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We recognize each other immediately by our bright purple banners from our trip guides. But we KNOW one another immediately by heart. We are yogis. We practice awareness and conscious union with each in breath and out breath. We smile and connect immediately, as brothers and sisters, and begin caring for one another in simple compassionate ways.

We share food and shelter immediately together along with pillows, blankets and power bars. Together we struggle through the arduous rigors of modern day travel. Infinitely long lines, intolerable searches, forty pound packs and long walks to the next gate. Delayed planes, crying children, and yes, we are all hungry.

We stumble along the journey together offer encouragement and support and make sure no one is left behind. Where is that termina…Are we lost or just wandering. We make critical decisions together on which direction to take.

There is simply no “I” here anymore, it is all “we” moving forward. There is strength in numbers, and though we may seem like many, we know we are truly one, and therein lies our real strength.

Om Namo baghavate vasudavaya.
The world is truely one family.

We sit facing East, on the banks of the great Ganges for morning prayers. The sun slowly rises and my heart explodes into its essence. I am scattered like a thousand drops of sunlight dancing on the water, I drown in a sea of love. It’s the only language spoken here. Hindis Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sufis and so on. We pray in the language of love and taste it’s salty sweetness as it flows from our hearts into the great river of life.

Namaste,
Jude

Traveling in the bus in India is a constant adventure full of new sights, sounds, smells and all manner if sensory experience. Everyone drives here by the grace of God alone. No stop signs, lights, etc. You just blow the horn which means “get out of the way or I’ll run over you.” They merge into little roundabouts. Camels, oxen, bicycles, motorcycles, horses, buses. If it moves it’s in the stream of traffic carrying everyone it could possible hold.

Now on a 12 hour bus ride there will have to be multiple stops to accommodate the many needs to our group. Bathrooms are practically non- existent and still nature calls. We take on the local habits and pee roadside. What a spectacle we are. Women all in rows, we use our shawls, blankets etc., to provide some sense of modesty for one another.

Somehow it is incredibly freeing to be so close to the natural world. I’m reminded to Dr. Olyes’ prescription for good health written in the 1900’s-
“Eat when you’re hungry, sleep when you are tired, when nature calls answer, and NEVER think of anything else when making love.”

Here’s to your good health!
Namaste,
Jude

Luck is something that occurs to us by chance not necessarily something we do. It just happens, it is bestowed upon us for no apparent reason, just like the grace of God.

The night before I left on my journey to India I played cards with some friends. One of them happened to ask the question “Do you feel lucky? ” Of course he meant will the cards be in my favor, but that simple question stuck in my head, like a song loop playing over and over. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

It became my meditation for the evening and I began to contemplate WHAT is it exactly that makes me feel soooo lucky. What makes me answer YES! What, By the grace of God and through no doing of my own, is responsible for the success of a life well lived?

It is the simple gift of friendship. I’ve received so many calls, texts, emails this week from all of you wishing me well and I am so touched by your caring and loving kindness.

Friendship is a Divine gift to one another, an expression of our faith in the goodness of our human nature. It asks nothing and gives everything. It loves unconditionally and encourages and supports us all on our life’s journey.
Do you feel lucky?

Namaste
Judy