We’ve arrived in Rishikesh.. the yoga capital of the world. After a short time in Pondy we decided that we were tired of traveling and wanted to settle down in 1 area for a little bit. It took us 16 hrs to get here.. and we’re incredibly happy that we did. We just happened to stumble upon the International Yoga Festival. How incredibly lucky!! This is exactly what I wanted from our trip to India.. a mix of volunteering, tourism and if we were lucky, a dose of spiritualism. Until now, our spirtual journey has consisted of visiting the occasional mandir and taking a few yoga classes. This morning we signed up for 4 days of lectures and classes. Our day will start at 6:30 with an hour of yoga, followed by breakfast. From 11-12:30 there are various yoga lectures you can attend. Following that, lunch. After lunch, we can choose from 3 different yoga classes. After the second yoga class, there’s a daily aarti ceremony on the Ganges. Then dinner and another talk from the spiritual leaders. We’ll do this from the 4th until the 8th. On the 8th we’re planning on moving into the Parmarth Niketon Ashram and staying there until the 20th. The ashram is totally full right now because of the festival so we’re staying nearby at a really basic hotel ($10/night) until the festival is over.
You always hear and read about “enjoying the moment” and “being in the now”. As Brian and I walked over the Ram Jhula bridge today, looking down at the Ganges, I couldn’t help but feel content. Where else would I want to be right now? I know it’s sappy.. but I’ve experienced some truly beautiful moments during this trip.
