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My very first yoga instructor, Renee Taylor, came to the Himilayas in the 1960's after being diagnosed with Cancer. Through Yoga and a Vegetarian diet ( there are no vegans in India) she healed. She came back to the U.S. and started teaching and writing books. In 1990 when I took her class she was in her 90's and taught from her a seat on a desk. I was a runner at the time and she would always tell me - just do yoga. I feel very blessed 18 years later to have visited Rishikesh. As a yoga instructor I think its a must do. Stay at the Jaipur Inn & Hotel ( $ 35 ) per night. Eat at their restaurant, its clean and safe. Have a Masala Chai at the German Bakery. Get a Vedic Reading from Anand, Do some yoga with him if you can- not just the physical ( hatha) but listen to the Jana Yoga. Go to the Kulshi Children's school and observe the Karma yoga. Visit the Ashrams- Shivinanda in particular. Go see the orange Croc & Cell phone wearing Swami at Kriya Ashram. Buy some gem stones that represent your Vedic period- dip them in the Ganges. Camp along the River if you can. Meditate in the Cave. Bring a Gratitude Rock home from the River bed. Swim in the Ganges or at least dip your feet. Hike up the the Devine Mother Temple high above the Ganges. Observe the energy, vibe with the people. They have so little in the material sense but are so joyous. We have such little true joy in our Western World. The next time I go back I will visit Ananda Spa & Retreat - and what is supposed to be an incredible world class spa in the Himilayas. If you are feeling adventurous, and are comfortable taking off your clothes - get a massage at the Laxsmi Inn - you'll see the ' Reflexology Signs' from the road - warning this is not your typical spa or massage. The steam room is a wooden box. Enjoy. Do a Havna Ceremony with a pundit and throw everything that does not serve your higher good ( ego, resistance, judgement, expectation, anger ) into the fire- Burn & Release. Yes the Taj Mahal was great, the Jaipur forts interesting but India is rough on the senses in every way. In Rishikesh I found myself again, learned many new things and experienced much. There are yoga schools everywhere. Its like a buffet of spirituality, and like every buffet you should try a little of every dish and go back for what you really like.
 As I make my way back home I am so grateful for everything our Western World has to offer. I am so grateful for the wonderful people in my life whom I love and who love me. I am grateful for my old & new friends and the great staff & trainers at YogaFit who are like my family.- i love you all I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with all of you and wish this trip for everyone. I am grateful that I was able to kick myself in the yogabutt and make the 32 hour journey from California to Rishikesh. I am grateful to G for knowing this trip was just what I needed and to Puja for creating the itinerary and to Tracy for just being you. Life offers us so many small miracles, so many opportunities for transformation and growth. Many we all continue to be open to them, to remain in a place of peace, joy and gratitute - to acknowledge when we get lost and have the courage to admit it. To reach deep within ourselves and propel ourselves to higher levels of awareness , consciousness and sensitivity always.
Namaste- see you on the road.......
 Bethany 77 |
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Posted by bethshaw on 2008-02-15 08:26:21 | Rating: | Views: 454
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Yoga..I always wanted to try that..
The whole finding myself, spiritual awakening..I really want that..
Let me put that on my list of things to do before I die..
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Posted by missinhome
on 2008-02-15 08:40:35
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I am a YogaFit Teacher, RYT, I feel as though I am going through a small spiritually journey with you, Bethany, but how can only begin to understand the full experience of what you are feeling. I often feel so torn as a buisness owner,teacher, mother, wife, daughter and sister. My heart feels empty with all that I give. If only I could practice what I teach.
Namaste
Ann
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Posted by fit4you
on 2008-02-15 11:19:05
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