I can say now, after being here in India for a little over two weeks, that this is a country of contradictions. Things that you expect to happen, don’t happen. Things that you think would never happen, happen. You are constantly surprised and it is never predictable. Unless you predict that you will be surprised. With that? You would be correct. It is definitely a place where you need to suspend expectations and learn to flow. You also need to drop preconceived notions and just accept what is in front of you. But, you know what else? I absolutely love it here. India is full of some of the friendliest, happiest people I have ever seen. It is a magical, wonderful place full of beautiful colors and smiles. Why are the people so happy? I think Sarah MacDonald captured it well in her book Holy Cow (a must read). She was talking to an Indian man who told her that in India, the people look at where they are in life, no matter where they are, and then look at the people who have less than they do, and they are truly grateful for what they have. But, he said that we in the West? We look at where we are in life and look at the people who have more and we always are wanting for more. The result? The people in India move in gratitude and gratefulness, while we in the West forget to do that on a regular basis. How true.
I will be spending the next 8 days at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala, getting my fill of Sivananda yoga, chanting, kirtan and karma yoga (selfless service). I will see you all when I return. Om Shanti!