If you have followed this blog for some time then you may know that the Made In Yoga journey moves from continent to continent and one experience to the next... that is what life is about right. This time my travels, the universe, life, call it what you want but it has brought me to Thailand. The last big adventure was less than two years ago throughout India and since then life has taken its turns. I spent a brief moment pondering my trip to East Asia asking the questions: How long should I stay? Where do I go next? What am I doing here? After getting on the plane and sipping down a glass of wine and ofcourse having a nice cry ( its a good release ) I let go of the questions and invited an experience. The great philosophers all say that life is an experience... things happen for a reason and when one door closes the next opens BUT you have to allow it to happen... eventually the pieces will fit together. Each moment, and conversation is a thread that weaves the fabric of life... kinda like a ginormous quilt. My first thread on this trip came from a guy sitting behind my on the plane... during a 3 hour layover we shared our stories... well him more than I. Bicycling throughout India and china over the course of a year!!! I had a big reality check... this yogini had gotten sucked into a little bubble over the last year and its now time for it to burst. However, I won't be jumping on a bicycle... just yet ;) Instead I jump on my next flight to Bangkok and we go our separate ways.
Bangkok reminded me of Mumbai minus the cows, honking and extreme poverty... but it still had subtle fragrances of spice mixed with pollution and ofcourse a hint of urine... ahh... im finally here. Luckily the first nights stay was in a fabulous hotel with all the comforts of aircon and a bed. The next morning included a brief yoga practice followed by the buffet breakfast. Knowing all that I know about eating right I was determined to put myself to the test... can I travel and still properly nourish myself? So far the challenge has been desserts and putting on the brakes to avoid over eating. The food is just delicious! I am normally not a buffet person but this one took me for a 2 hour ride through fresh honeycomb honey, exotic fruits, and fresh flavored yogurts and ice creams! Yes, I was stuffed.
One day in Bangkok and we scoped out all the hot spots including the largest bhudda I have ever seen in my life, lying on its side. The one thing that stands out so far is the kindness and gratitude expressed by all the locals as well as their devotion. This became more apparent and stronger on the islands.
First stop: Koh Samuai. An island off of Bangkok and the venue for my dearest friends wedding. Weddings are an amazing opportunity for friends and families to come together and celebrate the joining of two souls as they move forward as one. I have been to many many many weddings and they are all different and unique. This one was no exception. A small ceremony with 40 of their closest friends together on a private beach facing the endless ocean!!! The words expressed by the pasteur, the parents and the friends were beyond heartfelt and only strengthened the vows expressed by the couple. We are all on our paths in this life and along the way we come across with another soul that is so deeply connected with ours, we know he/she is the one we will continue to journey with. In some cases this happens at first glance and in other cases it is a long ride of ups and downs before the ride halts andyou are free to continue walking the path. Regardless one thing stands true " he/she will only arrive when you are ready to recieve and give love unconditionally and only after you are completely, utterly, ubelievably in love with yourself!" Congratulations to the lovely couple.
Next stop: The sanctuary. Bridesmaid duties done and ocean playtime checked off the list I am invited to another island KohPanang where the worlds famous Full Moon Party takes place... pass on that... but it is also home to the Thailand Sanctuary. Here I am in an internet hut surrounded by lush greenery and a bunch of hippies drinking ginger tea and awaiting the next colonic session. I am only here for a couple of days so no detox therapy for me but I am enjoying the peace and quiet and serenity that surrounds me. I feel my mind and body immediately ground. Could this be a turning point in the journey? Will I come back here or carry forward? Who knows... for now I sip away and relax. Yoga and mediation are awaiting me.
MettaLove
