Wow! What an adventure. I really wanted to write blogs about my trip to India, and work on my site while I was there, but I was SUPER busy and most of my energy was spent on learning as much as I could about yoga. Everyone kept telling me that I needed to keep updating you guy’s so you could follow my journey, but I just didn’t have it in me.
I tried to write a blog with all the questions I received on Facebook and Instagram, but after many failed attempts because of technical issues I decided not to force it. I took this as a sign from the universe not to post in that moment.
Well, the time has come where I am ready to share my experience. I will attempt to answer as many questions as possible without boring the shit out of you.
Q: Have I experienced any awakening during my studies? Physical? Intellectual? Emotional? Spiritual?
I would have to say that my spiritual awakening came when I did Ayahuasca for the first time 5 years ago.
My physical body changed a lot. I no longer have that big round ass that made me so popular years ago. It’s been challenging at times to accept my new body, but I know I am not my body.
Emotionally I think I am in a really great place in my life. I did a lot of cleansing while in India. Cutting energy cords with ex’s, working on internal dialogue, and not reacting to people, but instead responding.
Now…about my spirit. Something weird has happened. During the 300HR I became more focused on the meditation and pranayam (breathing) and had a strong connection with the philosophy of yoga. I got a lot of psychic downloads which I won’t be publicly sharing because all y’all would think I am bat shit crazy. Someone would have me locked up if they heard me talk about some of these things.
Q: What was my favorite thing?
My favorite thing so was learning about myself by observing others. I went silent for 3 days and really became an observer of everything around me.
Q: Have I become a vegetarian?
Yes. I was vegan before I came, but they put ghee, clarified butter, in everything and I have to eat some yogurt as part of a treatment plan.
Q: What are you noticing about yourself as you dive into your exploration of yoga and did you connect with the local folk away from the yogi crowd?
I am def learning about my body more. Knowing its limitations and when to stop if I am feeling pain. I feel a way deeper connection to source after this experience and I feel like I am on the right path of understanding myself more.
I really enjoyed connecting with the local people. For my birthday I added the cash app for those who wanted to send a donation for the children. I collected $65 and I matched that to get school supplies for the children. We were able to supply backpacks, paper, pencils, erasers, and pens to about 50 village children. It was very heartwarming and an experience I will never forget.
Q: What was your daily routine?
My day started with getting up an hour before class around 5:30-6 am. We had class from 7 to 8 and then a 30 minute tea break. We then had class until we broke for breakfast at 10. Classes would begin again at 11 and would go until lunch at 1:00. In the 200HR I opted to take an extra course so my free time at lunch was cut short. Classes would start back at 3:00 and go until dinner at 7. After dinner we had free time, but my free time was spent doing laundry, studying or sleeping.
Q: How does one that has okay balance and not very flexible even start yoga??
The first thing you should understand is that yoga isn’t just about the postures called asanas, but if you want to get into the Asana practice you should find a class that fits your needs. If you are a beginner I would suggest going to a beginner class or Hatha class. Yin or Restorative Yoga is also good for stretching.
Q: How are the people there?
I didn’t leave the Ashram very often but when I did people seemed to be nice. But you also have to remember you are a tourist so they are going to be nice so they keep your business. lol
It’s the random cows you have to worry about.
Pictured: @solfreshlife
Q: What , if any, are some rumors and myths about India or the places you go that you want to correct?
Not sure what myths there are about India. Yes, there is trash everywhere. Yes, there are random cows, monkeys, dogs, and homeless people on the streets. But not sure if there is anything I want to correct.
Q: What are some do’s/don’ts about going where you go?
Don’t walk around half naked, ladies. Don’t eat street food unless you know people who’ve eaten there and haven’t gotten sick. Always drink bottled water. Always watch for bikes and cars. Monkey’s and cow’s will attach you for your plastic bags because they think it is food.
Q: If you could be more prepared for this trip, what would you do differently?
I would have brought more winter clothes.
Q: What kind of people, if any, would be best advised to avoid taking your trip?
I would say people that want luxury all the time probably shouldn’t come.
Q: If money were not an issue, how long can you see yourself staying in India?
I would stay for as long as I could and travel to the neighboring countries.
Q: If time were not an issue, how long would you like to spend to say that you’ve “seen all you wanted to”?
I am not sure. I don’t even know everything I want to see.
Q: If you had the power to change something about India, or the place you currently live, what would it be? (if any)
I would start a recycling program here and a put trash cans everywhere and teach people to not litter so it doesn’t end up in the Ganga.
So this ends Part One of “So What’s up With India” I’ll be posting the remainder of questions on the next blog.
