“Here I learn to observe my thoughts, not judge them, not attach a story or meaning but simply observe and let them float past my eyes.” It is “an exercise in mindfulness like nothing I’ve experienced before. To be in just that moment, and then the next, and then the next. It is somewhere I’ve learnt a different definition of strong and, always surprisingly, the softness it takes to get there.” Article here.
Today is an important day in India called Makara Sankranti – it marks the day when the Sun turns toward the north. Actually of course this is not correct but for a long time this day has been chosen. Lots of people go on pilgrimage and visit temples and take vows. Millions of people go to a temple called Sabari Mala in Kerala, South India. It involves strict vows of celibacy for 40 days, fasts, and used to be an arduous trek through the jungle. People wear all black and everyone has the same name – Ayyappa. Read about it here.
Here is info regarding Makara Sankranti
Since I spent the years 1982 to 1994 going to India every Jan/Feb/ and sometimes into Mar/April I was always around during Makara Sankranti and though I never got to Sabari Mala I interacted many times with the yatris en route to the temple. I have trekked a number of times through the same jungle but to a different place called Agastya Kuttam – the mountain where the sage Agastya is living. He gave the Tamil language and spiritual practices to the Tamil people. He had many siddhis and is revered in South India.
You can tell I am missing India 🙂
Best wishess
Robert
Level 1 Pranayama Teacher Training course willl begin on January 21. Taught by Eddie Stern and Robert Moses and Harshadhvan Jahiri this is an excellent all around and comprehensive course. Delving into all aspects of Pranayama theory and practice. Leads to a Yoga Education Collective certification. Please see the details here
