Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point in the universe for Hindus. And they come here by the thousands to pray, to worship, to wade in the water of the sacred Ganges River, and to die. I found myself walking around Varanasi wondering how in the world would I ever describe my experience in this most bizarre place. I kept saying over and over, as if in a trance, “this can’t be for real”. Then it came to me walking by the ghats on the banks of the Ganges and through the alleys and streets of this very old Indian city, I felt like I was having a psychedelic experience. (Yes, I was around in the 60’s and 70’s!) Being in Varanasi is a physical, metaphysical, and supernatural trip.
Bali is truly a paradise. From the holy temples, to the rice fields, the beaches, and the people. Even in the chaotic villages, everything in Bali feels synchronized to the rhythms and the glory of nature. However, in my opinion, the deepest beauty lies in the radiance of the colorful flowers, the lush overgrown grasses, and the vibrant green bushes and trees of Bali’s gardens. (And I don’t want to forget to mention that the lotus ponds here are absolutely mystical.) (more…)
Our last blog post was in March, 2014. We had just ended our 14 month journey through the US and Canada and finally settled in San Luis Obispo, California. After all that traveling around from place to place, we have loved having our own bed every night and our daily routines. We love our new community and our new friends. Already we’ve grown quite comfortable in our somewhat predictable lives. But, for some reason, we seem to not be able to sit still for long. The title of that last blog was “Is the Journey Ever Over?” And, of course, the answer is never. (more…)
How can one still be stressed while spending a year living in the serenity of retreat centers and in the beauty and stillness of nature?
Mainly it’s because we don’t stay still. We are constantly moving ~ from one kind of retreat center to another, from one national park to another new city or town, and from one life-changing experience to the next. One day we’ll need to just stop so we can integrate them all.
