"Place of Peace"

In two days, I will board a plane to Amsterdam that will then take me to New Delhi, India. I've waited months (maybe even years) for this day to come. Now that it's so close, I couldn't be more excited/nervous beyond belief. The thing I'm most afraid of is a scorching heat that could burn my fair, vulnerable skin within minutes if I'm not careful. It is crazy to think just how vulnerable we are to a foreign country such as India... but maybe that's the fun in it too. I know that I'm probably going to stick out like a sore thumb in my American-India clothing and I definitely wish I was more familiar with the language(s), but I am looking at it as a learning experience. I am going in with a completely open mind. I'm ready to be enlightened and empowered by the richness that is India. ________________________________________________________________________________ For those of you that don't know already, I will be staying in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India for nearly a month. Shanti Ashram is a non-profit organization that was founded upon Gandhi's political philosophy called sarvodaya ("universal uplift"). It aims to alleviate the poverty of rural Southern Indian families as well as empower groups of women and children. Shanti has programs that include anything from women's empowerment to environmental restoration. To learn more about Shanti, visit: http://www.shantiashram.org/shanti_ashram_about.html __________________________________________________________________________________________ As an intern at Shanti, I will cycle through several different programs my first week and then narrow it down to my favorite choice (most likely the one that needs the most work done). Right now, I am thinking environmental restoration (working with children and teaching them how to preserve the Earth) or peace and interfaith. But I remain very flexible in what I do. I would rather help with the one where I am most needed than anything else. In addition, I will photograph my experience, help Shanti update their website, and bring annual reports up-to-date. Granted, this could all change once I get there (I will try my best to keep you updated). ______________________________________________________________________________________ Tiffany and I will be housed at the Integral Yoga Institute not too far from Shanti. We are very excited to participate in daily yoga exercises as well as meditation methods. I have been preparing myself a bit (for the yoga and the heat) by doing hot yoga back home. http://www.integralyogaindia.org/ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Now for packing... In hopes that I have internet access now and then, stayed turned for more from India! Namaste, my friends. Peace and Love. "Each of us must be the change we want to see in this world" - Mahatma Gandhi