prayers

Shedding the Past

March 13, 2014

Day 14, Part 1 – Spelunking I’m dreaming of Arati. Bells are clanging, the scent of incense is in the air. Or wait, no. It’s 5 AM and the temple just down the hill from us has begun its celebration of Shiva. I guess now is a good time to get up and start the … More Shedding the Past

Rise and Shrine

February 20, 2014

As I begin to put pen to paper I am seated across from a swami at a cafe table in Thiruvannamalai, India. It’s very warm but the kiss of palm fronds against one another let me know a breeze is coming. The afternoon is relaxing and glorious. This morning we were up at 4:30 to … More Rise and Shrine

Chai on the Rooftop

September 10, 2013

I’m sitting in the middle of a Dharma and Yoga Event in Orlando, Florida. It is clearly a Hindu festival as evidenced by the sea of brown faces, lilting accents and ambiguous head bobs. I am in heaven. My companion, the other white girl, is scheduled to teach a half hour yoga class and she … More Chai on the Rooftop

February 17, 2013

Every morning at 6:30 in Baroda, Gujarat, India the Muslim prayers were broadcast over a PA system. I couldn’t tell if it was a recording or live. I believe it was live. They were beautiful. Being early in my trip I found myself awake long before the prayers and after the first day, anticipating them. If I walked out … More Prayers