India, you beautiful piece of chaos. Thank you for helping to unlock a part of myself I didn't know existed. The journey is permanently etched in my mind and as i reflect, I feel baskets full of joy.
2 months spent practicing yoga, broadening my meditation, chanting in Ashrams, reading an abundance of books, immersing myself in Indian culture, getting lost in bazaars, soaking up the city madness, swimming in mud pools, cruising the streets by motorbike, volunteering in various eco projects & meeting a bunch of sweet souls. It feels strange to leave behind the squat toilets, the well where I'd pump my water for my bucket showers, the mosquitos, the constant 45 degree humidity & to swap it all for western luxuries but I know that I'll approach life differently now.
2 weeks of my time was spent volunteering in an eco project called Sadhana Forest. The project was basically a community of people working together to run a self sustainable living environment. Much to my dismay, I happened to arrive in low season meaning that the focus' of reforestation and water conservation were to be temporarily set aside whilst there were too few people in the community. Each day would now consist of 4-7 hours of tasks including sorting through recyclable rubbish, washing dishes, shoveling cow shit, killing termites, emptying compost toilets, all in 40 degree heat. This experience was huge in the way of character building. The realisation that I wouldn't be planting any trees, getting clued up on Indian farming or harvesting any fruit was pretty disappointing to begin with, but when I decided i'd take it with a grain of salt, I found myself learning in a different kind of way.
This experience taught me that you can't rely on factors that are beyond your control to determine your happiness. I learnt to stop craving the next best thing and to sit in whatever task was at hand. I stopped wishing away the moment and found myself finding contentment in tasks that I would've found mundane, months ago, like shovelling cow shit. I stopped seeking constant stimulation & I practiced ridding my mind of thoughts & sitting with myself or with whatever task I was dealt..
Work on your jam, live simply, spend time alone, immerse yourself in activities that will broaden your horizons, stay curious & spark up conversations. Radiate positivity, warmth & kindness and you'll attract just that.