Passover in Our Yurt- 2013

We’ve been back now almost two weeks. It feels like we are just starting to gather the edges of our parachute together after landing.

seder in our yurt

Gabriola welcomes us with a wide embrace. The rains subside after the first few days and the sun begins to shine brightly on the day our friends from Toronto arrive to be with us for Passover. Though we haven’t really had the time to settle in, I feel the comfort in the familiarity of our forest home. As I wander, I notice which trees have survived the relatively mild winter, and which have fallen. I begin to plan a clean up and preparation for planting. Living outside means that our home is never clean, and that it is always clean. It’s Nature. It is what it is!

I’m realizing how easily my spiritual expression emerges in my daily life. So much of who I am is expressed in my relationship with my natural surroundings. I think I’ve always been this way, and, in my attempt to not think so much, I make more opportunity to experience. I think my relationship with India and Indians has further inspired that.

We lost our seder plate this year. Typically the seder plate holds the same items, no matter on whose table it sits. There is an egg symbolizing new birth, eternity, beginnings and endings. There’s karpas (a green vegetable) to remind us that Spring is here and it is a time of new growth. There’s maror (bitter herbs) to represent the suffering that our people experienced while being enslaved in Egypt. Charoset (a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, red wine and honey) symbolizes the mortar that the Jews had to make in order to build the pyramids. And, matzah, the bread of affliction and simplicity.

This year to replace our lost seder plate, we invited tour guests to begin our seder with a scavenger hunt in search of personal meaning to the traditional components of the plate that sits on the table all evening.

By early afternoon on Monday, everyone coming had arrived on the island. We gathered together to burn the chometz (last bits of bread) and begin the eight days of Passover, a holiday dedicated to freedom. We presented everyone with a list of words for consideration for finding items to add relevance to our seder plate.  Simplicity, Opening, Sacrifice/Letting Go, Building/Creativity, Bitterness, Celebrating, were all concepts that we created derived from the original meanings.

For the next two hours all of us carried on with our day. We cooked and went for walks. We set the table for seder. We talked together and sat, and all through the day, with the list of words in our thoughts, we collected items that we each considered to be representations of the words on the list. Each item got added to the seder plate.

Paul, Micah, Seyna, Maeve, Lindsay, me,
Jacquie, Gabriella, Elyse and Baruch

The seder plate that evening was a reflection of our own personal understanding of the meaning of Passover. We had fresh flowers and entwined branches from trees.  Twigs with new buds and seeds dug up by animals from last year’s planting. There was a clay statue of a dancing woman and an avocado pit. Sparkles and dust, and shells from the ocean, each representing meaning. It was traditional in a way, and personal and alive. Using the Haggadah to follow the order of the seder, we were all involved. Each person participated fully.

Isn’t that what it’s all about? Recently I had a conversation with someone about organized religion.  “How can I be thankful for freedom when there are so many enslaved people in the world?” he questioned.

Plagues?

Our world is not perfect. There are bad things that happen everywhere, and people who do bad things.

In my life, I can only strive to be a good person. I want to live with love for myself, for my family, for my community and for my world. I want to give compassionately, intentionally and openly. I want to continue to learn, teach and explore. I want to work towards fairness, peace, and happiness for everyone, all over our Mother Earth. I don’t have to be Jewish to do that. I don’t have to be Hindu or Buddhist or Muslim. And, I could be them all! I just need adhere to the basic criteria of being a good person. Religion, then, becomes a way of practising those skills.

I am grateful for these next few days of Passover. As I restrict my diet for the next 8 days, I am mindful that there are people in the world who are not free. I remain grateful for the opportunities to give of my time, energy, wisdom and love, to connect with others to encourage change toward fairness and respect and eliminate suffering everywhere. I appreciate the many friends and acquaintances I have throughout the world and the amazing technology that allows us to connect and maintain those relationships. I feel strong and eager and intend to keep healthy so I can continue to learn and teach and give. I am energized and inspired by my family, who each, in their own way feeds me with love and the security of support and confidence. And, as I sat down at the seder table that night, I gave thanks for the bounty of my life. Chag Sameach to all!   

Keeping On Keeping On

Birthday dinner and Shivarathri

Auspicious, a little, that our last night in India is in Fort Cochi, back to where we started. It is Shivarathri tonight, an annual Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva and celebrated by thousands of people by fasting all day and staying up all night. We spend the night, also celebrating Aji’s birthday. A wonderful dinner out on the water, a drive to Aluva to spend time with Sajee’s family and then a short car ride to the airport for our 19 hour flight back to New York.

It is difficult to leave, and yet, as always, I know that what (and who) awaits me at my next destination is where (and with whom) I want to be. My life is like that. I love where I am, and I love where I’m going. If I don’t like it... I leave. I can do that now. I’ve ‘earned’ it!

Landing in NY we are met by Sandy our friend from Brooklyn. Louise and I have been friends from childhood. Sandy and she open up their home to us each time we come to NY. It is one of our homes away from home. We just chill and relax when we’re here and usually manage to get together with a group of childhood friends for a dinner or something. It usually precedes a few days’ visit with my mom in Connecticut. We spend days with mom in her nursing home and then evenings with my brother, Michael and sister in law, Lisa. These family times are meaningful and rich! I appreciate being able to have them. After those days we are back at Louise and Sandy’s before our trip back home.

Shira, me, Paul and Julia (Howie's at work)

This time, after a wonderful dinner together with friends in Brooklyn, Sandy drives us to the bus station for an overnight bus to Montreal. Our daughter Julia lives there with her boyfriend, Howie. Shira, who lives in Toronto, came in for the weekend. It was another weekend of family. We slept a lot, hung out talking together, went to several yoga classes and just had a wonderful ‘home’ time. Living on the west coast, we grab at every opportunity to spend time with our ‘East coast’ kids. This has been a treat!

Howie and Julz

Next, we flew to Vancouver to spend the night at our daughter Jacquie’s house. We got to spend (at least) 20 minutes with her during her busy schedule of school and work and cross fit training before our ferry ride to Gabriola. It has been 88 days since we left Gabriola Island.

Our experiences during these months of travelling have been abundant. Each day has offered some form of excitement, some kind of learning, another opportunity to make sense of my world. It has been a time of adventure, openness and erudition. I have met and developed unique relationships with so many people, become familiar with places that are rich in culture and spirituality, and firmed up connections for possible work and deeper learning opportunities.

Our trip finishes exactly where it started, like a fan that opens and closes providing symmetry to its’ design. And as the fan expands, the two opposing sides get filled in with the story. I can only feel a deep sense of gratitude, an immense appreciation and such wonder for this incredible world in which we live. There is so much out there to explore and learn.

This morning, our daughter, Jacquie, asks me “So…what’s your plan now?” I ponder that question deeply. I actually want to not plan right now. My work, my play, my family, my self, remain my focus for now. I’m interested in learning more how not to do and to just be. I want to continue to work towards a future of compassion, support and consideration for all beings in the world and to let that inspire the way I live. I want to practise this with every breath I take. And I want to shift towards a more positive, happy life, for my family, my universe and myself.

Last 'sit' on the water in Fort Cochin

For now, however, I think I’ll just settle back in my little yurt on Gabriola Island, make a fire in the wood stove, and rest for a while. I want to be ready for action when the time is right. Shanti, Shanti, Shanti!

The Holy City

Shiva Temple at Banaras University

Om Nama Shivaya!

How can I even begin to understand the devotional integrity of the Hindu people? Ingrained in their very being, it seems, is the devout connection with God. It is expressed everywhere in the country, evident on the busy streets of the cities and in the little laneways of the villages. Farmers stop while reaping their crops, to pray. Deities are found throughout and people stop to connect with God regularly during the day.

The Shiva Temple lies in the midst of Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi. Here there are many rooms that provide opportunity for ritual and prayer.

I sit back on a small carpet against a wall on the floor to observe the devotees enter the small pooja room. They ring the bell that hangs from the threshold as they enter. Then they place their hands together at their heart as they bow their heads in reverence. In a sort of processional, each person walks slowly around the deity platform several times until they make personal contact with the priest who places a red bindi on the forehead of each person. Sometimes participants bring offerings of garlands of flowers. Coconuts, spices, grapes are all gifts for the Gods.

I watch with utmost respect and curiosity. “How many times does each person walk around? What is the significance of each gift to the gods?  What do the various colours represent?”

The priest notices me in the background and he beckons me to come closer. Without a word, he puts his finger in red ash and places a bindi on my forehead. He throws a garland of marigolds around my neck.  I feel a deep sense of welcome and acceptance. He wants to answer all my questions.

The Temple stands in the middle of the university and many students are hanging out on the grounds, studying, doing homework and gathering together in small groups. Mind, body and spirit are tightly integrated here, and I sense that.  Even as I write, several people approach me and ask, “What are you doing?’ “I’m writing,” I answer. “Trying to understand”. “Understand what” some of them ask. “I’m trying to understand what’s in my heart.”

The Ganges after dark

The Durga Temple, just a few kilometres away, offers a whole other experience. Loud bells clanging, numerous smoke pits burning and incense present everywhere, it offers a quite intense sensory experience. Here there is more activity… more movement. It reflects, to some degree, the character of Durga; active destroyer of evil, represented with 6 arms and the colour black. I am guided by a slight Hindi woman who offers me her elbow and wants to show me here world of prayer. I am once again immersed in another world. She and I speak for a while. She tells me she feels so comfortable here, in prayer, amidst the hectic activity of the temple.

Peaceful Paddle on The Ganges

The Ganges is a holy water and holy things happen here too. Raj takes us out in his rowboat so that we can participate in the sunset ceremony at the shore of the (Shiva) Temple. The Arti ceremony offers classical music, elaborate costume and devotional chanting. Boats pack into the shore and people crowd the shoreline to watch and listen.

Paul and I light a candle that is placed in the middle of a garland of flowers. We say a prayer and carefully place the small tray in the flowing Ganges. “What did you pray for”? Paul asks me when we are done. “I prayed for peace in my family”. I answer. “Me too!” he says.

These are the final days of Kumbha Mela, a festival that occurs every 3 years, this year in Allahabad, in Uttar Prudesh. The Naga Babas have come to Varanasi to camp out, smoke chillum, and invite visitors into their small tents to share their beliefs and life style choices. They remain here until Sunday, when the festival of Shivarathri happens. For me, it’s a bit intense. Men’s naked bodies, rubbed completely with ash that is supposed to remind us of the ashes of Lord Shiva. I wonder, “How come it’s okay for these men to be parading around naked, and it’s not okay for a woman to expose even her head?”  I am definitely having problems with the gender issues that are evident here.

Naga Babbas Camping Out

The Naga Baba scene reminds me of my annual Bonnaroo festival in Manchester Tennessee, just without the music. Freaks, drugs and bizarre behaviours are completely acceptable here. I don’t really pick up the spiritual energy. It’s more like a show, and I’m a part of it.

Tall buildings, almost like a solid wall of concrete in various designs and colours comprise the architecture of the old city. They provide a solid backdrop to the sacred Ghats where Hindu people come to bathe and revel in the spirit of the holy waters. As we glide through the river I feel like player piece in a board game. The visual surroundings are a bit surreal, the motion of the paddling creates a dreamlike sensation, and the variety of sounds intensifies the experience. Varanasi… another world, indeed!

Raj our rower

Early morning on the Ganges

                                                      

Learning To Let Go

Learning how to be flexible and stretch capacity are significant lessons that practising Yoga provides for me. I notice, as I travel, that these skills are so significant to maintain calm and avoid depending on expectations. Things don’t always turn out the way we think. For instance....

Ø                Our 2:45 train from Jaipur to Jodphur was really at 02:45…not 14:45! So when we arrive at the train station and go straight to platform #3, we wonder why the train isn’t coming. When we finally figure it out, we make arrangements for an overnight bus that leaves at 9:00. We find a nice quiet restaurant with wifi and beer, and, with all our belongings spend a glorious few hours as we wait. Other than the fact that the bus ride took 8 hours instead of the expected 5, we made it to Jodphur happy and satisfied. “Let go of expectations”.

Ø               Our camera was stolen in Bangalore! During the weekend of the Guru Pooja, many people come and go from the farm. On the Sunday afternoon, a special celebration happens where al the villagers from Kaglippura are invited to share a meal. The Gurukala hires cooks who actually begin setting up for the feast the night before. Large fires are lit and delicious Indian food…enough to feed hundreds, is prepared through the night. Disposable plates for all, made from banana leaves reinforces that composting is just a ‘given’.

          Mah reminds me, several times, to be careful. “Villagers”, she says, “are often taking things and don’t even think about the consequences.” I was careful! I really was! Until I wasn’t!

I remember placing my camera on top of my journal on the small cabinet outside the kitchen. I suppose I spent more time in the kitchen than I had anticipated. When I came out, I remember seeing my journal sitting on the cabinet. And I was very conscious of the empty space where my camera used to be! Immediately, I knew! I went right into “letting go” mode. It took some time for me to get over the loss of my camera. Luckily I had downloaded my pictures the night before so all that was on the camera was from that day, but my feelings of the day were altered. Why do people do bad things to each other?

Ø            From Ajmer we missed our train to Jodphur. They said our bus from Pushkar to the train station would only take 25-30 minutes! They said we had lots of time! It took an hour! We arrived, once again, to an empty platform! Bussing it again!

Ø            We flew from Bangalore to Delhi to begin our travels through Rajasthan. We arrive in Delhi and, with all of our bags, we wait at the public stand for our ride to the main train station for our long journey to Jaipur. As the bus arrives we rush on, aware of the havoc that usually occurs as Indian people board a bus. As we settle into our seat on the train, we realize that we are one bag short! We accidently left it at the bus stop! I spent the first part of our train trip in silence. I didn’t want to talk about it. I wanted just to process the loss. The bag, a medium sized carry on cloth bag, contained all the gifts we had bought over the past 3 weeks. Once I listed the actual items, I realized it didn’t amount to many dollars. It wasn’t about the money. It was about the thought and love that went into buying each one. I have to say, it was a very difficult few hours. I wrote my thoughts and feelings in my journal. By the time our train arrives in Jaipur, I had processed the loss enough to let go of the things we left behind.

     

            Once at our hotel in Jaipur, we decided to call the airport in case of the very slim chance that our bag was found and collected. I watched Paul as he spoke to the agent at the Lost and Found in Delhi Airport. I knew the moment he was told, “You’re bag is here.” After some clarifying questions, “What are some of the things in the bag? What kind of bag is it?” they were assured the bag was ours. They gave us a number and a promise that the bag would be there when we passed through Delhi Airport on our way back to Kerala. That story turned out okay and we learned how to better mind our belongings when we travel. And, most of all, the experience gives me practise in letting go and also in noticing the small miracles that abound! Imagine that someone took the time and energy to ensure that our bag can be found.

I suppose that when bad things happen I need to let it go. Better yet, maybe I can make something good come from something bad. Learning happens from life experiences.

Our trip this year has been overwhelmingly fantastic. Every day has presented something new and exciting. Sometimes I am amazed at the experiences we have been lucky enough to have had.  Even the bad things have turned good. Thank you India! Thank you dear Universe!

Peaceful Desert Ride

Last night we slept under a desert sky. Thousands of lively stars sparkled above my reclining body. Laying on my blanket, spread flat on the powdery sand of the Thar Desert, I watched the enormous expanse of sky. The moon peeks out from behind the quiet hills and I watch it move slowly into full view. The moon, the same moon that shows itself everywhere in the world, watched over me, as I watched over her, throughout the night. Exhausted from our camel trek into the desert in Pushkar, I struggled to stay awake, not wanting to miss a moment of the awesome night.

   Christo is the name of the camel that carried me here. On his back, together, we traverse the pathways of the desert, sometimes led by Sahidan, my very own Indian guide. Occasionally, Sahidan hops behind me on Christo’s saddle, preserving his own strength along the way. Paul and a new friend, Cordula, from Germany, also ride. Our very own guide escorts each of us on our own camel. I spend some time getting to know Christo. Camels are such unusual animals! Sometimes his tongue dangles from the side of his mouth in an apathetic, lazy manner. Sometimes his energy gets him moving in a slow run. I do sense he is taking care of me though, gently moving through the sand and, every so often looking back. I think he’s just making sure I’m fine. I am!

The camel trek was a must for us. It offers a nice alternative to sight seeing and a different way to see the place where we are. Pushkar is well known for it’s annual camel fair. In November, thousands of Indians and camels come together in the streets, overflowing into the desert. We’ve never been here for the fair, but I can just imagine how exciting and visually tantalizing it would be!

Pushkar is a very small town in the Ajmer region of Rajasthan. A sign for a roof top restaurant reads “Peaceful Place for Peaceful People”.  I’m ready for that! There are many travellers here who come for relaxation, joining others and fun. Bhang lassies and “special” chocolate can be purchased at any restaurant or local food stand. The restaurants offer a nice blend of Western and Indian foods. We spend a lot of time sitting around tables, people watching, eating good food, and being with friends.

We meet up with Etay and Yael, a couple we met in Kodai Kanal. Travelling from Israel, Pushkar is their last stop before they return home. On the way to Tamil Nadu, in the public bus, Etay got down on his knees and proposed to Yael. Their wedding will happen this summer.

Yael and I even spend some time in Pushkar checking out wedding dresses. What a trip! Pushkar has everything for sale, just like Jaipur, without the intensity. There are beautiful ‘things’ here, and it is way more laid back…. and so cheap! Here, there is a comfortable blend of Westerners and Indians. The city is considered to be one of the sacred pilgrimage sites in India. I get the sense of that as I wander the narrow streets. There is a respect for each other that is evident here. No pushiness happens on the streets, just friendly interaction and genuine interest in each other’s lives.

Rickshaws, cars and large vehicles are supposedly banned from the narrow streets, although, we did experience several vehicles trying to make their way through. People wander and everyone seems to be easy. Our time here offers a beautiful break from the intensity of the last few days.

Stories of divine love and compassion reinforce the energy I experience here. The area is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus. History says that Lord Brahma tossed a lotus flower into the air, looking for holy ground. Some of the petals from the lotus settled in Pushkar. They provide the city protection from evil. It is believed that the waters are the result of the tears shed by Shiva after the death of Sati! I think that is a beautiful story of love and life. Sleeping under the desert sky and absorbing the peaceful vibe of Pushkar have provided a perfect space for experiencing that love, and a most beautiful life.