By bornThis photo reminds me of my trip to India in 2018. This story was written with the help of #exxo!
The sultry Indian air wrapped around us, a vibrant tapestry of sounds and colors, as Jogi Bhagat, the yoga teacher from Austin, led us through bustling streets that hummed with the spirit of Delhi. Each step was a dance with the unknown. His roots ran deep into this land, and with every tale that slipped from his lips, I felt the echoes of a diplomat turned guide, unveiling his world with the pride of retirement's second act.
Our journey wove through the rich history of Delhi, the royal demeanor of Jaipur, and the majestic awe of the Taj Mahal. The climax of our odyssey unfolded at Sivananda Ashram, nestled in the spiritual haven of Rishikesh, during the festive embrace of Christmas and New Year's.
The ashram’s international gathering buzzed with over a hundred souls, a mosaic of global unity. Lectures by swamis steeped in ancient wisdom intrigued us, and their chants were a bridge between realms. "Ram," the sacred vibration, began its journey within me. It felt like an endless mantra, stretching far beyond my comfort, until I plunged into the unexpected—a psychedelic clarity, devoid of visions yet vibrant with connection.
In the aftermath, silence cradled our collective vibration, an invisible thread weaving through each of us. We sat, a congregation bonded not by spoken words, but by the shared hum of existence. We were disparate stories, lives, and dreams, yet nothing separated us. In that silent, resonating moment, stripped of our worldly skins, we were simply "one."
I am reminded of this because of seeing pictures from Jogi’s current trip to Nepal and Kathmandu. One of my former travel mates is on that trip with him again, and I am yearning to be there. I want to go and adventure through space, time, and our collective soul again!