Yep, all the white clothing is rolled up in plastic bags for sitting in the temples. The temple slippers have been bought. The little stuff for the kids we meet along the way. The portable meditation bench, borrowed, centers the big bag, nestled in my sleeping bag. The mosquito net, the fancy water filter, the digestive aids, the several pouches to hold passport, copies of passport (with special VISA for India), credit card, cash (mostly in small bills), nuts, dried fruit, little packets of cocoa, coffee, anti-bacterial wipes. On and on. All the instructions have been followed. We even snagged International Major Medical Insurance at the last minute just in case. After all, we’re both 70 years old! Two crones galavanting through ancient spirituality.
Flight out from Indianapolis at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow. Seattle overnight. Brother-in-law John picks me up. To see 94-year-old, recently widowed Mom and sisters on Saturday, before Claudia picks me up for dinner and the Red Lion airport hotel for an early start on Sunday, 6:30 a.m., to Thailand with a stop in South Korea.
Ten days in and around Chiang Mai, Thailand. Bangkok, briefly. Then three weeks touring temples in India and Nepal. Then back to Thailand, two weeks in special Vipassna retreat. Then one more week decompressing. All with a group of Buddhist meditators.
We just added that last week to our trip, so we won’t return to Seattle until March 29. Geez! I can feel myself preparing. I’ve been feeling myself preparing for two months now. It’s astonishing how the unconscious takes over, absorbs it all, mulls it about, stirs, floods, reduces, crystalizes — into a new state of consciousness of which I am not yet aware but can feel settling, into my bones.
Who will I be, on return? I have no idea.
So it’s sayonara, adios, later, man! until further notice. No posts while gone.
And if you didn’t see this sudden switcheroo the first time I talked about it, here you go:
Alert to Reader: “Do what you’re most afraid of!” calls me once again, one week from today.
7 thoughts on “Well, folks, it’s “sayonara,” “adios,” “later, man!” until approximately March 29th . . .”
Hi Ann! Here’s wishing you blessings ‘n blissings ‘n marvelous experiences. Have a FABULOUS time! And while you’re at it may you “dwell in divine nonchalance.” (quote from the Pleiadians). Gillian
Have a wonderful trip, Ann!
India is incredible.
Do be careful too, extreme poverty drives some people to very cunning and ruthless tourist traps.
I wonder which holy places and monasteries you will visit. Bodhgaya? Varanasi
If you have a chance to meet HH Karmapa, I hope you will
And please light a canr my siste recently died, and can no longer vistit as she was.
Phone wouldn’t let me correct or delete or add to my other comment.. very strange
Jai Ann! Sounds like an incredible journey! Please.. oh.. please.. take LOTS of photos for your blog when you return! ..And have a most super-special time..
Wow… what an incredible experience you will have! I´m jealous!!
Saw this article (part II) and wondered about your adventure. Perhaps your travels will take you here. http://permaculturenews.org/2013/02/20/nepal-an-opportunity-for-regeneration-part-ii/#more-9323
Wow! Great Adventure awaits! This is such a wonderful opportunity. I am very sorry to have heard about it just today! Mar 25th. as I have wonderful friends in India, former Taliesin Apprentices, who you might have met. You may still wish to meet them when you return as they are very active in rebuilding and transforming work. Best wishes from Suzi and I. We know you are well equipped in heart and mind for this journey. We look forward to hearing about this journey. Namaste!