Sharing Some Personal Thoughts with You
Many of you maybe wonder why I am calling my travels a pilgrimage when most of my posts seem simply like a travelogue. Yes on a day to day basis I am not necessarily doing explicitly spiritual activities but I have gained enormous insight into myself in these few months.
Almost every day when I am in the USA, I experience longings for one thing or another - to travel, to feel more secure financially, to feel more fit etc, etc. Somehow by removing myself from my daily routine and responsibilities in the USA (I sold my home and most of my "stuff" for this trip) my vision has become clearer.
I am realizing day by day that I am the author of my own story. The outside world is a direct reflection of the story that I am writing. If I feel like my travels are not heading in a supportive direction then I reflect and redirect. For example, yesterday I picked up and moved from a very comfortable Airbnb that had some bad vibes to a more humble and simple Airbnb.
When the owner of the new Airbnb saw that I was moving from the nicer place to his more simple place he was amazed. I told him I was more interested in a spiritually conducive place than a comfy place and he smiled with appreciation.
I am realizing (some days so clearly that I break down in tears) that the various longings that pass through my mind are just a manifestation of a deeper longing that I have for the ultimate fulfillment of enlightenment-that supreme state of feeling at home anywhere and everywhere.
I am learning every day the power of friendliness to change the world. Here in Pokhara some of the locals have some disdain of the tourists that inundate the place. Although they depend 100% on this income, the invasion of their beautiful nature and ancient culture has naturally led to some resentment.
I find a warm smile and a few words of greeting in Nepali melts the hearts of even the scowling elderly folks I encounter from time to time. People appreciate that I respect their culture by dressing in the local style and attempting to speak in Nepali. These people are nourishing me on a deep level and I appreciate the chance to be with them.
What a blessing to be born in such a place steeped in ancient cultural values and with the beautiful nature of the Himalaya all around. The Nepali are a beautiful product of their culture and environment and I feel blessed when I get a smile and greeting from the young and old alike.
I also appreciate those of you that read my blog and enjoy it. It is my daily ritual and something that I enjoy a lot as part of the process of my growth during this trip (oops pilgrimage LOL). Namaste to each of you!
This statue of Shiva Nataraja or Dancing Shiva reminds me that daily life is illusory - a dance of the divine. It reminds me to focus on developing inner life as the source of stability in this dancing and changing world.
Almost every day when I am in the USA, I experience longings for one thing or another - to travel, to feel more secure financially, to feel more fit etc, etc. Somehow by removing myself from my daily routine and responsibilities in the USA (I sold my home and most of my "stuff" for this trip) my vision has become clearer.
I am realizing day by day that I am the author of my own story. The outside world is a direct reflection of the story that I am writing. If I feel like my travels are not heading in a supportive direction then I reflect and redirect. For example, yesterday I picked up and moved from a very comfortable Airbnb that had some bad vibes to a more humble and simple Airbnb.
When the owner of the new Airbnb saw that I was moving from the nicer place to his more simple place he was amazed. I told him I was more interested in a spiritually conducive place than a comfy place and he smiled with appreciation.
I am realizing (some days so clearly that I break down in tears) that the various longings that pass through my mind are just a manifestation of a deeper longing that I have for the ultimate fulfillment of enlightenment-that supreme state of feeling at home anywhere and everywhere.
I am learning every day the power of friendliness to change the world. Here in Pokhara some of the locals have some disdain of the tourists that inundate the place. Although they depend 100% on this income, the invasion of their beautiful nature and ancient culture has naturally led to some resentment.
I find a warm smile and a few words of greeting in Nepali melts the hearts of even the scowling elderly folks I encounter from time to time. People appreciate that I respect their culture by dressing in the local style and attempting to speak in Nepali. These people are nourishing me on a deep level and I appreciate the chance to be with them.
What a blessing to be born in such a place steeped in ancient cultural values and with the beautiful nature of the Himalaya all around. The Nepali are a beautiful product of their culture and environment and I feel blessed when I get a smile and greeting from the young and old alike.
I also appreciate those of you that read my blog and enjoy it. It is my daily ritual and something that I enjoy a lot as part of the process of my growth during this trip (oops pilgrimage LOL). Namaste to each of you!
Three groups of Nepali students greeted me as they descended the hill jogging. Very heartwarming example of Nepali friendliness. It made my day. Please note you may have to click here to see the video
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