We are entering our final week here in Kerala. I have been remiss about writing every day, so here we go. I have settled into the rhythm that nourishes me here in India. Simple days of practice, eating, practice, and of course eating again. Our lives centre around gathering at the table to share a meal and share our experiences. Today was a free day, where folks could choose their activity. We had planned a trek in the woods and nature had something to say about that. It poured torrential rain for most of the day, yet our dear yogis braved the elements!  Despite a 12 kilometre walk with leeches, tigers prints and more leeches — our gang fully embraced being wet and uncomfortable, and came back with smiles and stories filled with laughter.

Others took a different route and we found ourselves at an ayurvedic centre.  Here we experienced a steam bath, head massage, foot massage, body massage, oils in the ears, nose, and eyes !!    Unlike traditional spa treatments in Canada, where the focus is on the outer body, the practice of ayurveda focuses on the wellness of the inner body.  These ayurvedic treatments are meant to detoxify and nourish our deepest tissues.  The oil is warm and crazy abundant — nothing like what we see at home.  We are massaged naked (except for a paper thong) and this too was an eye opener !!   There is no shame, no embarrassment.  Lovely young ladies take us through the process with gentleness and tend to us like we’re babies.  There is nothing to do but surrender to the experience.

Every day we are witness to new experiences.

Every day we shift from resistance to openness to exploration to joy.

Although it isn’t always comfortable, the moment we surrender — peace and contentment arrive.

With love from Deb & Shelley xxxx

Photo from our 3 days in Kuala Lumpur