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Writer's pictureJulie Stansfield

Ahhh….the Himalayas….cliched I know, but it really was the trip of a lifetime!


Have you ever dreamed of some mysterious, faraway place thinking you’ll probably never have the opportunity to visit it in this lifetime? Then by some quirk of fate found yourself in the very place of your dreams?

 

Yep, the land of the Veda and the home of the Himalayan Masters was my long-dreamed of place. I’ve just spent 13 days travelling windy, steep, scary roads, walking well-trodden paths and meditating in temples and caves along with many others who have had the same dream.

 

I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I made the snap decision to join my meditation teacher of three years and her group of fellow meditators to Rishikesh and beyond.  I just knew I had to go…have you had that feeling before too? A word of advice…when you feel that feeling, don’t ignore it!!

 

As it has evolved, this pilgrimage feels like a closure of sorts. The ending of over  50 years of suffering I’ve felt grieving my parents and more recently Chris. Grief is a funny animal. It stalks you, it plays with you.  It scares you, it makes you tend it. It leaves you alone for a long time, then visits you again like a long-lost rellie or old friend, when you least expect it. 

 

Now, as the trip is winding down, I feel like I’ve untethered myself. 

 

The mystifying power of the mountains seem to have worked some magic of cleansing and releasing the hold grief has had over me. Culminating in an extraordinary yoga kriya class in Rishikesh. 

 

Yoga and the ancient practices really can shift our state of mind, release pent up emotions and bring us to surrender.

 

As many of my friends know, Yoga has been a lifeline for me these last 12 years. I’m grateful to have this spiritual practice which has been building and building over the years. From my experience, it’s important when dealing with grief that you tap into your own inner store house.   This inner resource evolves and strengthens from the practices.  This is big work. No one can do it for you.

 

I’ll keep the love I have for my loved ones in my heart forever. Be grateful for the challenges, be grateful for the joys experienced. 

 

And now…the beginning of another chapter of this crazy thing called life.

 

I hope that if you are dealing with loss, in time, you’ll also come to find peace, acceptance and your “Himalayas”.

 

Namaste,

Julie 



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