Reflections on my trip to India

Gratitudes for the landscape that surrounds me on the west of Ireland is the coming home feeling I am enjoying following my recent visit to Rishikesh in Northern India. Rishikesh is a small town on the Mother Ganges river which flows with fierce energy and currents through the ‘alternative yoga and meditation’ centre outside the main town. This has grown up around the initial inspiration and following of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi immortalized by the Beatles who came here at the height of their fame and celebrity, and I can understand why.

I had not done yoga since an introductory course ten years ago, and had only recently dipped a toe in the meditation phenomenon that is now so prevalent.

I would not have travelled to India were it not for my youngest son who has been travelling in India for almost 6 months, realizing great personal growth and having a great time.

It was a wonderful time of connection and openness to new experiences.

I was very lucky to find a yoga class that was challenging but very supportive and welcoming.  The practice of Satya Yoga with Rajeev was energizing, balancing and meditative as well as physically challenging. 

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I enjoyed daily meditation sessions with singing, dancing and blissfulness that challenged all my preconceptions about meditation. This experience shook out a lot of old energy and spring-cleaned the cupboards of my soul to let in new light and energy.

The white water rafting on the River Ganges was another highlight of my two week glimpse of a slice of India.

As I say I have returned home with a renewed energy to appreciate each moment, embrace my home landscape and connect with each person on the planet, be they in India, Africa or my next-door neighbours. We all breathe the same air and see the same stars. Sometimes we need to travel to see our own land with new eyes.

Thank you to all the kindnesses offered to strangers and wanderers, I encountered only warmth and friendliness throughout my trip.

If you would like to see an inspiring photo-gallery of Connemara landscapes see http://www.cnocsuain.com

I have followed the progress of Charlie and Dervla with their wonderful cultural centre since my return to Ireland in 1999 and they are ‘the real deal’. Connemara's landscape connects us to native medicinal herbs and plants that support our physical and spiritual healing.

Dr Dilis Clare