Stark naked!

Blogging and singing in public make me feel stark naked. It's as if I'm exposing my vulnerabilities, my private thoughts and all things secret. I hope my blogging and singing do not scare you away (akin to my naked state - haha).

South America

The last big trip that I took was to South America (well, just Argentina & Brazil). I came back from that trip happy - more than usual and for the longest time I couldn't figure out why. Looking at pictures that I took during the trip, the commonality in those pictures were my frizzy hair, melted make-up, basic clothes and yet a silly grin. I think what rocked my happy boat on that trip were the following:

1. Renewed faith in people
Despite being a total foreign looking person in Buenos Aires, a sweet old lady who spoke only Spanish came up to us to offer her help with directions. We were just standing around the corner - studying our maps and she came up to me to offer her help. I spoke no Spanish and she spoke no English but somehow I understood what she was trying to convey to me through lots of hand gesturing.

A lady in a small resort town, Paraty in Brazil, gave me & my folks a ride back to our hotel when we found ourselves lost in town. We were merely asking for directions and she offered to drive us back to the hotel because it was a hot day.

2) Nature

The lush green that welcomed us as we flew into Iguassus was simply breathtaking. It was so beautiful and lush - now I finally understand the importance of forest conservation.

The Iguassus Falls was simply majestic and I am still in awe. Beautiful pure natural art!

3) Family

I travelled with my parents. It was so reassuring to know that we worked so well as a team - we spoke no local languages and yet we got by with just a map along with an open heart & mind to absorb our surroundings.

4) Local delights

Of course, food was also a highlight as always. Local ingredients made such delicious local dishes. I love those coconut water (agua de coco) and passion fruit juice (suco maracuja). Mmm....

Cracking open

I had one of my headtrip, AHA moment, this morning. I think I may have what appeared (to me at least) the answer to the age-old question of "Who Am I? What is my purpose?" Well, (drumroll please), I am a spirit having a human experience and my purpose is to experience what human do and be fully present when experiencing a human moment. My purpose is to serve as a piece of the huge moving puzzle - the Universe.

For the longest time, my status single has been a huge part of what/who I identify myself as. Perhaps, I was grasping on to what feels safe and familiar - too scared to take the risk towards something that could promise more (or less - therefore a risk). I vow to strip away that "single" identity (or any other surface level identities) - leaving me naked (well, not literally) and allow my spirit the freedom to experience fully the human experiment. Come what may...

Another day - another mantra to live by

I share with you the Anusara invocation (the very mantra that I vow to put forth my best effort to live every moment by).

ॐ नमः शिवय गुरवे
Om Namah Shivaya Gurave
I offer myself to Lord Shiva, the Auspicious One, who is the True Teacher within and without,

सचिदनन्द मुतयै
Saccidananda Murtaye
Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness, and Bliss,

निसपपचय शनतय
Nishprapanchaya Shantaya
Who is never absent and is full of peace,

निरलमबय तेजसे
Niralambaya Tejase
Independent in existence, the vital essence of Illumination.

ॐ
Om