BLESSED SHIFT IN WEATHER FOLLOWING THE STORM OCT 15-16 #11
STORM ROLLING IN OVER THE MOUNTAIN
WiFi back up and running….explanation below…hopefully will catch up on things here now with lots of great photos and videos from the fabulous wedding celebrations during the week…
We had a couple of evenings of serious thunder storms, rain much heavier than expected this time of the year, but the final result is a blessed drop in daytime temperatures, as well as really cool evenings and mornings, needing even a little shift in clothing. It is perfect walking weather, and I am now able to sit outdoors on the roof almost all day long, do my meditation outside in the morning, and if no one is around to see me, even my yoga.
I can now begin all the walks I so love to take here…but , thank God….I have lots and lots of work this past week and all through next week. So I’ve taken one day off, and on Monday will take my new friend out for her first real walk in Rishikesh and I’m sure we will have a lovely day together.
MIST IN THE MORNING FOLLOWING THE STORM
I’ve been without internet for two full days so far, which in many ways is a great blessing, but because I have so many lovely photos and videos to upload so that I can share them with you, it is also quite frustrating. But is also the perfect lesson in acceptance and gratitude for ALL that we experience. It truly is all GOOD.
This all another result of the storm…seems to have damaged the main optic cable and although they claim to be working on it, it is still not working.
So, I will enjoy the quiet time, enjoy my work, and all the lovely food I am eating…do writing as it suits me, and eventually this will all find its way to you.
For now, another lovely day winds itself down. Waiting for my friend to come up and I will be helping begin doing yoga for the first time (she is 75 years old), with the very gentle program I was given years ago here in Rishikesh and which serves to to this day.
Life is good, full and blessed. I am most grateful
With love light and JOY
Jane
Beautiful Last Evening (and day) in India – Nov 21-22 2012
Last Morning in Rishikesh-Clouds Over the Mountains
I was invited to Dr. Arora and Manju’s for dinner together with my friend Michal. I usually spend quite a lot of time visiting with Manju while I am in Rishikesh. Daytime visits where we just chat and I watch her in the kitchen-best cooking lessons available-and these visits were missing during this short stay. But at least I would get to spend the evening with her, and I was excited about going.
We wound up spending the evening in prayers, chanting and singing with all the female members of the communal family dwelling (5 sisters-in-law, a couple of THEIR daughters-in-law, a visiting sister of Dr. Arora from Delhi, and even one baby granddaughter). I couldn’t have found a more suitable, uplifting and beautiful way to spend my last evening in Rishikesh, or better company. I have no photos, as it seemed neither appropriate nor necessary at the time, but the wonderful pictures will remain in my mind for a very long time.
It seems over 30 years ago, Dr. Arora’s father decided that every Tuesday there should be an evening of Kirtan (sacred chanting) in the family temple situated in the center of the family dwelling, and the women at the time decided they would be the ones to do it. And to this day, this is precisely what happens every Tuesday evening.
There is nothing that compares with the power, and empowering energies of the prayers of women. The chanting was done joyfully, sometimes playfully, sometimes with deep serious mindfulness and devotion, but always directed directly towards the deities. I felt it on a deep soul level and felt myself being swept away with the power of the connection to God felt in the small room. Since the chanting is repetitive, and the women took turns leading it, I was very often able to join in. And from my years in India, several of the chants I realized I actually knew the words to myself! This surprised me and of course brought great joy and approving pleasure to the faces of the women. And of course, clapping along with everyone else was a no brainer, even for me!! 🙂
The visit afterwards with Manju and the Doctor was thoroughly enjoyable as always, with good conversation, seeing the beautiful wedding album from their eldest son’s wedding last year (the daughter in law of course now living there with them) and of course a superb light dinner. With soup, idlis, subji, shahi paneer (Manju makes the best in India for sure and she always remembers how much I like it and makes it for me when I come), chutney and of course chapattis with ghee . Dr Arora drove us home, quite late…tired but with full stomachs and happy hearts.
Now having my last breakfast here at the Pundir Restaurant after being treated to a wonderful whole wheat chapatti and homemade ghee when I stopped by Seema’s house earlier.
The sky is cloudy today for the first time in 6 weeks. I feel “cloudy” myself. Must be raining somewhere up in the mountains to bring the clouds and colder weather today.
Neelkanth Temple in Distance
And somewhere deep inside of me there is a “rainy” feeling as well.
evening clouds
The day continued quietly, with goodbyes to everyone, always difficult, but even more so after such a short stay, and of course packing up my stuff for storage as well as for taking home. The sky was beautiful to watch during the day and evening,
and before heading off to Delhi by taxi, I had my last supper of schnitzel and chips!! 🙂
The ride on the new highway took less than 5 hours….
Sachin provided me with a pillow so I could sleep in the car on the way. I dozed on and off…and to my great surprise was in delhi in less than 5 hours!! New road is good for sure.
Found a nice bench in the departure lounge to lay down on for another hour until they opened the RJ check in counter. They really hassled me about my carry on- it didn’t fit into the “rack” which measures them. Finally they called the supervisor, and she allowed me to take it. What a pain in the ass. The whole thing took over an hour but luckily I was first on line and when I got to the gate, there was even a free bed to lie down on which I did of course.
Last Sunrise Over Delhi During Take Off
the flight was fine but it seems the AC as not working….it was really hot on the plane.
Good flight to amman but it is over 7 hours going back. The plane was not full so there was no one next to me which made it easier to sleep a little with my legs over the handle of the next seat.
1/2 hour delay in Amman but that meant yosi actually got the airport in time to pick me up. It was nice.
We went and had a nice breakfast in Yehud and then headed home and got stuck in a HAIL STORM!! Thought the car windows would crack the pieces were so big!
And then later on in the evening, my house was struck directly by lightning and my phone went dead while talking to yosi. and my cellphone needed to be charged but I had no electricity, so we couldn’t talk. It was easier talking to him from India!
And now I am home, a week later, writing this last post!! I will be posting several more photo posts, and then saying goodbye until next year! Look forward to seeing you all once again then!
Freedom to Vacation- Redecorating, Movie Shoot and Other Adventures – Nov 12 2012
Today is the first day I am beginning my day with no thought of panchakarma. I officially finished yesterday after deciding the the doctor to cut it short by 3 days and begin my recuperation period before heading home.
APPLE CRUMBLE
I still have 3 “fun massages” coming to me later on, just before I go home which I can still take advantage of if I choose to.
The sense of freedom , of having no responsibilities, of there being nothing I “have” to do (even though everything I was doing was for my own benefit), makes me feel almost giddy with joy.
I now sit at the Pundir restaurant, the weather much cooler than even last week, although the sun is still beautifully warm. I am waiting for my paneer parantha. Yesterday I ate pasta – TWICE- and am already feeling my strength come back. Although fruits and veggies and of course kitcheri are the healthiest foods for me – my comfort food-my soul food- is carbohydrates. Breads, pasta, anything doughy. And as Dr. Arora always reminds me – this is not cheating – cravings come from a soul level and if the soul is denied what it needs – the body will never be completely healthy. So now I will be taking good care of my soul until the cravings end – probably around 3-4 days from previous experience. (today is actually the 15th-and I no longer crave these things!)
Not quite as energized as I imagined but just feeling wonderful being out. Had this dream of “redecorating” using colored pillows and a throw on my sofa. And today finally was able to these things. Took me ages to choose with so many to choose from but think I will be happy when I get it all home.
DIFFICULT CHOICES-HUNDREDS TO CHOOSE FROM
PILLOW SHOP
MY PURCHASE-CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT AT HOME ON MY SOFA
But I am not a good shopper and am now exhausted. Not ready to eat yet so sitting on a bench just next to Laxman Jhula bridge watching the sights of local tourist groups going by with their guides. Will relax here for awhile. Lovely breeze coming up off the Ganga- Most refreshing!
TOURISTS LISTENING TO GUIDE’S EXPLANATIONS
Went up for a snack and had lovely apple crumble, (shown above) but was really tired. Rested for a long time and finally made it up to my place. Not before watching a film or TV series being filmed on the street.
I am without internet in my room for several days-a true blessing in disguise as you will see from the coming posts.
I have been to a wedding during that time and photos will follow, but mainly resting in my room and on my sunny rooftop for reasons to be explained. So, not being anywhere for several days, the only photos I can share with you today are from “A Room with a View”
These were taken yesterday during a hazy dusk period of time (he weather has been hazy for quite some time now due apparently to fires in the Punjab). So even though I am confined to my small sacred space, there is always beauty surrounding me.
Hope to get the rest of the posts up over the next couple of days using the internet café downstairs-something I used to do every day, but have now become very spoiled having the internet in my room!
From New Moon to Full Moon and Everything in Between
From the time it took the moon to go from this, when I first arrived…:
bright crescent moon with whole moon showing
To this below…now:
I’ve come from needing the fan all day and part of the night, with all windows and door open and pretty much no clothes for sleeping, to warm blankets, warm clothes for sleeping and everything closed (at night-not during the day) and even a blanket under the door to keep the draft from coming in at night
From full time open windows and door and mosquitos and mice in the room, to closed windows and doors (still opened during the warm daytime hours), chilled air except for a few hours midday, but peace and quiet in the room-no surprise visitors and hardly any noisy tourists around!.
From needing mosquito repellent at all times outdoors, to being able to sit outside at any time of the day or night, without a mosquito to be found. (there is no way I can do this at home in Israel, at any time of year!)
From summer clothes, looking for shade to walk in and sit in to eat my meals, and cold fruit juices to refresh me during the day, to sweaters, woolen shawls and sox, and of course sitting as much as possible in the warmth of the sun, and lots of hot drinks.
From water barely trickling out of the shower head (same problem as every year but much worse this year-good thing I was able to take a hot (bucket ) shower at the clinic each day), to a beautifully fixed plumbing system and lovely hot , strong, long showers as often as I want them.
From a poor, weakened state of health, exhaustion and a feeling of “running on empty” to a vibrant, energized “full power” state of health.
All of this and more in the time it has taken the moon to move from new to full.
I have moved into a “vacation” kind of mode, don’t feel like even looking at the computer, so for now posts will be fewer and far between….using this precious time for R&R and enjoying the quiet for the moment. Yesterday I spent the day with my friend Devi and her lovely family. Her Mom is a special friend-we have no common language and yet there is nothing we cannot say to each other. More about that visit another day.
cresecent moon and venus
This stage of panchakarma is not so much tiring, as demanding retreat inward, and this is exactly what I am doing for myself at the moment.
I actually “worked” today, giving a Reiki treatment to a lovely Brazilian girl, but it left me so calm, at peace and relaxed afterwards, that there is no way I can truly describe it as work. It is pure healing pleasure for me, and I get paid for it as well!! 🙂
I am in the perfect place for this time of quietude, there being nothing that I “have” to do…just those things that I “want” to do.
Surprising, Exciting, Exhilarating Special Day in Rishikesh
view of laxman jhula snuggled in the mountains
Today a “face” came out of the “book”. I met a Facebook friend “face to face”.
I’ve been friends with Mukesh for some time now on Facebook. We met through another lovely mutual friend, Preeti. And today he was in Rishikesh area visiting his family and his new wife who live nearby on the way to Dehradun (he himself works in Delhi), and asked if I’d like to meet up. I was thrilled of course at the idea.
He is an extremely accomplished photographer. You can check out his work on Facebook : Mukesh Bhandari.
So he came to meet me by my room following my morning treatment which included a lovely massage, today by Devi, and my very favorite: steam bath. Still trying to get a photo of this…basically I am closed into a wooden box with just my head outside and wonderfully warm, moist steam is pumped through the box. It is luxurious. (You might remember an “I Love Lucy” episode where she got stuck in such a box).
Mukesh arrived by bike and we had a no special plans so just set out and before we realized it we were across Laxman Jhula bridge (not an easy task with the festival crowds in town at the moment)
I THOUGHT I was shooting a video but had pushed the wrong button!! 🙂 )
….he suggested we head up to the waterfall, and I of course agreed.
It was an exhilarating ride and he is a great driver. Very careful and considerate of his rider, who was ecstatically enjoying each movement, curve, sway and motion. The ride was really cold and I was not dressed properly, not imagining that this is what we would be doing. But it was so beautiful I really didn’t care.
It was so wonderful to be back on a bike again ..and to feel the wind on my face … the true meaning of flying free being felt as we drove along.
You can read about my previous bike adventures and my feelings the FIRST time I ever rode a bike at these links: Bike Ride to Kunchapuri
We began our way up the forest trail towards the waterfall,
and each step revealed yet another scene of Natural beauty.
Mukesh told me that he took his fiancé here rather than to a fancy restaurant as most guys do. He couldn’t have taken her to a more beautiful place. As we neared the waterfall however, there was a place where we had to go across a small section of water.
you can see the continuing path at the top right of the photo across the water
Having not planned this, I was not wearing proper footwear and didn’t want to take the chance of getting my feet soaking wet and then having to continue riding back in the cold air in that condition. Did not want to take the chance of getting sick, so to our mutual dismay, that was as far as we got. We could hear the waterfall in the background, but not see it. But I WILL go back more suitably dressed at some point, and bring along a change of shoes if necessary.
We had to turn back but not before enjoying the beauty of the place
and Mukeshtaking lots of shots which I will eventually post once he gets them to me. It will be after he returns to Delhi and his PC.
From there, we took the upper mountain road overlooking Rishikesh below
We then found our way back to Ram Jhula, where I DID manage a video…but nothing compared to what we had to get through on Laxman Jhula.
It was an amazing day, even more so as it came as a complete surprise. I haven’t felt this energized in a very long time.
Just being back so close to Nature once again has its own healing powers. And the sense of freedom and the joy it brings have brought great blessings into this day.
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Mukesh…you are an angel sent from God and I am grateful to Him and to you for this wonderful day.
Hope you will enjoy the gallery of photos which I myself shot. Being on such a journey with a fellow photographer has additional benefits, as he also looks forward to stopping many times along the way to take photos wherever possible. My shots will not be as good as his for sure, but they will give you some small feel for the beauty we were blessed with today.
view of laxman jhula snuggled in the mountains
you can see the continuing path at the top right of the photo across the water
Most Fun Panchakarma Ever! – Days 7-8 Panchakarma October 20-12 2012
Oct. 20- Full, Fun Day with Lots of Good Food
Just Enjoying the View
Came down for breakfast this morning only to find the cook in the shower! The shower is actually in the same bathroom which is on the balcony that we love to have our breakfast on each morning. The helpers were all upset because a customer arrive and there was no one available to cook for her. So they yelled something into the shower, probably telling him to hurry up etc. But I was in no hurry and it sounded like he was really enjoying his shower. (bucket showers make lots of noise). So I also yelled into the shower, “don’t worry…no problem…enjoy shower!”
So now I sit and listen to Lucky (the cooks name) taking a long, leisurely shower, every so often sighing in pleasure as he pours water over himself. And I myself sigh with pleasure as I enjoy my Ganga View.
During these holy festival days there are many people already bathing in the Ganga at this early hour.
Bathing In the Ganga during Navrati Festival
There is always something to see wherever you are, and whatever you are doing. Being Mindful of your surroundings brings great joy and pleasure into what would otherwise be a boring day.
Had my treatment today which consisted of massage and Natri Basti (warm medicated ghee poured over the eyes which are cupped in the same “bowl” used for other types of basti on various body parts.) The ghee of dripped out of the sides of the bowl and so I had to of course take a shower and wash my hair.
I knew I would be out for a long day of fun and shopping with Michal, so decided to eat my kitcheri at the clinic before heading out. And then, to my great surprise, the doctors wife came in with aloo parantha for everyone for lunch and the doctor offered me one. I said I would love one but my doctor doesn’t allow it during panchakarma. He said “it is ok, for you ok…have have”. So I DID have and it was of course great. This is the most fun panchakarma I’ve ever done!!
Fabulous Kashmiri Pulao full of raisins, cashews, pineapple, coconut , cloves, cardamon etc., etc., etc….Just superb!
Took her to Prateek the astrologer…it was beyond amazing and he has given her much needed food for thought. She was quite happy when we left.
Oct. 21, 2012
Today had massage and sirrohdhara, ate my kitcheri and had a long soul searching discussion with Dr. Arora about the difficult health issues I’ve had this past year and their possible (probable ) causes…also giving me some definite food for thought. I had a sleepless night last night – my mind has begun racing, which very often happens as cleansing deepens during the treatments….so he has helped me put some things into perspective which was well needed.
Had a good nap and am now eating my fruit salad as I write this up. Look forward to a pleasant and quiet evening…perhaps a movie for the first time.
I know this has been a fairly boring post but I guarantee you that nothing is boring about my wonderful days here which are going by much too quickly for my liking.
Butterflies and Panchakarma Day 5 – October 18 2012
Someone pulled the plug!
Today I feel like I am doing panchakarma….like someone whose batteries have run out or like an appliance whose electric cord has been unplugged
But blessings still come my way, even if it is only during a walk back up the mountain to my room after my treatment and lunch
There are butterflies everywhere
the weather is wonderful
1:30 in the afternoon in Tapovan Rishikesh
nothing can compare with the fruit salad served at the New Bhandari Swiss Cottage containing, papaypa, pineapples, apple, banana, nectarines, pomegranates and watermelon
and the view of the mountains brings joy to my soul each time I sit here on my rooftop looking at it
The treatment today was in place of Vamana (vomiting or purging of the upper body of mucous, phlegm etc). Since I began my treatments in a very weakened state this year, the doctor felt that Vamana would be too enervating and exhausting for my body. So a milder, gentler form of treatment was done today, and again tomorrow, bringing about the same results supposedly. I was told it would be a hot chest pack
My chest area was wrapped and bound in several layers of a soft fabric which was dipped first in very hot water. And then I was covered with a sheet. After a couple of minutes I felt uncomfortably cold and called the girls…who put more hot water on it but it seemed like a really ridiculous kind of treatment and I was getting annoyed. Then Devi came in again when I called and covered me with several warm blankets, but very shortly afterwards I became very cold again. So she came in and sat there just pouring hot water continually over me. And then it was over.
I went down to talk to the doctor about it but he was busy, so left to go for lunch. And all of a sudden, while eating, I felt like someone “pulled the plug” on me and finished eating and came straight back to my room where I have been sleeping since
I will have to get a full explanation of this from the doctor. I don’t know if it is from the treatment, or just the panchakarma in general which is making me feel so exhausted, but when I find out, you will too
I met my dear friend Lalita today and haven’t seen her in a couple of years so very nice seeing her again, and once again, there were also some nice kids at the restaurant who I had an interesting conversation with, both about ayurvedic medicine and Indian food. Quite nice…too bad I had to leave to get back to my room.
Tonight is an Indian Classical Music concert right here, and hope I will feel up to going. I love tabla and flute and can listen to it for hours, and there is NOTHING like hearing it live. It moves me on all levels to unknown realms of joy and tranquility
To my great surprise, I am feeling wonderful. Actually better than I have felt for the past few months. I was “out and about” today…met a lovely Israeli girl when I went for lunch and we spoke for more than an hour, and then continued down to do lots of errands in Laxman Jhula (none got done, but it is not important). Had a wonderful walk, the weather is getting better each day, I am getting stronger and more fit and the hills are easier than they were even yesterday. I have more energy than I have had in a very long time. I know there will be more difficult days during Panchakarma, but for now I am in heaven.
Just making this into a photo post with some sights of the day. Enjoy!
Local Tourist During Navrati Festival-NOtice the Plastic bottle at her side. She has filled it with water from the Holy Ganga and will take it home.
Happy Indian Tourists
Monkeys on Laxman Jhula Bridge
Bathing in Ganga
Refreshing Fruit Salad Along the Ganga-My favorites-Pineapple and Papaya
Ram Jhula in the Distance
Colorful Table Centerpiece
Beautiful Colors-Waiting on Line to Drink at the Water Fountain
…and just for fun-More Monkeys:
A great day to everyone!
Namaste from Rishikesh
Jane
Ganga from Laxman Jhula Bridge
Refreshing Fruit Salad Along the Ganga-My favorites-Pineapple and Papaya
Bathing in Ganga
Colorful Table Centerpiece
Beautiful Colors-Waiting on Line to Drink at the Water Fountain
Ram Jhula in the Distance
Local Tourist During Navrati Festival-NOtice the Plastic bottle at her side. She has filled it with water from the Holy Ganga and will take it home.
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I am a former American, living in Israel for the past 49 years. Mother of 6, grandmother of 18 ,healer, Reiki Master, Israeli folkdance enthusiast, enjoying the wonder, surprise and blessing of every step of the wonderful journey called “Life”.I have been living in India, Rishikesh to be exact, every year for the past 10 years – several months of each year – and it is indeed another part of my amazing journey.
Posted by Jane 
India 2008-2015 