Random Observations

I've been jotting down things that I observe or notice in a notebook so that I can share them with you here.  I'm not sure there's a connection with any of them other than there are my observations.  So perhaps, this posting will be kind of random, let's see!

I purchased a sim card for my cell phone, which was an interesting exercise and ritual, that I believe I mentioned in a previous posting.  One of the men who works here at the Ashram took me to the market to the "Brown Bread Store," apparently aptly named for the wonderful brown bread they make and sell in the winter time.  We went to the back of the store and after awhile a sim card was produced which had to be filed down a bit so that it would fit into the holder for my phone.  And once it was filed down, voila, I was connected again!  We would have to bring the paperwork back because along with my passport and visa pictures, I had to have another picture taken.  All for a cell phone!  Now, for the best part--my cell phone service for the first month is around $22.00US.  I think we're being overcharged in the U.S.!!!  

Looking towards the back of Parmarth Niketan

It's so humid in my room that my q-tips are bending.  But I am still more fortunate than many people in the world.  I've just never had bendy q-tips before!

Animal roll call that has been seen since the last posting--lizards in my office, monkeys wandering into yoga, really big cockroaches, peacocks on the roofs as well as along the side of the road, and today I saw a monkey and dog playing together near my office.  

I miss ice, variety in food choices, and for some reason, one day I had a hankering for licorice!  

On a more spiritual level, someone I met thought my name was Gauri--the wife of Shiva. Here's a link if you want to learn more about her: Journey to the Goddess

Another crazy comparison to the U.S. is the price of drugs.  I paid $16US for 3 different meds--1 one is prescription and the other 2 are over the counter.  Sateside I would have paid that for just one of the medications.  

This past Saturday was Indian Independence Day.  It started with a flag raising ceremony at 8am, a tree planting that was a few kilometers away, and then we met up with Pujya Swamiji and the Gurukol students who were cleaning up trash that the Shiva pilgrims had left along side the road.  Next year there are plans to have trash bins, water stations and toilets set up.

Independence Day 

And the final tidbit for this blog is that my laundry was returned to me wrapped in newspaper.  Oh, I also got a laundry hanger--movin' on up--and I'm doing an experiment with charcoal in my room to see if it will help remove some of the moisture.  Kitty litter isn't available and I'm expecting a delivery of rock salt tomorrow, which will also be part of the experiment!

I want to say that I continue to be amazed at the work that Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji do. They are totally committed to being in action with their faith and truly open their hearts and minds to all.  Their impact is huge.  It's also fun to see all the interesting guests that stay here.  Recently, Rob Wilson-Black, the CEO of Sojourners was here with his daughter.  

I've had a request to talk about a typical day for me and my responsibilities.  I think I'll cover that in the next posting.  Until the next time--much love!  And I'm still practising yoga!  

Tree Planting on Independence Day