Living and Learning in Amritapuri (Dec 8-13, 2015)

Tai Chi

I’m still dragging. I know part of it is from the heat and part is from having a cold, but I’ve realized that the Tai Chi I am doing is probably the main culprit. I believe, and my Tai Chi teacher confirmed, that the process is releasing toxins that need to move through and out of my body. My body is softening and I can move in ways that I couldn’t do two weeks ago. Tai Chi is meditative and it is allowing me to find that part of myself again.  The last two times I’ve gone to meditations with Amma, I have slipped into a meditative state.  My mind is so active that I haven’t had that experience for many years.  I am so excited!

Chennai

Amma sent rescue workers to Chennai when the flooding first happened. Yesterday there were signs around the ashram asking western residents and visitors to  go to Chennai to help with the clean-up effort. Forty left for Chennai last night and I heard that more may go today.

Nature

I share my room with this friend  (Hold cursor over pictures to see captions; click on photos to enlarge them.)

On the ceiling

India- on the wall

One day I saw this creature cross the path in front of me. I couldn’t believe the speed it was moving. It certainly wasn’t a worm and I didn’t think a centipede could move that fast. Turns out it was a millipede, or at least that is what I was told.

Among the things I’ve been dealing with this year are termites. That’s not surprising since this is the tropics. Actually, I’m a bit surprised that I’ve had wood furniture for this long without them. Last week, Akshay removed the wood in the shelves above my window. That stopped the droppings that were forming below the shelves so I’m hoping it solved the problem.

Earlier this year I researched and posted information about a variety of ‘pests’, e.g. slugs, ants, and aphids. I learned so much through that process and my respect for those creatures really increased. I think I will write one on termites.  I’m very eager to learn more about them.

Play Preparation

I’ve been to several of the play rehearsals. I love it as much as I always do. Chaitanya asks me to edit the script once she finishes it so I  know what the story is about but to see it move from words on paper to a play that comes alive always feels miraculous. The music, acting, props, costumes, etc. are so good.

Jani and Sumati have been working on the costumes night and day. I’m beginning to help but am not doing nearly as much as they are.  As I feel better I hope to help more.

Sumati

Sheep costumes children will wear

Patience or lack thereof

I had very poor internet connection for the last four days. It has been very frustrating and I haven’t been very patient about it. Yesterday I started the process of getting a new internet stick.  (To get cell phone SIM cards and internet sticks you have to have copies of passports, visas, passport photos, fill out applications, and wait through many lines.  It is a test of patience in and of itself.) I was able to pick up the new stick and activate it a few minutes ago.  So far it feels like SUCCESS.  If so, you will more probably hear from me more often!

Sreejit

This morning I bought cinnamon rolls and took them to the place where Sreejit cooks.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SREEJIT!

To see the earlier posts in this series go to: https://livinglearningandlettinggo.wordpress.com/india/