Prior to this trip and during my adventures abroad I have found myself seriously wondering: why do I get to live this amazing life? Why was my destiny to be born to my family, my country, my body and mind? I could have been born into poverty, an abusive family, and an environment where each day is a struggle. The truth is my life has always been full of opportunity and abundance. With all this potential, what is my purpose in life? Why am I here?
I found myself signing up for a month at a Sivananda yoga ashram in India. This would be my second time at a Sivananda ashram. Feeling as though I had just tested the waters the first time, I was more prepared for the mental and spiritual challenges ahead. A rigorous schedule of meditation, chanting, breath work, yoga poses, karma yoga and philosophy set the stage for the experience. We practiced simple living and high thinking. A full moon lunar eclipse, a Durga puja, a mantra initiation, and a spiritual name (Kamala) were bonuses during the month. But most rewarding were the glimpses of true inner peace.
The Vedanta Yoga teachings we learned are ancient, comprehensive, and effective. But one teaching in particular stood out to me. Love thy neighbour as thyself. I believe this practice of treating others as you would like to be treated is essential for any kind of positive change in mankind. Do not confuse this with being happy and nice all the time. A mother must chastise her child who runs out into the street, but it is done out of love. Learning to see ourselves in others will ensure our actions come from a place of good intention.
As Ghandi said “be the change you want to see in the world”. Change is possible and starts with each one of us. Thinking of home but happily abroad,
Carrie
