Oh, where to start??

Whew. Catching my breath! What a whirlwind this past week and a half has been, and such an unforgettable experience.

After leaving Goa, Murray and I flew into Kozhikode (English name, Calicut), Kerala--a place that, like Ludhiyana up North, has seen very few Westerners... and even fewer blondes. My friend and fellow Zaadzster, Kris Sreekandath, of Dove Holidays organized the whole trip for us. He cares very deeply for a Gandhiyan self-reliant village on the outskirts of Kozhikode known as Bharathanjali. The majority of our time in Kerala was spent with the beautiful residents of this lush palm-covered paradise. The father of this village, a very passionate and enthusiastic man named Krishnetta, has hopes that Kris's ability to introduce Western travelers, yogis, philanthropists and members of the "conscious community" to this village will bring about positive publicity and like-minded support for an even brighter, more productive and abundant future. From the looks of things, I'd say they're right on track! You put that many loving and focused visionaries together and their highest intentions are bound to become reality.

This humble and hard working community has a dream that they will live as one family, completely and totally self-sufficient; that they will have the means to heal their sick and, through Yoga and Ayurvedic Centers on-site, prevent future disease and suffering with proper education and positive lifestyle changes; they have hopes to share their message of organic farming and "ahimsa" (non-violence), by example, with all people in India and the entire world eventually, following the teachings of their beloved Mahatma Gandhi. I have hopes that they will succeed and I look forward learning more about how Trikaya Yoga as a company can assist them in manifesting their vision seamlessly.

When Murray and I first arrived at the village we had NO idea what was in store for us. Have a look at the photos and you'll see just how warmly we were welcomed. www.trikaya.zaadz.com/photos As we drove down this narrow little dirt road lined with palm trees and greenery, we could see a mass of people standing ahead, awaiting our arrival. We got out of the car and the youngest members of the crowd dressed us in shawls, garlands, and hats. Then we were led towards a large home which would serve as the main meeting area in the village. They had over a hundred chairs set up, facing a "speakers" table up front. They sat Murray and me down there and we sat, smiling, yet dazed and confused, staring at each other and the crowd, overwhelmed by the last 90 seconds. We watched as a little girl sang an opening song and several important men got up and spoke, one by one, in Malayalam, the local language. Then they motioned for us to go up to the mic and say a few words.

As usual, I was happy to speak in public, but so moved by the love and the raw humanity surrounding me that I got choked up in gratitude. I shared with them my appreciation, my respect, my love and support. I shared a little about Trikaya, Intentional Creation, and our shared vision for a world of peace, health, and prosperity. Murray gave a sweet speech to the same tune as well, and then we were wisked away to see the beauty of the place.

Over the next 3 days we took a boat ride on the backwaters; we taught yoga to a girl who has recently become paralyzed from the waist down; we ate an amazing variety of traditional foods served to us on banana leaves with a spoon made from jackfruit leaves; we learned about their organic farming methods; we watched them make and package laundry soap in a tiny little factory; we were treated to unique dance, art, and music performances; we were given homemade bouquets of exotic flowers; we were interviewed and photographed by 4-5 local newspapers and 2 new channels, one of which--Amma's channel--we actually saw and recorded the news report. What a surreal scene, seeing myself on the television with the newscaster speaking this beautiful foreign language.

Overall, it was exhausting and incredibly emotional, but probably one of the most unique and rewarding experiences I've every had. I promised Kris and Girija, his lovely wife--who, by the way, was like a sister and a mom all in one... she was so grounding throughout the whole trip--that I would come back again and bring my husband. They keep talking about his ICE CREAM dance and can't wait to see it in person.

After 5 days in Kerala we took a 6 hour bus ride through the picturesque mountains of Wayanad to get to Mysore, where we're staying and studying at my friend, Jonathan's yoga shala, Bheemashakti. I found it really funny when the bus pulled over on the side of the road for a pee-break. No toilets, only bushes, and not many. And I really had to pee, but I was like "What?? Where do I go?" But Murray gave me moral support and peed beside me so it was all good. The Indians on the bus didn't seem phased at all, so no biggie. Funny though.

It's been great being in Mysore the last few days. We're taking dance lessons, Pranayama, Meditation, and Swara Yoga classes daily. We haven't been so rushed, though, like we were in Kerala. We're catching up on laundry, emails, etc. We're spoiled by Lakshmi, the sweetest, most lovely and talented Indian cook I've ever had the privilage to know. Literally, I look forward to every meal. But honestly it might have something to do with the fact that I had the sh*$s for 2 weeks straight and couldn't enjoy any of the spicy Indian delicacies and now I'm back to eating them again without any problems. Whew! It put a damper on things in Kerala and the first few days here in Mysore to have to worry about where the toilet is every hour or so. But now, hallelujah, I'm enjoying it all and making up for lost time. Thank goodness for Lakshmi!

I have so much more to write but I'm out of time so I must go... have a look at the pics and I'll fill in all the details ASAP. Until then, be happy and keep smiling.

Love and Light, Namaste!!

-Kris