The End of Things
So here I sit, at the end of things. 3 months and so many experiences...many answers and even more questions. Our group is heading to KodaiKanal in the south (up in the mountains where we might not sweat 24 hours a day), where we will spend the last week of our program. There we will have our final presentations on our individual definitions of Integral Sustainability-as this has been the theme of our academic work here. My presentation will be the performance of a spi-ritual involving the whole group. I constructed the ritual from different spirtual traditions with the purpose of widening and deepening our understanding of our inherent connections on the level of person, community, and cosmos. It should be interesting.
In KodaiKanal, we will be staying at an organic farm/preserve called Elephant Valley nestled within the mountian folds. We will be doing hikes into the mountains and doing group celebrations to help bring closure to our shared experience in India.
It has been so difficult here, and just as incredible. Forget academics- just existing in India, finding one's balance here is in itself a monumental task. I am very much looking forward to my free traveling after the progam. I really want to get deep into this place, and I feel that I can only really do this when there is no safety/structural net of the program underneath me.
I don't know when my next update will be; I am not sure when I will have internet access. I will be at Kodai until the 28th, and then I will be on a Zen retreat until the 7th. Most likely my update will come after this.
I am looking forward to sharing my stories and lessons when I return. I think often of 'coming home', so it seems to me that India is not the place for me, at least not right now in my life. I hope all is well in the rest of the world outside my little bubble.
peace and ease-
In KodaiKanal, we will be staying at an organic farm/preserve called Elephant Valley nestled within the mountian folds. We will be doing hikes into the mountains and doing group celebrations to help bring closure to our shared experience in India.
It has been so difficult here, and just as incredible. Forget academics- just existing in India, finding one's balance here is in itself a monumental task. I am very much looking forward to my free traveling after the progam. I really want to get deep into this place, and I feel that I can only really do this when there is no safety/structural net of the program underneath me.
I don't know when my next update will be; I am not sure when I will have internet access. I will be at Kodai until the 28th, and then I will be on a Zen retreat until the 7th. Most likely my update will come after this.
I am looking forward to sharing my stories and lessons when I return. I think often of 'coming home', so it seems to me that India is not the place for me, at least not right now in my life. I hope all is well in the rest of the world outside my little bubble.
peace and ease-
3 comments:
Justin,
Rest assured that the world outside your bubble continues on and those that love you are well and anticipate your return most eagerly.
But in the meantime, we want you to take your time in doing the work of bringing your India experience to a close. It sounds as if the Living Routes program is wise in how your last days are to be spent. Traveling on your own should also give you a different viewpoint on things and may broaden your final impression. I think you are doing it just right...
Take good care, stay well and safe and know we are here thinking of you...
Love,
Dad
Brother,
I am very interested in how your Zen retreat will turn out, as I am in a Zen class this semester. It's been pretty interesting. I am also just very interested in hearing about India, and most of all, seeing you. I know Dad told you that I will be in Amherst for the summer, so hopefully we will be seeing a lot of one another. Take care and be well during this last leg of your trip.
Love,
Sister
Brother,
I am very interested in how your Zen retreat will turn out, as I am in a Zen class this semester. It's been pretty interesting. I am also just very interested in hearing about India, and most of all, seeing you. I know Dad told you that I will be in Amherst for the summer, so hopefully we will be seeing a lot of one another. Take care and be well during this last leg of your trip.
Love,
Sister
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