December 31, 2009
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
It's New Year's Eve at the Ashram and what an energy there is today around here. Jim woke up early and went off to Yoga Class again. He didn't stay up to watch the end of Darshan last night though. I woke up and got myself ready for the day, had breakfast with Jim and went into Vallikavu with Luciole and Jim to get some paint so that I can paint my tifin - purple of course and to get my jewellery reconstructed by the jeweller.
Upon returning to the Ashram, we had lunch and went up to the Doll Shop to check things out. I wanted Jim to experience the lovely vibe and hard work that goes into each of the dolls that are created in this haven in the highest floor of the Kali Temple.
Jim is needing to rest today so that he can make it through the night and into the New Year. Mother is giving Darshan in the Main Hall and that began at about 11:00am or so. We have tokens for Darshan today and we will go late in the night to be closer to the New Year.
Jason (a faerie friend) arrives today (probably very shortly) and that is very exciting. I can't wait to see him and here some of his experiences of travelling around as well. He has been on quite the journey.
Phillipe arrived today at the Ashram as well. We didn't think that he was going to make it as he is back in school but apparently, he decided to come here on his vacation for 10 days. It's so great to see all of these people again.
Jim said to me over lunch that he wants me to show him how to wear "one of those things" and he wants to "put on one of those too" (referring to a dhoti and sandlewood respectively). I guess we will dress him up like a brahmachari for Darshan tonight! How exciting....
More to come after the festivities of the night. I am sure that there will be performances this evening for Amma while Darshan continues. I shall type more once I have more to type about!
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Grace of Amma...
December 30, 2009
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
Jim is really amazing to me. He got up this morning without an alarm clock (after waking up at midnight with the scratches and itches of mosquito bites everywhere) and went off to Mens' Yoga. I got up and got myself ready for the day. We met up in the dining room for breakfast. We then went with Luciole (my French sister) to her new flat. She told us her story of getting this flat. Mother's Grace made it happen for her within 5 days where normally people wait 2-4 years on a waiting list for a flat to be built for them. She is in the Ayurveda building on the beachside with a view of the road rather than the beach as the beach is too noisy for her.
It feels as though no time has passed at all. Even though it's been 8 months since I was here at Amritapuri, it feels like it was just yesterday. Luciole commented the same. I love that!
Finally, the internet is connected and working. This is why I am now on-line and updating this blog frantically before the New Year.
I am still undecided as to whether I will go on the South India Tour or not. I have to make a decision by Saturday (when registration begins). I haven't looked into the Pancha Karma regime at all. I would really love to go on the South India Tour as I have not seen anything of South India. Pancha Karma is ALWAYS available at the Ashram. Plus, it would mean that I wouldn't get much time with Amma if I stay at the Ashram and do Pancha Karma.
I think I will just sit with these emotions, mixed as they are, and Mother will give me the direction that I need in this matter. It would be great to be on Tour with all the old friends again too!
Jason arrives tomorrow and I'm excited about that. Hopefully we will go to Varkalla Beach Resort for a few days after my birthday before the South India Tour begins. That would be nice to do with Jim and Jason.
Amma is giving Darshan as I type this blog in my room. The energy here at the Ashram is calm and sweet. There are a lot of people here already and more expected to arrive in time to ring in the New Year with Amma.
More experiences and stories to come soon...stay tuned!
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah...
Jim is really amazing to me. He got up this morning without an alarm clock (after waking up at midnight with the scratches and itches of mosquito bites everywhere) and went off to Mens' Yoga. I got up and got myself ready for the day. We met up in the dining room for breakfast. We then went with Luciole (my French sister) to her new flat. She told us her story of getting this flat. Mother's Grace made it happen for her within 5 days where normally people wait 2-4 years on a waiting list for a flat to be built for them. She is in the Ayurveda building on the beachside with a view of the road rather than the beach as the beach is too noisy for her.
It feels as though no time has passed at all. Even though it's been 8 months since I was here at Amritapuri, it feels like it was just yesterday. Luciole commented the same. I love that!
Finally, the internet is connected and working. This is why I am now on-line and updating this blog frantically before the New Year.
I am still undecided as to whether I will go on the South India Tour or not. I have to make a decision by Saturday (when registration begins). I haven't looked into the Pancha Karma regime at all. I would really love to go on the South India Tour as I have not seen anything of South India. Pancha Karma is ALWAYS available at the Ashram. Plus, it would mean that I wouldn't get much time with Amma if I stay at the Ashram and do Pancha Karma.
I think I will just sit with these emotions, mixed as they are, and Mother will give me the direction that I need in this matter. It would be great to be on Tour with all the old friends again too!
Jason arrives tomorrow and I'm excited about that. Hopefully we will go to Varkalla Beach Resort for a few days after my birthday before the South India Tour begins. That would be nice to do with Jim and Jason.
Amma is giving Darshan as I type this blog in my room. The energy here at the Ashram is calm and sweet. There are a lot of people here already and more expected to arrive in time to ring in the New Year with Amma.
More experiences and stories to come soon...stay tuned!
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah
Settling in to being at the Ashram....
December 28, 2009
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah Everyone...
Jim and I had a very smooth flight from LA to Dubai and then further from Dubai to Kochin. We arrived at Kochin at about 3:30am on December 28, 2009 and by the time we got through customs and got our bags, the Ashram Taxi Driver was waiting for us. The ride to the Ashram was mostly in the dark. It was only at about 6:15am that the sun started to rise and we could see what we were driving through.
We arrived at the Ashram at about 7:30am and promptly checked in at the International Office. This place is packed for the Holiday Season and as such, we were given accommodations in the boys dorm above the hospital. We stayed there the first night (Dec. 28, 2008) and then on December 29, 2009 I went to the International Office to see if there was any way for Jim and I to have a private room as we are a couple and we will be having a friend (who is a first timer as well) join us on December 31, 2009. Amma was obviously feeling generous as we were moved into a new building (the M building) on the ground floor. It's perfect!!!
On December 28, when we arrived at the Ashram and checked in, we moved our stuff to the boys dorm and went for breakfast. After breakfast, I went to Bhajan Class and then we went to the bank to change money so that we can pay for things! We then got the cell phone up and running and then had lunch. After lunch, we went to Karnuagapally to get the internet connection reinstated. On the way back from town, we stopped at the Amrita Self Help store and got Jim some clothes to wear while he is here.
By the time we both got back to the Ashram we were dead tired. We hadn't slept when we got here but we did sleep some on the flights. So...we took a nap and skipped the beach sunset meditation. We got up in time for Bhajans with Amma in the Main Hall. My God, the hall was so full...it's insane.
First day was pretty intense for Jim. He kept saying that he felt as though he was a deer caught in the headlights!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - Meditation Day and Q&A with Amma.
This is the first day that we are going to get to see Amma since we arrived! We got up and set our asanas down in the Kali Temple early so that we would have a good spot to see Amma. Then we went for breakfast. After breakfast, we went and meditated in the Temple. Amma came out for Q&A at about 11:30am. It was so nice to see Her. She served lunch to everyone immediately after the Q&A session.
After we ate, Jim went to watch a movie at the Eco Center while I got us an upgrade to a private room! After the video, Jim helped me move all our stuff from one room to the other. We are so much happier in the new room.
We took a nap and got ready for bhajans again with Amma. The first Bhajan She sang was "Krishna Vasudeva Hare". I was in heaven. This is the Bhajan that I want to offer to Mother in Seattle this coming year. It's an old Bhajan which She doesn't sing that often anymore, but it was a real blessing to hear it done live by Her.
After dinner we went to bed but got up in the middle of the night (midnight) itching and scratching everywhere...both Jim and I were eaten alive by mosquitos - welcome to India!
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah Everyone...
Jim and I had a very smooth flight from LA to Dubai and then further from Dubai to Kochin. We arrived at Kochin at about 3:30am on December 28, 2009 and by the time we got through customs and got our bags, the Ashram Taxi Driver was waiting for us. The ride to the Ashram was mostly in the dark. It was only at about 6:15am that the sun started to rise and we could see what we were driving through.
We arrived at the Ashram at about 7:30am and promptly checked in at the International Office. This place is packed for the Holiday Season and as such, we were given accommodations in the boys dorm above the hospital. We stayed there the first night (Dec. 28, 2008) and then on December 29, 2009 I went to the International Office to see if there was any way for Jim and I to have a private room as we are a couple and we will be having a friend (who is a first timer as well) join us on December 31, 2009. Amma was obviously feeling generous as we were moved into a new building (the M building) on the ground floor. It's perfect!!!
On December 28, when we arrived at the Ashram and checked in, we moved our stuff to the boys dorm and went for breakfast. After breakfast, I went to Bhajan Class and then we went to the bank to change money so that we can pay for things! We then got the cell phone up and running and then had lunch. After lunch, we went to Karnuagapally to get the internet connection reinstated. On the way back from town, we stopped at the Amrita Self Help store and got Jim some clothes to wear while he is here.
By the time we both got back to the Ashram we were dead tired. We hadn't slept when we got here but we did sleep some on the flights. So...we took a nap and skipped the beach sunset meditation. We got up in time for Bhajans with Amma in the Main Hall. My God, the hall was so full...it's insane.
First day was pretty intense for Jim. He kept saying that he felt as though he was a deer caught in the headlights!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - Meditation Day and Q&A with Amma.
This is the first day that we are going to get to see Amma since we arrived! We got up and set our asanas down in the Kali Temple early so that we would have a good spot to see Amma. Then we went for breakfast. After breakfast, we went and meditated in the Temple. Amma came out for Q&A at about 11:30am. It was so nice to see Her. She served lunch to everyone immediately after the Q&A session.
After we ate, Jim went to watch a movie at the Eco Center while I got us an upgrade to a private room! After the video, Jim helped me move all our stuff from one room to the other. We are so much happier in the new room.
We took a nap and got ready for bhajans again with Amma. The first Bhajan She sang was "Krishna Vasudeva Hare". I was in heaven. This is the Bhajan that I want to offer to Mother in Seattle this coming year. It's an old Bhajan which She doesn't sing that often anymore, but it was a real blessing to hear it done live by Her.
After dinner we went to bed but got up in the middle of the night (midnight) itching and scratching everywhere...both Jim and I were eaten alive by mosquitos - welcome to India!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas in LA!!!
December 20, 2009
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah Everyone....
The blog starts again!
So Jim and I have arrived in Los Angeles today (December 20, 2009) at about 4pm. We are spending Christmas here and leaving December 26, 2009 on an Emirates flight to Kochin and then further to the Amritapuri Ashram.
This is Jim's FIRST time ever to India so I am very excited for him. Just found out Amma's going to be going on the South India Tour (Tamilnadu) on January 9, 2010 until January 25, 2010. Jim leaves the Ashram headed home on January 11, 2010 while I will be staying until February 4, 2010. This means that there is a good chance that I will be able to do the South India Tour with Amma - Yay!!!
I tell you...getting packed for both LA and India was a bit of a challenge this time around. I don't know whether it's because of the added stress of Christmas or just travelling with Jim?!?! Either way, we are now here in LA and have had our first meal at Baja Fresh (which I was craving) and now I am content.
I have recently taken up my knitting needles again and have been knitting up a storm. So...I am in the process of knitting myself a kimono style sweater which I worked on alot on the flight down fromVancouver. The Flight Attendants kept coming around asking me what I was making...I kept wanting to tell them to stop interrupting me as I was watching an episode of "House" with Jim on the computer.
It was nice that they took just great interest in my knitting and the Flight Attendant said to me as I disembarked, that she wants to see the sweater completed on my next flight. It's almost done anyhow!!!
I recently took a course in knitting with beads to make these really great chunky beaded necklaces. This is what I did for my four cousin sisters down in LA for Christmas gifts. I sure hope that they will like them. I also made one for my Mother. She seemed to like it. I am wondering if there is a way to make small enough ones for the Amma dolls and if that's even something that the Amma Doll Shop would like to have on-hand for sale?!?!
I feel as though my creative juices have started to flow and I am really excited about that. I hope to be able to harness some of that energy and produce some things for the Amma shop to sell and raise some money for the different charities. Seva is a great thing!
Will write more soon with details of the experiences and journey as it unfolds...
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah!
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah Everyone....
The blog starts again!
So Jim and I have arrived in Los Angeles today (December 20, 2009) at about 4pm. We are spending Christmas here and leaving December 26, 2009 on an Emirates flight to Kochin and then further to the Amritapuri Ashram.
This is Jim's FIRST time ever to India so I am very excited for him. Just found out Amma's going to be going on the South India Tour (Tamilnadu) on January 9, 2010 until January 25, 2010. Jim leaves the Ashram headed home on January 11, 2010 while I will be staying until February 4, 2010. This means that there is a good chance that I will be able to do the South India Tour with Amma - Yay!!!
I tell you...getting packed for both LA and India was a bit of a challenge this time around. I don't know whether it's because of the added stress of Christmas or just travelling with Jim?!?! Either way, we are now here in LA and have had our first meal at Baja Fresh (which I was craving) and now I am content.
I have recently taken up my knitting needles again and have been knitting up a storm. So...I am in the process of knitting myself a kimono style sweater which I worked on alot on the flight down fromVancouver. The Flight Attendants kept coming around asking me what I was making...I kept wanting to tell them to stop interrupting me as I was watching an episode of "House" with Jim on the computer.
It was nice that they took just great interest in my knitting and the Flight Attendant said to me as I disembarked, that she wants to see the sweater completed on my next flight. It's almost done anyhow!!!
I recently took a course in knitting with beads to make these really great chunky beaded necklaces. This is what I did for my four cousin sisters down in LA for Christmas gifts. I sure hope that they will like them. I also made one for my Mother. She seemed to like it. I am wondering if there is a way to make small enough ones for the Amma dolls and if that's even something that the Amma Doll Shop would like to have on-hand for sale?!?!
I feel as though my creative juices have started to flow and I am really excited about that. I hope to be able to harness some of that energy and produce some things for the Amma shop to sell and raise some money for the different charities. Seva is a great thing!
Will write more soon with details of the experiences and journey as it unfolds...
Aum Amriteshwaryai Namah!
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