The Ashram

I have wanted to experience an Ashram since Eat, Pray, Love and was excited to be going to one. It's known as the pink ashram and as we approached on our boat from Alleppey you could see the large pepto bismal coloured high rises far off in the distance. I had done my research and knew that the ashram was home to some 2000 people but I still wasn't sure what to expect. Rachel, Morgane and I arrived and were given our room, with mattresses on the floor and an en suite shower. It was simple and very modest but comfortable and really all we needed. All meals are free at the ashram but they also have canteens if you want to buy other food. It's a strictly vegtarian ashram but the food was delicious so it didn't matter too much. Last night I had a vegan banana cake with cashews and it was so delicious! To eat you grab a metal dish for your meals, rinse it and line up to have the food plopped into your plate, which they often did. I almost lost my dish in a big pot of watery rice a few times from the force of it. I wasn't sure how I felt about the ashram.....the other girls didn't feel it but I remained unsure. The food was good, there were many friendly people and the temple was beautiful and very soothing. I woke up early my first morning and went to yoga. It was great to be stretching again. Others felt a little confined but I just didn't know what to do with myself. Today after the girls left I began to appreciate to simpleness of life here. I'm glad to be leaving and continuing my path but the community feel and ease of routine must be very appealing for people searching for something. I didn't feel trapped except by the limitations set by others. I learned that I need to do what makes me happy, I lost sight of this a bit and in turn began to feel really stressed, negative, and unhappy. After only a few hours of freedom of these "ties" I already feel back to myself. My smile has returned and I am beginning to breathe deeper. A short stay in the ashram is all I needed, after all I'm not on a spiritual journey but for an experience. I have left my negativity behind and am already seeing India with brighter eyes. A lesson learned and gained.

Now off to bigger and better things. I'm shedding the old skin and starting out with a fresh perspective and a positive outlook! Here I go!