And so, I will add an entry on Nepal very soon. The trouble is, it was such an immense experience, that I don't know that I can do it justice. I will attempt it though, if for nothing else than my own memory. All I definitely know is that I will return to the beautiful kingdom of Nepal next year, in order to trek the Annapurna Circuit and fulfill a dream I have held for 12 long years. I would love to do the Everest Base Camp trek as well on the same trip, but after suffering the physicality of the Poon Hill trek with a dodgy left knee, (which reduced me literally to tears at times over the pain endured, thanks to a running injury exactly a week before we left for Nepal), I dare not attempt until I have at least a successful circuit trek under my belt. Not that it bothers me greatly, as it only means that I must return to Nepal a third time to realise my ultimate dream. No hardship at all!
I long to return to Kathmandu. Particularly Thamel, with it's narrow, slightly winding, delightfully claustrophobic alley ways, one leading onto the next, and then the next. A succession of tea stores, pashmina shops, Thangka sellers, distributors of Buddhas and vendors selling semi-precious stones worked into beautiful necklaces and bracelets. How I long to haggle gently with jewellers and side street con-women selling cheap bags. To debate the worth and value of a handmade wind pipe with an incessantly sincere seller. To sit in a smokey, dimly lit restaurant, waiting for the ordered momo's and Tibetan beer to be delivered to the table, with the threat of an electrical outage ever present. The reassurance of a head torch, so alien in usual circumstances, giving comfort through it's very presence in one's jacket pocket. To cast shy, unwilling eyes at a table companion, while reading the mesmerising tale of a mountain ascent gone awry.
This is Thamel-cheap internet and crackling international phone calls. Inexpensive books. Good food with the threat of electrical power shortages. Cheap soap. Haggling for Buddhas and jade and silver bowls. Beggars. Narrow alley ways and peaceful hotels. The crow of roosters along adjacent roof tops. A feeling of peace amidst the madness. A feeling of having been granted an insight into something remarkable.
I Love You Thamel.
I can't wait to experience you again. Soon.
10 July 2013
Ashram
On Friday I headed off up to the central coast to attend a meditation retreat at an Ashram. I have been going there since 2001, every year or so, and without fail, the instant the car I'm in pulls up into the car park, I feel a deep sense of peace and calmness pass through me. It's almost like coming home.
This time, for the first time, I managed to organise myself so that I arrived just before lunch. All of the food at the ashram is vegetarian and although it can occasionally be a little on the spartan side and is rather heavy on the carbs and light on protein, it is always delicious. So, I had lunch and then settled in to my room. The rooms are basic but comfortable and warm. I had originally booked in to share a room with two other (strangers!) women, but once there, I decided I'd benefit more from the weekend if I was on my own.
I then spent a lovely afternoon sitting in the sun and writing, attending a deep relaxation class and asana class and generally absorbing the strange feeling that comes with not having to be anywhere else or having to do anything else. Bliss.
There followed a couple of days doing much the same. Eating simple, wholesome meals, which I did not have to prepare or think about in any way, other than partaking of them. Doing early morning meditation and yoga classes, gazing into soft candlelight and gently stretching body and mind in the pure stillness of the predawn. Attending classes throughout the day on a very interesting purifying practice and being led through amazing meditations by a calm souled teacher with a soft, peaceful voice. Sitting in the warm afternoon sun, writing. Going for gentle walks along gravel paths, hearing the satisfying crunch beneath my shoes. Participating in joyous, joyful Kirtan of an evening. Talking to like minded people on a similar path.
It wasn't all peace, love and mung beans. There were moments where it felt physically and psychically uncomfortable, where I even had the odd fleeting thought of simply getting into my car and leaving and heading home. But those moments passed and I realised that attending a retreat isn't meant to be about having fun, about having a good time. Its about confronting yourself, facing the YOU that is otherwise obscured by everyday life. The YOU that is covered by all of the distractions and muck and mire of simply living. Stripped of technology, obligations and responsibilities, you are left somewhat exposed and bare, and yes, it can be uncomfortable to see what lies there. But it's also quite liberating and it's definitely interesting.
In the end though, it simply wasn't time enough. I left feeling as though I was only just getting into the routine of the day and feeling into the vibrations of the ashram. I intend returning before the year ends and will stay for longer than a couple of nights next time. I've promised myself that the next visit would be longer the last couple of times and having been there now on a half a dozen or so occasions, it well and truly feels as though it's time to increase the intensity on the 'work' I do whilst there.
All in all though, it was a wonderful weekend and I'm glad I was able to get away to experience the ashram once again. I feel as though I have a lot more to say about it all but I'm still processing it so perhaps it will come out in later entries. Who knows?
Hari Om Tat Sat.
This time, for the first time, I managed to organise myself so that I arrived just before lunch. All of the food at the ashram is vegetarian and although it can occasionally be a little on the spartan side and is rather heavy on the carbs and light on protein, it is always delicious. So, I had lunch and then settled in to my room. The rooms are basic but comfortable and warm. I had originally booked in to share a room with two other (strangers!) women, but once there, I decided I'd benefit more from the weekend if I was on my own.
I then spent a lovely afternoon sitting in the sun and writing, attending a deep relaxation class and asana class and generally absorbing the strange feeling that comes with not having to be anywhere else or having to do anything else. Bliss.
There followed a couple of days doing much the same. Eating simple, wholesome meals, which I did not have to prepare or think about in any way, other than partaking of them. Doing early morning meditation and yoga classes, gazing into soft candlelight and gently stretching body and mind in the pure stillness of the predawn. Attending classes throughout the day on a very interesting purifying practice and being led through amazing meditations by a calm souled teacher with a soft, peaceful voice. Sitting in the warm afternoon sun, writing. Going for gentle walks along gravel paths, hearing the satisfying crunch beneath my shoes. Participating in joyous, joyful Kirtan of an evening. Talking to like minded people on a similar path.
It wasn't all peace, love and mung beans. There were moments where it felt physically and psychically uncomfortable, where I even had the odd fleeting thought of simply getting into my car and leaving and heading home. But those moments passed and I realised that attending a retreat isn't meant to be about having fun, about having a good time. Its about confronting yourself, facing the YOU that is otherwise obscured by everyday life. The YOU that is covered by all of the distractions and muck and mire of simply living. Stripped of technology, obligations and responsibilities, you are left somewhat exposed and bare, and yes, it can be uncomfortable to see what lies there. But it's also quite liberating and it's definitely interesting.
In the end though, it simply wasn't time enough. I left feeling as though I was only just getting into the routine of the day and feeling into the vibrations of the ashram. I intend returning before the year ends and will stay for longer than a couple of nights next time. I've promised myself that the next visit would be longer the last couple of times and having been there now on a half a dozen or so occasions, it well and truly feels as though it's time to increase the intensity on the 'work' I do whilst there.
All in all though, it was a wonderful weekend and I'm glad I was able to get away to experience the ashram once again. I feel as though I have a lot more to say about it all but I'm still processing it so perhaps it will come out in later entries. Who knows?
Hari Om Tat Sat.
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