Cindy’s not a Swami
Two computers, lines of people, 15 minutes means just enough time to sloppily tap out the basics: YES! I’ve arrived at the ashram in India. YES! My system is a bit in shock although a nap and a shower brought back some humanity. I snickered at the ashram’s suggestion to “pack very lightly; the swamis only carry small shoulder bags.” Instead I arrived with 47 kgs, a laptop, a winter coat in arms.
Just the first impressions as I fear that I’ll forget the shocks as “ashram life” becomes normal by month’s end.
- Beautiful setting, a bit jungle-like, booming 10 minute thunderstorm drowning out the instructions during yoga class and necessitating all mats be scooted inch by inch away from open doorways
- I sleep in a line of cots, complimentary bug netting, sweet Indian cubicle-mate named Divya
- Mealtimes are also a bit linear….lines of people sitting on straw floormats, large tin plate in front heaped with earth-colored food. Nope, no silverware; all scoop and slurp with fingertips.
- The first yoga class was mostly a change to notice all the spots amiss in my body: the inflexible spine, sore spot in my back, ungiving muscles. I noticed it all calmly with the hope that I’ll notice all melt away within a couple weeks.
Tomorrow I fear that meditation will begin. A designated time to feel butt bones bruise and limbs fall asleep while I daydream and curse myself for it. Getting used to sloppy Indian food will be a very small challenge compared to getting used to trying to kick extraneous thoughts out of my head.
Wish me luck! : )
Tags: India
bimpy_ak
What you’re not supposed to let your mind wander when meditating? You’ll have to teach me later. ; )