NepalBlogSlideshow! I write this blog, now three months after my return from Nepal. I have been thinking, thinking “what to write?”
The trip was huge. It was a big step for me—a big undertaking—and an awful lot happened. How to begin??
These things felt most important to me:
• A group of strong women, eager to push their own boundaries, supportive of each other, with the courage to expose their vulnerabilities.
• The itinerary didn’t go as planned in any way—we helicoptered out. Pushing physical boundaries.
• Magic of the Sherpa Buddhist culture. Being so cared for, so seen in our divine goodness. Buddhist puja ceremonies in monasteries, monks, stupas, big mountains, gentle Sherpa staff.
• Living day to day with very little, immersed in nature, no roads, villages perched on sides of hills connected by trails. (Cell phones, however, were there!)
• Each woman’s story unfolded inside her, each woman was given what she needed to push into new territory of her own psyche, and came back different in mysterious ways.
Here are some comments from some of the women, upon their return:
Elana, U.S.A. Something happened on the trek that was magical without being fantastical or explosive. There were no fireworks, just a slow settling into a deeper part of me that is much more in synch with what I came here on the planet to do and be. There is less chatter in my brain convincing myself to think or do a certain way, and an accepting silence that is, oh yes, settling. I stand for myself with more clarity. I think this in part due to the intentions set at the beginning of the journey, in part due to the incredibly supportive leaders and participants who listened intently with open hearts and stood for my intentions with me. And of course, the magic that occurred is also due in large part to nature and the challenges it posed that forced us all to be more in harmony with the natural rhythm of the earth.Diana, B.C. Canada. There is a new quietness within that is not yet permanent but well on its way to being so. There is a new ‘knowing’ that is coming from within rather than from something outside of me as I have experienced it in the past.
For me, a major outcome of the work we did in Nepal was to realize that CONNECTION was what my life is to be about. Connection to myself, to others and to Life/Spirit in a way that was generative of evolution for the highest good of all. The modeling of the Nepali Buddhists’ beautiful approach to life remains with me. The metaphor of stepping into the unknown that you presented to us also remains and influences me. This piece is about a new connection to Life/Spirit.
Fatin, U.K. WOW I was actually there. It wasn't a dream . . . Wonderful times, priceless memories, lovely people and true sisterhood. Simply: an experience of a life time . . . and may I humbly also say: expect miracles after this trip.
Jen, U.S.A. I woke up. Everything is different.
I feel great gratitude to everyone on this trip, to the heart and strength everyone brought.
I too have been changed.