Finding your Heart Centre-Anahata

Situated on the boundary of the Abel Tasman National Park, Anahata Yoga Retreat looks out over Golden Bay from the vantage point of Birds Clearing. It’s a long windy and narrow gravel road to the sanctuary on the top of the hill above Clifton. It is clear that for anyone drawn to Anahata this is part of the journey, the path which must be taken. As I drove up and up I eventually found myself quite literally high in the clouds (& the meditating hadn’t even begun!). Like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie, Anahata is a misty mystical place of beauty.

Greeted warmly with a cup of ginger and lemon tea I joined the weekend group who had come together to take part in a course: ‘managing the mind and emotions’. Anahata has a number of permanent residents and operates with ashram-like principals- a rather unique community in New Zealand. The grounds are surrounded with nature. The meditation/yoga halls, organic vegetable gardens, compost toilets and solar run yurt buildings are tucked in among native beech forests. In this place of peace and harmony anyone is welcome to stay as long or as short as they like.

I spent 3 days at Anhata where I focused on my inner state, providing some much needed perspective and recharging the spiritual batteries for the year ahead. I could have easily spent longer in this scenic spot with only the birdsong and baa-ing of the sheep to keep me company. There is something special about spending time alone, to know yourself and listen to your own heart song. This is not your average yoga retreat, and definitely not what i was expecting on signing up. Much less physical yoga practice and much more about a yogic way of life. In operation for over 18 years this community provides a simple yet sustainable lifestyle for yogis from all walks of life and all corners of the world.

In this place, days consist of rising to the sun and using Hatha Yoga to awaken and energise the body. This is followed by either chanting or meditation to get the vibrations following through the energy centres of the body. Simple vegetarian meals are provided during your stay, these are served with love and devotion and sourced from the abundant seasonal gardens on the property. Another form of yoga which is performed daily at Anahata is the practise of karma yoga. This is a way to be mindful
and aware in everyday activities and tasks.

To the ‘novice yogi’ be prepared for the vedic tradition embedded at Anahata. Chanting Kirtan and performing Havan fire ceremonies and rituals can be overwhelming to those of us who are new to these ancient practices. If you are searching for a physical yoga retreat I suggest you look elsewhere. Otherwise prepare yourself for deep emotional, mental and spiritual learnings whilst resting and relaxing the physical body. As far as locations go, Anahata will be tough to beat. This is where I have found my centre and am now ready to embark on the next step of my yoga journey. Shortly I will be off to Bali on my next adventure. I will be taking part in my teacher training on the small tropical island of Gilli Meno. 2015… year of the yogi! Namaste.

Vipassana- the Art of Living

Shhhhhh- a silent meditation retreat! I’m talking (or in this case not talking) 10 days, one and a half whole weeks of complete and absolute silence. It’s taken me a good couple of months to come to terms with the whole experience and reach the point where I am able to put my journey into words. That and the fact that I wasn’t able to write or take notes throughout the entire course meant that this is nothing but a reflection of what I have retained over these past months.

Full Moon during the 10 day Vipassana Retreat

Throughout the 10 days participants were encouraged to feel as isolated and alone as possible, not something many of us are accustomed to these days. There were over 40 brave souls who accepted the challenge of zero physical or verbal communication whilst focussing on the art of living through Vipassana meditation. The purpose is to encourage an inward journey by maintaining noble silence of speech, body and mind. In doing so, distractions were very limited. The moral code ensured that nil reading or writing materials were available, no use of electronics, no exercise, no speaking, no eye contact or gestures and even no eating after midday. I know what you’re thinking, I couldn’t believe I signed myself up for this either!

During the course I became so aware and in tune with the smallest of things, I guess that’s what happens when you have no distractions. The landscape and nature in Brookton was stunning and I found solace in my camera (Yes this was also prohibited but I’ve never really been one to follow rules!)

First, a little background on Vipassana. Said to be one of India’s most ancient techniques, a teaching of Buddha and a gift to humanity. The meditation technique itself is very simple and something which anyone of us could follow if we had the willpower to do so. It is all about self observation and self purification, by focusing on the breath and eventually expanding awareness throughout the body. At this level of observation universal truths are accessible to be understood by the mind and self discovery can be made at the deepest level. The whole experience is a journey, a path they call Dhamma. The way of Dhamma is not something which has a finish line, it is a never-ending way of life. The Vipassana tag line “10 days in silence… Meditation for life” eludes to the notion of continuous practice and progression although we all know it’s never that simple.

Vipassana is not a religion nor a cult, rather something which can be freely practised by anyone at anytime. Something which is equally beneficial to all – regardless of culture, race, age, language, community or religion. This could be seen by noting the diversity of the course participants, yep we were definitely a mixed bunch! Our daily schedule consisted of a 4.30am wake up followed by 10 hours of silent and still meditation classes in 1-2 hour blocks at the group hall. In the evenings there was a daily audio-visual teaching which I always looked forward to, even if it was an old Indian guru harping on. He did raise some every interesting points however. Goenka was this fellas name and he was the one who brought this technique across the world and made it accessible to all. Goenka’s main teachings included the understanding of 3 main points:

Impermanence– Things are ever-changing, nothing, absolutely NOTHING is permanent. Ignorance of this leads into suffering.

Suffering– Caused by the craving for things to remain permanent and as they are OR craving for the past/future. When you think about it this is true, how often are we completely and utterly content in the present moment?!

Egolessness– Reaching deep enough into the mind to be fully aware of when the ego is at play and the tough part- resisting reactions to the big bad ego…

According to Goenka, successful completion of the 10 day course relies on each individual’s earnest efforts, confidence, sincerity, health and wisdom. The technique requires strength and good qualities of the meditator to ensure progression and development. The meaning of ‘Vipassana’ is to see things as they really are. A way in which to mentally purify the trials and tribulations of the mind. With so much time up my sleeve it was only right that I was able to gain deeper insight and feel calm and balanced within… Although I’ll admit getting to that point was no small feat! It didn’t take long for reality and my ego to take back over… which is why this weekend I will be picking up where I left off and returning to volunteer. Courses are run solely by donation and rely on ‘old students’ offering there services to future courses. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and helping out while deepening my practice at the same time.

For anyone interested in learning more about Vipassana, courses are open to all and run worldwide solely by donation. For further information you can visit http://www.dhamma.org

Dhamma Padipa- Brookton WA

Reflections

It has been said that our external world is a reflection of our internal world. Whatever we feel and think inside is what is portrayed in our external life, both with ourselves and with one another. In our relationships we can only offer what we already know- love, integrity, kindness and compassion must be individually experienced before it can be expressed to another. How many of us actually make time for ourselves so that we can be better partners, friends, colleagues and family members?

In order to delve in and discover our inner selves we must break through some barriers and take a journey to our core… not many people have the courage to do so and often entire lives are a lead without the true discovery of the self. Perhaps the truth is too painful, your life is too busy, or maybe it is easier to ignore your essence all the while prioritisng others happiness above your own. I’ll let you in on a wee secret, an effortless way to bring happiness to others is to find happiness within yourself!

Do you want to merely exist or do you want to really LIVE with abundance, purpose and passion? In order to experience our own personal inner truth we must liberate any unwanted thought patterns by facing them head on. I’ve created a list of important areas to get the ball rolling (you may like to focus on a few which stand out for you):

Past Hurts– realise how much the scars of past experiences control present situations. Holding onto hurts creates seperation in relationships. It’s time to move on, take a stand and refuse to let the past cause any more pain.

Forgiveness– finding forgiveness allows a deeper understanding to unfold. Give and ask for forgiveness where needed. Only heart felt acceptance allows you to be free and at peace with what is.

Fear– give up control of what may or may not be. Release any negativity , stress and worry surrounding the future. The F word misdirects us off our personal path, don’t let fear lead you astray any longer!

Karma– we reap what we sow. Do you plant seeds or weeds? Take care to plant a beautiful bountiful garden.

Inner Integrity– a honest conversation with ones self can be one of the most difficult conversations we ever have, it’s much easier to accept the truth instead of fighting it. Maintain integrity and be free to be yourself. 

Acceptance– look at yourself and others, where are you placing limitations by not accepting? Let go of judgements and accept yourself. Each of us have unlimited potential, to unlock this gift you must accept and love (unconditionally!)

Security– We all have the same basic physical and emotional needs. Accept that we, as humans need to feel value, accepted and loved and that it starts from within.

Liberation– let go of anything and everything which may be holding you back. Break free from all grasps and live authentically!!!

It’s time to stand up and discover our potentials! Understand that contemplation over these points is a continual process, things are ever changing and evolving. Taking the time to reflect is one of the most beneficial exercises we can do to show self love, respect and compassion. I have recently taken some time out to do just that, it’s been a whirlwind of experiences and I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

Love & clarity,

Sammy x

Rawsome Wholefood

The raw food movement is becoming increasingly prominent amongst health advocates, animal & planet lovers, and nutritionists alike. What’s not to love about raw natural nutritious food, right? Oh wait I almost forgot… that means no meat, no dairy, no processed sugar, no refined carbs and the list goes on! What you do get is a fridge full of fresh fruit and vege all ready to be diced, sliced, juiced, blended, fermented and dehydrated.

So what is all the fuss about?! Some friends and I headed to the Raw Food Kitchen in Fremantle Western Australia to take part in a 1 day Intro to Raw workshop… here’s what we learned:

1) Passion is the number one thing which stands out when speaking to raw foodies. Following a plant based diet is much more than just an eating plan- it’s a holistic way of living and nourishing your body. If you are going to stick to something you have to be passionate and believe in it. There is something about passionate people which is infectious, these guys were ridiculously excited about educating and enlightening others- and it was effective! I left there thinking even I could follow vegetarian and vegan principals (I’m a dairy farmers daughter so that’s saying’ something!) Safe to say after coming down from the initial raw high my opinion remains “everything in moderation”…

Passion is the key, live it- breathe it- love it!

2) Preparation is vital when taking the raw route… followers must have a high level of organisation and discipline. There are certain tools of the trade which a raw foodie couldn’t live without. Blenders, food processors, juicers and dehydrators and all handy tools when creating an efficient working environment. Combinations are also important. There is an art to raw food creations, learning which ingredients compliment each other may require a little trial and error. Certain plant-based foods offer particular benefits, understanding the alchemy of this is a whole different subject. Be sure to eat local and in season to boost the benefits of the raw lifestyle.

3) There is much more than meets the eye (or the palate) when it comes to food. Rediscover your senses by eliminating processed foods, not only will you have more energy and less cravings, food will taste better and your sense of smell will be heightened. All of this sound too good to be true? I thought so too, however after almost a month of being my own test dummy I can 100% back up these claims through my personal experience. The light bulb moment for me was understanding that everything we eat is a form of communication, eating is a 2 way relationship we have with our bodies- Make it a healthy one! Feeding our bodies with plant-based, clean natural foods encourages longevity, energy and love. Who doesn’t want to live a long, energetic, healthy and happy life? Thanking our bodies through the nourishment of wholefoods is something that will pay dividends down the track. What we leave out of our bodies is as important as what we put in… the old saying “you are what you eat” has never been more true.

4) Food can be used as a form of preventative medicine. And no, this doesn’t mean food is a way of self medicating… half a block of chocolate sound familiar anyone? I’ll admit, I have been a prime offender of using food as a way of getting a quick fix. Comfort eating is a huge issue and one which is closely related to the relationship we have with food. The short-term deliciousness and satisfaction is almost always replaced with feelings of tiredness, guilt, bloating and even nausea.  Unfortunately what the mind tells us we want and what our bodies actually need are often two completely different things! When a diet of natural, nutritious wholefood is adopted there are long-term health benefits which banish nasties, such as disease and illness.

Let’s face it, the majority of us know the basic fundamentals of health. The key is to find an achievable and sustainable way to incorporate this into our everyday lives. It is fascinating and overwhelming learning all the new trends and latest diet discovery fads, and the truth is there is no one fit of all. Personally, I prefer to take bits and pieces of advice and work with what feels best for me in my lifestyle and what resonates within me. Without a doubt, raw food offers a range of benefits and many of the elements of raw are easily incorporated into daily routine. Green smoothies are a great one! What works for some of us may not work for others, listen to your body and give it what it deserves. At the end of the day it’s a personal choice, choose to be your best possible self. Here’s to optimal health and vitality!

Delicious Zucchini Pasta served up by the Raw Food Kitchen-Fremantle

Never Ending Peace & Love= Nepal

Having been in Nepal for the last 14 days I have had a fairly good combination of both the country and city life of this Himalayan land. I can’t believe it’s only been 2 weeks, such a short time but the things I have seen and the range of experiences have been out of this world! I truly feel as though I am living a dream, I have an inkling that reality is going to be a whole new awakening!

The big smoke (literally) of Kathmandu overpowers you from the very beginning. The traffic, the pollution, the dusty dirt roads, and the dirtiness, smelliness and messiness of such a big city. At first glance it seems that tourists are well catered for here. Wherever you go there are guides and agencies screaming out to assist you, savvy shop keepers luring you in and the ‘helpful’ tourist touts trying to make a quick buck. If you’re not careful it’s easy to spend a lot of time caught up in this scene. I prefer to head down the back alleys and see the old women cooking Nepali tea on the roadside, the seamstresses sewing away, religious prayers and offerings taking place, school kids fooling around, and old men chatting, laughing and playing. I swear half the beauty of Nepal is in its people. The secret is to be able to see past the dust which stings your eyes, the blur of cars, motorbikes, trucks and tractors roaring past, the frequent power outages and the rubbish fires which burn everywhere and anywhere each morning and night. In some strange way the harmonious nature of the Nepali people balances out the ill effects of such a catastrophic city!

In contrast, the lakeside city of Pokhara in Western Nepal is much more calm and tranquil. If I had more time I most definitely would have spent longer here. Being the gateway to the Annapurna region Pokhara is typically touristy. As soon as I arrived I hired a mountain bike – $1 for 1hr and set off around the lake to find my own nice quiet spot to watch the sun go down. Apart from the stress of the busy bumpy road, the chain coming off and getting lost in the dark I had a great time and the views were astounding. Pokhara is renowned as a tourist hub for trekking, yoga and meditation. Many westerners come here for these reasons and I can definitely see why. Although I was limited for time I managed to squeeze an early morning chanting and hatha yoga session in. I was very lucky that the traditional healing/singing bowls were also used, the energy and vibrations from the beautiful sounds left me feeling as high as a kite. Perfect start to the day, hopefully I have the opportunity to learn more about these intriguing Nepalese techniques in the near future. Somehow I have a feeling I will return to this special place, next time I’ll take a domestic flight instead of the 7 hour 200km 4×4 highway experience!

Often villages and neighborhoods share one single water supply. Members of the community use this one tap or pipe to wash clothes, laundry, dishes and vegetables. Not only that, it is also the place for bathing. It is common to see women wrapped in a sarong and washing their hair or a group of boys lathered up in their undies. The water supply is generally by the roadside and offers very little in the way of privacy, this would never work in the inpatient demanding and selfish western world. I told you the Nepalese operate from a place of harmony respect! This respect goes further than respect for one another, it expands across everything and anything. The best way to understand this is through the hundreds of festivals which are celebrated each year. Recently there has been a festival for transportation, evident through the ribbons and decorations covering cars, trucks, scooters and even tractors. It is custom that 1 day per year the vehicle is honored by making offerings, cleaning and decorating your particular transportation. This is a way to show appreciation and create good luck and safety for future travels. Ironically the ribbons used for decorative purposes often completely cover the windscreen making travel even more dangerous! Other festivals include a annual day for the cow, rice, pigeon, and airplane. Pretty much anything which provides a use or service is celebrated and appreciated.

Visiting numerous sacred Buddhist and Hindu sights across Nepal has been a complete different experience to that of India. They say Nepal stands for N-ever E-nding P-eace A-nd L-ove and it’s definitely evident wherever you go. Buddhist monuments feature Hindu Gods and vice versa, people from all different religious beliefs and backgrounds live side by side in harmony- it’s amazing! Where else in the world would you find a Buddhist monastery right next door to a Hindu temple? The two religions balance and almost compliment each other. It seems that equal respect and compassion is highly regarded, especially in relation to elders. The rest of us could learn a thing or two off these lot. What Nepal is lacking in infrastructure they definitely make up for in their peaceful, respectful nature.

Speaking of infrastructure, far out! Occupational Health and Safety would have a field day. Families live in half built houses where roofs have caved in and walls have collapsed. Scaffolding consists of sticks and bamboo, often over deadly cliffs and hillsides. It is common to secure your roof by placing large stones on the iron, including the overhanging verandas. I hate to think how many accidents occur. Similarly with the roads and the conditions of the vehicles. Some of the trucks excrete miles of never ending black smoke fumes and appear to be boxes of rust held together with god knows what. It’s such a shame for a country with so much natural beauty and resources to be ruined by the demons of the modern world. It’s the most unnatural thing to see rubbish and pollution coincide with luscious hills, snowy peaks and gushing rivers. Maybe because I’m from NZ I’m a little biased but seriously, who wants to spend time where the beauty of nature is overshadowed by the effect of man. It makes me wonder if things don’t change how long Nepal is going to be able to sustain its thriving industry. Hopefully with enough awareness this beautiful country will soon wake up and see they are destroying their greatest asset!

I’ve been asked if I feel guilty spending time in a third world country where there is so much hardship and poverty. The answer is no, I feel grateful and appreciative for everything I have been blessed with in my life. Despite all odds the welcomes and smiles received here in Nepal have been some of the most genuine, friendly and loving I have ever had the pleasure to experience. It really makes you think twice about what it takes to be happy. From the outside these people may have very little in the way of education, opportunities and amenities, however what they do have is deep flowing peace, harmony and oneness with life. Who do you think is better off?!

Tea House Trekking on the Helambu Circuit-Langtang

Within 2 hours of landing on Nepal soil I had arranged a trek to leave first thing the next morning, yes that eager to get straight into it! After a full on 5 weeks in India I was definitely ready for some peace and quiet and fresh mountain air. Apparently I timed it perfectly as the monsoon rains finished 2 days earlier. I soon learned the hard way that this did not mean the leeches were also gone, it was impossible to escape the nasty bloodsuckers from feasting on my feet! My guide, Binod (which means the friendly/talkative one in Nepali) was great company, always full of enthusiasm and he definitely lived up to his name! We spent 5 relaxing days strolling, sharing, telling stories, singing, laughing, listening to Bob Marley and soaking in the scenery. Binod talked to everyone en route and we found ourselves stopping off to drink Tibetan tea with locals, accepting snacks of fresh cucumber from the farmers, watching buffalo being killed, playing games with kids on their way to school and smoking mountain herb with the mountain folk (Binod not me!)

On the day of departure we encountered some issues getting to the starting point. It was the first day of the Teej Festival. There were rituals happening, music playing and women dressed in beautiful red saris congregating all over the road. This festival is ancient tradition where women wear red, fast, and make offerings to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva in order to be blessed with a good husband. Because of this the streets were even busier than normal and the buses cancelled. After weaving in and out of the celebrations we arrived at our starting point in the Shivapuri National Park.

I was warned that in the beginning there was a lot of uphill and steps to conquer. Well, bit of an understatement. From the get go my body was shocked into functioning in power mode again. 28 days of meditations directly before 3 weeks of trekking may not have been the best idea! I was also cursing myself for bringing so much along in my backpack. Turns out the big first aid kit I lugged uphill was much needed.

Unfortunately the thrill of my first day in the Himalaya was shattered when coming across an unconscious man with a lot of blood. My guide was able to communicate with him and discover he too was a trekking guide. He and his British client had been attacked and robbed by 4 men with sticks moments earlier. We left them with some bandages and ran ahead to find help in the form of the Gurka Army who are stationed across the National Park. Binod told me not to be fearful as he is a black belt in Karate and he can fight 4 men no problems. To be honest I was terrified and looking over my shoulder for the rest of the way. Within an hour word had spread across the villages and a manhunt carried out by the army. Later we met up with the two attacked and apart from being black and blue and shaken up they were thankfully ok. The scary thing is that could have easily been my guide and I. Apparently this kind of thing is uncommon and the army and policed seemed to take it very seriously.

This wasn’t the only problem I was to encounter. As I mentioned I arranged my trek on a whim and was so keen to get into it that I didn’t ask enough questions and it soon appeared that there were some miscommunications somewhere along the line. I had asked what my budget should be for the duration of the trek and the company gave me a daily amount which I assumed was the total amount. Turns out everything is 3 times the price in the mountains and the National Park fee’s (we passed through two) had increased and were just as steep as the mountains in them! All of this information failed to reach me so here I am, budget backpacker wary of theft (and rightly so) carrying a minimal amount of cash. After 2 full days of walking I arrived at the Langtang National Park checkpoint where army men with guns check your entry pass very seriously. It didn’t take me long to realise I couldn’t afford the entrance. My guide assured me there was no other way, I was gutted but wasn’t going to let it ruin my trip. I spent the rest of the evening trying to keep positive while comforting myself with chocolate and kicking myself for being so ill prepared. Later Binod called me to the dining area of our guest house. The family which we were staying with that evening generously offered to lend me some money which I could pay back when I made it back to Kathmandu. I couldn’t believe it, this was sure to be a huge sum of money to them but they were adamant they wanted to help me. I was overcome with gratitude, the Nepalese are truly lovely, friendly, happy and hospitable people.

The next day continued as per normal and as we climbed to an elevation of 3800m I began to feel the altitude. This is higher than Mount Cook, NZ’s highest peak. The clouds made it hard to see anything but the next morning I was up at 6am to climb to the top of the peak and watch the sunrise over towering snowy peaks. It was truly magical sitting in the sunshine watching the pristine mountains surrounded by wildflowers, Himalayan birds and butterflies. This is what I call living life!

During the 5 days we passed through 3 distinct districts, Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Shinduplachok each with its own culture and language. The people from this region are said to originate from Tibet and are devoted Buddhists. The prayer flags, stupas and monastery’s along the way made the trek not only physical but also very cultural. I was invited into the home of a family where there were numerous pictures of the Dalai Lama and a shrine with candles. The mood was set with a pot of burning rosemary and pine, used as an offering to evoke the Buddha. I was able to partake in prayer and sit with the family throughout the evening. I also visited and meditated in a cave in the mountainside where it is said that the famous Guru Rinpoche spent many days meditating. The village people live such simple lives, full of natural beauty and dedication to the land and animals. During the day it is impossible to see someone not working. From tending to the fields, feeding and caring for the animals, carrying huge loads from one village to another, preparing food, cleaning, fetching water, drying corn and wheat and even standing watch with a slingshot to make sure the birds don’t get your vege patch. Every family member has their role. A land with so much history, culture, religion and tradition! Not to mention the curious, kind, smiling people who inhabit the beautiful hills, mountains and valleys.

On the final day we sped down the mountain valley, climbing over slips and scaling landslides in order to catch the bus to Kathmandu on time. We came across a sherpa from a nearby village who led us on some treacherous local trails, lucky he was an old fella otherwise there would’ve been no way to keep up. We arrived in the village of Thimbu only to find there was a strike happening and this means that no buses run whatsoever. I needed to be in Kathmandu because of my ‘Explore the Nepal’ Tour starting the next day. The only option was to splash out a small Nepalese fortune for a private jeep which transported the helpful Sherpa, my guide and I. Because of the recent monsoons the road conditions were suspect but the driver wasn’t phased as we sped up and down dirt track shortcuts, hooning past the valley villages, and bumping along cliff faces. The views were spectacular and made up for the scare-factor of the 4 hour journey.

After 5 days of inclines and declines (no such thing as flat in Nepal) I’m well and truly ready for a break. One can only handle so many leeches, cold bucket showers, and dal bhat. Time to rest up the muscles, and get the body in tip top shape for Everest in 2 weeks time. My guide informed me at the start of the trip of a popular saying in Nepal, ‘come as a guest, leave as a friend’ and this has definitely been the case. Binod went above and beyond his call of duty by not only being my guide but also my Nepali language teacher, my masseur after a long days trekking and eventually my friend. We will meet again to tackle 2 weeks in the Everest region together. This awesome 5 days has given me a small taster of what’s to come… Most certainly loving Nepal and all that it has to offer!

Tamil Nadu- Chennai & Beyond

I’ve been let loose in India’s south, having escaped the compound that is Oneness University! Luckily for me I had 3 spare days in between courses and an old uni friend who works in Chennai. After the sheltered daily routine at Oneness it was a shock to the senses to be thrown back into the crazy Indian street life.

There are a few differences compared to the North, for example the men here rock the old school mo-tash and it’s a sign of masculinity to sport a big dirty mustache. In contrast they also wear something called at Dhoti which is basically cloth wrapped around as a skirt. People answer you by wobbling their heads side to side, it’s up to you to work out the meaning which could be either yes, no, maybe or I don’t know! The language here is Tamil and unique to this area, even my Indian buddy cannot communicate with the locals who do not speak Hindi. Christianity has a much bigger following here in the South, adding to the already large list of religious groups in India. One of the apostles, St Thomas is said to have brought Christianity to India right here in Chennai in AD58. I visited the site of his Martyrdom and the cave which he was supposedly imprisoned in and later escaped from.

When traveling my mantra is generally ‘do as the locals do’. Well I can proudly say I have sampled traditional southern food, visited local beach life, viewed a Bollywood blockbuster and traveled by local buses with no air conditioning and raging Hindi music. My first Bollywood movie experience was a film called Chennai Express, thankfully with English subtitles. Turns out the singing, dancing and acting is not bad quality. The air con and atmosphere is also top-notch. Most interesting is the reactions of the audience who cheer, clap, whistle, scream and dance throughout. Got to love the Indian enthusiasm!

Aside from Chennai we ventured to a number of interesting smaller towns. Auroville is an international village where all inhabitants are working in the eco community for a sustainable future. Spending a few hours here definitely gives off a strong hippy vibe. The concepts and ideals began in the hippy movement of the 60s and today foreigners from all over the world flock here for a life of simplicity, peace and solitude.

Next stop was Pondicherry, a bustling beach side town with a French touch. The French settled here and as a result you can find a vast mixture of Anglo-Indians, new age Indians, tourists, and travelers who may be visiting one of the many local Ashrams. Spirituality is at large and many of the Oneness teachings are reinforced here. The fishing trade is evident by the number of boats dotted out in the Arabian Sea and the stench of the marketplaces which are a hype of activity. Too much hustle and bustle for this country kid!

The smaller and more laid back tourist destination of Mamallapuram was much more my scene. Also on the beachfront this historic village is a hub of archeological sites. During my visit there were a cluster of school groups who were captivated by a white westerner. The number of ‘photo’ requests and questions such as, ‘hi how are you?’ and ‘miss, what is your name?’ were too much. They all wanted to touch me and shake my hand to introduce themselves, very sweet but after 10 minutes I was ready for a break from my role as the token foreigner. The temples are sculptures here were amazing, well worth fighting off herds of kids for!

A big thank you must go to Harsh for being my host, tour guide, negotiator, body guard, and travel accomplice! Great to touch base with friends in foreign lands, knowing a local definitely makes the experience that much more real. Now it’s time to go back to the safe confines of the Oneness Uni campus… 2 more weeks of learning and meditations and I’ll be on my way to Nepal. Bring on the tranquility and scenery of the Himalaya!

The Ayurvedic Diet

On arrival at the Oneness University I discovered that even my diet was to undergo a huge change. Based in India I naturally assumed that I would be eating heavy spicy Indian food for the duration of my course. Oh how wrong I was, the dining hall which offers 3 meals per day provides a strict Ayurvedic Diet. A what diet?! I had no idea until I took it upon myself to do a little research.

Ayurveda can be translated into ‘the science of longevity’, no wonder it has been around in ancient India for over 7,000 years. Coming from such a new nation it’s hard for us Kiwi’s to understand so far back in history. The traditions and beliefs which have been ingrained into this country go back further than you or I could comprehend. Ayurveda & the Ayurvedic diet is an example of such traditions.

Ayurveda is considered one of the most holistic health sciences in the world, although how well known it is in other parts of the world I’m unsure. It is a kind of ‘medicine’ which promotes cleansing and wellness. The food is designed to nourish the body, mind and consciousness. This mainly consists of herbs, spices, veges and legumes- can’t get much healthier than that! Each is chosen to promote cleansing and balance within the body.

Here at Oneness the aim is to use this diet to enhance tranquility, balance aggressions and aid meditative experiences. The specially chosen food sends energy signals to the brain which impacts the health of organs and the digestive system. The University wants us to minimise cravings and fluctuations so to focus entirely on spiritual growth. Sounds pretty intense hey? This is India we are talking about. For a country which seems so backwards they are very switched on and educated when it comes to the important topic of body and mind.

Just as well I’m not too fussy when it comes to food. I had a good taster of Indian cuisine in the North and I must admit its a bit much for the stomach to handle at times. Light and healthy sounds like the way to go. Plus I’m here to learn and try new things so I’ll let you know how I get on after four weeks… They say that healing is not only awakening the spiritual mind but also the body. Everything has a part to play in the process!

Even Dr. Oz is on the band wagon… If you want more info check out his website here

Volunteers working tirelessly in a free kitchen in central Delhi

The law of attraction…

After much deliberation I have finally made a decision. The past month has been a blur of “Do I go for it? What about my career? Can I afford it? Where should I go? For how long? Will my boyfriend handle the time apart? What will I do when I come back?” So many what if’s seem to crop up in life, it stops us from doing the things we love! Well, NOT ME (not anymore!).

I’m a huge believer of ‘everything happens for a reason’, an optimistic outlook which helps to deal with any curve balls life may throw my way. The truth of the matter is, everything may happen for a reason but we create our own path of happiness. As my Dad says, “what you believe, you perceive”. He couldn’t be more right, the more energy, positivity and self belief we put into our dreams, the more likely these dreams will become achievable! And that’s how it happened…

Without worrying about the logistics of the situation, I set it motion what is to be a life changing two months. There were a few ‘signs’ along the way, more hints from the universe that this is the life path I am meant to be on. This journey through India and Nepal feels as though it was planned all along, there is something magical about the unknown and I have faith that it will all fall into place…

The countdown is ON!!