THE TREK-END DECEMBER 2015

THE TREK-END DECEMBER 2015

CHRISTMAS DAY …NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN INDIA SO MANY HOLIDAY MAKERS. ENJOYING THE BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY ON THE BEACHES OF RAM JHULA

The photos in this post are just some scenes from my last days here….

I have not done much blogging these past three months while in Rishikesh.  I did not feel the need to record and share the many amazing things that have happened to me on the journey this year, and I honored that feeling as much as possible.  This has been an exciting and rewarding three months for me, more than I could ever have imagined…

It was much more than the usual enlightening journey and opportunity to grow that India always is for me.

RAM JHLUA

This trip I was blessed with amazing synchronicities and opportunities to be of service in ways I could never imagine.  People from all over the world found their way to me for many reasons, but it is interesting that all of them, in some way, were dealing with a similar issue, one which I myself had been dealing with for some time and finally found closure here in Rishikesh via an Angel that was sent to me for my own healing and release.

GOOD MORNING LAXMAN JHULA

Being of service to so many, all of them very young, was indeed an honor and a privilege.  To be found worthy to be a channel for messages and information that these young people needed at this place in their own journey, was most humbling.

LAXMAN JHULA AS REFLECTED BELOW IN THE GANGA

 

RAM JHULA REFLECTED IN THE GANGA BELOW

I was also blessed with a balance of work, which brings me great joy, and leisure and pleasure time which also bring me great joy…being careful not to allow one to take away from the joy of the other.

Most importantly, however, this journey took ME so deep into MYSELF, to places I could never imagine reaching, as to be labeled a TREK rather than a trip.

VIEWS TOWARDS LAXMAN JHULA FROM RAM JHULA

It’s been an amazing trek for sure, and the ramifications of the discoveries made in these distant places will affect everything that comes after in my life.

RAM JHULA BEACH AND LOVELY PLACE TO SIT QUIETLY IN MEDITATION AND DEVOTION ALONG MA GANGA

And with this, I say goodbye for this trip, few as the posts may have been, they have been posted with joy.  Hope they brought you all some pleasure and joy as well.

ONE LAST BEAUTIFUL SUNSET

Namaste

With love light and JOY

Jane

THINGS BEGIN TO SHIFT

THINGS BEGIN TO SHIFT

RAM JHULA

Things are starting to shift. This always happens when I am in India. The shift is more on an energy level, in perceptions of time, space and self. Many things are very subtle. Pretty much unnoticed from the outside at first, but powerfully felt within. Almost like a volcanic eruption… sudden, surprising and overwhelming.

everyday sight along Swag Ashram ghats

The photos in this post are part of the shift as I’ve realized I must do my walking alone if I am too truly receive the benefits of it on all levels. So I spent a beautiful day just roaming around Ram Jhula and Swagashram areas and ghats…and while there, taking photos of whatever took my fancy. I won’t post all of them here, but rather over a few posts.

Have you heard what happened to….???

One of the result of this shift is my really allowing myself to enjoy whatever suits me at the moment. I always have music playing, in one form or another – depending on my mood and my needs- I must have music in my life- to calm, to excite, to invigorate, to inspire, for romance, for fun, for dancing or just for its beauty. IT’s been interesting for me to note what strikes my fancy in music over the past few days…

say cheese!! Weekend tourists enjoying the Ram Jhula ghats

decisions, decisions, decisions

Finding my “aloneness” again is also a great shift. Always being surrounded by others-not always physically but mentally and emotionally – can be exhausting and draining , even when they are dear loved ones – of which I am blessed with many- 6 children, their spouses and my 14 grandchildren. And then of course my dear loving  friends. The “space” to be completely alone with ME is a rare occurrence – times are few and far between- I make a great effort to at least begin my day with just ME – but very often even this sacred time is snatched from me for various reasons. This space for me is a luxurious blessing, and I am at a place where I am now withdrawing from others around me here as well. Going within, alone, as much as possible.

weekend tourists

FOOD FOR THE FISH

along swag ashram ghats

on ram jhula bridge

dressed for the holiday weekend

tour group with guide

TRANQUIL RAM JHULA

Hope you enjoy the rest of these photos as much as I enjoyed experiencing them.

with love light and JOY

Jane

GANGA VIEWS AND DEVOTIONS OCT 5 2015 -#5

GANGA VIEWS AND DEVOTIONS
TRIVENI GHAT – RISHIKESH

GANGA DEVOTIONS

Had a lovely day in Rishikesh Market yesterday, shopping for shoes for the upcoming weddings I am invited to, a lovely visit with a good friend and her first grandson, and of course a lovely lunch as well.

Will post some photos with market scenes in the next post, but here are a few scenes from Triveni Ghat, just off Rishikesh Market’s main roads.  A place of serene quiet, powerful spiritual energies, and just a beautiful place to sit.

with love light and JOY

Namaste

Jane

END OF ONE WEEK OCT 4 2015 #5

October 4 2015 PHOTO POST END OF ONE WEEK

SARIS DRYING IN THE SUN

A full week has gone by since my arrival and it has been nothing like what I expected, and everything I expected and more. After being away for two full years, the impact of finally getting back and realizing how much my soul needs to be in this place, has left me moved to tears of joy more than once over the past days.
In addition, the welcome I’ve received everywhere I went has been nothing short of astounding. But the final surprise gesture which was totally unsuspected, came at one of my favorite restaurants, 60’s Beatles Café, yesterday. I love this place for the ambience, the wonderful music always playing softly in the background, the truly delicious and special food served (see a couple of sample pages from the extensive menu)

VEGAN CHOICES

SPECIAL SMOOTHIES

and of course a view to die for (especially at sunset).

PRACTICING MY SELFIE SKILLS

While there, relaxing on one of the lovely sofas, drinking a smoothie and recovering from the heat and long walk-enjoying a fabulous breeze coming off the Ganga….one of the owners handed this to me with a big mile and greeting. I was totally surprised, truly moved to tears-which in turn totally surprised the owner!

Later on in the evening, watching a lovely sunset which is only possible when we are blessed with clouds, I went back to coloring mandalas as a relaxing, sort of meditative practice I began awhile ago at home, with a new collection and coloring pencils which I bought here

I’ll hopefully be writing more about the week-which has been filled with ups and downs, some doubts, but great joy and contentment as well-and I’m extremely grateful for these blessing-but at the moment, have no great urge to write – so will let my photos speak for me for the time being.

GANGA RAFTING

CROWDS ON LAXMAN JHULA BRIDGE

TOURIST TAKING FAMILY PHOTOS

SNACK ON THE GO

GANGA BATHING

WEEKEND TOURISTS

VIEW FROM MY TERRACE

Namaste
Much love light and JOY
Jane

QUICK SUMMARY OF FIRST FEW DAYS

QUICK SUMMARY OF FIRST FEW DAYS

India Blog 2015 #3  September 30, 2015

FINALLY RELAXING IN MY HOME FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS

After a hectic couple of days after arriving, I can now relax into this wonderful place which will be my home for the next few months

The weather is much hotter than seasonally expected, keeping me from my walks the past couple of days, and since I choose my room to suit me during the cooler, and even colder weeks, a room with plenty of sun and warmth, it is quite difficult right now.  And since there is no AC anywhere to speak of, I continue to seek out the coolest places to sit, and be, during various times of the day.

I am now in this lovely haven downstairs, at almost 5 PM, enjoying the cool shady quiet…writing these posts

PERFECT PLACE FOR WRITING

My room is fine once the sun goes down and sleeping is even cool with the mountain breeze, but during the day, it is difficult to really enjoy being there….this should all pass in a week or so

I’ve just been flowing with things as they go…the second day I actually DID go down for a walk, thinking it would be OK, but after making it down to Laxman Jhula, after resting for awhile at the German Bakery,

SIGN IN THE BATHROOM AT GERMAN BAKERY LAXMAN JHULA

I had to return home and getting back up to Swiss Cottage was not easy.  So I’ve sworn off walking around during the day.  Will try tomorrow at 6 AM…

COLORS CROSSING THE GANGA

First day out , I just went to see some friends and do my shopping with free delivery of basic things I needed in my room….

Second day, I decided, during the walk I thought to take, to buy something to wear to a couple of weddings I have coming up….and that was the best part of the day as the clothing shop, Fab India, was air conditioned.  More expensive than I usually buy, as I usually go down to the market, buy fabric and then have it stitched by a tailor… but worth the price just to be able to easily try on clothing in the coolness of the shop.

FAB INDIA

I’ve been eating well…what a joy to be able to eat whatever I want whenever I want, without having to prepare it myself,….

…had three massages which were wonderful, met some lovely people, and of course have been spending time with dear friends….

Looking forward to the more reasonable weather, but using this time as “enforced” rest time….probably what I need at the moment anyway.

Hope to have much more interesting photos once I can walk around more….and of course much more interesting things to write about.

I am loving the “boring” time at the moment….just what the doctor ordered for me….

Be back soon

Namaste

With love light and JOY

Jane

Disappointed and Very Sad

One of my favorite views towards Ram Jhula from one of my favorite restaurants.. 60’s Beatles Restaurant

Today I cancelled my ticket for this years trip to India.  It was something I knew I had to do for some time but kept putting it off.  I am truly heartsick at the thought of not “coming home” to Ma Ganga for another full year, but at the same time, realize that this too is a blessing in disguise.

Although truly sad and disappointed at the moment, I’m sure this is a blessing in disguise and I remain grateful to God and joyful and accepting of all things! !

another favorite view at Ram Jhula

Just to clarify, I had scheduled long overdue cataract surgery for April, upon my return from India.  But the condition has worsened to the point where I can barely see out of my right eye, and the left is getting worse by the day.  So no choice.  Must be taken care of.

I know that something wonderful is waiting for me and will simply continue to enjoy each and every day to the fullest, in full acceptance joy, gratitude, Faith and Freedom from Fear. Despite the momentary disappointment and sadness, Life is definitely beautiful and full of wonderful surprises!

much love light and JOY

Namaste

Jane

Jai Ma

Holy Ganga in Rishikesh

HOMESICK-June 13, 2014

Just in this kind of mood this morning. One of those days when I wish Rishikesh was closer, or I had more money and could just “pop over” for a week to visit, or both!

It’s been six months since I left, and it seems like forever.  But in just over six months I will be back, and hopefully that time will fly by.

Namaste
Jane

A Cow Story in Photos

This will be a story in photos of one particular cow, on one particular day, in one particular place, ….

But first, just a few words in general about cows and India.

Cows are everywhere in India.  It would not be India without cows. Cows roam the streets, walk on main highways, pop in to have lunch in restaurants, stroll through open shops, take naps in the middle of the street…there is no place where you will not find the cows.  The amount of photos of cows I have is exceeded only by the amount of photos of monkeys that I have!  🙂

Some cows seem mean

Some are regal

Some are motherly and loving

Some are just an integral part of the scenery

But this cow seemed to enjoy the energies along the Ganga, and to enjoy interacting with those who had come for prayer and devotion, or just for fun, along the ghats of Ram Jhula.

At first, she came straight up to me to say “Hi”….

Hi There… Namaste

She seemed to be most curious, and quite intelligent.

…and then headed down the steps to check out the other people and see what they were doing.

What’s This Guy Doing?

At one point she seemed to be posing for photos along with the tourists

Take My Picture Too Please

Or asking to be included in someone’s devotional prayers.

Say a Prayer for Me Too Please

In short….an interesting cow day….

There always seems to be something happening wherever you happen to find yourself.  The trick is to be mindful, to be grateful and to appreciate and enjoy everything to the fullest.

Namaste

Jane

The Magic of Ram Jhula Sunsets

During my recent sojourn in Rishikesh, I found myself drawn continually to Ram Jhula during the hours before sunset.  And the feelings of tranquility together with gentle Ganga energy never ceased to astound me.  Here are just a few shots to give you a feeling of the wonder of this place.