDXrmPVOZkqpV3xynrJz8hLaGJT8I5uLEat3HLR5VQyMzEVQU4rkqlPWx3apV9w07_uDfBxKbG7NyWvtoBH4/s320/12080395_10206369813018945_1255395754872620764_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-54779171491422843402015-09-27T18:33:00.000-06:002015-09-27T18:39:33.022-06:00Paralyzed by Opportunity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<style>
<!--
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1825006668;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-427494970 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The distance between
your reality and your expectation is your amount of suffering.</i>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this era, in the Western world, we are faced with an
overwhelming amount of opportunity, of choice. It is known to be a wonderful
thing having the opportunity to do this or to do that but in reality this
overload of choices can diminish our happiness. It can take us away from the
feeling of satisfaction. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is inevitable that no matter where we go, we will have a
variety of choices. It is as simple as stopping at a rest stop to grab a snack.
Despite the fact you have to choose what snack you want you have to choose what
drink you want, the choices seem endless. You walk down the candy isle at the
gas station… all you want is a snack you can nibble on for the next few hours.
But that is not an easy task, you end up walking down the four isles of goodies
that are offered, not to mention the selection at the front by the cashier, but
you manage to pick a few things out but debate on what to buy. You ask your
friend what they are getting and they as well are struggling to come to a
decision until you finally decide that you want chocolate. But then you have to
decide if you want a chocolate bar, chocolate that comes in a bag like
M&Ms, or if you want chocolate filled with mint, peanut butter or nuts. And
that is not all then you have to decide what drink. You have to scan the entire
back wall of refrigerators to see the endless selection. You simply want a
bottle of water but that is too much to ask as you are presented with an entire refrigerator
dedicated to all the water bottle brands. You finally make a decision and get
back on the road. You realize you should have gotten Coke instead of water because
it would have tasted better with your chocolate candy. Next time you will not
get the chocolate because now it is melting in your hand. So consequently, you
are now disappointed. Why? Because you had all these choices, which sets you up
for a high expectation of the choice and then when it does not meet that high
expectation you are disappointed. If you only had the choice of one drink or
one choice of snack then you would not have had this feeling of dissatisfaction
because there would not have been a choice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This can also go as deep when dealing with a serious
situation. In the old days there was typically one choice when you were sick.
You take this medicine and hope it works. Now you have the choice to take this
medicine, with these sides effects and benefits and three other options with
those side effects and benefits. Dr. Barry Schwartz talks about this issue in
depth in his book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Paradox of Choice</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Dr. Schwartz’s studies he concludes that, “choice has
made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Say your grandfather is sick with cancer. The doctor offers
two procedures but says either way there is chance of death. But it is up to
you, the patient’s family, to make the decision. This is called patient
autonomy, when the burden is put on the family and the doctor no longer makes
the final call. Unfortunately this creates stress and unhappiness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When your grandfather passes away for whatever reason the
choice you made for him already created stress and tension for your family but
now brings the feeling of regret and guilt. You now think if you decided to do
the other procedure things could have been better, that he would have survived
or lived longer. The blame is now placed on you. Although really it is not you
to blame, before when there was not so much choice and the doctor would say this
is what we do without debate. It would release the possibility of the feelings
of blame. No longer would you feel that is was your fault and you made the
wrong choice. But now, we feel because the choices our in the palms of our
hands that it is our fault. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consequently our rate of satisfaction goes down affecting
our state of mind. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Say you want to buy a new camera, so you go to Best Buy and
ask, “Can I have a camera?” Well it is not that simple. There are hundreds of
choices. First the sales guy may ask, “What brand do you want?” Well then you
say, “What brands do you have?” And then he starts listing them off, “Canon,
SONY, Nikon, Fujifilm, Samsung, Olympus, Kodak, Panasonic…” From there you have
to decide what brand it is you want, what kind you want, if you want the extra
lens, or if you want these effects… and so on. Eventually we make a decision.
One that was more difficult than it used to be because of the demanding
choices. But in the end you settle with one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You then take it home and your friend asks, “Why didn’t you
get the Canon?” or “Why didn’t you get the one that includes the night time
feature?” This creates a sense of dissatisfaction as you think, “Oh well if I
got the other one this photo would have been better.” Or, “Next time I will get
a Canon because I do not like this one as much.” The choices in all aspects of
life start to paralyze us and we do not know what to choose or what to do. We
are constantly unsatisfied. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Pressure from
Opportunities </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The paralysis of opportunity becomes extremely present and
powerful when one is deciding a future career or educational path. Because in
the Western world we have the opportunity to go to school across the country,
out of the country or stay in-state. We have the opportunity to travel abroad
in Asia, Africa, and beyond. We have the opportunity after graduating college
to travel, get a job, continue school, or move home. The opportunities
presented to us at a young age can paralyze us. The endless amount of opportunities
can harm our current state of happiness.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end, we have to make a decision. The choice is on us;
we do not have people making our decisions or a one-way road. Not in this
generation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we make a final decision say to go to college across
the country instead of stay in state. We have a high expectation to enjoy this
college because of all the choices we had. However it does not meet your
expectations so you transfer to a college in state hoping this will bring you
the happiness or contentment the other school was supposed to bring you. In the
end, it is the same. Therefore, you loose hope and your rate of satisfaction is
lowered because of the high expectations that were supposed to come along with
the variety of choice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or say, you could choose anywhere to study abroad. So you
decide to go to Spain and your friend decided to go to Australia. You realize
your friend is having more fun than you and you should have gone to Australia.
(I studied abroad in Spain and I had the best time of my life, this is just a
scenario). You are less satisfied with your trip because you had the
opportunity to go to Australia but you chose somewhere else. Although in
reality taking that opportunity would not necessarily be better than the one
you chose, you just think it would be because of your high expectations for
each opportunity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In these moments you get lost in all the ways you could have
gone. You regret it because all of the opportunity. And when you get lost
wishing you did one thing it is impossible to enjoy your current state because
you are thinking you were somewhere else. No matter what path you decide, there
will be struggle, lose and low points. It will not be all sunflowers and
daisies. Yet you think that is possible because there are so many options, that
one has to be that great. That is not true. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember that in life comes low points and that does not
mean you took the wrong path. Accept where are you and find peace in the
present and comfort in your life. As my grandmother would say, “dejá lo!” which
means, “let it be!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lost in Choices</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Opportunity is meant to be a beautiful thing that this
generation does not have to work as hard for as their parents did. Our parents
wanted the 9-5 job and earn a fair living. This generation does not want a 9-5
job because we are presented with overwhelming opportunity to do so many things
that are possible and acceptable in society. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not our fault that we have so many choices but we have
to be aware that this amount of opportunity can affect our level of happiness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see our friends travelling the world and automatically
desire to do what they are doing. The concept that we have the choices that our
parents would never dream of after they graduated college can be detrimental to
finding peace in our present life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is also easy to get distracted and overwhelmed by the
concept of opportunity that we ourselves get lost in the choices. We feel like
there are so many choices that we do not know what is right for us and start to
feel dissatisfaction in the road we took.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If there were only one-way to go like our parents had:
graduate, get a 9-5 job, get married, etc. there would be less feelings of
dissatisfaction. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With that in mind and the fact that we cannot change this
modern world we have to come to terms with opportunity. Because it is so easy
to become dissatisfied in this society we have to understand that no matter the
decision we make we become strong, we grow and although we may question the
road we took, we have to remember that we are being paralyzed by choice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We set high standards for the road we take because we
started with a handful of roads to travel and expect the road we choose will
bring us the highest rate of satisfaction. And when we find ourselves
struggling on the path, which in every path we take we will find obstacles, we
then become paralyzed by opportunity. We then think because we are struggling
on the path we took that we should not have gone this way and instead we should
have taken the job opportunity in Seattle or whatever it was that we did not
do. We forget how to find peace and happiness in the road we took because of
all the distractions around us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Power of Social
Media </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we see our friends on social media posting pictures it
is easy to feel that your life is not as good because your friends are posting
these awesome photos. But you have to remember that what people post is a way
they “brand” themselves, how they want others to see them. They post only what
they want others to see, essentially the best photos, which makes others think
they are having a great time all the time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When in reality we all have issues. We have to realize that
it is awesome our friends can be having fun but that does not mean their life
is better than yours because you see them partying at the beach or climbing a
volcano. We have to realize that social media is a way people want others to
see them and so they create an image that does not necessarily mean they are
worry free. So when you feel a sense of sadness that you wish you were there
(or as we say FOMO) do not let it bring your level of happiness down because of
their social media image. And that is also referring to the chapter <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finding Solid Ground</i>, discussing the
importance of not comparing yourself to others. However, it is easy in this era
to have a lower rate of happiness because you see what the world is doing
twenty-four seven. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do not let the overbearing presence of social media lower
your level of happiness. If it makes it easier, do not use social media as much
as you typically do, stray away from the clutter that is hurting your state of
happiness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this society we are poured with distractions and choices
that we forget where we are in life. We forget we chose this path for a reason,
we had to make a choice and we chose this one. And we forget that this path can
bring us happiness but we are stopping ourselves from that feeling of happiness
because of the distracting chances of opportunity around us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking aside the idea of chances and opportunity we were
born into a society of distractions, TVs, phones, electronics, at anytime most
anywhere in the world we can be contacted. When are parents were growing up it
would be unfathomable for them to think they could get in touch in with us
across the world within seconds, having the internet so accessible. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are spoiled with technology and have become consumed in
the materialistic part of society. A study of media usage and ad exposure done
by Media Dynamics Inc. came to the conclusion that the average number of
advertisements and brand exposures per day per person are 5,000 plus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see an estimated 5,000 advertisements per day. No wonder
our generation is a little confused. We are bombarded with choices as simple as
choosing which brand of jeans to buy to what to restaurant to eat at. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were born to have high expectations because of the
unlimited amount of choices. Therefore we need to learn to not set the bar so
high. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we lower our expectations of our choices our rate of
satisfaction will go up. That is obvious. If you go out with your friends
(instead of doing the other countless options) and do not expect to have a good
night, the chances of being more satisfied rise. We need to understand that
despite the several choices we have that does not mean the choice will gives us
this greater sense of satisfaction; that no matter the quantity in choices the
quality will not necessarily be so much greater just because the option is
there. And we would never know how great the other choice would be, but we
assume it would be better because we are not satisfied with the one we took
because we had set that high standard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Regret Follows
Decisions </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other paralysis of opportunity is the notion of regret.
We regret not going one way and taking the other route. That is why we cannot
regret decisions we have made because they cannot be changed. We cannot reverse
time. We have to accept each action and take something of value from it.
Otherwise it is a lose-lose situation. We make mistakes but that is how we
grow. Some of us need to make the mistakes in order to learn and grow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to remember that with the overload of choices it can
paralyze us and have us stuck in confusion, flustered, not knowing which way to
go. You have to step away from the chaos, take a deep breath, and feel what
your heart desires most. Sometimes with harder decisions it is not something
that can be made right away. You may need time to escape in your body and find
where your soul wants to travel. And once we are able to getaway from the
overwhelming feeling of opportunity we can find what path that is the best for
us. Then we can take it and the stress of all those choices are ceased. And
after we take this path we may start to struggle or regret that we did not
choose the other direction. But we have to remember what made us choose this
path – your gut. So just because there were many other options that does not
mean it was the wrong way to go. You are forgetting the purpose of why you took
this path. You are getting lost and paralyzed in opportunity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember that in this life there will be plenty of
opportunities, it is no longer about finding them, it is choosing one and
accepting it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ground yourself, make the decision you want using your mind,
find contentment in your path, and focus on the present, the reality. Do not
dwell on the if, could-a, would-a, should-a. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is your life and if you choose to let the overwhelming
options, opportunities and the constant connection with social media crowd your
mind you will find yourself lost, confused and unhappy. So become aware of all
that is around but be able to ground yourself and let your mind become clear of
all that chaos. Remember that opportunity can hurt you if you do not live in
the present and remember why you are here in the first place. And if it is not
where you want to be, step away from all of the noise. It will help you find
the direction you want to travel. Give yourself that time, you deserve it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recap:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Do
not let the overwhelming amount of choices and opportunities overwhelm your
state</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Do
not set a high standard for the road you take because you had so many choices</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Be
content with the road you take<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">4. Focus on
the present… enjoy life’s </span>
<style>
<!--
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
--> </style><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>opportunities!</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-15854331109248008472015-08-31T03:58:00.002-06:002016-01-13T20:13:01.402-07:00The Tail End of Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Well the jet lag has certainly got to me as it is almost 5:00 on the East Coast. I got back from a long day of traveling and landed in EST at 1400, I was so exhausted I passed out when I got home to wake up around 2230. And unfortunately I have not been able to sleep since, so what to do? Well... blog.<br />
<br />
My summer has been a go - go - go mentality, and I have no complaints about it. So to finish off this summer of travel I stopped in Maui for a week to visit my best friend from college who has been staying there for most of her summer.<br />
<br />
It was incredible - the places we explored are indescribable. (I was lucky enough to see all the local spots since Kiki's cousin is from there). We had waterfalls and pools to ourselves, it was awesome.<br />
<br />
The beauty of Hawaii is truly breathtaking, in fact out of all the places I have in the world, this is at the top, a very close to first. I have a sweet spot for the beautiful land of Colorado, but besides that Hawaii beats out New Zealand, Fiji, Switzerland and all the other beautiful parts of the world I have seen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fjRdT_5VRId9hMYyOhmTOoo0lu9JY6UrffRY6sTCefIuWPx0gZY75voyAG0pi0kH6wWuZDEVYnEVi5MRoTd-sd1GQ-FtgWqSRYEMqVZH_NXrT_Fd9NTHtEVTAbpmq92RCBAas0LlEaE/s1600/11902272_10206137884940888_6196921114495194808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fjRdT_5VRId9hMYyOhmTOoo0lu9JY6UrffRY6sTCefIuWPx0gZY75voyAG0pi0kH6wWuZDEVYnEVi5MRoTd-sd1GQ-FtgWqSRYEMqVZH_NXrT_Fd9NTHtEVTAbpmq92RCBAas0LlEaE/s320/11902272_10206137884940888_6196921114495194808_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I am not going to go on and brag about how amazing my trip was but I am going to share a few things that I thought about during my stay on the Island of Maui.<br />
<br />
The only reason I brought my laptop with me was so that I could spend the long flights writing. I was not planning on using it for any other purpose but when I get there mid way through my trip I decided to turn it on to check out my resume -- and my computer would not turn on.<br />
<br />
The hard drive was making noise, so that was a good sign, but the screen would not light up nor would the keyboard respond - bad sign.<br />
<br />
I took it to the Mac store but they said my computer was pretty much toast. Now, that is a bummer considering I spent seven hours vigorously writing a new chapter for my book and have my edited resumes that have not been saved to a USB yet.<br />
<br />
So this late night or early morning, I have spent re-writing my resume on my mother's computer and counting down the hours to when the Mac store opens in town, so I can see if they can get my files saved on a USB.<br />
<br />
I have hope but I will admit that I would be devastated if my work was not saved, so I am hoping that something can be done.<br />
<br />
That is just a side not as I continue to ramble, but as I say, things happen and you can give yourself the 24-hour rule, 24-hours to feel bad for yourself then you move on. Kiki's Aunt T taught us that rule over the week and it is an amazing rule to stand by. So I had a little depression for a few moments when I discovered that my computer was toast and that I would not have anything to do on the plane... and although it took me less than the day to recover, with bigger situations you may need the full 24 hours. But after that, move on. No time for pouting, life is life, and life is a challenge you can either accept or let it get the best of you.<br />
<br />
And after all this traveling I have come to the conclusion,<br />
<br />
We are a puzzle. A puzzle pieced together by what we choose to be, what we choose to make of ourselves. Pieces that are discovered in everything we do - experiences, events, adventures. And the pieces we choose to put in our puzzle tell us more of who we are. And sometimes discovering the smallest piece to our puzzle, the smallest piece of us, is all we need.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YLA-ui1c8S3qhWfn_vUW2Nagai7EMDOvXJsgnm8b0AuT-vzHpB9VoTpKaFyPCdk1RKke5PgIpW8oKF6UgEwZchOBse2RfvKp6HsPMMeTWgyD_vc9TOc1_MNLFpT6RaUbvhXApurBkQw/s1600/11880515_10206111605363915_137705388872534305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YLA-ui1c8S3qhWfn_vUW2Nagai7EMDOvXJsgnm8b0AuT-vzHpB9VoTpKaFyPCdk1RKke5PgIpW8oKF6UgEwZchOBse2RfvKp6HsPMMeTWgyD_vc9TOc1_MNLFpT6RaUbvhXApurBkQw/s400/11880515_10206111605363915_137705388872534305_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-34711120953234633742015-07-30T13:59:00.002-06:002016-01-13T20:13:35.026-07:00A few words from my heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-hashtags="journeyofcuriosity" data-size="large" data-via="devin__kathleen" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few words that puzzle together meaning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPzuT3zZ7CmUr-7JiTCFaG_VIq1SenflHMN7X-cB0Eh4MLk6bmHBZNw-c5Ymu41m_jf1DdMK-bWR1Xp74-s2kcfHiNtf7Ffwd0vTsidjP_fzCOLsI0PMqg8Fy1fobVCxVIMrlWBxEb8w/s1600/Jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPzuT3zZ7CmUr-7JiTCFaG_VIq1SenflHMN7X-cB0Eh4MLk6bmHBZNw-c5Ymu41m_jf1DdMK-bWR1Xp74-s2kcfHiNtf7Ffwd0vTsidjP_fzCOLsI0PMqg8Fy1fobVCxVIMrlWBxEb8w/s320/Jump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;">"Sometimes we don't know where to go. We stay in between the jump, between on way and another. Hesitant. And that's the hardest place to be. Once we dig up the courage to jump, one way or the other, we find peace in the present. And that feeling never disappoints the soul." - DK</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-91387704838450949782015-07-19T16:40:00.001-06:002015-07-19T18:02:28.617-06:00One Destination to The Next <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTb8A9IsTjPXjnhaG2nYWBIpj-U0UWbyZ2LrBvnNR3l2zGxYudZ8KK4vVeL2cP5Taea_rhPHPvCfaGXkKQj_qZMlg60Zk_c_QIgoOGD7vuCyR8wV8SufP6RxvzW_caqP7u9ee_VT4qFY/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTb8A9IsTjPXjnhaG2nYWBIpj-U0UWbyZ2LrBvnNR3l2zGxYudZ8KK4vVeL2cP5Taea_rhPHPvCfaGXkKQj_qZMlg60Zk_c_QIgoOGD7vuCyR8wV8SufP6RxvzW_caqP7u9ee_VT4qFY/s640/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I have been enjoying the present so much I have not had a chance to think about my exciting future plans. And it's a great thing. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
India taught me a lot and I wouldn't doubt if I refer to that chapter of my life in my future blogs. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Importantly, it taught me to live in the present moment.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
And that's no easy task.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
However with ease I have been absorbing every present moment.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqPbcVYdnEs_n8Yeencvsk7vg1GdPUzgf_JkMD0_aUebCg1dx-p-RhOwfTQ5wBJXihlwIZ6L_w7ZfkSJ8AjhyphenhyphenY9lk7VFTpXiSkMhmbzMsI3zeeYuXMbBp7j2GZVyNRZQJxSAZKtd0haM/s1600/11698821_10205239296641658_2647335063286400279_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqPbcVYdnEs_n8Yeencvsk7vg1GdPUzgf_JkMD0_aUebCg1dx-p-RhOwfTQ5wBJXihlwIZ6L_w7ZfkSJ8AjhyphenhyphenY9lk7VFTpXiSkMhmbzMsI3zeeYuXMbBp7j2GZVyNRZQJxSAZKtd0haM/s320/11698821_10205239296641658_2647335063286400279_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From Left: Alex, my oldest sister. Middle: Rachel, my middle sister. Right: Me.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
After India I have been living it up to the fullest. Now, that's all subjective but when you've been constricted to cold bucket showers and no air conditioning plus the other amenities not available, everything after that is heaven.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Although this trip in Dubai would be a blast for any person, for me coming from tougher Indian living conditions, it put me in the mind set of "now" and forever positive vibes.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGlKXgDfCJCJhNjksonTUSsOQGAFPZTeSJxxtKtdL9QGpwXugwtaNAetq_L97cyq5PBKaF97FUjq1ERyrDR18RTRZ8YTx-l6-XIt6yPUFoZVGKXZbRGWTVyxZkuNT-oxZrfNMFTdj5kc/s1600/11754771_10205810051865266_4827987791141221871_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGlKXgDfCJCJhNjksonTUSsOQGAFPZTeSJxxtKtdL9QGpwXugwtaNAetq_L97cyq5PBKaF97FUjq1ERyrDR18RTRZ8YTx-l6-XIt6yPUFoZVGKXZbRGWTVyxZkuNT-oxZrfNMFTdj5kc/s320/11754771_10205810051865266_4827987791141221871_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I was blessed to be in the presence of my sisters and I certainly enjoyed every moment with them. (Even the ones where we didn't get along). The last time us three did something together has been years.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
We went on a desert safari riding camels and ATVS. We spent sometime at a Bedouin village, took a boat tour and bus tour (the Hop in Hop Off Bus), visiting the famous Atlantis hotel and seeing the only seven star hotel in the world. We went Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, we went to the beach and we skied and snowboarded at the indoor ski resort! All in three days. Literally, no time to rest. But that's my kind of vacation.</div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
The best part, hard to say. But I love that they know me inside and out despite the fact I see them a few times a year, if that. It was some great bonding. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThLr3Hp44Fe-H0MA7G0gOwGyWqqjrqfn9HUU4IHq_40G3mXbzSdjG9rH4t-dR_8pogGporleysnvlL0txQRDjDwfk2Kmi04Bz0Bw5yecajpM5gaLLE9RJd05EDSxBQTM5pgu1E-sJReA/s1600/11221978_10205807944932594_7964484849808231657_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThLr3Hp44Fe-H0MA7G0gOwGyWqqjrqfn9HUU4IHq_40G3mXbzSdjG9rH4t-dR_8pogGporleysnvlL0txQRDjDwfk2Kmi04Bz0Bw5yecajpM5gaLLE9RJd05EDSxBQTM5pgu1E-sJReA/s320/11221978_10205807944932594_7964484849808231657_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My one sister and I were even asked if we were twins because we kept responding to his questions at the same time with the same response in the same tone. It was obnoxious but funny. We couldn't help it. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Since we had such a packed schedule doing something every minute of the day it went with the blink of an eye. And when we took off and landed in Amsterdam for a layover I still didn't think about my future but I was so ready to get out in the city for a few hours before my next departure took off.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
And I did. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
We landed at 6 in the morning. I freshened up and by 830 I headed out to the city. I got on the bus route to the centre city, bus 169, and around quarter after 9 I got off at the Vondel Park, the most famous park in the Netherlands. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
It was an overcast day but I was very happy to feel a cool breeze and no humidity. It was amazing. I had to head back by 1130 to give myself time for my next flight departing at 1300... I wanted extra time to go through passport check point and security. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
After strolling around I saw the water tours were opening up and to my convenience an hour canal tour started in two minutes at 1020! How perfect. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwGVa7v1p-y_MQTFbR3M0d1E9YtSji1tnh42tXSx6HrdrMuV0b1mxKaIS1DOxeGCZDFatUp68UOW-mZqQ8J77keHTq84j3CyRRxUav_8pwWlePJZKRRoRzvKUl-5MlTvXktDgVwVXHRs/s1600/11703215_10205826974528322_4332340890266752892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwGVa7v1p-y_MQTFbR3M0d1E9YtSji1tnh42tXSx6HrdrMuV0b1mxKaIS1DOxeGCZDFatUp68UOW-mZqQ8J77keHTq84j3CyRRxUav_8pwWlePJZKRRoRzvKUl-5MlTvXktDgVwVXHRs/s320/11703215_10205826974528322_4332340890266752892_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the tour boat in Amsterdam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I went! It was nice to see the city from the canal and learn about some history. As soon as I walked off the boat I got to the bus stop and conveniently my bus was leaving to the airport! It was incredible.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I got on the bus at 11:25. And made it back to the airport by noon. It was seriously perfect.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I got through security and passport check in and to my gate thirty minutes prior to boarding. This gave me time to freshen up and FaceTime my mother real quick. It was ideal.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I couldn't have had a more smooth layover.<br />
<br />
Although it does take preparation in order to do it. I did research on what I could do, where, how far, how much it would cost, how to get there, etc. I was looking at visiting the Van Gogh museum or the Anne Frank house but I decided I wanted fresh air and I didn't want to be rushed in the tour. I think I made the right decision. And if I come back here I'll make sure I visit both places. In addition to the famous tulip garden, Keukenhof, which I would have loved to visit but it was not in season! (March-May is season) </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
However I did purchase some tulips buds to plant in Panama.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Anyway, I have arrived to my house in Panama, and estoy muy contenta. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpbqiF56MMC4bZy8E8bn0MjPKiJ5rbiwMQmdDYclfnV6PBnD-JyrkjDc-0jiWqoVntWs41a5NjBRPRD5uzoU5trTtcdxJz5fL-DUms_EZxwpAuha2Zwhl0Pv1DxqQb698R3TuwLwE7FI/s1600/11728835_10205848787793640_1057858095898504016_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpbqiF56MMC4bZy8E8bn0MjPKiJ5rbiwMQmdDYclfnV6PBnD-JyrkjDc-0jiWqoVntWs41a5NjBRPRD5uzoU5trTtcdxJz5fL-DUms_EZxwpAuha2Zwhl0Pv1DxqQb698R3TuwLwE7FI/s320/11728835_10205848787793640_1057858095898504016_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Life is good. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Advice: be happy right now. No need to always look forward to the future, even if it looks wonderful because then we will never get the chance to enjoy the moment. Plus, the future is unpredictable. If you can't enjoy the present, you can't enjoy much of life. Who know's what tomorrow will bring. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Until then,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
DK </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-86979635936777701672015-07-12T05:47:00.000-06:002015-07-26T21:25:10.441-06:00Live With The Heart: My India Chapter is Complete<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm1AUly7Bgfv7Y4twvRyLHW2W74s5Lc6-RZgfTamS1vO9jWEXHhxbv6bHOVI9qZ-_b5ny7o-QIVCijQIeizzc4w-5b8PZf-R7Blf6L9j67A_QPCJbK1mDKIe4A6x141-2mPJ8M36x99Q/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm1AUly7Bgfv7Y4twvRyLHW2W74s5Lc6-RZgfTamS1vO9jWEXHhxbv6bHOVI9qZ-_b5ny7o-QIVCijQIeizzc4w-5b8PZf-R7Blf6L9j67A_QPCJbK1mDKIe4A6x141-2mPJ8M36x99Q/s320/IMG_1926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A teaching from Osho:<br />
<div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br />
<div>
"The Latin root word for courage is 'cor' which means heart. To be courageous means to live with the heart. To live in love, trust and to move into the unknown. Living through the heart is to discover meaning"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The experience I have had cannot be put in words.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I came here four days after graduating college, not really thinking what exactly I was getting myself into. It went by like a breeze of fresh air grazing your face. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This breeze, changed me. It was fresh air from the Indian Himalayan mountains that decided to shine new light and find a way to enlightenment my soul.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a drastic change and as much I love change the breeze wasn't always complimenting. I had days where I thought to myself, "do I ever consider what exactly I'm doing before I do it?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had come to India on my own and agreed to participate in a yogic lifestyle which required more than I bargained for, but it made me stronger and now I am grateful for the challenge:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No meat</div>
<div>
No alcohol</div>
<div>
No dairy </div>
<div>
No proper shower (bucket of cold water)</div>
<div>
No consistent running water (without water for days, on and off)</div>
<div>
No makeup (my decision, and not an easy one! But I must say, I have gotten use to looking at my face without makeup)</div>
<div>
No television<br />
No air conditioning </div>
<div>
Etc.</div>
<div>
With the rigorous schedule starting at 6 AM on the dot every morning for 30 days and finishing at 1800 for dinner. (With a break for breakfast tea time and lunch during the day)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I met amazing people who were courageous and strong enough to drop their lives and detach from the world. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Each and every yogi that accompanied me on this journey is an inspiration and brought new perspectives and knowledge as we came from all over the world: Australia, Japan, Thailand, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Russia, Costa Rica, Canada, Hungary, Spain, Chile, Vietnam, Mexico and the United States. (I think that's all)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
And despite that we all came from different cultures, we all had one common ground: a passion for yoga and courage to detach from our lives.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
In life we get used to our daily lives and get too comfortable, it's natural. But we need to find ways to change it up and switch around what we do. In order to do that we need courage. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Courage to dip our toes into the fresh water. Courage to open a new door of opportunity and step through to the other side to a breeze of fresh air.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I have become a better human with more understanding and more compassion for the world. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I see life in a new way of positive light and happiness. I am extremely grateful that I have this courage to find ways to broaden my horizons and explore into the unknown.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
My advice: wander and explore into a new adventure. Go out of your comfort zone and find meaning in all that you do. Be adventurous and when you venture into the unknown you learn more about yourself than you ever knew possible. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
This past month has taught me heaps about who I am, what I want, and what I truly need. Osho is right. And when we love, trust, and dive into the unknown we live through our heart and we discover meaning. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
And after this experience I can say,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I am living through my heart discovering meaning.
<br />
I am courageous. <br />
I am living in love, trust and moving continuously into the unknown.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
My heart is full. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
DK</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-19819853606674556492015-07-08T10:17:00.000-06:002015-07-08T10:29:21.939-06:00The Last Week Of My Yoga Journey In India <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My time is dwindling down here in Dharamsala as the yoga teaching training detox course is finishing it's victory lap. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It's bittersweet. The more I become accustomed to this schedule and lifestyle the more I am enjoying myself. Especially the acro yoga. One of the girls is a master at it and thinks I'm a great fit for this type of yoga because of my body shape and I'm stoked about it, so she has been teaching me some moves and I will definitely take this practice into my life at home.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So that's incredibly fun and I am trying my best to enjoy this moment but it's hard when I know what's at the finish line -- a fun tourist vacation with my two sisters in Dubai and to cherry top that a Yoga Alliance Teacher certification in the bag. So forgive me it's hard to focus on the now.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But I am, I completed teaching my two asana sequences and only have a meditation to lead tomorrow morning (wish me luck) and a quiz to complete to finish the course. For me, teaching the asana classes were fun, I wasn't nervous and that's because I've taught asana classes before but I am apprehensive about leading a meditation as well as this quiz. If you know me well, you're aware that I can't sit still and so my ADHD had me staring out the window day dreaming, dozing off, or doodling in my notebook so I am not sure how much I truly retained in that class.. But I am not going to worry about it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I've been thinking and trying to recap my four weeks here. Have I improved mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally? What did I learn? How much of this yogic lifestyle will I incorporate in my Westernized life? Have I changed? </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I think mentally I have grown, I am mentally stronger. I have become more independent traveling to the east alone, learning how to adjust and cope with situations better, and having an even more positive outlook on life. And although sometimes my mind wasn't feeling meditation practice my mind became more stable and balanced, forcing my mind to be quiet, something that would have not been possible before.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Spiritually, well obviously I have become more in tune having meditation every morning for the past 28 days at 6:00 in the morning for almost two hours. But my mind has also been exposed to spiritual practices in which I was unaware of like, Reiki. In the end, yes. Before coming to India I was probably 5% spiritual and now I would say 25%. You westerners might disagree and say I am more spiritual than that, but you have yet to meet the gurus over here. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Physically... I wish! No, realistically I have. I have been more aware of my body and its ability in asana practice and I have challenged my body to do postures I never knew were possible for me. Although I have years to go until I master some! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Emotionally, I am not really sure how to tackle that one, I think yes I learned to continue to be independent and to feel emotions but to not attach. Because in the end nothing lasts forever. That's emotional right?</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I learned a lot. Too much to explain but I am happy for this new knowledge from anatomy, to philosophy, to asana postures, to yin/astanga/hatha/acro yoga sequences, to NLP (nero linguistics programming), to much more. It's been a ride. (I'll have to save some of this enlightenment and blend it into to my book) anyway, point being: a few chapters of interesting knowledge. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Will I incorporate this yogic lifestyle? To an extent, I will take what I believe will benefit my practice and my life. For example, the niyamas and yamas, social and personal codes, like the basics. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
This is my rational: I have an open mind to hear everyone's opinions and views just like I do when I hear this yogic lifestyle (which stems off of Buddhism and Hinduism religion) but that does not mean I will use it or agree with it. I understand this way of life but I am content and happy with mine. So, I will take what will benefit me. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Have I changed? With every new adventure I take on my journey of curiosity I change. I become a better human. I see the world in the light of another culture and do my best to be apart of it so I can understand how other people live and with that comes change. New experiences new people new culture .. It's bound to make a lasting impression and it certainly made a mark on me and one I will never forget.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I will have one more final blog in the next coming days to bring this circle round and announce that the victory lap has been completed.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Until then, </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-54979467482073709192015-07-03T07:31:00.001-06:002015-07-26T20:01:09.029-06:00Last Supper<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">It's a rainy day here in Dharamsala and it's playing an active role on my mood. I am not necessarily tired because I would love to go to one of my typical yoga sculpt classes in Colorado or take a run at my parents house (both impossible things here, you can't go for a run in this town because of the culture) but it is that I am tired of the same routine - bored too.</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I don't know anyone too well, although it's not my point to mingle, it's nice to have a person there to chat with. And I can't complain because Joey, the closest to my age and closest person to my hometown has been an awesome companion. But it's not like I'm going to blurt out all my thoughts onto his poor soul (I say poor because he has to listen to me), although he has endured the "Devin rants" aka me going on and on about a story the person probably does not really care about, remember where I began, or get the chance to interrupt me... Apologies Joey. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Three weeks, going on four, without one day to sleep past 5:30, with pretty much an identical daily schedule, it's been more rough than easy. I am not one to wake up at the crack of dawn unless I am going my typical 7:00 yoga sculpt class back in the states. Otherwise I don't see a point in waking up that early. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And here, we wake up to meditate. I have come to the conclusion it is not my thing and you'll see me in the back of the room with my head bobbing down because I am usually falling asleep since in meditation you have your eyes closed. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
An easy way for someone to doze off who is not serious about meditating. At first I really tried to meditate and all that jazz but it was pointless. I am not "ready" enough to have zero thoughts and quite frankly I don't mind.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I'll be giving a meditation class next week, which requires two mantras and two pranayama exercises, it's at six in the morning so at least I'll be half asleep when giving it... Let's just hope I don't doze off in the middle.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I am happy the weekend is finally here which means the count down is now onto single digits. Except tomorrow I will be doing the throw up detox I have already done, which I sincerely disliked. And then an hour later I will be doing a similar detox with a lemon type drink and then performing asana (yoga practice) until I need to run to the bathroom or vomit. That will be done up to ten times.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After that, we rest all day since our energy will be very low from cleansing everything out of the body. We are eating a very light dinner tonight, we are not allowed to eat out, and that has been my go to the past two weeks since I despise Indian food more and more.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eHYljYny8_7wsbAL93Ksx63TWeC0ghIETea2CrpwVpjWDympshgF1dKA-vXCmCwWBrk-r7QlDASY76EVb_-tQFUGuQ1LffWf2tiq1sRoVlYnoOMc3_gZAzNy2Qc9XoYblE25rWUfOWo/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eHYljYny8_7wsbAL93Ksx63TWeC0ghIETea2CrpwVpjWDympshgF1dKA-vXCmCwWBrk-r7QlDASY76EVb_-tQFUGuQ1LffWf2tiq1sRoVlYnoOMc3_gZAzNy2Qc9XoYblE25rWUfOWo/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last meal before the detox.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But it's 72 hours of my life so I am telling myself, easy peeezy lemon squeezey. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Once we complete the 10 rounds we are only allowed to eat kitchari for the next 48 hours. I explained in my previous blog it's two types of grains, very bland. Unfortunately I can't even sneak in a sweet treat because that will only upset my stomach and at that point in the game I doubt I'll be up for it.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
This practice is suppose to clean literally everything out of the body, so you start fresh once it's all said and done. For example one person did it who was a chain smoker and vomited up tar basically because this is getting everything out one way or the other.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnVXIvjDpcTZUJLNvLano8f6jSz511FzHZxYq-3PHpS9nuteyzkr00o662ig0HI5LPvuXxa3VwA5PkAPzkKaxgDTvtRr8WdFiOPcdTCZQWmPA26DozuDhPRYQaokbRvBKNLwqIrqS82U/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnVXIvjDpcTZUJLNvLano8f6jSz511FzHZxYq-3PHpS9nuteyzkr00o662ig0HI5LPvuXxa3VwA5PkAPzkKaxgDTvtRr8WdFiOPcdTCZQWmPA26DozuDhPRYQaokbRvBKNLwqIrqS82U/s320/IMG_1746.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Asana practice performed after drinking the detox drink.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So thankfully those delicious cakes I've been treating myself too apparently won't matter, although I'll most likely be regretting it tomorrow.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I am sincerely looking forward to seeing my sisters in Dubai and doing some awesome tourist things, but until then I will continue to embrace this yogic lifestyle as best I can.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Oh and although this whole experience has been a detox in itself I have clearly snuck away to find sweet treats and Oreos but I am still following the vegetarian protocol (I can't say vegan anymore because I am sure the treats at the bakery I have scarfed down were made with an egg which is not allowed in that diet) but for vegetation protocol that means I have not had a piece of meat since I left the states. In addition to the fact I have not had a sip of alcohol (although that's not part of their diet) so I'm staying strong.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway I am sincerely looking forward to a big juicy cheese burger with guacamole and fries on the side. As well as a fat tasty crab cake. And of course a nice beer to go with it wouldn't hurt.... So indulge for me!!! And when you take that delicious yummy filled bite think of me over here in India sitting on the floor (since chairs don't exist in this culture) eating kitchari (the two grain dish) for the next 72 hours. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-67638812574747632232015-07-01T08:11:00.001-06:002015-07-26T21:41:27.376-06:00Around the Bend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The end count down to becoming officially certified as a yoga instructor by Yoga Alliance has arrived! And I couldn't be more excited. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<div>
Although we still have quite some time and I'm enjoying the experience, we're over the hill and riding slowly down to the finish line.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8OtSW3vs_dxqQvPheel8GLindKKS8SvSV3pEjblm-oKdBVB4unBVRzqNdfnpYJ2XVaQmwCV1L3AIcE2cvPjRaDnOEpkG2yy5VzYq0l_RwshcwsEpshswGzn5y3C2uj2qOm3e0e7eklw/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8OtSW3vs_dxqQvPheel8GLindKKS8SvSV3pEjblm-oKdBVB4unBVRzqNdfnpYJ2XVaQmwCV1L3AIcE2cvPjRaDnOEpkG2yy5VzYq0l_RwshcwsEpshswGzn5y3C2uj2qOm3e0e7eklw/s320/IMG_1403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgana (in grey pants) and I (in blue top) during a partner yoga workshop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I completed my first practicum, teaching a thirty minute asana. It went well, my class seemed to enjoy it as I got positive feedback (but who's to give negative in a yoga environment). I focused on back bends in my sequence and I felt awesome teaching! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Although I have taught before (because I'm certified through Corepower yoga) it was different. This was a true asana class with my new knowledge and a different atmosphere.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am most apprehensive about leading a meditation class. That is next week. As well as leading one more hour class. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am completely over eating at the yoga school and I have been eating out quite a bit, finding some great tourist - approved places to eat. In fact, a lot of Israelis travel here for some reason, so there is a decent amount of Israeli food, which has been to my delight.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I can't complain about the prices because, for example, this awesome vegetable burrito that I order is $3.00 U.S. Dollars and it's legit. So the prices are awesome but I have done a good amount of shopping so unfortunately running out of rupees (the Indian currency) has already happened. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They don't take credit cards so that has been a downfall and my reasoning for buying a good amount of gifts is because the prices are good and they'll come in handy in the states and in the states the prices would be way higher, so I am telling myself if the purchases will come in handy, for a good price, I'll make it happen. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, the schedule is lighter although philosophy and meditation are still in the mix, and you know how I feel about that. But we are doing four hours of Asana (postures/practice) yoga! So finally we are really getting into postures and stretching our bodies, instead of having the lecturers more often than asana. So it's nice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This weekend we do a big detox of our internal organs. We drink this mixture of something that will upset our digestive system so it will clean out everything causing us to run to the bathroom vomiting and out the other end. And to top it off we can only eat kitchari, a mixture of solely two grains, that is easy to digest. We can only eat that for 48 hours. I decided I'm going to do the detox even though I said I was over it in the last blog. </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I have come to this conclusion because this is the only time in my life I will have this opportunity and support to participate in the detox and in this environment.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So we shall see. That is going to be on our "day off" but it's not really off because we will be busy puking and so on. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Until then I will be treating myself to dessert and bread and all of the above. (Except meat and alcohol because that is not allowed).</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Oh and if you were wondering how I am doing with the water and sickness... I am back to myself feeling fantastic and energized to the fullest. And the water, well I've adjusted to using bottles of water to "shower" myself and I am happy when the water turns on for a cold rinse. But it's not often and I've adjusted... We are around the bend!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgammzf4ii4OtqsRdRM8B-jl1754itTTzsxE_EpYay12uew8WNlQKQGlMJKlohRq3ElWB3OJwfvZl1Kntk9T0y2-LTVpMgQ29AoEsytHfkAIFLAItvDFJc5sH0FkTCBm5xNqZXc5BLKXyI/s1600/IMG_1488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgammzf4ii4OtqsRdRM8B-jl1754itTTzsxE_EpYay12uew8WNlQKQGlMJKlohRq3ElWB3OJwfvZl1Kntk9T0y2-LTVpMgQ29AoEsytHfkAIFLAItvDFJc5sH0FkTCBm5xNqZXc5BLKXyI/s320/IMG_1488.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Namaste</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-29942764409916909392015-06-26T09:15:00.000-06:002015-07-26T21:42:23.057-06:00My Days in India <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Almost half way through the teacher training course and with my experience here in India, and it's been like no other.</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I'll be honest, it hasn't been easy and full of peaceful easy vibes you may think a yoga retreat would bring. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I have been okay with not having running water for a day, I understand I'm in India and it's a different life. But three days with not being able to flush the toilet or brush my teeth or rinse my hands after snacking on a date.. The simple things. It gets tough. Especially when you're used to having water at your feet.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzODY2uKh7RDj0Jxxul4zSOoG2HRuqWaANOrQwYhLZ5kigl4xzEqMBz2NaCsGfKUVBSp2kbyodySb4JOx9qVaLNVP-MeMcEYaUGy-fhxjsms_kifZUnyxucZVeHgY2U-McTuaNLRVdHw/s1600/Acro+Yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzODY2uKh7RDj0Jxxul4zSOoG2HRuqWaANOrQwYhLZ5kigl4xzEqMBz2NaCsGfKUVBSp2kbyodySb4JOx9qVaLNVP-MeMcEYaUGy-fhxjsms_kifZUnyxucZVeHgY2U-McTuaNLRVdHw/s320/Acro+Yoga.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Needless to say I am learning to take my pranayama into action (breathing techniques) to calm away my exasperations and although I'm not big on the pranayama/meditation part of the course, it's sort of helping me not go crazy. Although I will say I was not happy with the case because the other yogis across the hall get water! So why is it just our six rooms?! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I can look at it in a few ways and I'll take it as a test by the higher power strongly reminding of what a beautiful and blessed life I do have everyday. So I'll accept it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But, it wasn't fun when the three days of no water decided to happen when I got food poisoning/sickness... That has been the biggest struggle, the food. We get made an Indian cuisine twice a day which is nice but food my body does not accept. (From now on I am only eating the breakfast here which is oats and fruit).</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And so I have been venturing out into town reluctant but forced to try food (so I would not starve myself) and more or less I had issues.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Now, I've come across two places I can eat at and I'm overjoyed and so happy to have found a place of decent food. It was a hallelujah moment. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Besides the struggles of water and food, two needs in life, I'm doing well. This part of the course is the toughest because it's dead center in the middle and waking up EVERYDAY <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 5:30</a> is no easy task, so it's catching up quickly but I am happy because the schedule is becoming easier as we are starting to create our own sequences and dive into other fun practices. (And get out of the anatomy and philosophy lectures)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Like today for our workshop we did partner yoga and tomorrow we have acrobatic yoga! That is going to be my next goal, acro yoga! Maybe one day to even teach it. Anyway, today's workshop was fun and I am excited for tomorrow's workshop as well.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Tomorrow we have another morning of cleansing which sounds awful because of my previous experience. We are doing Agnisar (vahnisara Dhauti) which is activating the digestive fire. This is when you drink a mixture (I am not exactly sure what it is) and it comes out BOTH ways until you're completely cleaned out.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Our teacher told us that one girl did it last month and it hit her so fast she was running up the stairs and she couldn't hold it in where it all came down her pants and legs... How awful!! Yeah so that's tomorrow...</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Count me WAY out. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I'll go observe and support but heck no am I putting my body through another vomiting session. And out the other end too?! No no no not for me. At least not yet, still working on becoming a "yogi".</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, same routine tomorrow but Shatkarma (the cleansing) instead of meditation and the schedule remains the same. I am hoping my body will be feeling 100% by tomorrow because I am still recuperating. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0QhRBYjB0dv11svpaqra7Kpw_AbhwZXrf6wqu2hjxwBJj9LidDcQ42LkOJvHrdKh0pB6S5eTfSb53etsppFKwHdNo25IJmK3X9nFBYNgorv-pQE9BkHHaParQEUK6t_bOJIgifVuars/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0QhRBYjB0dv11svpaqra7Kpw_AbhwZXrf6wqu2hjxwBJj9LidDcQ42LkOJvHrdKh0pB6S5eTfSb53etsppFKwHdNo25IJmK3X9nFBYNgorv-pQE9BkHHaParQEUK6t_bOJIgifVuars/s320/IMG_1809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
All in all, this is a chapter on my journey of curiosity. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-87039085968534303002015-06-23T08:38:00.001-06:002015-07-26T21:40:21.991-06:00First Day of Cleansing the Internal Body<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Interesting morning to say the least. On the up side we didn't have meditation but still had to be up and about at 6.</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We started the internal cleansing process this morning. It's called: Shatkarma. There are six types, shat in Sanskrit means six and karma means action. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgGFWxBICHrn_G68VdMAORU2GGQgJahtpMg1VfMoPcflqWAQzdhEalGwWGJgrU7f2bstPyLizlgm2cwcVB0LGrcTPzYrpd7KdExDT6by9HhdGPw1jt-bmp6exesftV-NVmSAatvFD05Y/s1600/IMG_1284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgGFWxBICHrn_G68VdMAORU2GGQgJahtpMg1VfMoPcflqWAQzdhEalGwWGJgrU7f2bstPyLizlgm2cwcVB0LGrcTPzYrpd7KdExDT6by9HhdGPw1jt-bmp6exesftV-NVmSAatvFD05Y/s320/IMG_1284.jpg" width="240" /></a>The goal of Shatkarma is to create harmony between the two major pranic flows, Ida and Pingala, thereby attaining physical and mental purification. They are also used to balance the three doshas: Kapha (mucus), Pitta (bile) and Vata (air).</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We attempted three this morning. The first practice is called Neti, cleansing and purifying the nasal passages. The first was on jala neti, putting water through one nostril so that it comes out the other nostril in order to clean the naval passages. That was easy, but felt super weird and I had to blow my nose a few times.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Then was rubber neti, which is apart of neti. You have a small tube like string you twist up your nose and then reach your hand in your mouth to grab it at the throat and pull through like dental floss. I attempted both nostrils but both times my nose started to bleed so either I was being too aggressive and shoving it up wrong or my nose just didn't like it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7DSOU6QGEwp5Xarvbe0HBaiTfBA1fXJSV-pIdBLU9HmKjasvLKyMwVUxvDYCIP1ZulZqJ7DL02_TAlxNM5agUM2q1L2eBhTDJItzWzBpwF0krfghcImMj1pZtVUY7otqmEHvqXKRH8g/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7DSOU6QGEwp5Xarvbe0HBaiTfBA1fXJSV-pIdBLU9HmKjasvLKyMwVUxvDYCIP1ZulZqJ7DL02_TAlxNM5agUM2q1L2eBhTDJItzWzBpwF0krfghcImMj1pZtVUY7otqmEHvqXKRH8g/s320/IMG_1283.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best photo of me, but here's my attempt at rubber neti.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Some people got it and they would gag and tears would rush down their faces, it was intense. I was tearing up because it stung to get the tube up so high.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
This is a way to get the mucus out and all the toxins that are inside. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After that, was Dhauti, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">an internal cleansing technique of the stomach. You </span>chug warm sea salt water. You are suppose to chug 4-8 glasses and trust me, if you chug them fast enough you won't have any issues vomiting. And I did not. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It was nasty. At first I was slowly drinking it and then I realized that was doing me no good. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The night before you don't eat after like 2100. I had a grilled cheese and a piece of banana cake (yes you're right, that is not apart of this vegan/ Indian/ yogi diet, but the Indian meals twice a day every day are getting old and getting to my stomach) so I was hungry for a grilled cheese and a sweet treat, so damn right I got it!! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, not the point. After vomiting quite a bit (it was incredible how much water came up when it seemed like four cups wouldn't do so much, but it did) I was feeling unsure of how my body was going to react to the aftermath.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But then we were required to drink a cup of warm milk... SICK. I do not like milk and when I'm in anatomy class I stare out the window to see the cows eating trash in their "field". So that was not appealing whatsoever.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Nevertheless it's important because we cleaned out the internal organs so we now need to build a wall inside to protect the stomach so milk is the solution, apparently.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I went for half a glass of soy milk. I told him I was not as big as the others so why should I have a glass as big as theirs? Valid I thought. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I went back to my room and the last thing I wanted was food. We had yoga class in a few minutes, which was not exactly what I wanted to do after throwing up my guts at 6 in the morning but Asana practice started at 730 so I was there.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The class began and I start to feel super ill, saliva was coming up like I needed to vomit. And the postures that are compression postures to the stomach like doing bujangasana, cobra pose, was not ideal.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I kept telling myself it's in the head, we're just doing a simple flow. But when the instructor started to adjust me to deepen my postures I was not feeling it. The reason I wasn't going so deep was because my stomach felt ill, granted she didn't know that but it was not helpful.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So I said to myself, "I'm usually not a complainer (I like to think so) and I am good with pain so I know when I don't feel good since it's not often". And my step dad once told me, "sometimes we need to take one small step back to finish three steps ahead."</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I came to the conclusion something was not right and he's right, taking the mini step back to evaluate my body is the right thing to do which can lead me, in the end, to potentially be three steps farther. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I got out of the posture grabbed my key and left my mat.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I rushed to the bathroom in my room and vomited, more water and that mixture came out. Sick. (And there goes the point of drinking the milk)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I wanted to make sure it was all out though so that everything would go back to normal.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
With that in mind, I made myself puke one more time, which really wasn't difficult because I was still not feeling well. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And with that vomit, some blood came out... Gross. And so no more puking for me. I laid on my bed and did not return to asana practice.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
As soon as breakfast was ready I made myself three bowls of oatmeal and grabbed a mango and two bananas. My stomach, it seemed, was mad at me.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I was exhausted for the rest of the day. In the end, I am not going to do either of those detoxes again. It is not for me.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And in life, some things aren't for everyone and that is when you have to know your body and your body's limit.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Do I think this is a good detox? I think the nasal passage one to the other nasal passage is fine to clear the nose but otherwise I would say suitable for those that feel their body accepts it. Mine did not. And I may have tried too hard with the nose to mouth one but now I know it's not okay. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The rest of the day dragged on as I was fatigued from puking so much and with little in the stomach.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I ended up I skipping out on lunch and dinner since it is Indian cuisine every day, which is too heavy for me right now. And I'm too tired to walk a mile up a mountain to other food. Plus my stomach is not asking for much, just rest. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
All in all, it was an interesting morning and an experience. I am not sure how well I'll do with the future cleanses but I'll give it a try because it is important to embrace other cultures, especially when you're in their environment.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Tomorrow is back to the same routine - meditation at 6 straight to yoga practice at 8 to breakfast at 930 to philosophy at 1030 to noon then unto lunch to posture break downs after at 1400 until 1530 for a fifteen minute tea break back at it at 1545 for a workshop until 1800, dinner time... </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Overall, there's a lot to learn and in the next coming days we are studying the Ayurveda diet which I am excited to learn about and I will be sure to share those enticing details with you in the near future.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Until then, I am resting until morning meditation.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-74830788151636201032015-06-21T09:48:00.000-06:002015-07-26T21:30:13.304-06:00The First International Yoga Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a busy day for the day off! No time for sleeping in on a day of celebration. We woke up at 5 and headed to the Dalai llama temple for his speech commemorating the 80th birthday.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was intense. Of course I thought I was invincible and I tried to bring in my phone although they repeatedly said no. I got through security but one lady saw my phone hidden in my rain coat hood... Bummer. I had to go to a stand and put my phone there in exchange for a number. A little skeptical about it but I had no choice and got my phone back at the end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By the time I got in it was packed and finding a seat was near impossible. But don't worry I used my assertive ways and squeezed my tush in between a young Tibetan boy and elderly lady. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The good thing about this crowd is that they are nice people so it wasn't like trying to squeeze between to New Yorkers.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We only had room for the typical cross legged position. So that wasn't ideal but I managed ... For FOUR hours straight, no joke. I didn't even stand because I didn't want to loose my spot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I watched the clock on the side of the temple tick four full times around. I don't think I've ever sat for so long doing nothing. No book, no journal, no phone, nothing. A few almonds that I ate way to quick.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They threw out amazing bread, but of course I had to share, but I enjoyed the half piece. It was like pita bread but thicker and tasted sweet. </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hmMAh8hboQ2tO2-Yif5ynxj7z_ieZqbpibsqWYFxk_teLxDtC19WOI5PIzrNmiEoxliNeUNxll3PN4eXG3W4rqQNHKHyAFA9wD1eSdec4kXyDGc3mH5dwqqESd9IqoEcxlOAybEkwp8/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hmMAh8hboQ2tO2-Yif5ynxj7z_ieZqbpibsqWYFxk_teLxDtC19WOI5PIzrNmiEoxliNeUNxll3PN4eXG3W4rqQNHKHyAFA9wD1eSdec4kXyDGc3mH5dwqqESd9IqoEcxlOAybEkwp8/s320/IMG_1917.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tibetan bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
They also threw out drinks but it didn't reach us. There were a couple thousand people that attended. I was lucky to have snagged a seat on the floor, many were standing behind and couldn't even see the big screens or anything. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Luckily I could and was able to see the Dalai llama walk in at the entrance. He spoke in Tibetan but it was still a cool experience.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't stay the whole time, I got the jist after four hours. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After I got lunch and walked around the town side street shopping and around 1700 started the two hour sun salutations in honor of the day! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is, International Yoga Day, it is the first official day the world is recognizing it! Also the start of the summer solstice. In honor of the day we do 108 sun salutations which is quite a lot and one time counts when you do both sides.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxlPdvR6OB9F3tjjjshm_baW748Nfb-h5ooFGSPJNVadzgJN8gD0wOm3xyXmXuxwRLMsv2sZVrHNrOQi-x1XQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is a summary: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The surya namaskar (sun salutations)<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span>the classical hatha yoga consists of 12 postures on each side. And you move with your breath, inhale to one posture and exhale to the the next. </div>
<div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Here is the sequence:</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Pranamasana (prayer pose or hands at heart center) breathe in and out.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Hasta Utthanasana (raised arm pose) inhale</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Padahastasana (hand to foot pose) exhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Asha Sarchalanasana (equestrian pose) inhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Parvatasana (like downward dog but feet together) exhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Ashtanga Namaskar (8 point salute) breath retention </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Bhujangasana (cobra pose) inhale</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Parvatasana exhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Asha Sanchalanasana inhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Padahastasana exhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Hasta Utthanasana inhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Pranamasana exhale </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Repeat other side and that is one complete surya namaskar!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Today I did 108! It took about two hours. It was quite long I video taped most of it but my phone went to 20% battery and stopped the video ... But I got most of it on the time lapse which is pretty cool. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
(I enjoy watching the background and sky change as the time passed)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Anyway it's been quite a long day and I'm trying to enjoy dinner with some yogi friends! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Thanks for keeping posted!!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
DK</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-63149237178551091642015-06-20T07:38:00.002-06:002015-06-20T09:32:59.245-06:00Dev's Exploration of Meditation <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Every day since we've been here it's </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">6 am</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> meditation for an hour and forty five minutes. I can't say I am getting the hang of it. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We all gather in a room and sit cross legged, with of course a straight posture, otherwise, apparently, it is impossible to meditate with a slouched spine (bummer). </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We first start with some mantras which are basically like prayers. What I've learned is that yoga existed before all religions and yoga was a way of life with a set of beliefs and rituals.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Buddhism and Hinduism resemble a lot of the yoga philosophy but not exactly. At first I was confused, especially in philosophy class, I was asking is this Hinduism or Buddhism that we are learning? But it is neither. Simply a way of life before religion was a thing.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So anyway, these morning mantras (I think of them as "chants") which are like prayers, the famous OM means the Supreme Power, which most chants start with, acknowledging the higher being, so for those religious people it would be your God... Is how I'm interpreting it.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The chants are asking the Supreme Power to give us peace, happiness and all that jazz. We repeat each mantra five times as a group. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I am so happy when the mantras are over... No offense. (<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's about forty minutes long)</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
One. My singing voice sounds like a dying chicken and chanting or whatever you want to call it is too similar to a singing voice so I'd rather spare everyone who thinks I'm in pain sooner than later.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And two... I get bored easily repeating the same thing over and over again. (I mean honestly is praying at a chapel, church, mosque, synagogue etc. super exciting?)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After the chants we do a few slow inhales and exhales and then sit in silence a.k.a meditate for three minutes. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
You're suppose to only focus on your breath and have zero thoughts... That for me is nearly impossible, my mind runs at the speed of lightening with thoughts coming in from all directions. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And in fact, I love day dreaming. I love my subconscious mind drifting off, and linking one thought with the slightest connection to the next. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But apparently that is not how you meditate.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
However today I was like, "I enjoy my thoughts" so I did not try to stop them, like I have attempted before. When I do try to think of nothing, it's a struggle and usually leads to thoughts and today those three minutes lasted longer than my back pain had liked.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But anyway once that's all done we head to the pranayama part of meditation, which is breathing. Your prana is your chest area, your breath, so without your prana you are no longer in the physical world. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We do some interesting exercises. Thank god I've matured a little bit and can take the exercises seriously... Well seriously enough that I'm not laughing out loud. Sometimes I smirk to myself because I think it's hilarious that me, out of all people, is sitting in a room with, well more or less hippies / spiritual people (You get my drift) and I am here meditating with them. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
To my defensive us westerners do not do this in our life and for me it is odd. For example, we will do this one exercise where you just breath out through your nose. But it's not the typical uijjai breath. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
You continuously exhale through your nostrils at a fast pace as your abdominals rise and fall. It makes a weird sound, not like you're sniffing something but the opposite because you're exhaling out the nose (almost like you have a booger in your nose and you're trying to blow it out). And eventually you create a steady beat. Sometimes I loose myself and have to start over.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
When we get in partners, like we did today. I try to be on my best behavior because I know they take this seriously and I don't want to ruin their "vibes". So the second partner I had was one of the more serious types who for example does meditation practices on her own... I would rather not sit on my bum crossed legged for another minute if I don't have to. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, so we sit face to face, eyes closed, cross legged and have our hands six inches apart from each other, making a 90 degree angle with our arms. (And our palms are not touching.)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We do that one breathing exercise for a minute or so then sit in silence for awhile and "observe" what we feel.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Well, I don't really feel anything. What am I suppose to feel? I certainly feel back pain on my right side and my ankle is sore from sitting in this specific cross legged position. But I can't move or else I will disturb my partners feelings. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So I try so hard to concentrate and feel something... and I started to feel movement in my right palm and then into my left. I am thinking, "how is this possible?" I come to the conclusion that I am psychologically putting these thoughts in my mind because when we go around the room and ask what we feel this is what some say. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
By the end, which felt like an eternity of discomfort, we can open our eyes and discuss our thoughts...</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
She said she has never thought to herself, "how much longer are we going to sit like this" before and so apparently my energy and thoughts traveled through to her... My bad... My dang back was hurting!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I told her I felt slight energy in my palm and she got excited... Otherwise I would be the only one to say I didn't feel anything.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I wonder with time if I'll truly be able to feel something or not. Although I think when I might be feeling a "vibration" or energy that I'm just putting it in my head... </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, meditation wrapped up and I was more so a happy camper... I have a long way to improve. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And although I did say I am here to deepen my knowledge of yoga and all that.. I can never see myself personally teaching my yoga class with meditation. It's not exactly me. But I suppose it doesn't hurt to take a few stabs at it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Philosophy class ticked by at the speed of a snail crossing a six inch - thick finish line. But he made it and so did I. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I've started doodling more, I've been spending a good amount of time naming the 50 states. The last two days I was missing one state and I couldn't figure it out.. Today I named them all... Wohoo. That was my highlight, now I'm stuck naming the capitals however that is going to take a few more days... But philosophy class isn't going anywhere so I hope to concur that one in the upcoming weeks.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Tomorrow the Dalai Llama speaks at his temple! It's a special event so we have the day off, instead of Monday which was when we were going to hike. He starts his speech in the late morning but some are leaving at five to get there early and others plan to leave around 5:30 (not much difference) in order to get a good spot, so I'll be joining the "later" crew at 5:30.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Y<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ou can't bring cameras or phones with you, which is a bummer. But it will be an experience of a lifetime. He doesn't speak often and the fact we get to see him speak at his temple is special, especially for those who follow his way of life.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And in honor of International Yoga day we are doing 108 sun salutations, surya namaskars... Roughly two hours long of a constant flow... So let's hope I won't be too sore... Despite the fact this is our day off! (Ha ha) </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, that's all I'm going to gossip about today but I will soon fill you in with the juicy details of tomorrow's event.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Namaste,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-25566678256580034392015-06-18T09:15:00.000-06:002015-06-18T09:15:55.928-06:00Graced with Good Fortune<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">There is something truly amazing standing over me, accepting my accidents/mistakes, probably shaking it's head at me (with a smile) and helping me up from whatever accident I made this time. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I know I need to learn to get my "stuff" together but we are all human and one's like me, as my mother would say, are a "a walking catastrophe". Where I am move too fast, unconsciously, and forget where I put things or what I even did. Or knock something over but sometimes my quick reflexes come in handy and I can snatch but in all, I am high energized and sporadic which causes me to, well, not be so put together. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, my point to this spiel is I have come to the realization that I am blessed with something / someone taking care of me, and whatever it is thank you and whatever I am doing please let me continue to keep it going because you/it is beyond helpful. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Let me explain -- so it was a miracle to get my passport in time (previous blog on arriving to India), a miracle to make my original flight with the delay in the visa, a miracle that my iPhone was not stolen when I foolishly left it on the seat at baggage claim, and I have been given yet another miracle, or blessing in my mind.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Long story short I had this terrible landlord and when I arrived to move in there was spider webs coming down and an actual spider infestation, beer stains on the walls, a broken door so anyone could come into the house at anytime, a clogged shower drain... Etc. It was not ideal and the landlord and I did not see eye to eye especially when I called Denver inspection services. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway so I brought an iron from home to try and tidy up my outfits with a fresh look. I just didn't have an iron stand. So my first go, I iron my shirt on the carpeted floor, unplug the iron, and place it head down (so the heated part pressed against the floor). I left it there for a little bit of time and when I was about to leave I was straightening up my room and I went to pick up the iron and it made a big iron imprint on the carpet! I was like ... Well not saying good things.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So I had to figure out a way to hide it or fix it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Spring break goes by and I go to iron another piece of clothing. This time the iron apparently had burnt marks on it so it marked my shirt with a black spot. So I didn't even get to properly iron it but I left the iron standing straight up, unplugged.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Well I was moving too fast and I didn't even realize but I knocked over the iron so it ended up laying flat and I left it there for the night. I came back late and tried to pick up the iron and with force it lifted up.. Literally taking out a chunk of carpet in the shape of an iron. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The two iron imprints were barely a foot a part.. Incredibly noticeable. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Times goes by and I am counting on my mother, the handy man and fixer of my issues, to replace the carpet for me. Or at least show me how. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But time ticks it's way to the end and we didn't get to fixing it. Well, I didn't bother mentioning it because my mother got mad every time since she doesn't understand how I did it multiple times (I also had done it once at our house... Unknowingly ... Although there's a slight chance one of my sisters just blamed me and I believed it). Anyway, it didn't get fixed by the time I got to India.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So we are wrapping up my one year lease at this place with the awful landlord and my mother mentions how it's coming out of my pocket, the replacement of the carpet, and I am like please don't cost too much. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
This is just a couple days ago, and I find out this morning, by the grace of whatever/whoever is standing over me, that the basement was flooded and the carpet was completely destroyed and now they have to replace the whole carpet... And no longer do I have to worry about those darn imprints I made!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
How incredible is that? Colorado is not known for floods either, and to happen in the week that I would have to replace the carpet is a miracle.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I am in disbelief at how all these mistakes and accidents I have made have somehow made its way to a wonderful outcome. And I wish I had a lesson or advice for this blog as I try to do with many, but I am not quite sure what to say...</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Karma, maybe. Although that's quite a lot of good karma for one person and I am in no means always a good human. Although of course I strive to be, as I'm sure most of us do. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But I can say, someone/something is taking care of me and lifting me up out of some sticky situations and I couldn't be more appreciative of this gracious soul. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
As for yoga today - well the same routine except today I snagged the neighbors wifi so no need to trek to a wifi cafe! -- another wonderful thing.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I hope you receive and recognize the beauty in something today! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-80201057713474122962015-06-17T08:13:00.000-06:002015-07-26T19:54:07.481-06:00Feeling the routine <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Day two. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I wouldn't say it flew by but it came and went, like days do. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We started with the morning mediation and we did partner breathing. It was a little odd, but that's because us westerners don't mediate in our daily routine.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We sit cross legged and hold hands with a partner face to face. I first did it with a girl from Hungary. After she told me that I felt so stiff and not relaxed. When really I thought I was doing my best to relax and breathe but I suppose that she could be right because whenever I get a massage they repeatedly have to tell me to relax my body. I was born naturally tense.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway we did it one more time and I was partnered with a woman from Japan. After she asked me if my shoulders hurt because they were not relaxed down... I didn't even notice. In fact, what's most uncomfortable is I get a terrible pain in my right upperback from sitting cross legged too long.. Or something.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And I can't quite figure out from what... So if anyone has any ideas let me know. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Right now, it's tea break for fifteen minutes, but I'm not much of a tea person so I'm skipping out to write. In ten minutes we have our first asana yoga class of the day. Then the same routine as yesterday, breakfast, philosophy class, lunch, anatomy class, tea break, asana class, dinner... We only have the daily schedule for this week so I wonder if next week will change, I hope it does! We have this exact schedule until Saturday because Sunday is the celebration of the dhali llama so we will wake up before sunrise to hear the man himself speak. And then we will resume our Sunday schedule for Monday since we originally had Monday off. Unfortunately this means no hike on the day off but it'll be a fun experience to celebrate the Dalai llama. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Interestingly, my legs feel right when I go to touch my toe, I wonder if it is from the constant sitting on my bum or because we did a lot of forward folds or you say, padahastasana. We have to know the yoga terms not just in English so that will be tricky.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We are learning the Surya Namasmar (sun salutations) right now. Hopefully I will get better with the pronunciation and memorization. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, the day went by as it does and I got a spurt of energy and went to town with some of the girls and Joey, the only guy in our group. We went to an organic shop and I got some figs, dates and fiber bars... Oh yeah and chocolate bars. But this time to make myself feel better about enduring in chocolates I got dark chocolate this time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVtKE4V5RBpe00RXPNbXC2KE4kG0ndmgCmEZBOLVhnaZ0VdcTG6pKBhhT5hSQmDtmfbra4KDg_iaJ3uE1xLabebLPh1WhjWwYyHki1A8k5WBrVoebkp6nvwCLIg2CnA0kdJr3q3lScJ8/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVtKE4V5RBpe00RXPNbXC2KE4kG0ndmgCmEZBOLVhnaZ0VdcTG6pKBhhT5hSQmDtmfbra4KDg_iaJ3uE1xLabebLPh1WhjWwYyHki1A8k5WBrVoebkp6nvwCLIg2CnA0kdJr3q3lScJ8/s320/IMG_1290.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast for the next month. Some fruit and porridge (obviously I doused it with sugar).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And on the way back, we came to this cafe for some wifi, although it is not ideal.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, I promise to make my posts more intriguing come the next, I'm adapting to the new schedule and enjoying some social time at the moment so bare with me.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Namaste!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-37381737556852596672015-06-16T07:46:00.000-06:002015-06-16T07:56:58.686-06:00The first full day: complete<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">What a day it has been! It's day one of the full schedule and I feel like I've barely had time to get to writing. I've been itching all day to find time to be here. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I am skipping "tea break" right now to sneak away to write. There is so much I want to express but I only have so much time.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I woke up at 4 in a panic thinking my alarm didn't go off, and I fell back asleep to arise at 5:30. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I got dressed and had my first Mantra, Pranayama & Mediation session. This lasted from 6 - 745. It was quite long and sitting in cross legged position isn't exactly the most comfortable.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But apparently with time it'll become easier. We rehearsed some chakras, which I was terrible at and started to fear the time when I have to lead the class in mediation. So I'm hoping I will get better with time and practice.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Pranayama focuses on your breath. Everything is breath. If you can control your breath you can control your life. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It is an interesting way to look at life and a way that may benefit to do so. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We talked about our senses and how our body is like a horse carriage. And our senses are the horses that pull our body. The driver is our mind.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The senses can't be the driver because they do not have a mind. Our taste, our touch, our smell... Etc. does not control us, it is our mind.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And if one of our senses becomes unbalanced our body falls apart. If you do not eat you go hungry and then grumpy... If you over indulge in food you become lazy and our bodies become unbalanced.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So it is key to keep all of ours senses in line and balanced so our mind can function to the fullest. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Your mind is stronger than you. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
All of our senses our under control when our mind is strong.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We worked on breathing and having our mind completely in the present and not thinking about anything. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
For me, that was quite impossible -- my mind rattled with ideas so random they connected by the slightest relation and then back to the present moment of how my butt ached from sitting so long and if it would be inappropriate to move and what am I going to say when Dr. Sushil (our teacher) asks me what I thought about. I then would go on tangents thinking about how in the 50s China massacred Tibet and how Dharamsala is now where many Tibetans reside and how this now the place where the dalaia lama stays.... Etc.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I assume my mind will calm down since I have 29 more days of this. But this morning was the most interesting. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After mediation came Asana practice at 745. Asana is the postures of yoga so basically a yoga practice us westerners are use to. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After that, it was 930 and that meant BREAKFAST! Thank god! I was starving (although in between mediation and asana I ate a bar of chocolate) </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After breakfast at 1030 we had philosophy class. It was an extension of the early teachings in mediation and went deeper to explain the levels of yoga and it is quite intense. I had no idea the extent of what a yogi is, currently I am at level 3. If you get to 5 you no longer connect with the world and apparently live in the woods alone... My goal is to master level 3 and I will be just fine.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, that went for two hours and all of our seated activities are on the floor so my butt was sore and it was a long two hours.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Which wrapped up at 12:30 and then we had lunch until anatomy class at 14:00. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It was alright, I feel like it's been a lot of sitting but I suppose I am use to running around all the time it is a good thing. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anatomy finished its course at 1530 and then now, tea time, until 1600. At 1600 we have our last yoga class of the day for two hours, another asana. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Then at last 1830 is dinner. And by the time I post this it will be around 2000 after I have had dinner, showered and made it a mile to wifi... </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And so I did! Here I am, after my last asana class I was so fidgety from sitting all day I did some cardio in my room then showered and did the list above. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Well it's an adventure so far, I'll be up mediating at 6 if anyone's interested! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-18999668361683537772015-06-15T07:31:00.000-06:002015-07-26T21:29:15.530-06:00Day 1 on my Yoga Journey <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The first day -- orientation day. It's pretty low key, just a meeting and then a ceremony. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I met most everyone in the group. There are 24 of us. It is almost inspiring to be surrounded by such a diverse group. And I'm so lucky English is the common ground. I mentioned in my last post where a few are from but there so many more i'll list it again, we have people from: Finland, Thailand, Australia, Mexico, Ecuador, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, Italy, UK, Vietnam and the United States. What a group! And a few places like Germany Brazil and the United States have more than one person. From the states we have some from California to Virginia to South Carolina to Indiana! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We introduced ourselves and everyone is on a different level of their practice. Some have never stepped foot on a mat. I am the only one who is already certified to teach but I wouldn't doubt to be the least experienced with the mediation part. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
That is a part of the yoga practice where I am lacking so my goal is become a well rounded teacher able to assist in the knowledge of anatomy, philosophy and mediation. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After the orientation I got excited. Although the schedule is rigorous and strict it will help time pass and I can't wait to see what I will learn! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
If you are found drinking alcohol or have a male in your room you are kicked out of the program ... Sounds intense, ay?</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
What a thrilling detox, and we obviously have a day filled with yoga, classes of anatomy and philosophy, meditation, and so on. And <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">next Monday</a> we have the day off to go on a hike... I am all about it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It's absolutely beautiful up here. The weather is perfect it is no longer hot because we are so north and the breeze is enough to cool your face.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway,</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The ceremony just wrapped up and it was quite an experience. It starts with everyone surrounding two men who sit in front of a tiny, not lit fire. They mix together some ingredients to make a yellow paint like texture. As they start chanting in Hindu a woman comes around to each of us and uses her ring and middle finger to make a mark on the center of our forehead. And another woman comes around and measures our wrist as she puts red string around our left one. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLjGDI2eZBRlVI4vBQNb5hvD-J0wjieElxh04Bz0YrzXSZeTrZXR6y_menFNucXSFDW0W_97wlj5eAc60o2L9aFD8vKWXZrM9-Ucly2r_mjJENMNnDfy2hb4BxSRZSUsKT0SFOFyn_z8/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLjGDI2eZBRlVI4vBQNb5hvD-J0wjieElxh04Bz0YrzXSZeTrZXR6y_menFNucXSFDW0W_97wlj5eAc60o2L9aFD8vKWXZrM9-Ucly2r_mjJENMNnDfy2hb4BxSRZSUsKT0SFOFyn_z8/s320/IMG_1828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
They continue chanting as one starts to light the fire. The whole ceremony lasts about an hour and thirty minutes. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After awhile they stop and the head guy puts a necklace of beads on us. As a welcoming to our new journey. I was excited but patient so I was the last one to receive it.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After some more chanting or singing, not sure what to call it, he mixes something together in a container that looks like a coconut and we put it to our forward and make a wish. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
My wish: "to have absolute happiness".</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It took me a few moments to think what I wanted to wish for. I normally don't believe in things of such nature but it was a serious vibe and a new thrill I figured I mine as well give it a shot.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I thought about stability, since I've been living a life of change and been bouncing around the world. But I thought no shame in that, stability can come when I can no longer do the physical things I can now. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I then thought to wish for an absolute of what path I should lead. I have been hesitate about my future endeavor to go to Israel because I am not sure if I want the career path it will lead me to. Although it is an experience of a lifetime, will it lead me to happiness? Sure it could very well take me to success but in a field I want? I decided that a wish for success may not lead to what I want. And a wish for an absolute seems to concrete.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
What I truly want is happiness. Wherever that may be. So in those few quick moments I wished for the utter most happiness. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I closed my eyes, pressed this coconut shaped thing to my forward, whispered to myself those words, smiled, and passed it on. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Happiness is key. And I think rules over everything because if you are happy everything else must be in some order you enjoy.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr65epJ9Xk3u4f7F7lqbU3SmVLxOpSThDt1Svh4x91y2huttLjIsV5VsxeeFoB_X8h3Jm7fnPsRQPz9zjFH2h102EmL0NcS5GLNgT6SgUCHJTLWRN6-YuhvI1Ene_mN63YEfE2VXF-ho/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr65epJ9Xk3u4f7F7lqbU3SmVLxOpSThDt1Svh4x91y2huttLjIsV5VsxeeFoB_X8h3Jm7fnPsRQPz9zjFH2h102EmL0NcS5GLNgT6SgUCHJTLWRN6-YuhvI1Ene_mN63YEfE2VXF-ho/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After that we did some tossing of debris into the fire, chanting some words, I cannot remember. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After it was all said and done we had an Indian dish I forget the name... But it was good it tasted like sweet cake but it was some type of flour or something. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Once we finished, people stayed to chat but being the introvert that I am I escaped to my room to write and be alone. I am not much for chatting unless it's interesting -- not to say they aren't, but there's so many people it's hard to remember everyone's name and it's just day one. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The ceremony was held outside my room so I can still here the chatter of people and I am so glad I resigned to my room. After all, I'll see them in an hour for dinner, another vegan meal. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I will admit today before the ceremony I was able to sneak away to a cafe far away.. But worth it for wifi to post my previous blog and I couldn't help but stop at this vendor on the side street as I saw snickers and chocolate bars ... It's already pre wrapped so I'm in the clear.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I bought six bars, three chocolate three snickers. I hear my Abuela "moderation is key. You can eat anything but in moderation." I hear one of my best friends Valentina, "chocolate is good for your diet."</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I got back to my place and they were starring at me! I ate four.. I have two chocolate bars left. I am not going to buy more than two next time I venture up there because when I'm reading my book or writing like I am now my mouth waters and I am beyond tempted. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, there's no way I'm getting street food from the personal stories the foreign teachers told us about, so I will be on this vegan diet with the occasional pre wrapped chocolate bar. And I'm okay with that.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Well, <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">6 o'clock</a> on the dot we start Mantra, Pranayama & Meditation. So I mine as well get to sleep! Fortunately this jet lag has me up at 5 ... So I'm hoping I can keep it going. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Namaste.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-2370150127336474492015-06-15T01:42:00.001-06:002015-07-26T21:50:55.969-06:00The Adventure Begins: Arriving in India to the Taj Mahal to Dharamsala<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jG0Wf-3PtnUdmb4r4u0fu-l6vLx_ETKeVdbFVMB5IViBlr0pxDw5pbO39PF-YqtYVVcaX1M31RjTPA68ti-Op4LVIaVBrM0_Gody_QCt0nixeWbqqJIGgmvVW2lu1EExTVfPbeKzj1k/s1600/taj+mahal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jG0Wf-3PtnUdmb4r4u0fu-l6vLx_ETKeVdbFVMB5IViBlr0pxDw5pbO39PF-YqtYVVcaX1M31RjTPA68ti-Op4LVIaVBrM0_Gody_QCt0nixeWbqqJIGgmvVW2lu1EExTVfPbeKzj1k/s320/taj+mahal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Taj Mahal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">As soon as I walked out of the airport I was swarmed by taxi drivers asking where I wanted to go, I simply ignored them and walked passed, relentless they are, they continued to follow me repeating the same question. With my determined walk I continued straight toward the "pre paid taxi" booth across the walkway. Finally I reached the front of the line and was greeted to a 400 rupee taxi ride to my hotel. I sighed of relief. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I stepped into the front seat, on the left side, to an air conditioned taxi. I was grateful as I was sweating, (of course). </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The taxi made its way onto the highway and I couldn't help but smile at the new culture I was entering. The new sites and new people brought a grin to my face. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Although there were too many close calls of crashing, I enjoyed the foreign chaos. In places like China and Egypt I have experienced crazy unorganized driving but in India cutting people off and beeping your horn every minute is expected.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The next morning on my way to Agra, where the Taj Mahal is, I felt as if the constant horns from the cars were like a "sound machine" for those that slept near the side of the road. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I wondered if they knew what it was like to sleep in silence or if they have ever experienced a moment of pure silence.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The streets are packed with people, bikers, buggies, cars, and taxis all thinking there destination is more important. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The Taj Mahal was magnificent. I am here during off season but to my surprise I did not experience the long smelly lines or the dirty crowded streets I was suppose to experience.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
My experience was like any other adventure in another country - foreign, different, crowded, beggars here and there.. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It was hot, but that's what I expected, I am in India! Crowded as a normal tourist attraction would be. Beggars and cute little boys trying to sell me stuff... Nothing different than what I've seen before. What I've learned is to just walk. Otherwise they will get you, their cute accents and young pitied faces will make your heart melt. But I've learned to not fall for it -- just keep walking. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, I enjoyed learning about the history behind this world wonder. It was made in honor of the --- third wife. It is completely symmetrical and is built so it goes out 4 degrees in case of an earthquake it will not fall onto the building -- fascinating.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We also explored forts and the history behind them all is extraordinary.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I visited a couple stores in the town and of course, not to my surprise, I purchased things from the two stores I went to. For some reason, and I need to work on it, I can be persuaded to buy something. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So I told both store clerks show me the cheapest things to buy. Literally. I bought the cheapest ring, although it is not cheap to me, it is a sterling silver with the Black Star gem. I will do my best to not lose it. I then bought a marble case, apparently made from the same marble of the Taj Mahal, to put jewelry in. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
On the way back from the Taj Mahal I was exhausted I hadn't had much sleep the day before since I had just arrived from my long trip from the states and woke up at 1 AM to leave for the adventure ( I was suppose to get to the taj mahal at sunrise but the driver was late so I missed it.. No tip for him.)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I took a shower as soon as I got back and fell asleep from 2 pm until 1130 pm! I called my mom and then went back to bed until 530 am.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I felt I needed a pick-me-up so I went to workout and got back to the room at 7. I showered, ironed my clothes, packed my bag and then went to breakfast at 8. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I felt sinful eating because I am starting the Hindu diet when my yoga teacher training begins tomorrow so I ate way too much and felt guilty as I know people other me could use it way more.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Unfortunately that did not stop me from over indulging.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I left for the airport and arrived to see my flight was delayed an hour. I was mortified that my mother paid EXTRA for "special assistance" . Yes special assistance. So when I checked in, a guide took me through security and walked me to my gate, as if I was a little child. Enraged that my mother thought I couldn't handle myself I gave the guy a tip to leave me alone. I told him I'm okay... I've travelled to Israel, Jordan, New Zealand and Spain alone with no companion .. I don't see how India is any different. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I wait for a few hours and I finally board on a tightly filled bus. I had been warned never to enter an Indian bus but I didn't have a choice. Thank god it had ace but it's no joke when you smell foreigner BO.. Although I still think Israel's was worse. But then again I was not experiencing the "authentic" city bus. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We get on board Spice Airlines, with all these random planes going down it was on my mind that this dinky thing could hit the Himalayas and it'd be another plane to add to the crashes but to my grace that was not the case.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Again, I get off the plane to be utterly mad this time, no long mortified. A guy asked me if I was Devin, I nod, out of instinct... Ugh it hits me he's my "special assistant" oo I was mad. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I walk at my own pace in front ignoring him and go straight to the restroom.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I murmur to myself that I'm going to make my mother pay me for this extra business she paid for... I get out to find the guy has my bag on a cart. I stare at him. And he's like, "your bag?"</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Uh!! How did he know? I grab my bag off the cart nod and say thanks.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Later man I'm not cripple nor am I seven. I walk out the door and see a sign that has my name, "Devon Kathleen Hogan"... Spelled wrong shm. Not only in the U.S. Do they get it wrong, but here too. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Two other women are on my flight that are in my yoga training and get in the taxi with me. We put our bags in the trunk and they get in the back seat. Not thinking I instinctively go to the driver seat and they both laugh, "planning on driving?" The Swedish girl giggles and the Ecuadorian woman chuckles too. I smile a little embarrassed, "I swear it's instinct!" Trying to not show my American colors so boldly.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The taxi driver is the same as any Indian driver beeping the horn, cutting people off, I was glad to be in the front seat because I was feeling nauseous with the constant yanking from one side of the road to the other. It is official that there are worse drivers than my mother. My mothers a good driver but boy does she slam on the breaks and pound down on the gas pedal. There's no in between so I usually end up w my head out the window gasping for fresh air before I vomit. But anyway, it was a winding road to say the least going up these treacherous curvy streets through the Himalayas.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The views were spectacular looking over the mountains. We kept going higher and higher, I kept thinking what a workout it would be to have to climb these mad steep streets. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I spoke too soon. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The taxi driver got lost and could no longer trek up the curvy roads. He kicked us to the curb.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
How far? Great question. He told us 50 meters straight up. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The Ecuadorian woman was the weakest link as she was older and recently had a groin injury so she has to roll her bag. The Swedish girl was like me and had a backpack but she packed way lighter than me.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We start walking literally straight up at some points I needed to make sure I still had my balance because it was so steep and it was muddy and I had flip flops on and two backpacks.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I had my huge backpack and then a small carry on one on my front side. I soon regretted packing clothes for Dubai in my bag and all the other things I could do with out.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We walk fifteen minutes up hill and I am sweating, but I don't feel so bad because the two woman with me our on the same page.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We ask around if the people know where we're suppose to go, and they have no idea.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Shit.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Well, my back is aching from the bag but I pretend like I'm back in New Zealand trekking the Abel Tasman, but this time, my knee is better. So why am I complaining? I don't say anything just keep on going up the hill.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The Ecuadorian woman needs a break so we stop for a split second but she doesn't even have a backpack on, she's rolling her suitcase so the other girl and I just stand there with our packs on. At least it gave me a second to wipe my sweat.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We walk to the top of this hill where many people are bustling from one place to another. And the Swedish girl is trying to find directions as the Ecuadorian lady suggests to get a taxi.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I am not opposed. I am dripping sweat and I am carrying almost half my weight. (that may not sound like a lot but 50 lbs up the intense steep hills were not pleasant and if it cost me 5 bucks to get dropped off in front of the yoga place I would not complain)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43zRxNu168T7FHZb9tvKjmj_myd5qbtrY7qM3389j8R8YTlLvkYiiZ0coXqUM5neWmIaC2zeAVEyXjSKoPBXsjLUg5aESIbzdiDiAF7J5bFHl2hCSWha0RLfWeU7ZD_pAfwpqpFw1zSU/s1600/IMG_1759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43zRxNu168T7FHZb9tvKjmj_myd5qbtrY7qM3389j8R8YTlLvkYiiZ0coXqUM5neWmIaC2zeAVEyXjSKoPBXsjLUg5aESIbzdiDiAF7J5bFHl2hCSWha0RLfWeU7ZD_pAfwpqpFw1zSU/s320/IMG_1759.jpg" width="240" /></a>The man the Swedish girl is talking to says the taxis on our strike and refuse to drive us. So he offers to use his dolly.. I'm all in. He asks how much I say, 10 rupees. He says 10 euros. I say no no rupees. To give you an idea 50 rupees is 78 cents in U.S. Dollars. Yes 78 cents is 50 rupees. Enough to make me go crazy thinking I'm giving away a ton when really it's nothing, literally.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway we get impatient and decide to keep walking. I have been leading us the whole way and after about ten more minutes and another stop to ask someone where to go I am now behind the roll-y suitcase... They go so slow.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
For me, in most aspects of life I like to go fast I get things done quicker and then I have more time to get more done. In this case, the faster we go the less time I have to have this bag on my back. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
But I'm not going to say anything so I decide to get out my phone. It's been a good thirty minutes of non sense walking I mine as well take some photos of what it's like.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I start laughing to myself because it's actually quite comical. The Ecuadorian woman is not a happy camper to put it in simple terms and the Swedish girl is too positive for my vibes. I start laughing we are randomly put together in the middle of this mountain town (and it's not like the Colorado mountain towns where there is paved roads, sidewalks, and order. There is one small road able to fit two cars but with shops and people in them it's quite impossible to get to cars to slide by one another.)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It's a tight squeeze, so anyway, we're stuck without resources, a phone, wifi and with a language barrier in this mountain town. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The pain on my back is no longer dominating my thoughts as I think how ridiculous this is, we're the only ones with crazy luggage hauling it through the packed streets, sweating. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Eventually we find hope, Americans!!! They are helpful. They pull out a map and point us down the mountain .. After spending 45 minutes trucking up hill, she sends us back down. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We stop one more time on the way to get reassurance and this guy tells us exactly where to go, before the lotus sign there are stairs to the left take them all the way down... Stairs? Alright so we're close! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Oddly, he asks if he can take a selfie with me and the Swedish girl. Whatever man as long as these directions are accurate.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We finally see the lotus sign, which by the way is a symbol of the Hindu religion. And we start down the stairs, the Ecuadorian lady is having issues but we make it half way down and this American asks if we are looking for Sushil Yoga. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
"Yes we are!"</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
They sent a group of teachers to come find us because we called on the taxis phone over an hour ago asking how far it was.. 50 meters my butt. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway they show us down, get us in our rooms, and we made it for dinner. My first vegan meal. I would have taken a photo but I left all my belongings in my room so I didn't have my camera.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It consisted of cucumbers on the side, rice, warm smashed pumpkin (which was actually good), and I think a version of beans... I am not totally sure. Either way it wasn't too bad.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I meet with my group and they all are friendly. The two teachers I have met our Americans and there are three more Americans in my group! The others are from Ecuador, Sweden, Brazil, Germany and Australia. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
After dinner around 730 I came back to my room and unpacked what I could. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIBshOkedXTi_uuNCvNWRVakKt7pK4Itrik8JchLmz9IcFwufEWdcQ4N-BTrONiCqngp9LCulESvtJqy39EFnc1x6OBBDquusMEpWBbr7ph9zyRKCqj3uABAHj7bw6_PVBucLBXzHdIc/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIBshOkedXTi_uuNCvNWRVakKt7pK4Itrik8JchLmz9IcFwufEWdcQ4N-BTrONiCqngp9LCulESvtJqy39EFnc1x6OBBDquusMEpWBbr7ph9zyRKCqj3uABAHj7bw6_PVBucLBXzHdIc/s320/IMG_1822.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taj Mahal, the name/door to my room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I wanted to text my mother so badly and let her know I made it but I couldn't. There is no wifi. And unfortunately I brought my iPad because I have an iPad keypad to type instead of lugging around my computer and I find out my keypad is out of battery.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
So I am blogging on my phone which is not the easiest. But I got to it. By 830 pm I decide to go to bed.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I spot this huge bug on my window it looks like a big firefly, I want it to leave my room but I don't want to kill it. I turn off all the lights and then I loose sight of him. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It is still loud outside, I hear babies crying and music. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I get in bed, put my ear plugs in and face mask on. It's 9 pm when I shut my eyes. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I fall asleep and abruptly wake up around 2 am to loud thunderstorms and because I think I'm getting bit by bugs. I am not wearing long pants so I start to fear that when I wake up I'll be full of bug bites.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
In New Zealand when we were camping I got bit terribly and we think it was because I was of foreign blood. Needless to say I started to itch everywhere. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I was swatting at my legs, my feet, my face.. You name it. I got so paranoid I got up and wrapped a sweatshirt around my thighs.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Eventually the ear plugs helped tuned out the storms although I thought I was in Nepal or Java about to experience a catastrophic earthquake. The booms were so loud I thought my bed room was about to collapse. But I was so fatigued the thoughts didn't last long and I was back to sleep.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I woke up around 530 am and slept in until 6. Orientation starts today at 1030. I have to go into the town and make copies of my passport and visa and get a photo taken of me. If I had known I needed copies for them, I would have done this back in the states. But I didn't realize they actually wanted a copy so I am going to head over there soon. And maybe find a shop with wifi so I can post this blog! And of course tell my mother I'm alive. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Tomorrow starts the routine of yoga at 6 AM every morning so although it's my day to sleep in I figured I mine as well get used to waking up at 530 and plus I had a long sleep. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It's raining here, I suppose it's the aftermath of the storms I heard last night. But it's only 7AM now so hopefully it'll clear up. (In future blogs I'm going to start using military time because it's annoying to do the am and pm and be consistent throughout the blog, so get familiar with reading time like the rest of the world does) </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Well I'm off to get ready for orientation! Wish me luck and enjoy a fat cheese burger with fries for me. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874406596524670165.post-29491063574017588792015-06-11T14:17:00.003-06:002015-06-22T22:26:49.933-06:00Good things do happen <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So I have this friend, Erik, also known as Randal, and more or less we are complete opposites. Sometimes I think about his rationales behind his thoughts as I do the opposite and wonder why we think so differently. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We took sculpture together last quarter, we were partners for a project and took a trip to get supplies and to the museum. So our polar opposite approaches quickly surfaced. (Oh and thanks Erik I wouldn't have passed the class without you) but to get back to the story and why my last intense back-dripping experience got me thinking about him -- in time of distress. Let me explain, so we joke about how I do not lock my car. I don't lock my car because I trust people and I wouldn't want someone to do that to me and I would never do that to anyone so why would someone do that to me? And if they do such a terrible thing they will feel guilty.<br />
<br />
Plus my car is a Jeep Wrangler so anyone with a brain can break in if they want, just unzip my windows. And I don't keep anything valuable in my car anyway. (It's been broken in before). Erik on the other hand thinks I'm a nut case and that I should lock the doors because that is the normal thing to do.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Anyway, so he came to my mind this morning. I had been waiting at the DIA airport for almost seven hours before we took off to the east coast. I was already exhausted from plane changes and from my crazy story before this one (you can catch it in my previous blog). I was knocked out the whole ride... A good three hours of sleep. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
We arrive to JFK airport and there isn't much time to spare. I am the third to last row to exit and I need to get my bag from baggage claim, take the shuttle bus to another terminal, check in, go through security, and get to my gate. It was 5:30 AM when we landed, boarding was at 7:20AM so I think I will be okay. But I still would like to get to the gate. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
My mother, to no surprise, is awake and texting me about my flight so I have my phone out. When I arrive at baggage claim I'm too tired to look for directions and simply ask the information desk lady what terminal is Virgin Atlantic. She tells me and I ask her to repeat it, her response, "dang you must be tired. Terminal four." I nod my head, "terminal four, level three." She smiles. She might have got to my head because I then thought I was more fatigued than I truly was. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I sit down next to this young guy but I don't make eye contact because I'm exhausted. I look down at my phone and respond to my mother, "okay!" I set my phone down. Before I know it my bag is coming out and I grab my 36 lb. backpack and put it on my back and put my little backpack around my front with my purse draped over my neck.<br />
<br />
I am sweating, I am not thinking clearly.<br />
<br />
I walk a great distance until I finally get to the train, there is no air conditioning and sweat starts to drip down my face. I take a few breaths and get on the train to terminal four. I look like a lost puppy as I wander the floor while the New Yorkers hustle to their destinations but I finally find Virgin Atlantic. As I'm waiting in line I notice my phone is no where to be found. I check my purse and small backpack, I don't feel it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I start sweating profusely. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I get to the counter and check in, it's 6:30 AM. I frantically explain like a child that I must have left my phone at baggage claim, possibly in the restroom. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
He calls my phone, </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
no vibration, </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
no answer. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Nothing.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
F me. He won't let me check in my bag or give me my ticket until I come back from baggage claim to find my phone. I plead with him that'll I'll only be 15 minutes, he doesn't believe me. He says he's doing it so I can be escorted to my gate. I nod my head and start to jog. I do not care how much of an idiot I must look like. (But I'm happy I'm still in the states bc I'm not getting the dirty looks of being an American foreigner). </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The entrance to the train is farther than I recall and I see the train is about to depart (they come every five minutes) ... damn right I freakin bolted down the escalator stairs, darted passed the man at the bottom of the escalator, and squeezed in the doors to literally just make the train. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
That was incredible, a slight grin comes to my face.. (Thinking to myself "nice we sparred five minutes") To my surprise not many people are riding the train and that made me more comfortable since I was breathing hard and sweating like a mad woman.. Probably because I was.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I immediately get off the train and realize how long the hallways are and remember starring at the "100 slopes to ski down the 100 lakes to see in the Adirondacks" (where I used to vacation as a kid in the summer) and now I am mad at myself for even sparring those few seconds to read the stupid advertisements. I start yelling at myself imagining that if I was with someone and how awful it would have been if I was not traveling alone. Ugh. How idiotic of me. I continue to tell myself there are good people there is good karma it may still be there. But where? In the bathroom? On the chair? Did someone swipe it from me? As soon as I arrive I think back to what restroom I went to and I jog and go to the stall.. Nothing. My stomach is punched by my inner madness. I think maybe it wasn't this restroom I frantically ask the maid if she saw a phone, no help. I run into the other bathroom and it looks nothing like the one I used so I run out. I glance around and see nothing.
<br />
I start to think Erik may be right that we can't trust everyone to treat us as we would treat them. But I can't loose hope yet. I go to the lady who told me what terminal to go to and I asked her if she saw a phone. She told me to go baggage claim services and to hurry. I jog and wait impatiently in line and go up to a lady and ask her if she saw a lost phone. I am sweating and my face is stone cold white, she knows I am frazzled. It's freakin 6:40 AM. She asks what color. I say blue blue! She speaks to another lady who points her in a direction of a box.. There it is! My phone! I bet it was that guy who sat next to me.. She said I left it on a chair and someone brought it in. (I told her he must be an angel.) </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
The rest of the story is history I walked so fast my calves hurt, I make it back to the guy in 17 minutes... He was impressed and I'm thinking to myself "yeah I told you I could do it". I go through security and I get stopped because my T-shirt is wet... Yes wet. The lady goes "oh you're just soaked" and I said "yes dripping of sweat". She lets me go. I make it to my gate, I make it to that oh so desired JFK flight en route to India. First stop, London. Where I am right now. Next stop New Delhi. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
My point: to all those like my dear friend Erik, there still are good people and if we try to be one of them they will be evermore present in our lives! I have my phone I'm safe and I'm beyond grateful. Let the crazy adventures continue! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
DK</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04948511630588959124noreply@blogger.com0