*** Living in Rishikesh~~...

I've felt grounded in Rishikesh- spiritually, mentally and physically. Perhaps its because I've been here for 6 weeks (a long time to stay in one place if you're me) but this place has a special resonance. And now as I am down to my last week here- I'm deeply appreciating how incredible this place is.

Every night at sunset, a 'Pujah' Ceremony happens here on the sacred Ganga river. (photo below) Pujahs happen all over the country as part of Hindu tradition.

There is mantra chanting, burning of various incense and herbs, offerings to the Gods and many prayers. It goes on for about 2 hours everyday- and is quite loud. A sound I've grown to love.

- Bhakti Yoga is the practice of Devotion, perhaps to your choice of God, Guru, loved ones, to your higher self, or whatever you may choose. I've really embraced the beauty in Devotion here. 

I've stepped into a space, of Personal Devotion. 

Feeling my Guru within Awakening and Clearly Tuning In.

How Beautiful the Womens' Sari's are here. An authentic representation of how colorful Indian culture is. 

Every morning, people bathe in the Ganga (gangees) River. Men usually get down to there boxers, but Women enter the water FULLY Clothed. Never exposing shoulders, or knees, and rarely ever ankles in public. Thus, - I swim in all my clothes here in Northern India. 

My Chai Guy.
Conveniently placed Chai stand right outside my guesthouse. Yes- I'll admit- I quite addicted- and ok with that. haha.
Every morning, I greet this man with a big smile and pitifully attempt the tiny bit of Hindi I know. Simple conversational 'Namaste, app kay sey hai?' 'Acha- ek chai, Danyavad'

(Hello, how are you? Good, one chai please, Thank you!)
And every morning he giggles at this white girls language attempts, and effortlessly brews me up a delicious glass of chai- an art he's had his lifetime to perfect.

10 cents later, I'm caffeinated and on my way to Yoga. lol

Just down the street from where I'm staying is a row of trinket vendors and Thali boothes. yummm. Here you can get a plate of Thali (tradiational Indian dish of rice, curry, mixed veg, dahl, milk curd, various spices, naan and papadom) all for 30 Ruppees- (60 cents)
An authentic, spicy meal, rich in flavors and worth every penny.

What's THIS?!? 

Indian Mythology says I'm to be Famous.

WOOT WOOT!

One day I hiked up a mountain with some friends from the Yoga course. Our destination was a very sacred cave with a Sadhu inside holding space, meditating and practicing his devotion.

Along the way- we met this Buba, and gang of Monkeys. 

Sure monkeys can be cute and all- but also fast, viscous and strong. 

A Beautiful Indian woman and her son. 

Temple Bell Ringing. 

The Yoga School.

 I've been in this Yoga Teacher training all month, and absolutely flourishing. My soul feels like its found its' home. Everyday I meditate, practice Pranayam (breathing excersises) Bandhas, Kriyas   (cleansing process's), and of course sooooo much yoga. I reckon I've done around 70-80 yoga classes this month alone.  HOLY SMOKES! thats  a LOT of Yoga, and I still Love it.

It's funny to think that this 'humble' Yoga School sign, (above photo), leads to this luxurious Yoga hall (below)

I have been blessed to practice in this pristine marble ashram. With big windows facing the Ganga river and the Mountains. Watching the Sunrise and Sunset Everyday from Yoga class.

And while I'm learning much from my surroundings- deep compassion for all beings, the act of selfless serving and going deeper within myself- I am also holding a sacred, shanti space back in my room. 

This is my alter beside my bed. 

Waking up every morning and playing this singing bowl, burning incense, candles every night, shanti music and oh, some delightful crystals- My spiritual practice is rooted here in some of the most magical soils I've ever touched.

If it was Spirituality that I was seeking in India - I've definitely deepened my practice here- more than I could have imagined. 

I feel beyond Incredible.

so blessed.

This might be cheasy but - I wake up everyday and say Thank you.

Sincerely.

Thank you.

** HoLi ** - The Festival of Colors

A Wondrous day, where the Entire Country lets down
their social guard, (rules-structure-norm) and
EVERYONE PLAYS!
Giant Water fights, Paint fights, Dance parties in the street, Music, Laughter and Rainbows of color in every corner.

(this above picture is from Delhi- and not where I was for Holi- but I put it on here just to give you a visual of what 'The Festival of Colors' really means)

Krisjah and I went out to join the fun. The second I left my hotel room, I was ky-boshed in the street by a gang of 5 men and paints. They held my arms down and poured Bright pink, yellow and blue paint all over me. Aiming specifically for my head. 

- There was no say in the matter- I was instantly 'Holi' !

Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season, on the last full moon of the lunar month Phalguna (Feb/March) In most areas the celebrations lasts about two days. It has a strong Hindu belief behind the festival but it is said that it originated as a celebration for the coming of Spring- Welcoming in new life and new colors. 

Entire cities shut down for the day of Holi  - so the day before you want to stock up on colors. Go to the local market and buy bags of bright powdered paint, where then you can either toss the powder on your victim of choice or mix it with water and have a liquid attack...

dum Dum DUMMMMM!

Krisjah getting his 'Holi' on

Tourists joining in on the fun.

*Caution- Blondes Beware- the paint will likely permanently stain your hair.

Even today (weeks later) I've seen formally blonde persons walking around with a pink/yellow head.

The Indians just laugh and say 'You're very Holi!'

This is my Vogue pose.

My friend Kevin.

His bald head wore the colors fantastically.

Krisjah

Serious Face

Rishikesh India

...a place to soothe the soul.  

Arriving in Rishikesh on Feb. 18th 2012 - I instantly felt refreshed.

I'll admit that the first 6 weeks of India were 'challenging'-- wanting so badly to Love India, but I often had this Evil voice in my head, seeing India as disgusting, over crowded, polluted and obnoxious.

Then I got to Rishikesh- The Yoga Capital of India.

...a haven of spiritual seekers from around the world, a place where alcohol does not exist (within the city limits), the whole city is Vegetarian, the Water - Clean, the Air - Fresh, Ashrams galor, Meditating yogi's on every corner.

It just 'feels' Pure here.

Getting grounded - relaxing by the Sacred Ganga (Gangees) River.

I feel spell bound. 

This place has captured my Heart like no other. 

Everyday waking up starry eyed, with a smile on my face. Watching the sunrise over the Mountains, reflecting on the Ganga. 

It's absolute Magic

People have been making pilgrimages here for Thousands of years. -And when you get here- you *feel why. 

It casts a spell on you.

The scenery is somewhat comparable to Banff Alberta, mixed with Ashrams, Gurus, Babas, Monkeys, and a new type of somethin' Sacred.

It's a place that cater's to spiritual development. I feel my Consciousness Expanding to new levels of Awareness, my Heart Opening with more Compassion than I knew possible and my body Thriving with Health.

Just one step closer to Nirvana.

I've dreamt about taking a Yoga Teacher Training course for as long as I can remember > perhaps since my brother took me to my very first class at the ripe'ol age of 14. (thanks Keith!) 

And now I am living my Dreams, Awake; I recently enrolled in an Ashtanga Vinyasa/Mixed Flow Yoga course. My days begin at 7am, and finish at 8pm. Yoga philosophy, anatomy, cleansing techniques, mediations, ect. 

Everything about it, is right up my alley. I seriously think this is my calling. I feel balanced, aligned and clear. Yoga makes perfect sense to me. 

Well done Universe!

The above photo is Omkaranda Ashram, where I'm studying yoga. 

Then to the right, in the tall green building is my home- I have a room right on the river, with a balcony, and a yoga room on the top floor. 

And I guess life doesn't suck having Krisjah around.

An old, good friend from home. We've got rooms right beside each other, and pretty much hang out everyday. A Barrel of LAUGHS this one is 

:)

Beware of Monkey's in Rishikesh.

It is not uncommon to witness a monkey theft on a daily basis- never have food out around the red butt monkeys- or your purse open. They're fast, clever and strong. You will have you peanuts ripped from your fingers before you can say the word 'Hay!!' lol 

This man is dressed as the Hindu Diety Hanuman. 

A Monkey God who symbolizes absolute devotion. 

(he even had a 2 ft wooden tale as part of his costume, glued straight up!) 

Yummm- a delightful refreshment from a street vendor. (above photo)

For just 10 Rupees (20 cents) this man will spark to life this Ancient Juicer- and push thru stalks of Sugar Cane- perhaps adding some lime, mint or ginger> and Voila! pure, raw, natural Sugar Cane juice.

*drool drool

Krisjah is so artsy... on this day we took a little feild trip into the main town- explored he markets, and back alleys. I love the architecture in India-- everything seems to be just 'a little crooked' lol.

Oh and the Flowers!

I was lucky enough to stumble into Rishikesh just before Maha ShivaRatchi! A festival celebrating Shiva - Divine Conciousness. The whole town was decorated, festivities everywhere. The babas were smokin' chillums, the Guru's (and everyone) drinkin Bang Lassies (a drink made of the Marijuana leaf), dancing, worshiping in Temples - and general Merriment abound!

 This fallick symbol is the Shiva Lingum, celebrating the Divine Union of the Masculine and Feminine. We gathered around, sang songs, while the people above ceremonially poured Blessed milk and Water down the sacred shaft. 

T'was a Fun day indeed.