Wordless Wednesday :- Silent Reflection

The Countdown begins…

As a new day breaks in Toronto, Canada – mixture of birds sing outside my bedroom window. As the birds make their presence heard, the warm sunlight fills out the clear blue sky. I can see the moon is still high up in the sky. It’s like a delicate balancing act between the Sun and the Moon.

Squirrel in tree outside window at dawn

2 weeks from today, my flight will land in Istanbul, Turkey. On June 1 2014, I will begin another journey into the unknown. This is the reason why my posts on this blog has been sporadic and sparse – my apologies.

Since the start of 2014, I held the intention and committed myself to the commencement and completion of a 250 hours yoga teacher training (YTT) course, find a tenant for my home and travel to Turkey with the intention to start guiding Spiritual tours.

Side Effects of Tourism and Globalization

From my jaunts around the world, I have noticed that cultural boundaries are becoming a thing of the past. Regardless whether I am in the Himalayan mountains or deep in the Amazon or on a Safari in Africa – it requires no effort for me to find a man wearing T-shirt and jeans. On the contrary, the chances of seeing a local resident dressed in traditional, local attire are pretty slim, in most cases. Gone, are the days of partial nudism in the name of modesty, conformity – women are bound by restrictive bras and loincloths are things of the past.

Due to the power and spread of technology, mass media, western idealism, and “The American Dream” – more and more cultural groups around the world are allowing their cultural identity to diminish. Many reserve their traditional attire for special occasions or performances. In turn, tourists try on local attire for photos or buy them as a souvenir or as a novelty item.

Reflection – In 10 years…

Walking past a famous boutique hotel celebrating their 10-years anniversary, reminds me that 2014 marks my 10th year in the neighborhood as well.

2004 seems such a long time ago.

10 years – how time flies. What has happened in the last 10 years. What has changed. What has stayed the same.

Have you done anything Noteworthy or Mentionable?

Movies, similar to books and TV shows tell stories. Some are more thought provoking than others. Some help us with escapism. Some help us investigate new possibilities without leaving the comfort of our daily lives.

What if we are oh so comfortable in our lives that we do not realize that we are fading away into the background.

What if we are on the precipice of greatness but are too afraid to take the next step into the unknown.

What if we tried something new today.

Seeking growth

In life we are presented with many choices.

At times it may feel overwhelming with only 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks in a year – to accomplish everything that needs my attention. In other times, I have caught myself wishing for more choices because the person next to me was presented with “better” or “different” choices.

Why do I have this thought or perception that “The grass is greener on the other side?” Why the second guessing? I mean everyone uses that saying but does it make it valid?!

While in contemplation…

Om Mani Padme Om

A sādhu in contemplation under a tree with prayer flags in Lumbini, Nepal