It's a Brand New Day!
Together We Start this Way
Each and Every Day
Blessed to meet Shane in Nepal to share a journey with him in the hills. With only two weeks together, cycling stayed the main means of moving.
From Kathmandu to Pokhara off the main highway brought rough roads, mountain people, giant bamboo swings, camping and fire cooking and of course was powered by the Nepali khana of dal baht and chia.
Looking forward to what Shane puts together with the video and pictures that were recorded!
It is always great to share a brand new day with you Shaner!:)
This is a haiku
But not just any haiku
By light of the moon
Sitting on the rooftop of a lovely families home in the theri of Nepal the full moon offered light to the outline of the coconut trees and surrounding homes and to the lined page of the notebook to place this haiku among the others.
West to East Highway
Follow the Route of the Sun
Blinded than Guided
Cycling east across the theri on the west to east highway of Nepal to reach the border into West Bengal.
Each early morning start brought the glare of the sunrise and each afternoon/evening was accompanied by the guidance of the setting sun and my shadow riding alongside.
"Keep an eye on me"
Sunset joins the light blue sky
"Of course," says the moon
While heading across the west to east highway of Nepal the afternoon was growing into evening.
Feeling a bit discouraged by being Ta Ta'ed and laughed out of the last village I looked to the faint moon to give me company in the search for somewhere to stay. Shortly after, I went by many women out in front of their homes. Circling back and approaching the women I asked in the best Nepali that I could about staying in one of their homes. Without any confusion or hesitation I was invited in and made to feel a part of the community.
Blessed by the moon
Blessed by the universe
Life is like colors
Is there beauty in the blend?
Of changing/sharing culture....
Spending about two weeks together in a small Nepali village where Connor is serving in the Peace Corps the beauty of this relationship still holds its roots just the same. I was blessed to be welcomed into Connor's host families' home and into the community. Within the two short weeks Connor and I had much time to talk about our views on things from experiences and our own perspectives. Since our time in Plattsburgh together Connor has always opened my eyes to different ways of seeing things. His excitement and level focus on the good of technology and change allows me to rethink these things that I had perceived as going in a negative direction. For example, the great opportunity that technology presents if we utilize it wisely and within our means of resources. As well as the beauty that comes with globalization and the mixing of the many colors of the many cultures.
These distinguishing thoughts from my own are so valuable and appreciated.
Thank you Connor for sharing your home and your thoughts, passion and time with me:)
"How do you feel here?"
Riding beside hill cart tracks
"Bindas," I respond.
Many people ask us in this way..."how do you feel here?" while we are traveling in their town, city, country. Cycling up from Siliguri to Kurseong in West Bengal there is a road named Hill Cart Road that follows the heritage site of the once used Darjeeling Himalayan Railroad (DHR). There is another main highway route now to reach Kurseong in which the buses, trucks and many of the cars decide to take leaving Hill Cart Road a steady, pleasant climb in the jungle through small villages and empty roads.
The only way I could think to explain the feeling this gave me was through the slang word "bindas**" meaning somewhat of on a cloud.
Downhill through the towns
"Wee!" She yelled as I passed by
Both enjoy the ride
Going with "what is"
May we all be free to be
The way we know best
Imagine if each person were to act in line with their heart, with wisdom in their thoughts and through their speech. We each have this ability and opportunity each moment. Once we realize this by becoming aware of the habits of the mind it becomes easier to hear and listen to the truth of the heart in how to act and be. When we have this awareness there is no need to be frightened of straying from "what is" as we now have the strength of the heart and wisdom of the mind.
Here's an example.... while in Pokhara (second main city of Nepal) having dinner with a family we began talking about the differences of rural life to city life. As many things were discussed and reflected upon one stuck out very much. The father whom grew up in a small village above Pokhara talked of how any arguments in the village were stopped and reconciled before becoming physical. Then he compared to the cities where many fights become physical with no interference from those around, rather becoming a bystander. Whether this is totally true or not the next part is what to listen to... He said while witnessing these fights in the cities and seeing all those standing and watching a feeling of sadness overcame him. A feeling to act came through but was put to a halt by "what is" rather than listening to the truth speaking from the heart and the wisdom of the mind.
We each experience these situations everyday that bring about conflicts within the mind if we do not act (action or non-action) along with our true senses. These senses are always present but sometimes are found barried under the habits of the mind to follow the 'norm.'
We don't have to fear straying from the 'norm,' from how things are but rather just being one's true self.
May we each break free and allow ourselves to be in the way that we know best.
