#6 - Hiking the Himalayas

"Another missed opportunity" was what the newspaper headline read, as I looked over this man's shoulder in curiosity. Then, as I looked up, I realized I could see the snow-capped peaks of Triund in the Himalayas. How inviting they were! My friend and I had talked many times about making the day hike up, but had yet to head out on our way. Could this be "another missed opportunity"? It was time!

So, the next day, we decided to head up the mountain. After filling our bellies with fruit muesli, curd, and honey - delicious - at our favorite breakfast spot, we started the hike. But where was the path? We stopped to ask several locals and travelers along the way, but alas the only direction we received was "up." Of course, the "path" was obvious - left in the photo - but we thought trekking the other way - right in the photo - was more appropriate. What were we thinking?! :)

One of the reasons we had stalled in making our journey was that I lost one of my tennis shoes on the way to Dharmasala (yes, someone will most likely be wearing one of my shoes when I return to Rishikesh). Still, one of our friends here said, "Sure! All of the Indians trek up with sandals - you'll be fine!" So, I made the trip up in my trusty Rainbows.

Is this a path? As we began to make our way up, I started to get a bit nervous about wearing sandals - and, more importantly, my water ration. I scratched myself several times in the thorny bushes, slipped out of my shoes dangerously close to a steep ledge, and only had 1/2 litre of water left on me. As I slowly realized we might not be on the path to Triund, but instead a precarious path to nowhere, I lost faith in my trusty sandals and got a bit nervous! Still, it's funny how two calm two people who are meditating and practicing yoga daily can be. We just kept breathing, hiking, and taking in the views - fantastic!

Then, thankfully, after about two hours of hiking, we reached some signs of humanity - tibetan prayer flags. I immediately reached for my water bottle and guzzled a couple of mouthfuls. As we turned the corner, we saw a couple of monks conversing with one another. Was this Triund?! Patience young grasshopper - just as quickly as the monks had appeared, back into the woods they disappeared. So, we chanted our mantra, up, and continued along our way.

After about another hour hike, we reached more signs of civilization - garbage. So, we picked up our pace and headed optimistically on our way. As we first stepped out of the brush, and Indian man yelled at us, "Where did you come from?! That is not the path!" Appropriately scolded, we headed on much more comfortably, along the well-trodden path. We stopped for a chai at a small "restaurant" along the way, and then listened to encouragement from travelers heading down, insisting "only 15 more minutes!" for the last one and a half hours of the hike. Then, finally, we arrived.

Should I even try to explain the magnificence? Everything from the freshly cut grass, to the animals, to the snow-capped peaks, was incredible. We had to stay the night! So, we immediately found a tent to hire and settled in. Interestingly, a pack of dogs followed us constantly - apparently our protectors in this beautiful and foreign land. It was going to be a wonderful night!

From the moment we arrived, one particular dog caught my attention. Her beautiful coat contrasted with most of those that I have seen during my time in India. I thought, how Josie would love to play with you! She was protective yet gentle, loving and calm. How could she not be? Look at her home - beauty itself. Think she would like Texas? :)

So, that night we gathered around a campfire with the other backpackers staying in the base camp for the night. Most of the travelers were making their way up to the glaciers the next day, but my Rainbows just aren't quite that trusty! One of the visitors had brought a guitar, so I played a few of my new songs aside the fire. I have to say, I love them, and they seemed quite at home in this beauty. I really felt like my "little light" was shining through the darkness.

In the morning, I woke to the most beautiful sight - the mountains. Then, I heard quite a strange sound - goats? A group of sheepherders made their way through the camp with their flock of over 500 sheep and goats - incredible. It was almost as if all of those parables I had heard on Sunday mornings as a child came to life at once. My parents would love this place.

And of course, the amazing spirituality did not stop there. A group of Tibetan monks soon made their way through the camp to hang several hundred feet of prayer flags in the forest above. How peaceful they were with their rainbow umbrellas protecting them from the sun. Part of me wanted to run away in the mountains for years after seeing how at peace they were.

So, finally before heading down, we took some yoga pictures against the incredible backdrop of the mountains. A perfect icing on the cake, the headline here was certainly not "another missed opportunity."

#5 - Rishikesh Yog Peeth

Rishikesh Yog Peeth 101




One year ago today, I graduated from one of the world's most prestigious graduate programs in international economics. For two years before, I had studied international relations and the human struggle to obtain "more" - free-market capitalism. As I studied economic growth and development, I became increasingly frustrated, realizing the inevitable over-utilization of the world's resources, and an increasingly dissatisfied and unhappy population of utility-maximizing creatures. As I started to look for employment, I felt overwhelmed and dissatisfied by my own options. Should I work in the government, in the private sector, in a think tank, or for a non-profit organization? Although I received many invitations for interviews, I wore my skepticism on my sleeve, and subsequently was not offered any permanent positions. I felt like every business and organization I interviewed with was essentially trying to play the system to obtain and achieve "more." When asked what I wanted to do with my life, the most honest answer seemed too cheesy to say, "spread peace, love, and happiness."

As the days moved on, the time came for me to move away from Washington. With rent exorbitantly high, and school loans hanging heavily over my head, it seemed that my only option was a defeatist one - to move home. It was frightening to move away from the place that I had viewed as the land of opportunities - the place where originally I felt I might contribute to "hope" and "change" in the world. However, in the last year, I had applied to over 300 jobs, and spent an incredibly large amount of energy in this endeavor, with little in return. So, I began to let go of what I should do, and began pondering what I want to do. As I began to shed comforts and attachments in Washington, things began to become miraculously easier, clearer, and free. Inspired by a friend, I made a list of 101 goals and decided to live with intention. If I could not find the perfect job, at least I could develop theperfect life. My goals included everything from coloring a coloring book, to traveling to Australia and New Zealand, to my #1 – becoming a yoga instructor.


As I began to live intentionally, things began to seemingly fall into place. In February of this year, I was invited to interview with a consulting firm in Malaysia. I accepted the offer, and began to research possibilities of studying yoga, and getting a Yoga Alliance certification, in India. I searched for the most economical options for study, and available grants/scholarships, and quickly foundRishikesh Yog Peeth. Taking into account that I already had a ticket to the general region (it is much cheaper to fly to India from Southeast Asia than from the United States), I pulled out my MasterCard and decided to put down the $200 deposit for the course. As time passed, I began to realize that travel would indeed require more funds than I previously had thought, and began to search for additional funding. It was then that I found Rishikesh Yog Peeth's scholarship and decided to pursue the opportunity.

I immediately started contemplating myself, and my path, so that I might be able to express why I wanted to attend the yoga teacher training, and how I might contribute what I would learn with the world. Suddenly, to "spread peace, love, and happiness" seemed like the perfect answer. Upon contact, representatives of Rishikesh Yog Peeth suggested I get in touch with previous students in the program to provide recommendations for the scholarship. So, I developed a personal statement and began to contact previous students (through Face book groups). I have always tried to be humble, but this process proved to be a practice of ultimate humility. As I contacted each student to request assistance, I realized both the power of letting go and the magnificence of the human consciousness. Each of the previous students responded first with glowing reviews of Rishikesh Yog Peeth. Several of the students then wished me luck in seeking assistance either through a scholarship or other resources. It was immediately apparent that many of the students saved, and even borrowed funds, so they might attend the course - still, each of them expressed that the experience was well worth the effort and investment, in fact, life changing.

After contacting a multitude of students in reference to my story, I received perhaps the most beautiful letter I have ever read about a person, in this case, me. A woman, who I had never previously met, but who felt akin to my life story, understood the importance of this opportunity in my life and wrote an eloquent request for a scholarship in my case. Immediately, I knew I would be forever grateful, whether I received the scholarship, or not. Her letter inspired me even further to seek out opportunities and live intentionally. She had faith in me. I felt suddenly that this program, or one similar, was eventually going to be a part of my journey, my fate. After a short while, I was contacted by Rishikesh Yog Peeth in congratulation. I suddenly felt at peace knowing my #1 was soon to be realized.

It was I believe in our second session, that our instructor spoke of the ultimate goal of all humans:peace, love and happiness. I felt myself overwhelmed with joy, as I realized how skeptical two years of study in economics had made me. I suddenly absorbed a new faith in humanity, as I realized our communal search for freedom and these three simplicities. I remembered my original desire to study economics, that is, the study of household stewardship and well-being (in lieu of chrematistics - the study of money-making, or the science of wealth). Every day, for six weeks, I explored these concepts individually and with the group. We meditated and practiced yoga in the early morning and late afternoon, gathered for philosophy and anatomy classes during the day, and often met informally to swim in the river in the afternoon or simply gaze upon the stars at night. Just as refreshing as a dip in the Ganges River, it was refreshing to spend time with such an open group of students, from around the world. Just as I now feel forever tied with the Ganges River, I feel forever tied to this group of 50 yoga students, now teachers, who studied at Rishikesh Yog Peeth from April to May 2012. We were indeed purified together and made significant strides forward.

The teachers of Rishikesh Yog Peeth provided a similarly uplifting experience. I feel particularly thankful to our philosophy, anatomy, and yoga/pranayama instructor, Roshan. There are a few people in my life who I can truly attribute life-altering influence - including my mother, father, and grandparents. I have felt an intuitive connection to various teachers along the way, particularly in the field of spiritual study, and will be forever grateful towards these influencers, including Roshan. There is something about India that is enchanting, particularly to the outsider. There are moments, particularly when traveling down the street, somewhere between greeting monkeys and cows and avoiding rickshaws and motorcycles, which leave one feeling vulnerable and utterly miniscule. This populated land, with its polluted air and streets, meets you harshly in the face and requires, well, surrender. It is somewhere within this state of surrender that one can become entirely open and free. It was somewhere at this point that I began to consider the philosophies of Yoga, as described by Roshan. For each new piece of information, he suggested, we look at it, hold onto it, think about it, and then take it with us or leave it behind as we go. Refreshingly open-minded, Roshan himself seeks not to answer questions, but to instead incite questioning itself. For the first time since childhood, I began to really ask, "Who am I?"

The practice of yoga at Rishikesh Yog Peeth was also wonderful. We practiced pranayama and asana each morning and afternoon (except Sundays). It was not overly intensive, but materialized into a strong overview of the hatha style of yoga. Additionally, Rishikesh Yog Peeth organized trips, inclusive in the program, including a visit to a waterfall, temple in the mountains, and rafting down the Ganges River – which turned out to all be incredible experiences. All in all, I can say that this program was infinitely more than what I expected. I knew I would be grateful for my certification to teach yoga, but had no idea that the experience would lead me in an entirely new path - to truly seek out peace, love, and happiness.

I was enjoying the present, but it was about half way through the program that I started to contemplate my plans for the future. As I began to feel my head become more clarified through meditation practice, I began to consider all the options, options that might lead me towards self-realization. In this process, I had a sudden desire, or actually what I would prefer now to considerawakening, to move to Australia. I had a friend across the hall who suggested the idea after spending a year there on a work and holiday visa, and suddenly the idea began to seemingly realize itself. Strangely, I could change my airline ticket for free. I applied for the visa and was immediately approved. So, I am taking some time for myself in India, and then moving on – to the continued adventure.

When I arrived for the interview in Malaysia, a man with a smile welcomed me at the airport. I suddenly felt a bit confused, wondering what had brought me to this far away land. Why was I interested in consulting? What did I want to do? This man picked me up every morning and afternoon for the week to chauffeur me to various meetings/interviews with people at the office. He sparked up conversation every time and I can remember looking forward to these commutes each day. On the last evening, he asked, "Alicia, to you, what is the meaning of life?" Immediately, I felt out of my skin, as I felt something within me want to answer, and something within me so confused. What's theright answer? How should I answer? Is he going to tell the CEO? What will get me the job? I've only spent eight weeks in India - eight weeks studying yoga, life, and myself. Still, I feel a world of difference. Instead of responding with anxiety to this question, I would simply, smile. For the first time in a long time, I am truly living. I have realized that I have 100% free will and the capability to help others to realize the same. I am enjoying the present, and look forward to each new day and adventure. I need not search anymore for the meaning of life – it is, simply, here and now.

On May 7, 2012, I taught my first yoga class, and therefore became a yoga instructor. In return, I received a puja blessing and a small envelope with 101 Indian rupees inside. While this money was given as payment and as a token of appreciation, to me, it was so much more – it was a symbol of the abundance that comes through intentional living. I feel that I have received a blessing to achieve my remaining 100 goals, and all else that this human being shall achieve by being human. Whether you have the opportunity to attend Rishikesh Yog Peeth's course, or feel compelled to another place and time - I wish you the openness of heart to experience the joys in this life, the joys of silence, self-realization, and the journey of unifying with the Divine. No matter the worldly stresses that might come, we are only limited by our creativity in moving forward. Creativity is creation, and we are all here to create. There are no problems, just solutions to be found. I have discovered that as I live more and more intentionally, things are becoming easier, and I am becoming more at ease. Each new day is as refreshing as a dip in the Ganges - as I never give up, and always let go. If it is written, it will happen - what will be will be. Namaste.

#4 - Mama Ganga

A Sadu crossing one of Rishikesh's bridges across the Ganga

Every morning, every night, and seemingly all day long... people gather at the river Ganges, cup her water in their hands, lift it, and let it fall back to her. Since arriving in Rishikesh, we have seen men in loincloths gather at the edge of the river to bathe and give blessings, women washing their faces and saris in reverence to the water, and even children swimming out in the depths, refreshed and laughing upon their return.

The beach in Rishikesh

The Ganges is a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its course - it is obvious that many depend on it for their daily needs. In Hinduism, it is worshiped as the goddess Ganga and seen as the most sacred river on Earth. Moving water, as in a river, is considered purifying as it both absorbs impurities and takes them away. The Mother Ganga restores order from disorder and purifies the soul.

A woman drying her headscarf along the riverbank

Before traveling to India, my mother and I visited a travel clinic for immunizations and advice. As the nurse warned us about all the possible diseases one might contract anywhere in the world, she implored my mother not to get in the Ganga. In certain areas, such as in the city of Varanasi, the Ganges suffers from extreme pollution levels, highly toxic to humans. However, in Rishikesh, the water is fresh, clean, and cold - straight from the Himalayas.

Flowers released into the Ganga

On our first day at Rishikesh Yog Peeth, we discussed, "What is yoga?" As we all began to try and explain our experiences in practicing mental, physical, and spiritual yoga to varying degrees... I realized that this program would result in much more than a teaching certificate for each of us. Instead, something would cleanse and purify us, absorb the impurities and take them away. That afternoon, a group, including my mother and I, headed to the river, and let ourselves go, one by one. It was cold, it was refreshing, and I suddenly felt yoga. Thank you, Mother Ganga.

My mother and I in the Ganga

#3 - Mumtaz Mahal

She said it would break me. She said I'd have to overlook the traffic, the garbage on the streets, the poverty, and the smells, to find the beauty in it all. Thinking of Rishikesh - the city where I'll be studying yoga at the base of the Himalayas - Dawn (a backpacker who we met serendipitously in Malaysia who had previously taken a yoga course in Rishikesh) advised, "look to the mountains to find the beauty." But, in Delhi there are no mountains - just mountains of trash, traffic, and grey, thick smog. Perhaps it was just the weariness of traveling setting in, or the contrast to my leisurely massage-filled days in Thailand... but I started to wonder how I would survive one week in India - let alone seven.

I had read cautionary tales of rickshaws taking tourists not to their proposed destination, but instead to other places (where the drivers could get commission) well off the beaten track. So, as a cunning traveler, I came "prepared" - impervious to scamming. Alas, my mother and I fell victim to scam after scam, arriving at "The Government of India Tourism Office" several times -  and the continual handicraft shop rolling out carpets for a quick test. Even for the "cunning traveler," it was difficult to give in completely to the vulnerability of the situation. As I began to break, a man in the "Government" office said, "India's tough! [...]  Money is nothing! [...] Have some tea!" Now, I thought,  there's a bit of good news - apparently, tea solves everything here!

In all honesty, things began to seem a bit backward - backward in that the system seemed to be working in the opposite manner of what I've come to expect, know, and love. Through the dust-covered glasses of a foreigner falling victim, everything seemed in imbalance. We tried to fight the system, and apparent imbalance, but in the end were forced to give in - as mom was on a mission. After several miserable attempts to book a train, we hired a car (which was exorbitantly more expensive) to take us out the next day to our proposed destination - the Taj Mahal.

What a sight. After spending the night in Agra, our driver picked us up before dawn so we could see the Taj at sunrise. In a sea of, well... what I had come to know as India... the Taj seemed an oasis of peace, tranquility, and magnificence. Beautiful. Built by Shah Johan in memory of his wife Mumtaz (who died in childbirth after their fourteenth child), the Taj Mahal is not only a symbol of endless, undying love; but an architectural jewel. It truly is Mumtaz - excellent. Still, the ostentatious nature of the building began to contrast with the obvious needs of the Indian people I had seen along the road to Agra, and around the Taj.  I began to ponder...  what is love? what is beauty? who is backward?

I look forward to looking to the mountains, in Rishikesh, and within me, to explore these questions and find the beauty in it all. I have a suspicion that in this place where tea apparently solves everything.. mountains of trash can be agricultural jewels.. and everything is Mumtaz - even traffic, garbage, and poverty. Perhaps everything and everywhere can be an oasis of peace, tranquility, and magnificence. 

#2 - Water for Elephants

I could have watched them for hours - the kites dancing in the wind, and the kids below just trying to hang on. Long after my father and I flew kites year after year at festivals back home, it still amazes me the wonder that can be had from a bit of tuppence for paper and string. It seemed appropriate then as at Sanam Luang - the royal field - in Bangkok, even a monk marveled as the world - and kites - flew by. 

Thailand is certainly an interesting place - and perhaps one of my favorite places on earth. What's not to like - the massages? the beautiful temples? the nice and helpful people? Almost the whole of the experience seemed appropriately humbling, perhaps even revealing the realm of heaven... as in the story of the reclining Buddha... Thailand just seems to get down on your level - making you feel... at home. 

We spent our first couple of days in Thailand roaming around the city of Bangkok - first in the old, and then in the new. "Wat" infinity... we visited more than a dozen temples and a few malls that seemed like temples - with 7 or more floors in their pagoda. Everything so shiny and overwhelming - what to buy? what to do? where to massage?!

Well, we made a couple of good choices! We caught a movie at Central World Plaza, as we heard the audiences stand for the national anthem before the show - and that we did! Of honorable mention here was that our theatre was a "happiness" theatre.. with love seats, day beds, complimentary popcorn and soda, and blankets..very nice! But why did it seem that there were only couples sitting around us? :)

Soon, we were off to Chiang Mai! I made a reservation on the sleeper train (which made mom a bit nervous), and it was wonderful. The pillows, sheets, and vibrations of the train made for an easy ride. There, we met a backpacker - David - who entertained us marvelously during the non-sleeping hours...

... and then, the real fun began! First, we headed out to see some more temples, and did some shopping in the city. In the market, we found a "fish spa" - a place where you can have little fish nibble at your feet.. a quite tickly pedicure! It was a bit weird, but the fact that we were able to make it through the whole 15 minutes proves that you can get used to anything!

Then is what came to be the highlight of our trip in Thailand - the elephants. I remember seeing some photos of a friend riding an elephant through a river in Southeast Asia - and immediately adding that to my list! Still, as I started researching places to ride, I became disheartened by the state of the magnificent beasts in the region. So, I decided to book a day tour with the Elephant Nature Park - a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for elephants located about 60km outside of Chiang Mai. We spent the day learning about, feeding, and even bathing several of the elephants in the park. Incredible. 

It was perhaps more than appropriate that I finished the book Water for Elephants while out in Chiang Mai. Meeting the elephants, and spending time with a certain family reminded me how "life is the most spectacular show on earth." One family - of a 6, 13, 14 year-old with 2 parents - was traveling for 365 days together.. what an amazing thought. It was incredible to hear of their adventures.. see the eye-opening education provided to these lucky children.. and imagine doing such a trip myself someday - what role models they were. 

And then, it was time to head back to Bangkok and on to India. I think I'll refrain from mentioning our train - I mean bus-train-bus-train - back to the capital city. Perhaps mom was right in being a little nervous about the so-called "sleeper" train. "Wake up! Do not forget get anything! No problem! Bus free!" :)

#1 - Trek through the Jungle

I'm wondering if we all have some instinct desire to trek through the jungle - seek out beauty, and "cheat" danger, if you will, on occasion - or if it's just me.. :)

My trip to Malaysia started with a full week of trekking through the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur. Interviewing for a consulting job in the city, drivers chauffeured me to and from the office from which one could marvel at the world's tallest twin towers, and look down upon perhaps one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Once I was able to finally get out of my hotel room (where I worked on assignments and fought jet lag all week!), it was amazing to see the juxtaposition of Malaysian women wearing head-coverings to others wearing miniskirts and heels so high even I couldn't pull them off. What should I wear? Hmm..

After the interviews finished (I'll hear back in April), my mother arrived for a bit of mother-daughter travel around the region. It's amazing how things work out sometimes.. she on sabbatical and I en route between interviews and the yoga course. Without sounding too cheesy, I'd like to affirm the once-in-a-lifetime nature of this particular trip!

After trekking a bit around the city and its environs, my mother and I hopped a plane over to Kota Kinabalu - the capital city of the region of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. How could we resist? One of the world's largest biodiversity hotspots, the Lonely Planet guide said this "land of the wind"[...] "proves that there is a god." After getting a bit discombobulated in the the "lost world," we made it out (by car - yes I drove on the left) to Mt. Kinabalu for a bit of island hopping and true jungle trekking. Although we couldn't find the world's largest flower (said to take 15 months to germinate and only 1 week in bloom), we met creatures including bright centipedes, tropical mushrooms, and pretty little butterflies along the "trail".. i have to say, if you ever get the chance to visit borneo, do, and stay a long, long while! Oh.. and they drive on the left side over here...

Oops! One last stop before leaving the "jungles" of Malaysia - Penang! Penang is famous for its street food and UNESCO World Heritage site of Georgetown. Although I could probably write pages and pages about the FOOD and city, I just have to point out the incredible view... again the interesting juxtaposition of conservative and liberal dress (especially at the beach)... and the amazing religious sites - Malaysia is rich with Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian heritage.. and, oh, yes we did get attacked by a family of monkeys..

.. and that's all I have to say about that.. we shall see if this is ta ta for now or arrivederci dear Malaysia!