1 & 2 March 2025
These last two days felt like life had been placed on pause—in the most nourishing way. I’ve completely lost track of what day of the week it is, and somehow, that feels just right.
Each morning unfolds gently: yoga, breakfast, chai. The chai here is still too sweet for me, but after a few friendly reminders, the kitchen boys now make mine with a little extra tea and a little less sugar. A small victory, but a satisfying one!
This morning, we listened to Coni, our Swedish friend, share stories of his adventures across India. With over 15 years of experience traveling the country, he has endless recommendations for off-the-beaten-path yoga schools and magical places that most tourists never find. His stories stirred my wanderlust and planted seeds of possibility for the months ahead.
The dining hall mural continues to come alive with each brushstroke. Lisa and I spent hours painting today, completely lost in the meditative rhythm of it all. It’s becoming something special—colorful, joyful, full of character. Even if the locals don’t quite understand the concept, we hope the energy of it makes them smile.
Lunch is always a bit of a surprise. The food here is nourishing and organic, though repetitive at times. We’ve grown to appreciate the curd and chapatis, and when there’s something like pumpkin or potato added in, it feels like a festival. But I do miss eggs. And salads. And pasta. There’s a quiet craving for something familiar.
In the afternoon, the three of us took a walk through the village. Coni led us to a small shop that sold kachoris—fried dough pockets filled with spicy dal. Paired with a little curd and followed by a milk cake, it was just what we needed. Simple. Delicious. Perfect.
He then showed us the local gaushala (cow shelter), and we watched the sun set behind the trees, casting golden light over the dusty paths. It was peaceful in a way that words can’t quite capture.
Back at the ashram, I dove into my blog again, fine-tuning the design and uploading my stories. Technology is not my strong suit, but with the help of friends and a lot of patience, it’s slowly coming together.
I also joined Worldpackers—finally! Finding volunteer opportunities on my own had been a frustrating maze, but this platform opens up so many new possibilities. I’ve already begun researching options for Malaysia, and for the first time in weeks, I feel truly excited about the next leg of this journey.
The road ahead may still be uncertain, but tonight, I’m holding onto the joy of these small, sacred days—the chai, the paint, the laughter, the sunsets, the snacks. This is where the magic lives.
