Making Connections

Bonjourne everyone, (I don't even know how to say everyone in francais :(

So I made it to Amma's ashram and was really glad to hear that most of the activities at the ashram were not obligatory. The one thing that was nearly obligatory was the selfless volunteer work that would compose of at least 2-3 hours a day. I was a bit frustrated that the chanting and meditation times at the Sivanada Centre (where I was learning about Yoga earlier) were mandatory and that someone would come to our dorm to make sure we attended. I thought it was too much of this activity and it really turned me off when someone would come to make sure we went. Never-the-less I had a really good time at the Sivanada Centre and feel that I've got a good base knowledge of Yoga.

I met some nice people at Amma's Ashram but for the first view days I felt like there wasn't much for me to learn at the Ashram. I was really moved by reading about Amma but I really didn't feel her vibe while there in the begginning. A big part of it was that Amma wasn't there at the time, she is in the US right now, and I kept hearing how different it was when she was there. Over flowing with people, energy and watered down food. However, I've noticed that it is a common reaction for me to feel like I'm wasting my time if I'm not learning something all the time so I gave the ashram more time to reveal some of its wisdom. And it did. Two people I met from England were really nice and I ended up talking with one of them quite a bit. We really connected and he helped me handle all the devotion and praying that I saw around me. His view was that when people bow it is their ego that is bowing down to the Universe or the Divine not the person's "Self" because that is the Universe or Divine. This helped me. I also had an experience where I really felt like I was an instrument of the Universe. I had a really interesting afternoon hangout which involved slacklining, cleaning our nasal cavities (led by me!) and getting advice from a person that believes she can communicate with "The Brotherhood" which to my understanding is a group of highly evolved humans that give advice when asked through a form of telepathy. She hears their voices at times and other times just feels energy that gives the requested advice. Apparently I'm on the right track which is unusually good , she says, because usually they always have something to say. Now this wasn't a person on the street that then requested a certain amount of money. This was one of the English friends that did it because she wanted to help me and this was a way she helps people. This and other engaging conversation really got me into a space of tranquility and bliss. Following this I went down for dinner and for some reason asked another friend a question about some big troubles he was having in his life. The question was really direct and was really at the very centre of his trouble. He talked a lot about it and it felt really healing to me. Clarifying and motivating. I didn't really know why I asked the question and then when it turned out to be such a good question and leading to such a positive sharing it really felt like something else asked the question. I was only the messenger. Part of this person's path. It was a really great feeling. I've really been feeling this Univerself energy lately, what many people I suspect refer to as God, Allah, Krishna, Englightenment, etc.
It feels good. I feel centered and on a path with a great energy gently leading me.
Now I'm off to Hampi where I'm likely to meet my previous traveling partner, Moran, and hopefully have some more positive experiences. After that I suspect I'll be off to Rishikesh to further my Yoga awareness and who know's what else.

Today while walking around I found an old Canada lonely Planet book in a used bookstore. I couldn't resist taking a little peak and started to get really excited about traveling in Canada.
In good time I think to myself.

Take care everyone,

Om namah sivaya
( this is a saying that they used at the Ashram for Hello, goodbye, thankyou pretty much every kind of intereaction and it means " I acknowledge the divine in you". It's suppose to keep you looking inward, instead of engaging in meaningless small talk, and I really like it. Makes me more aware of that Universal energy.)

Kelly