1. So I decided to go to Nepal
I enrolled in a Yoga Teaching course. I didn’t know much about Yoga, I was extremely out of shape, body in so much pain I couldn’t even lay on the floor without spasms and back pain-there were moments that I wanted to give up-there were moments when I asked myself WTF are you doing!? I was a real mess inside and out. The thing is I knew that before I left but I failed to do anything about it I had four Gurus Raj, Atman, Sudan and Ram and although they could see for themselves the condition that I was in, they pushed me to reach beyond myself and for that I am forever grateful.
2. 45 Days At the Himalayan Yoga Academy
Situated in a village called Raniban. There I was immersed in Napalese life, culture and everyday joy and struggles of everyday people. I watched them tend their animals, their gardens I was there for festivals, birthdays and religious holidays I ate the same simple meals that they ate. They start the day with each household ringing a bell of thanks and luck for the day, collectively the people go for a nice walk, have breakfast then they work 12-14 hour days then end it again with the ringing of the bells giving thanks once again. Throughout the day or night people are always giving thanks be it on the roof at a makeshift temple, or alleyway they are a grateful, happy, joyous and hardworking people.
3. Suyog and his Mama
The Academy’s Director is a Young man in his early twenties, his father passed away at the young age of 50 of Covid–he his mother and sisters decided to honor his life work and continue on for him-He can get you anything and get you anywhere you want to go, he’s like a human App. Need this? No worries I got it, No worries I’ll get it, No worries I will find out and he does. His Mama cooks, cleans, and took care of us, and she is crazy about Tik-Tok- Although I was offered to go to Pokara I declined my purpose was not for vacationing I wanted to keep myself dedicated to healing my body mind and soul.
4.Went hiking with the Guru’s
We drove three hours out of town, to a beautiful area called Markhu we had beautiful skies, fresh air and moments of outdoor Yoga and meditation, we tromped across fields, narrow clay roads, bouncy bridges and after four long hours made it to a breathtaking waterfall- The Guru’s took turns babysitting me to get up that never ending mountain–Sudan who does trek tours in the actual Himalayans asked, So how do you feel? I said I feel like I’m dying. he says nooooo I take people older than you on longer hikes for days you are fine its just a small hill, he said smiling—my response – nod my head, wheeze and gasp of breath. I was the last one to the waterfall. Then almost immediately hiked back down. We ended up in a downpour unable to get the van unstuck we hiked back down to the village hotel, they and the Gurus fed us and gave us rooms for the night. The hotel was called New Pareli Guest House if you can find that place you will not be disappointed with the surrounding beauty, people,and hiking opportunities.
5. Singing Bowels
I became certified in singing bowel therapy and let me tell you it was a life changing time for me, I had several sessions done to me by outgoing students, my mind had clarity, my soul had peace and I felt transformed in unexplainable way, I was still fat, but hey you can’t have everything right? Singing bowls are not some plaything to pretend at or impress others with -it is an ancient practice and deserves that respect if nothing else. Don’t pick up a singing bowl to play it–no, pick it up to heal, to have peace and joy and deliver those things to others. The Gurus said, teaching others comes with a danger, and I get it don’t degrade the their history into a watered down version of the real deal.
6. Met many People…
Met many people from all over the world, it was refreshing, inspiring and encouraging. I can’t say enough about the people of Nepal they do great things with very little resources. I learned that the Children start learning English in kindergarten, that Judo is a huge thing here, that they know many languages, that they are talented in many arenas. People from other Countries are respectful to them as well, however there were a few times I was embarrassed, the expected haggling can turn ugly, I did not like to see it nor be apart of it.
7. After the Academy
I hung out in Kathmandu–wear a mask the pollution is real! I stayed a few nights at the Fairfield Marriott (3 Star not 5) and a few nights at The Oasis both place were amazing, the food in both places delicious. They are located right next to each other- located down a small alleyway just off the main road in Thamel within walking distance to everything I visited the Royal Palace and The Garden, I went to all of the Temples, witnessed public burn burials, saw pottery still being made in the ancient ways. Made my way to Nargarkot, viewed the sunrise and set on the mountains, stayed at the Hotel View Point. Then made my way to the Chitwan Jungle saw elephants, rhinos, birds, crocs, monkeys and a unique village life. Stayed at a beautiful hotel called the Green Park it was incredible! Pool, bar, restaurant and live Napali shows, everything was like a dream come true.
8. If you need to Heal go to Nepal
If you need to heal go to Nepal if you want to learn Yoga from real Guru’s that are serious about Yoga and all that it encompasses go to the Himalayan Yoga Academy in Raniban, you will learn their history, culture, art form, storytelling, meditation and so much more, valuable life lessons in a safe clean atmosphere- Many of the other students that had practiced yoga for 10+ years went away with their minds blown. Nepal has great coffee! and I mean great I was never ever disappointed. Nepal has great food! I never went away from any restaurant dissatisfied or hungry. Nepal has great shops especially the handicraft shops. If you need to believe in people again go to Nepal. If you need to believe in yourself again go to Nepal. If you are tired of the same experience over and over again go to Nepal. These people have great history of Independence, strength and honor and I was humbled to experience their world. The guru’s said, you are the weakness to yourself, instead be the good teacher or yourself.