Learning to Breathe

Hello Friends and Family!

After settling into Rishikesh with a much needed roof top group meeting, we all decided that Stacy's idea for a solo day for our first free day in Rishikesh was a grand plan. The given space left us with the opportunity to re-visit or discover our intention or overall purpose and desire to why we are here in India. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle bustle of a place like this, but it's even easier to lose awareness of where we actually are. We find ourselves pinpointing problems in our group dynamics or focusing on food for the majority of the day, forgetting the potential depth we could be delving into if we simply melted expectation away.Our solo days varied from cafe journal time, river side sitting, massages, exploring, and the tastiness of fine dining. There is nothing better than a date with yourself and a simple realization of why I am here through sipping on a flavorful, nothing but perfect cup of Masala Chai.
We were then ready to soak up the sun with some wet and wild rafting fun! We spent the following day with the sun kissing our skin as we laughed and screamed folding in and out of the rapids. As we jumped off rafts and splashed in the water of the Ganges river we simultaneously "washed away our sins" as many believers in India would say. We ate a delicious lunch along the riverside and got to know our charming rafting guides. We spent the next day settling and preparing for the following week which we spent at the Phool Chatti Ashram. With little idea of what to expect we were all excited to gain more yoga and meditation experience. Although we all as individuals got something different from the reatreat, I felt it was an excellent time and place for self reflection, and realization of where we all personally stand in terms of discipline while living " The Ashram life". The calming energy melted into our skin and relaxed our minds.

Bodies clutter and stabilize on warm cement
Stretching and creaking our limbs as we bend from side to side
The moon is out with the evening day light and she is smiling big
Her glow wrapping around our heads as we fold them down against our knees
Breathe in, Breathe out
Our feet are planted firmly against sticky mats as we teeter from side to side attempting to find balance and maintain it for a steady stand
Breathe in, Breathe out
Rooftop yoga. A picturesque view. The Ganges river rages and rushes right before our eyes as its sounds pounds and soothes every movement.
The mountains caress each other as they layer over, under, and beyond the water and sky
Stretch up up up, crown to the tip of the sleepy sun, our fingertips grazing the moons energetic crescent
Breathe in, Breathe out.

We started our day at 5:30 am with meditation. The rest of the time was spent chanting, doing breathing exercises, netty pot cleansing, rooftop yoga, contemplative walks (which were absolutely beautiful along the river, and up to the waterfalls), free time, more yoga, temple prayers, fire ceremonies, simple but delicious vegetarian eating and ending our day at 9:00 O'clock with guided mediation. All meals were silent, and everyday was spent in silence until after lunch to provide the opportunity for more inner reflection, and self meditation. The schedule was intimidating at first, but the more one engaged the easier it got. Group members were in and out of sickness but did their best to dive into what they could. Overall it was a very powerful experience, and an absolutely gorgeous place. We have all left with a handful of songs and chants that will probably stick like glue to the corner of our minds for a long time. Leaving the Ashram we were quickly and somewhat violently thrown back into the real world with an hour and a half ride to the bus station. It was loud, crowded, and overwhelming after such a peaceful set of days. Luckily Alex and Laura were able to quickly find transportation to Chandigarh. We settled into a 6 and a half hour bus ride, and upon arrival, though sleepy and delirious Devon and Rozzi found us a place to stay ten minutes after stepping off of the bus. With that said, we are here safe and well for today and tomorrow (Which is lovely Sarah's 18th Birthday! My beautiful girl all grown up:) ) We are then headed to Amritsar!
Missing you all and sending our best from India.
Namaste
Elaynna

P.S. Sharing Sarah's Birthday is my little brother keirynn. So, Happy 6th Birthday buddy!!! Your big sister loves you to bits and pieces.