Traveling to India for the first time can feel chaotic - the dust, the dirt, the noise, the size, the congestion, the honking, the poverty, animals roaming freely, frequent power outages, difficult land travel with bumpy, windy unpaved roads without lanes or lights, the fact that everything seems negotiable, yet not knowing what is fair. Cultural differences and language barriers can all feel overwhelming, frustrating, disappointing and at times heart breaking. And if you’re like many, your trip to India for yoga training or even a spiritual awakening can be equally challenging in searching for spiritual yoga teachers with integrity.
If you are journeying to India to deepen your yoga practice, there is no better place to go than to the source. But, how do you find and connect with the calm yogi amidst perceived chaos? This is the true practice.
Initially I came to India to complete a 500-Hour Yoga and Reiki Certification at Kailash Tribal School of Holistic Healing. My scheduled 3-months turned into 9-months of travel and study. I found it to be an incredible place to journey inward, engage in self-study, experience healing, spiritual awakenings and personal transformations. Upon first experience to India, because of the natural beauty and less congestion, Kerala, GOA, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh/Leh can all be an easier entry and first experience into India. However, most people fly through Delhi; which is everything listed above. Depending upon your personal background, Rishikesh, a Holy Pilgrimage location, and a mecca for Yoga/Meditation can also be overwhelming and a culture shock, hard to process or accept.
To get the most out of a yoga retreat or a trip to India to study yoga keep in mind the lessons I’ve learned to maximize your experience.
Be Realistic. On your journey to India, realize that you are traveling to a developing country. Rather than being frustrated with the lack of infrastructure, education, cleanliness, and how differently things are done, or how substandard it all feels, instead be realistic and practice compassion. You don’t know, what you don’t know. If someone has never traveled outside of their country, how would someone even know the cultural differences or have a comparison? Trust that everyone is doing their best, based on their knowledge, ability and skills.
Drop Expectations. Expectations are based on the past and a belief that is focused on the future. The practice of yoga is to stay present. When we stay in the present moment, we stay in reality and connect to what is real. We learn to have a mental attitude that accepts all moments whatever they may be with equanimity and openness. Drop all your expectations, hopes, dreams, wishes, and fantasies. Trust that if you are open, receptive, mindfully in the present moment and engage in honest self-study, you will receive exactly what you need.
Practice Patience. What is important, is how you behave while waiting for what you think you want or feel that you need. On the mat we know that with practice, patience and acceptance of limitations, what may once seem impossible becomes possible and over time even easy. The opposite of patience is frustration. We choose how we respond to challenging situations, people and experiences. As things run slower and less smooth, through patience empower yourself to choose graceful, kind, sophisticated and spiritual behaviour.
Self Study. Most importantly, engage in self-study and realize thy self. This is yoga. Check your judgements and be aware of your cultural and social conditioning, biases and ignorance. Your true nature is fearless, peaceful and joyful. What happens on the outside is all external noise. It is not about advanced postures, but flexibility, openness in mind, strength in character and a journey inward back to the true self. Your ability to stay calm in the midst of the “chaos” and noise is an indication of your yoga practice. Stay calm, aware, awake and always carry on in your spiritual yoga journey. There is no better place to practice than in India.
If you’re ready to take a Sacred Soul Journey and Adventure to India, join me on my next Yoga, Meditation and Holistic Healing Retreat.
To stay connected, updated on our upcoming Sacred Soul Journeys and for all things related to Soul Inspiration, Soul Travel and Soul Adventures:
please visit us at www.hanaberlinretreats.com
https://instagram.com/hanaberlinretreats/
https://www.facebook.com/HanaBerlinRetreatsSacredSoulJourneysandAdventures?fref=ts