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As a woman in the mela camp I think I can speak not only for myself, but all of my sisters, about our men. We are so grateful for their presence. We out number them almost three to one which makes us even more appreciative. They are rare jewels.

When women are not allowed to leave our camp we are requested to have at least one of the men from our camp to accompany us. They graciously accompany us with good humor, respect, and compassionate understanding of our needs. They are patient and kind and we simply could not function without them.

In addition to our mela group men, I’m also grateful for the Indian men that travel with us as our guides. They translate, help us count our rupees and remind us it’s not worth bargaining over a few cents. They tolerate our shopping much better than most American men and are always looking out for us. Without them this trip would simply not be possible for us. Through their protection, we are afforded access to places many Indian women would not be able to go.

So if any of you sisters have one of those “few good men” in your life comment/brag back about him below. He is a rare jewel!

Namaste Jude

I feel compelled at this point to offer much Metta to my spiritual help desk support Anna Hamil. Without her assistance I would not be able to share this experience with you as it unfolds.

Pictures are not able to be downloaded now while in India, there just isn’t enough juice to send them but I have many to add later. I can catch wifi like prayers in the wind passing thru for only a moment or two at a time. Please be tolerant of spelling, grammar, etc., there isn’t time for corrections.

Anna not only provides excellent IT support to me but has long been one of my soul sisters who has sat with me thru heaven and hell the past 13 years. Isn’t it wonderful that when we get hung up on our souls journey we can just call our spiritual help desk person/ friend and get re-booted or re-directed onto the right path.

Leave a comment and let Anna know how much we appreciate her selfless service to this spiritual pilgrimage. Please tell us your own spiritual help desk story. You may just inspire someone else to do the same.

Namaste from the Kumba Mela

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