When you let yourself to release the fear, things happen. Sometimes good things. Other times, different from what we might call good. But we learn, and if we do so without judgement, the joy comes from simply having the experience.
I have recently set the wheels in motion for one of these turn-your-world-upside-down experiences. There is fear, and there is excitement. But I know that by allowing myself to see beyond the limits of my nearly perfect little world is exactly what I need to grow in the direction of my yearning.
You may ask, What NOW? What on earth is Julie up to?
Well, I’ll tell you….
I’m going to Dharamsala, India for a yoga teacher training and retreat!
Having lived a life of little travel — certainly almost none outside of the states — I am in for quite an experience. Moreover, as Tom used to say, having lived a life with rose colored glasses and blinders to all that is unpleasant (poor men, beggar men, and theives), I am in for an eye opener as well. But I feel quite strongly that I need to experience and see this.
I do not know where it all will lead. I am not even sure if it will lead me to teaching yoga some day. Perhaps, it will lead me back to bedside nursing. Perhaps, not. I am trying not to make any expectations, only preparations, for this trip that will occur in September.
I suppose that it may leave me just as, if not more, invigorated as this simple (by comparison) act of kicking my feet up over my head and pulling them away from the wall. Inversions have a way of giving you a small taste of what it feels like to let go of fear and turn your world upside down.
Great ! That sounds like a grand adventure. I envy you as I also would like to experience the country of India.
Wonderful Julie, I always wanted you to travel.
I *know* Mom. I remember you telling me to travel before marraige and children. Then, you were asking when I was going to give you a grandchild. I wasn’t even married yet. LOL
It’s funny where life takes us. I think the timing is far better now. I wouldn’t never chosen to go to India back then.
While reading your blog post, a memory flooded my mind about seeing places like Dharamsala India. I once heard a woman who frequently visits developing and refugee areas of Africa (although different than India) say the following about the people and children in need there.
“If you are a hard person and visit Africa you will come back softer,”
“if you have a soft heart you will come back with a broken one”
“if you already breathe and bleed for others you won’t come back;”
implying you will HAVE to stay and be part of helping these people in need because that’s the type of person you are.
Be careful Julie, you are in the last category. I am far too sensitive to see things like that. I admire you for going on this trip. Obviously I have no idea what this location in India will be like but I’m excited to hear about it from you.
I MUST come back. YaYa needs me and my work is here. Still, I realize that it will likely make me want to do more for those in need. That is why I thought it might lead me back to bedside nursing. I have often felt that I don’t do enough working in drug development.
your an incredible human being Julie!
That’s a SUPER SWEET thing to say Yogi X. Do I detect a soft spot? LOL
wow! awesome, Julie!!! What an exciting adventure you have ahead!
Have a wonderful time. It’s a place I’ve heard that once visited you will never forget. A country full of colour, smells and experiences.
I have traveled nearby (Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore), but never to India, though two of my sons have within the last year. No book or TV / video does justice to the 1st hand experience, go get em!