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Heaven is Myth, Nepal is Real

3/27/2017

I had a choice. Pay hundreds of pounds on a part for my car which it may or may not need, or go on an adventure.

I choose the latter. I choose well.

Autumn in the UK is both beautiful and dark, damp and miserable. It’s the perfect time to throw caution to the wind, fill up the rucksack and head for the hills.

I browsed the internet, with a half-baked intent: Somewhere far away and exotic, but affordable (please and thank you universe). My eyes kept being pulled to these words:
8 days Yoga, Meditation and Hiking in Nepal”.

Oh, that sounded just right – rest and relaxation with some hiking added to the adrenalin mix for good measure. Too good to miss.

So, go for it. Check out flights, book annual leave, figure out the finances – it’s do-able.

It’s done. It only took a few clicks.

By sheer coincidence I’d arrived at the beginning of Diwali. At the airports, complete strangers wished me a Happy Diwali. It felt like Christmas Eve, and that warm glow-worm of delight filled my belly. It was Diwali – imagine that. Festival of Light! Four flights removed and now I was on the edge of another world – it felt oddly ethereal, as I took in the panorama of the Annapurna range.

My destination was the Shivalaya Yoga and Meditation Centre at Lake Begnas. The little town of Begnas is about a half hour taxi ride from Pokhara – and oh my, what a ride! I was a complete novice to the Nepali road experience, ‘sans seat belts’ and so my heart leapt into my mouth – once, twice, thrice! ‘I’m a survivor right. What could possibly go wrong?’ and nothing did, that was the joy of it.

I’m dropped off at the edge of Lake Begnas. The taxi driver points – “up there” – to a stunning looking edge of forever place. I could have taken the steps, but that would have been too easy – I took the trek less travelled, which as it turned out, was much more interesting and yes, entertaining.

Each stranger I asked “Shivalaya Yoga?” and each friendly face – from small child to ancient octogenarian – points “Up there”.

A giant gold-gilted Shiva in meditative state welcomes me silently. Just one more push – almost there, like giving birth (keep breathing, focus on your breath) - put one foot in front of the other – a few more steps and alas! The warmest welcome from the coolest people, sitting chillin’ beneath the thatch.

Now, to reverse a bit, on the flight from Delhi to Kathmandu I got my first ever sight of the Himalayas. I was overwhelmed by the majesty of their crowns and thought I might cry it was so beautiful. On the little, low flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara I saw the Annapurna range for the first time, and was filled with that wonderful child-like sense of wonder – but the best was yet to come.

When I got my first view from Shivalaya across Lake Begnas, the pure-white peaks beyond the rice-terraced hills, I got chills. The purity of light, the way it seemed to stream and cascade from the heavens; the sunsets and sunrises casting cool, delicate shades – pink, orange, blue and purple hues draped across those snowy peaks – if this don’t make your soul soar, nothing will. Just go with it – move with it, breathe, fill the lungs, chill, laugh, cry if the mountains move you to do so. It’s ok. Everything is ok – it’s my first day, and I am filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and well-being – and we haven’t even started the retreat yet!

I meet Marija – the wonderful woman of myyogicadventure.com.

She is a force of nature, and a beautiful human being. She could not have been more helpful. I am a day early – but she arranged a room for the extra night, meals, and even a couple of extra classes to kick start the experience.

Her smile stretches from ear to ear, her lilting accent a delight to hear, and her light and love radiate magnetically. I feel in safe hands and wonderful company. Most of all, Marija does not take herself too seriously – she has an enigmatic sense of humour. She’s funny and she laughs a lot. She is a joy-maker. I could not have chosen better – all by chance, by sheer luck and good fortune, I am here at Shivalaya, Begnas, Nepal, far from Belfast and the hum-drum rain-sodden streets.

The retreat proper starts on 1st November 2015. We are a small group – but we bond as if by magic. Michelle from England, Steffi from Stuttgart, later Alice arrives from Pokhara. Other yogis and travellers come and go from the centre – it feels as if the whole globe is represented. We are a multi-cultural crew; chatting, storytelling, adventures and experiences – long leisurely breakfasts, delicious dinners with entertaining company, watching those sun sets seep into star-lit nights. Hawks swoop, eagles soar, fruit bats loop the loop.

My new room is perfect. Ganesh is on my door for good fortune and protection. My room steps out onto the view, with abundance of jungle foliage below and beyond – a Shiva tree, its fruit ripe for the picking, a reminder of this perfect earth, and its endless giving and forgiving.

I have a double bed, cosy cushions, a bedside table, a desk and chair, an en suite with toilet and shower. It’s simple but tastefully done. I could not want for more.

The days start early – but we retire early, relaxed and exonerated from each wonderful day – just the right mix of full on activity and time to relax and check in with the self.

Morning yoga – might start at 6am, or 7 or 8am depending on the day’s agenda – takes place in a beautiful covered but open air studio – overlooking the lakes and mountains. Marija teaches traditional Hatha, with an emphasis on alignment – and her classes are a perfect blend of gentle poses to the advanced – but each individual encouraged to go with their own pace and ability. As someone with a daily home practice, who makes a class whenever I can or when I can afford to do so, I’m by far the least advanced of the group – but I don’t feel disadvantaged or discouraged in any way (which has been the case occasionally at classes – one of the reasons I have preferred to practice at home in the past).

On day one we are in for a surprise. It is the special family day of Diwali, and all of us visitors are invited fully into the family gathering. Shivalaya is a family run yoga and meditation centre and the husband and wife team and their staff are so helpful and kind (fulfilling my endless demands for more Tulsi tea). There is a feast for all – and the food on this day and every day throughout the retreat is bountiful and beautiful. Spoilt rotten, as we’d say at home. All vegetarian and adjusted for vegans if and as required – the food is wholesome, nourishing and utterly delicious.

That night, people from the neighbouring area are celebrating Diwali. We end up ‘partying’ and dancing into the night. The partying continues for a few more evenings – the following night a large speaker is carried up the steps, and young women in traditional Nepali costume dance as if there’s no tomorrow. The grace, dignity and beauty of these people know no bounds. Being here during Diwali has enhanced the entire, excellent experience.

For November, the weather is wonderful - warm mornings, hot afternoons, cool evenings.

For hiking, we need to leave early to ensure we have plenty of time for our yoga and meditation classes each morning and evening. The longest hike I did was around seven to eight hours – it was steep, I persevered, but when we got to the top – the panoramic views were breath taking, the air was clean and clear. I felt my lungs fill with a joy I wished I could capture forever. It was noon – and this was for me, the high of the whole time in Nepal, I cannot find the words to describe the beauty and the exhilaration, sense of accomplishment and freedom. On the way down, Marija and Dom (a highly experienced yogi and traveller) had arranged for us all to stop for lunch with a Nepali family for Dal bhat – a traditional Nepali dish, most welcoming for a pack of hungry hikers.

Other highlights included a boat trip on the lake, day trip to explore Pokhara, short hikes, chillin’ and chatting in mountain cafes, or precious time rocking in a hammock.
Eight days of heaven, bliss, and an all-embracing wonderful experience.

I get the bus to Kathmandu. It’s also an experience – stunning views, a lovely lunch included and a few hairy moments (so I just looked up, didn’t look down). I booked myself into a hotel in Kathmandu – America had gone to the polls, and by breakfast time, I realised I was back in the real world, a real world that had changed overnight. I wished, wanted to go back up the mountain, but it was time to fly back west.

I’d only tasted Nepal, yet I wanted to drink it all in. I made wishes and tossed them out there in the hope that some fly-by fairy godmother might notice.

I fly back to London for a few days – then touch down in Belfast midnight, 12th November. Rain batters the apron, I get the chills. I look forward to the day when I go back up the Nepali hills, and stretch on through this life via a thousand more amazing yoga, meditation and hiking retreats. Bring it on!

Namaste!

Julie Williams-Nash
19th November 2016

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Step by step

4/22/2016

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Over the past few weeks, I shared with you some short but effective practices of bringing yourselves back into the present moment, using the tools that you always have at your disposal – your breath and your body.

This Friday, I am hoping to inspire you to try the practice of walking meditation. Or if you wish to call it mindful walking. If you are the type who claims for themselves that that they can’t possibly sit calmly in one place longer than three minutes at the time, then walking meditation can be a wonderful place to start your meditation practice.

"The earth is so beautiful. We are beautiful also. We can allow ourselves to walk mindfully, touching the earth, our wonderful mother, with each step. We don’t need to wish our friends, “Peace be with you.” Peace is already with them. We only need to help them cultivate the habit of touching peace in each moment."
Thich Nhat Hanh

Start by choosing a place for your practice. It can really be anywhere inside or outside, but if possible to choose, I suggest you going into nature. You can decide to practice walking meditation on a log stroll, or you can choose to do it in your back yard or even if your room, walking repeatedly between points A and B.

The most important thing to understand is that your walk has no other purpose, no ending goal, other than being aware of the joy of mindful movement.

As you are actually not going anywhere, there is no place for rush or impatience in your steps. Go slowly, as slowly as possible. Dedicate at least 15 - 20 minutes to your practice.

Start by becoming aware of your feet moving. Left foot lifting, right foot touching the ground. Right foot lifting, left foot touching the ground.

Notice the transfer of your body weight, first the heel touches the ground, then the rest of the foot rolls down following it. Same with lifting – the heel lifts first, leaving the body weight on the balls of your foot and the toes are the one to make the last contact.

Doing a walking meditation barefoot is a whole different experience – so many different changing sensations to experience at the soles of our feet. So many subtleties! You can place your attention only at one part of your foot, or you can let it glide from heels, to arches, to toes and back. Examine the ground with the soles of your feet. Notice the different sensations as you the surface on which you are walking changes. Notice the change of sensations even when you are stepping on the same surface! That is the nature of everything - it changes, no matter what. Observe this change at the soles of your feet.

Don’t let the moments of the first and last contact of your foot with the ground get unnoticed. Focus on the point where your heel first touches the ground lightly, with almost no body weight… then the point of contact getting bigger and bigger, until that millisecond when your entire foot is firmly on the ground. Try to catch that moment, to be fully aware of it, and then the next moment in which your body weight goes onto your feet balls before your toes leave the ground.

Imagine that you are watching a slow-motion video of your feet touching the ground, appreciating its stability with every step.

Let your mind completely rest on your feet. If thought come, acknowledge them and let them pass. Do not entertain them. Go back to the simple movement of your feet.

Go back to the simple joy of every step.

P.S. For an inspiring read about walking meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh, follow the link below:
http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books2/Thich_Nhat_Hanh_A_Guide_to_Walking_Meditation.htm

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Listening to and with your body

4/15/2016

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Last week, I shared with you a simple technique of observing the breath and this week we’ll explore how your body can bring you back into the present moment. As you are reading this, you are most probably not moving around too much: you’re sitting at your office desk, maybe resting at home, or maybe you’re in public transport. Either way, your body is fairly still.

Remain as you are and begin by first observing your breath for a couple of seconds. Stay still and allow your breath to become subtler and subtler.

Now shift your attention from your breath to your body. Start by scanning your body from the top of your head down to the tips of your toes. Become aware of the position of each body part separately. Is your head slightly tilting to one side? Is your body weight evenly distributed between left and right? Is your spine straight? As you are observing your position, don’t change it. Don’t judge it. Just become aware of it.

Start noticing any sensations on your body. Be aware if any part of your body is touching the ground, or the furniture? What is the sensation there? Is any part of your body stiff and tense? If so, try to observe that stiffness first – how big is the area that is stiff? Do you feel that the tension starts from a particular point and then spreads around? Observe the tension for a few moments and then with the help of a conscious deep breath let it dissolve and try to relax that part of your body.

Once more scan your body from head to toe, paying attention to any sensations – warmth, cold, numbness, tingling, touch of your clothes, or the touch of air. Try to observe the sensations objectively. Even if the sensation on your body is unpleasant, don’t rush to change your position. Examine them as if you were looking though a microscope.

Gently shift your attention back to your breath.

Next time you are stuck in traffic, or waiting in a supermarket queue, in stead of getting all restless and nervous, try observing your breath and your body and see that if you practice staying in the present moment, there is no such a category as 'time wasted'.

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Mindful living: return to the breath - return to the present moment

4/8/2016

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We take around 20,000 breaths each day. How many of these breaths are we actually aware of? Chances are not so many. In the daily rush it is easy to get carried away by what is happening around us, so we rarely take the chance to look within. And as our breath goes unnoticed, so does the present moment. Our mind is constantly being pulled either by past or future, rarely allowing us to rest in the now. Every breath we take brings a wonderful opportunity to pause just for a moment and observe ourselves in the very present moment we are experiencing. So, why not use it?

Here is a simple exercise of using your breath to return to the present moment.

Wherever you are and whatever you do, bring your awareness back to your breathing

Close your eyes, or just or just soften your gaze and take a couple of intentionally deep breaths. Observe the sensations caused by the inhalation and the exhalation – the rising and falling of the belly, the expansion and contraction of the chest, subtle tickling in and around your nose, or anything else you might notice.

After two-three intentionally deep breaths, return to your normal natural breathing. Observe your natural breath for a minute - don’t try to control it in any way, just observe as it is. No judgments. No efforts. Is your breath slow or fast? Deep or shallow? Coming in evenly through both nostrils? Observe the sensations of your breath without trying to alter them.

As thoughts start coming to your mind, do not develop them further. Recognize that your attention has been pulled away from the breath by your thought, then gently return your attention to your breath and let the taught pass.

Stay with the breath for as long time as you can spare, and a few breaths more, and then return to your daily activities with a calmer mind.

And for those moments when you feel that you really have no time, or patience, or focus to stay with the breath even for a minute, try doing the following: take one deep breath in, observe it. Exhale completely, observe it. Then take one natural breath, observe it. For the duration of these two breaths, try to disengage from anything that is happening around you as well as from all mental chatter going on inside your head. For two breaths stay out of it all and observe the world within and without as if you were watching a movie. Practice this whenever you remember it. You will be surprised to see that even only two fully conscious breaths at a time can make so much difference.

Be happy.

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Finding your center

11/10/2015

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If you feel like Mrs. Doughnut from the photo below when you sit for meditation in class and hear this instruction, then this post is for you. Here's my take on finding the center.

For me, finding the center means finding the point in your mind from where you can observe what is happening inside you and around you, with clarity and without judgment – accepting things as they are and remaining undisturbed.

Contrary to the wide-spread belief, meditation doesn’t necessarily have to be about emptying your mind, as this state is pretty much unattainable for most of us. Instead of fighting with your mind, trying to silence it, think of it as of a busy road. So, sit on the side of that big road. Cars, bicycles, trucks, buses are rushing past you. These vehicles are your thoughts. They are all going somewhere, although most of them are just driving around in circles, but you don’t have to take a ride with any of them. Instead, remain peacefully sitting on the side of the road and observe the traffic of your thoughts without trying to suppress it, because you will never succeed. The harder you try to stop the traffic, the more congested it gets. So, let it flow. You are sitting on a nice green grass patch soaking up the sun. What business do you have with the traffic? Enjoy your grass and let it all pass.

The second metaphor is inspired by an amazing talk by Wayne Dyer I saw recently.

Think about a clay pot. What makes it a pot? Clay? Varnish? Weight? Shape? Yes, all of those things. But if you break the pot, all of those elements will still be there more or less unchanged: chemical profile of clay, the color of the varnish, the weight of the collected pieces will all remain pretty much as they were. Nobody would call those scattered pieces a pot, though. Dr. Dyer makes a point that actually what makes a pot a pot is the empty space inside! This is what defines its purpose. The unchangeable emptiness in the center around which all the other aspects gather.

Thinking in terms of applying this realization to meditation practice, to find your center is to find the empty constant inside you which is not defined by your gender, looks, likes, dislikes, actions, abilities, or any of your physical or mental features, but still it is this emptiness that somehow holds all of it together, making you - you.

So, in the end, Mrs. Doughnut was actually doing amazing in that meditation class!

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Heaven is Myth, Nepal is Real

Step by step

Listening to and with your body

Mindful living: return to the breath - return to the present moment

Finding your center

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