A friend asks me what manifests this travel, and i answer, "no se, i close my eyes and open the heart, and seeing happens"…
After spending four weeks in Chaing Mai, in Thailand, i sense that more time is needed here. My visa ends so like all tourists i have the option of doing a visa run to Burma or any other border. Burma is normally a day trip and you get 2 weeks of stay in Thailand. I decide that my flight out of Thailand requires a longer visa. Then again that is the logic or the trigger. Why i go, where i go, unfolds as always...
I am in Vientiane, "its a dead city", comments a friend...i come to this city. The overnight bus ride from Chiang Mai is luxury for me. Through many stops at all the 7/11s by the gas stations we arrive at the border town in Thailand, a short wait by the river as our passports are taken and we are given forms to fill for the exit and entry to Laos. I sense an organized process here, and switch to a large bus with other tourists to continue our journey. After another stop to deal with the immigration formalities its an effortless cross over to Laos.
I look out the window, absorbing the sights, its Asia, there is familiarity to the outer, and how can i ever know the inner process of the people living anywhere.
I choose to take a drop at the first stop in Vientiane. Mr. Wong, an english speaking young man, promises to take me to the right hotel, and also drive me to others, till I find what i like. He is to his promise, no haste or impatience do i sense in his energy. After checking out 2 places, i return to the first one. He waits patiently, while i check the room and happily brings my bag in. I pay him $6.00, an extra buck for his kindness.
The sounds of construction, by the wide parts of the Mekong, do no interrupt the peace. The sun feels strong and i take a long walk. I rest under a tree, close my eyes and drift off. The earth feels comforting to my aching back, the sun filters through the leaves, my music is soothing. Rested i decide to continue, find an Indian restaurant called Fatimah, the owner is from Pondicherry, the masala chai in a large glass mug is exactly what i need. I chat with him and his son, eat an omlette and plain roti; chat with the French guy on the next table who is also on a visa run, he and his wife sell clothes at the Sunday Market in Chiang Mai. I also receive enough information to decide on my mode of transport to Lang Prabang. I book a flight for $84 from Vientiane to Lang Prabang for the 22nd.
The evening: I indulge in a hot compress, the one I took at the old medicine hospital did wonders for the back...this one is different, with cold air blowing on me, and the touch of not so gentle girl, i survive. I feel great later, and walk up to the corner store to buy some stuff. it feels like home. is earth not the same….the Thai people love to say "same same, but different"…i get it!!!
Laos is a single-party socialist republic.
"Stone tools discovered in northern Laos attest to the presence of hunter-gatherers from at least 40,000 years ago. Archeological evidence suggests agriculturist society developed during the 4th millennia B.C.. Burial jars and other kinds of sepulchers suggest a complex society in which bronze objects appeared around 1500 B.C., and iron tools were known from 700 B.C. The proto-historic period is characterized by contact with Chinese and Indian civilizations. From the fourth to the eighth century, communities along the Mekong River began to form into townships, or Muang as they were called." ~wiki~
a place to park thoughts and ideas....... the people and places.......encountered in the journey of life.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
28 days in Chiang Mai - inspire and inspired
I sit and look at the temple of the Old Medicine Hospital. I am sitting by myself on the tables where I shared many meals, laughter, conversation and connections. Yes these words sum up the the last four weeks that I spent here.
My first time in this country and this part of Asia. All good moments combine and weave through each experience.
The training was the focus, or was it, I often ask myself. In one way yes, the teachers that guided us/me through these days of learning are just those present here. What about all the souls which connected. Stories, and openings, fears and release. This moment in time, this place was holding space for just that.
Here again a reminder, a semblance to life and living. Why I live, the way I live, and what determines each moment, each choice…
I have feared not, and nor have you,
the trust was discovered a forgotten story continued,
where we go, where we end up,
we choose, in this moment, in here,
in our now we know.
My first time in this country and this part of Asia. All good moments combine and weave through each experience.
The training was the focus, or was it, I often ask myself. In one way yes, the teachers that guided us/me through these days of learning are just those present here. What about all the souls which connected. Stories, and openings, fears and release. This moment in time, this place was holding space for just that.
Here again a reminder, a semblance to life and living. Why I live, the way I live, and what determines each moment, each choice…
I have feared not, and nor have you,
the trust was discovered a forgotten story continued,
where we go, where we end up,
we choose, in this moment, in here,
in our now we know.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
from karachi enroute to chiang mai
I sit at Karachi airport and recall...the last three weeks in karachi, have been a flow...from a wedding high to a melting of souls...many encounters, sharing and caring that accompany the highs and lows of human emotions.
The sun was always shining, providing a comforting warmth in the coolness of the mild winter.
Yoga happened, for me personally, either inside or out in the garden, the sun always on my face. The full moon yoga at Binas’ with the warmth of the candles and the coolness of the floor, and a request for another session. We managed a 3 hour workshop, in the immaculate lawn and around the pool of Binas’ home. How generous of Bina to open her heart. The enthusiast yoginis enjoyed, as we flowed, paused, moved into the techniques of asanas, and partnering in our practice.. The final savasana, all in their surrender, around the cool water of the swimming pool attested to the benefit each person realized in the practice...
Shared meals, open conversations and honest connections...the basis of truth...each moment i felt i was flowing...i watch the conditioning of families, culture and conditioning, completely aware of myself, inside out, and find continue to accept, sensing what each moment requires.
The trip to Mohenjodaro, began with one passenger, a woman who refused to sit next to a man, she convinced another female passenger to sit next to her, and created a loud commotion when questioned...I chuckle, and comment to the man next to me, a perception that women in Pakistan are indulged and get away with such behavior. No judgement on her, so why was I witness to this, is this a reality I was creating, possible, for after all, I am seeing myself in all that arises. This started an interesting conversation with Ali, my fellow passenger...Ali shared some pictures of a village, which spoke volumes, a reflection of the reality of how people live and think. The four basic needs, are not close to being met. An education is needed, not only the formal schooling. What about the life skills which we all learn to live harmoniously, contributing to our well being and the well being of others, this is far from being their focus. I am intrigued, and asked to be kept in the loop regarding a new project that promises to bring electricity and water to a village....
This conversation continues in a different form, as I travel from Sukkur to Mohenjodaro, walk around and spend time chatting with the local visitors to the museum and the excavation sites. Overheard comment in the local dialect, even though I am dressed in the local attire, they consider me an alien, the surprise look on their face when i turn around and start to speak to them in Urdu....they confess that my hair made them think that I was a foreigner, I smile in my head, “so natural is alien, interesting.”
The guide is with me in the excavation site, he is well versed in the history and clearly explains the life, infrastructure, living styles and the physical layout of this 5000 year old civilization.
The simplicity of the local people, their warmth, and enthusiasm as they follow me in groups, walking alongside, listening, apparently fascinated with a woman, from their own country traveling on her own. Phone numbers are exchanged, amongst laughs and jokes, and I say I will visit them when I return to Mohenjodaro...Humans, we befriend, we want to hear the story of the other, it helps to connect to know ourselves...
The sun was always shining, providing a comforting warmth in the coolness of the mild winter.
Yoga happened, for me personally, either inside or out in the garden, the sun always on my face. The full moon yoga at Binas’ with the warmth of the candles and the coolness of the floor, and a request for another session. We managed a 3 hour workshop, in the immaculate lawn and around the pool of Binas’ home. How generous of Bina to open her heart. The enthusiast yoginis enjoyed, as we flowed, paused, moved into the techniques of asanas, and partnering in our practice.. The final savasana, all in their surrender, around the cool water of the swimming pool attested to the benefit each person realized in the practice...
Shared meals, open conversations and honest connections...the basis of truth...each moment i felt i was flowing...i watch the conditioning of families, culture and conditioning, completely aware of myself, inside out, and find continue to accept, sensing what each moment requires.
The trip to Mohenjodaro, began with one passenger, a woman who refused to sit next to a man, she convinced another female passenger to sit next to her, and created a loud commotion when questioned...I chuckle, and comment to the man next to me, a perception that women in Pakistan are indulged and get away with such behavior. No judgement on her, so why was I witness to this, is this a reality I was creating, possible, for after all, I am seeing myself in all that arises. This started an interesting conversation with Ali, my fellow passenger...Ali shared some pictures of a village, which spoke volumes, a reflection of the reality of how people live and think. The four basic needs, are not close to being met. An education is needed, not only the formal schooling. What about the life skills which we all learn to live harmoniously, contributing to our well being and the well being of others, this is far from being their focus. I am intrigued, and asked to be kept in the loop regarding a new project that promises to bring electricity and water to a village....
This conversation continues in a different form, as I travel from Sukkur to Mohenjodaro, walk around and spend time chatting with the local visitors to the museum and the excavation sites. Overheard comment in the local dialect, even though I am dressed in the local attire, they consider me an alien, the surprise look on their face when i turn around and start to speak to them in Urdu....they confess that my hair made them think that I was a foreigner, I smile in my head, “so natural is alien, interesting.”
The guide is with me in the excavation site, he is well versed in the history and clearly explains the life, infrastructure, living styles and the physical layout of this 5000 year old civilization.
The simplicity of the local people, their warmth, and enthusiasm as they follow me in groups, walking alongside, listening, apparently fascinated with a woman, from their own country traveling on her own. Phone numbers are exchanged, amongst laughs and jokes, and I say I will visit them when I return to Mohenjodaro...Humans, we befriend, we want to hear the story of the other, it helps to connect to know ourselves...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
in Karachi - 2012
i have been in this city for a week…it seems longer….
The first few days were a whirlwind of sleep and time adjustment surrounding wedding celebrations…the best part is always the reunion, those moments with family and friends…the wedding comes with its own energy…beautiful bride and the groom…in this case the groom is known the bride is a new addition to the family…beautiful couple,Ammar and Saba.
Indulgence is one word that can describe the time here…a friend takes me out for lunch and asks me "can you live in an invisible prison?"…hmmm, this was soon after a conversation in which he thinks that it is time to return to this land…i agree when he says that here you have roots, and the roots have their off shoots grown into a tree that will always provide shade…i am intrigued, as i listen to him…he is clear when i share with him my desire to travel in Pakistan, travel solo as a tourist…he looks at me and says "face it irum, in this country,you are the wrong sex to take on that adventure"…
i am still thinking in my head "thank you for showing me this challenge"…
The city has spread, there is technology, there is development and there is more traffic…i am protected, living with family, in a bubble, i have returned to this bubble…and i find no conflict, i am allowing life to happen, there is a surrender…
We sit in the courtyard of a cafe, listening to music, three friends having a quiet dinner after a yoga session…"you have a different energy about you"… "i just met you in Toronto, 2 weeks back and you were vibrating"…"and now?" i ask as i smile…the other friend agrees…i share with them, that its intentional, i am aware of what is happening…there i was pouring, now i am absorbing; watching and aware for any internal conflict…i have returned to the grounds of my conditioning…who am i , will be made clear, through the awareness and confirmation and verification of "who i am not"…its a testing ground…i hold on to the line "thank you for showing me this challenge"..
The first few days were a whirlwind of sleep and time adjustment surrounding wedding celebrations…the best part is always the reunion, those moments with family and friends…the wedding comes with its own energy…beautiful bride and the groom…in this case the groom is known the bride is a new addition to the family…beautiful couple,Ammar and Saba.
Indulgence is one word that can describe the time here…a friend takes me out for lunch and asks me "can you live in an invisible prison?"…hmmm, this was soon after a conversation in which he thinks that it is time to return to this land…i agree when he says that here you have roots, and the roots have their off shoots grown into a tree that will always provide shade…i am intrigued, as i listen to him…he is clear when i share with him my desire to travel in Pakistan, travel solo as a tourist…he looks at me and says "face it irum, in this country,you are the wrong sex to take on that adventure"…
i am still thinking in my head "thank you for showing me this challenge"…
The city has spread, there is technology, there is development and there is more traffic…i am protected, living with family, in a bubble, i have returned to this bubble…and i find no conflict, i am allowing life to happen, there is a surrender…
We sit in the courtyard of a cafe, listening to music, three friends having a quiet dinner after a yoga session…"you have a different energy about you"… "i just met you in Toronto, 2 weeks back and you were vibrating"…"and now?" i ask as i smile…the other friend agrees…i share with them, that its intentional, i am aware of what is happening…there i was pouring, now i am absorbing; watching and aware for any internal conflict…i have returned to the grounds of my conditioning…who am i , will be made clear, through the awareness and confirmation and verification of "who i am not"…its a testing ground…i hold on to the line "thank you for showing me this challenge"..
Sunday, January 1, 2012
what about 2011??? some "thank uuuus"
Moving between dimensions…from 3D to 5D…the year in perspective…
January rains at Rancho Margot, Jafer and Catherine wrapped up their visit to the ranch…
The girls, big and small all five of us, Liz, Cade, Brianna, Ivannia and myself trotted off to Quepos, Manuel Antonio…the trip which is considered done in five hours we made in nine, so whos' counting when one is having fun…the journey and the destination, the morning skinny dipping in our private pool, the sand and the sun and yoga on the beach…the extra Pina Coladas, and one extra day thanks to Julia who stayed back one more day to share yoga with the Ranch guests…I am sure Juan had something to do with it, all in all we came back recharged…
And Briannas' teacher training continued into February…and the month brought new friendships, deep connection, and a sparkle with Anayancy and Mark…five days and relishing each moment…the fun and excitement at the ranch continued, small stuff makes you happy, or un, when people live in close proximity…
Asim and Kamila made their trip in March, Kamila was the photographer for over 200 pictures, of Brianna, as we worked on our Yoga Teacher Training Manual…The highlight was the trip to the 500 year Ceiba tree…
and more moments sharing with people at the ranch, guests, volunteers, employees, the owner and his family…each encounter turns into a story, a life of its own…Rosalie and Fran came for a yoga retreat, a few moments a yoga session, a conversation, sharing a few hours in the huerta pulling weeds and planting "dil"…and a "dil" (heart) connection was made which culminated in yoga teacher training in Maryland DC, with four other yoga teachers…Mary came back to the Ranch in August and found her own transformation; all through the relationships and the experiences in the space called Rancho Margot.
The time spent with Ivannia and Mario, three weeks of deepening, learning and sharing yoga…these practitioners became coaches and facilitators of yoga session as they completed the formal 200 hours required to share the practice.
Summer of 2011 spent in Toronto, brought closures and openers both…
we shared more yoga, including a full moon ritual at the harbourfront, the savasana was accompanied by the beautiful bansuri played by Anwar, as Naureen, Bina, Mamta, Talat, Micha and Katie lay on the grass in their own surrender.
Travel to Spain and Morocco, where I am sensing I will return, to explore to share the beauty of Morocco, practice yoga, and healing sessions in the desert. Abdel, will be our guide, the plan has to manifest. Selim and Hafsa in Fes, a promise made "till we meet again", is to be honoured.
I spent three hours with my uncle and his wife in Christchurch, as I hugged them goodbye, the vision imprinted was "a return to the train station, and seeing them at the other end of the platform, their warmth glowing around them"…
I also got a chance to spend some time with Seema, Batool, Malka and a brief evening with Karim and his wife. Yes many warm wishes for Hashim, what a trooper he is, irrespective of the illness, his spirit shines through…Seema and her warmth and love keeps drawing me back. Malka and Batool, two women who face their own challenges, and keep smiling, only question that these three girls have is "what can I do for you"…
Sandy and Jennifer, thank you for following your calling to share the 3 weeks of yoga, you will continue to share the practice with others, your source of guidance will always come from within…
Paula, Hannah, Jackson, Will…we had a beautiful time together, you became a family, a part of me stays with you…every yoga session, has your energy…amazing, eh!!!
Juan and Liz, for the home away from home that you have shared with me, casa de vida will continue to share its energy with many lives…
Jeremey, Gaelle and Tzion, it was wonderful to have you a part of the Ranch energy…
I look forward to spending more time with you Lisa and Bjorn, new community members, souls of peace...
The last few weeks of 2011 spent in Toronto with Asim, Kamila, Jafer and Catherine, Nimmi and her family, have recharged and reignited the connection with home.
Ignacio, Karla, Mark, Anayancy, Cade, and Frederick, thank you for being you. Our stories continue…
As the year has ended, I feel enriched; the love I shared with those who opened their hearts, and the connection made and renewed stays…the attraction, friendship, the soul and love connection, has now become my identity…through loving you "i am, and i am not" ~rumi~
January rains at Rancho Margot, Jafer and Catherine wrapped up their visit to the ranch…
The girls, big and small all five of us, Liz, Cade, Brianna, Ivannia and myself trotted off to Quepos, Manuel Antonio…the trip which is considered done in five hours we made in nine, so whos' counting when one is having fun…the journey and the destination, the morning skinny dipping in our private pool, the sand and the sun and yoga on the beach…the extra Pina Coladas, and one extra day thanks to Julia who stayed back one more day to share yoga with the Ranch guests…I am sure Juan had something to do with it, all in all we came back recharged…
And Briannas' teacher training continued into February…and the month brought new friendships, deep connection, and a sparkle with Anayancy and Mark…five days and relishing each moment…the fun and excitement at the ranch continued, small stuff makes you happy, or un, when people live in close proximity…
Asim and Kamila made their trip in March, Kamila was the photographer for over 200 pictures, of Brianna, as we worked on our Yoga Teacher Training Manual…The highlight was the trip to the 500 year Ceiba tree…
and more moments sharing with people at the ranch, guests, volunteers, employees, the owner and his family…each encounter turns into a story, a life of its own…Rosalie and Fran came for a yoga retreat, a few moments a yoga session, a conversation, sharing a few hours in the huerta pulling weeds and planting "dil"…and a "dil" (heart) connection was made which culminated in yoga teacher training in Maryland DC, with four other yoga teachers…Mary came back to the Ranch in August and found her own transformation; all through the relationships and the experiences in the space called Rancho Margot.
The time spent with Ivannia and Mario, three weeks of deepening, learning and sharing yoga…these practitioners became coaches and facilitators of yoga session as they completed the formal 200 hours required to share the practice.
Summer of 2011 spent in Toronto, brought closures and openers both…
we shared more yoga, including a full moon ritual at the harbourfront, the savasana was accompanied by the beautiful bansuri played by Anwar, as Naureen, Bina, Mamta, Talat, Micha and Katie lay on the grass in their own surrender.
Travel to Spain and Morocco, where I am sensing I will return, to explore to share the beauty of Morocco, practice yoga, and healing sessions in the desert. Abdel, will be our guide, the plan has to manifest. Selim and Hafsa in Fes, a promise made "till we meet again", is to be honoured.
I spent three hours with my uncle and his wife in Christchurch, as I hugged them goodbye, the vision imprinted was "a return to the train station, and seeing them at the other end of the platform, their warmth glowing around them"…
I also got a chance to spend some time with Seema, Batool, Malka and a brief evening with Karim and his wife. Yes many warm wishes for Hashim, what a trooper he is, irrespective of the illness, his spirit shines through…Seema and her warmth and love keeps drawing me back. Malka and Batool, two women who face their own challenges, and keep smiling, only question that these three girls have is "what can I do for you"…
Sandy and Jennifer, thank you for following your calling to share the 3 weeks of yoga, you will continue to share the practice with others, your source of guidance will always come from within…
Paula, Hannah, Jackson, Will…we had a beautiful time together, you became a family, a part of me stays with you…every yoga session, has your energy…amazing, eh!!!
Juan and Liz, for the home away from home that you have shared with me, casa de vida will continue to share its energy with many lives…
Jeremey, Gaelle and Tzion, it was wonderful to have you a part of the Ranch energy…
I look forward to spending more time with you Lisa and Bjorn, new community members, souls of peace...
The last few weeks of 2011 spent in Toronto with Asim, Kamila, Jafer and Catherine, Nimmi and her family, have recharged and reignited the connection with home.
Ignacio, Karla, Mark, Anayancy, Cade, and Frederick, thank you for being you. Our stories continue…
As the year has ended, I feel enriched; the love I shared with those who opened their hearts, and the connection made and renewed stays…the attraction, friendship, the soul and love connection, has now become my identity…through loving you "i am, and i am not" ~rumi~
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