Road To Mysore

Today was our the last day of our meditation class. I'm sad it's over. I really enjoyed the way Narasima explained everything. He makes it very simple and understandable. He never tries to use big words to try impress us. He is a simple and humble man. I think that's what makes him incredible. In contrast, a lot of western yoga teachers like to talk big, act like they're enlightened and pretend they're humble but you can see through them...full of BS. He is a rare man, full of knowledge and never selfish.

Our class was suppose to end at 10AM but we all kept asking him questions...trying to squeeze every bit of wisdom. At some point you realize that it would take a lifetime to achieve that. He told us that in 15 days we would have a follow up/check up class. From here on in, it's up to use to maintain a daily meditation practice...20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. I'm confident I could do it.

Last night I went to Elena's for dinner. I arrived an hour early so I could help and watch her make the pasta sauce. Ever since Gabriele made pasta for me last year, I've been obsesed with pasta. What can I say...these Italians, when it comes to pasta...they're amazing. I help her cut the vegetable and watched diligently. I can't believe how simple it was. She gave me a few tips on how to enhance the flavor of the meal. I told her, "I can do this." She replied with her Italian accent (love that accent by the way), "Of course you can!!!" I stuffed myself last night...yummm...very simple but amazing. There is nothing like a homemade Italian meal.

Jillian told me during dinner last night, "Your like a food magnet. Where there is good food, your there." I smile but couldn't say anything...it was true.

The past few days, I've been regularly walking around the lake. I noticed that there are more birds and a larger variety. I particularly like the eagles that glide by so effortless. On those long walks, I've reflected on what I really want to do with my life. When I first came to Mysore, I promised myself that I would come every year for the next five years. Next year will be my 5th year and as much as I would like to come every year for the rest of my life, there is more out there that I want to experience.

Recently, I've been spending a lot of time with various Europeans...they facinate me. My trip to Rome this year was my first trip to Europe...I loved it and want more. I know at some point I want to spend a substantial time in Europe the way I spend time here Mysore. Not just travelling around but staying in a city for 3 to 6 months at a time. I spoke to Elena about it last night. See gave me some insights. I know it won't happen next year because it's still Mysore in 2008 but in the next 2 to 3 years, I want head to Europe and stay there indefinitely. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do. All I know is that at some point, I'm going to say, "f@#k it, Europe here I come." Pick up whatever odd job I can get, move from one country to another, learn one language after another and immerse myself. I know it can be done. I need find the courage to do it. I also need to figure out what I need to give up/let go to make it happen...Europe 2009!!!