Okay, so I acknowledge that I am skipping some steps here. I know that I have written nothing about the Vipassana, but you know what? I think that it is silly to try to explain to others why an experience is so valuable and life or perspective changing. I think the most we can do is just acknowledge that it was powerful and encourage others to give it a try. So there it is, do a Vipassana retreat. Patiently and persistently, you are bound to be successful.
I think the things worth blogging about are the ones that give you good stories. Vipassana stories involve a lot of “so I was sitting in silence during the 8th hour of meditation on the 9th day and I realized, there IS sensation in the 3rd finger on my left hand!” Not so entertaining. I will say, though, that Rajisthan is crazy and Peacocks make the weirdest noises on the planet.
Vipassana led to a couple of glorious days at Tony’s guest house in Jaipur with my meditation family, a missed train which led to a traditional Rajisthani wedding parade (marching band and dancing horses!), and a caught train led to a giant Shiva statue and Indian children touching my feet in Haridwar. All of this was a lifetime ago, and that’s all the detail you’re gonna get unless you ask me personally.
Haridwar led to Rishikesh and the sceeeeeene. I felt like I was back on Phish tour. Dreadies and drum circles, bidis and chillums. And back again with Megan and her motivation to go into the wild.