Back in the real world – Ashram tales

It has been a while since my last blog entry but I am still here, healthy and in one piece! I have not really learnt how to walk on my fingertips in the Ashram, but found out some interesting things about life and myself nevertheless:

 

• Sugar makes you hungry
• After a week of eating green vegetables, tomatoes can make you feel excited – and I mean really excited!
• Some things seem impossible although they are not – for example lying down and touching the floor behind your head with your legs.
• Some people think it’s a good idea to say ‘Om’ before every sentence they speak. (Quote from the health hut: OM! Number 24 fruit salad and hot herbal tea 
• Chanting in Sanskrit can be a very enjoyable pastim 
• It does not help when you sit next to a hot dutch guy while you try to meditate.
• I actually like getting up at 5.30
• There are no crocodiles in the crocodile lake in Neyyar Dam
• There are some fun people in America and Canada
• Swamijis (Hindu monks) can be quite sexy – especially when they are from Italy and wear red speedos on jungle trips

Ashram memories

 

I had an absolutely amazing time in the Ashram and really thrived in the atmosphere there. For two weeks I did not feel the slightest sign of anxiety or worry, my body was grateful for four hours of exercise and healthy food everyday and although I still cannot meditate, it helps at least to try from time to time to focus your mind. I have not had such a peaceful time in a long while and I met lots of very sweet people.

 

And for all of you who were worried, no, I will not turn into a spiritual freak and I am also still not planning to purchase any clothing with OM signs on it. Hope that makes you feel assured J

My second job in India!

 

Another prove that I am still an unchangeable Londoner is that I secured myself another job! Apart from serving tea as my karma yoga (this means you work in the ashram to make sure you get a good birth in your next life) I volunteered to present the Saturday night talent show! I had so much fun and was proud that I got my opening line right: “Om namah sivaya, good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Neyyar Dam Dhanwamtari Sivananda Ashram Talen Show” Phew! And all that in crossed-legged position. It was hilarious. After that evening, most of the 200 people in the Ashram thought that I was working there so I ended up spending abgood part of my free time (2,5 hours a day) giving directions.  I did not get paid for this one, but I didn’t mind. Once again, the good karma …

 

Christmas in the Ashram and New Year’s Eve in beach paradise

 

I think my favourite day in the Ashram was Christmas. We all woke up at 5.30 and walked to the lake to see the sun rise and meditate (or at least try to – remember the dutch guy problem?). It was so quiet and peaceful! After the yoga class I joined the choir to practice Christmas carols and in the evening we first had an Indian music concert and then sang the carols together. I really loved it! In the end there was a very special Santa Claus – he had rastas, was dressed up in traditional red and said ‘Om Shanti” for every present he gave out. Where would I ever see that apart from in India?

 

Beach holiday!!!

 

After two weeks of strict schedule and what seemed to be sporadic food a group of girls headed down to the beach in Varkala for some rest and relaxation – and to show off our perfect yogic bodies (Erm…) Lisa, my new Australian friend and me went absolutely bananas with the breakfast – the first couple of days we had three per day! And they have German bakeries in Varkala, I need not say more…

 

We spent new year’s eve on the beach, looking at a perfect starry skuy not drinking any alcohol and feeling very relaxed indeed.

 

Happy New Year to all of you!!!!!

 

Om shanti,

 

Bianca