A Spiritual Journey to India

Embarking on a life-enriching yoga retreat to India was an extraordinary opportunity that opened doors to profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. When I finally made it home eighteen days later, I was ten pounds lighter but filled with a newly found spiritual richness. 

Our Journey wound through Udaipur, Rishikesh, Vrindavan and countless other small towns and villages. We travelled by air on two local flights, over ten hours on buses, and countless rickshaw rides on dusty cobble stone streets.  This was not a typical “Top 10 India” vacation. It was curated to be a back-roads spiritual retreat to hidden temples and out of the way ashrams. Our days were adorned with yoga and endless conversations with Hindi monks, Kirtan gurus, and musical sages, enriching our souls with profound wisdom and captivating melodies. 

This magical mystery tour was guided by musical luminaries as we carried a symphony of instruments including bongo drums, harmoniums, flutes, violins, guitars,  maracas, and symbols.  Wherever our trek unfolded, our Kirtan chanting infused the air  with soul-stirring melodies,  enveloping the hearts and souls of our group and resonating deeply with those nearby. India felt like a dream come true, akin to fulfilling my teenage fantasy of being part of a rock and roll band.

As the trip evolved, we shed layers of attachment and became closer to the Krishna culture and spiritual world.  Abstaining from familiar comforts and routines, sleep was relegated to just a few hours a day. Most of us abstained from eating meat, milk products, drinking  alcohol, social media, sex, political talk/news, work, or following our customary religious activities. Coffee and other stimulates (like garlic and onions, which are prohibited in the Hindi religion) was also reduced dramatically. 

Throughout this  life enriching passage, the theme of “letting go” echoed persistently, from losing luggage, being prohibited from photographing temples, to mischievous monkeys pilfering our beloved belongings. Even in the face of physical injuries, the lesson of surrendering to life’s unpredictable currents resonated deeply, highlighting the necessity of embracing the ebb and flow of existence. Despite our clinging to the illusion of control, we inherently acknowledge that fate or karma often shape our destinies beyond our meticulous plans and strategies. I kept thinking, that if you take away all the things that are part of the “you”, then what is this other “you” that is left?  

Submerged in the icy embrace of the mother Ganga river, a surge of serene comfort caressed my soul. While my breath anchored me to the present, I meditated on life’s meaning: to let go of past demons but more importantly to give thanks to all those loving souls and teachers who have been with me throughout the years. Ultimately, every traveler arrives here seeking to shed the burdens of the past, seeking fresh perspectives amidst life’s trials, and ultimately transcending to a higher realm. For some, it’s breaking free from the cycle of rebirth, while for others, it’s about embracing peace and infusing life with love.

@kishrico, @dawnbyoga, @sandipani.108, @mommyisbusy, @guaravani, @cindylieber, @jaraeisen, @prieurleary, @missvvonderful, @susanbisnoff, @karivi_, @mcyogi, @jaraeisen, @daniela_gutierrez, @stephanbolivar, @ chandra scarcella, @nikkie_rox, @michelle_lister



One Love

As I drive by Fleet Street in Kingston, Jamaica, the walls resonate with unity, passion, and a dreamscape where melodies and memories dance together. Bold shades of red, yellow, black, and green create a mosaic of feelings, with each brushstroke narrating stories of strength and beat. The aroma of history hangs in the breeze, blending with the rhythms of reggae reverberating through the alleys. A complex history of slavery and struggle intertwines with the aspirations for freedom and equality.  On many of the walls a  “Six Star with a Seven Inside,” is seen as a representation of the Jamaican national motto: “Out of Many, One People.” The six-pointed star represents the country’s six original ethnic groups: Taino, Spaniards, Africans, British, Indians, and Chinese. The seventh shape inside the star symbolizes the unity that arises from the diverse people coming together as one nation. It serves as a powerful emblem of Jamaican identity, inclusivity, and unity in diversity. It’s a narrative of liberation from the shackles of colonialism and the fight against gender oppression. Amidst it all, there’s a palpable sense of optimism in Jamaica for a brighter future, where diversity thrives and love prevails.


Umbrellas

In this seaside reverie, Miami Beach umbrellas cease to be mere objects—they are strokes of inspiration on the canvas of Miami’s coastal charm. The beach, now an open-air gallery, invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of fleeting patterns and new shapes, reminding us that even the ordinary can become extraordinary through the lens of perception and the artistry of motion.





Basel Fusion

In the ethereal dance of Art Basel in Miami, feminine forms blend seamlessly with intricate patterns, creating a kaleidoscope of new sizes and shapes. Reflective fashion transcend the tangible, giving birth to a symphony of abstract art, an interplay of space and time. In this blended form of art, women become one with the paintings creating a mesmerizing journey through time, where the vibration of energy creates a captivating narrative that transcends the boundaries of conventional perception.


Mr. Invincible Sun

In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that… In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back. Truly yours, Albert Camus”




Runa’Ween

With  the early morning sun, the Miami Beach Halloween Marathon brings a mesmerizing combination of running shoes and countless costumes.  This savorying sight dazzles like a vivid testament to childhood dreams filling the Miami Beach salt air with a touch of humor, nostalgia and just pure freakiness. 



Deco Abstract

As I leave my camera’s shutter open, the storied architecture of South Beach blur the boundaries between reality and artistry, transcending the realm of mere buildings into something far more profound. The spirit of abstract impressionism has been etched into the very essence of these hotels, with each brushstroke of architectural brilliance imbuing them with a sense of dynamic motion and artistic expression. The result is a sensory feast, an explosion of color and form that invites you to step into a realm where reality and imagination dance in harmonious tandem; they are portals to another dimension, where every visit feels like a journey into a living work of art, a testament to the timeless allure of #MiamiBeach.


Sun-kissed Puerto Rico

Do  you seek solitude in secluded Caribbean coves? or yoga-chic beachfront bars?  Puerto Rico offers a multi-sensory escape that beckons in paradise. Sun-kissed Caribbean shores, like nature’s own masterpiece, stretch out along the golden coastline. The sight of the deep blue waters merging with the sky on the horizon is a visual poem of kite surfing and sand soaked walks.  In the heart of Old San Juan, the architecture  is like a weathered storyteller texturing tales of Spanish conquests and colonial grandeur.  Like a time-traveling ‘Bomba’ dancer, colonial treasures grace cobblestone streets, their pastel facades reminiscent of a tropical ’trinitaria’ in full bloom. 


A Fertile Embrace

 In the enchanting California’s landscape, cerulean waters embrace the coastline’s curves while undulating emerald hills bask in the essence of organic vineyards; a spectacular performance crafting a symphony of flavors tantalizing to both the palate and eye in a fertile embrace.  


A Dance of Devotion

And then, the dance begins. Our limbs sway and our bodies move, guided not by choreography, but by the sacred pulse of the yoga mantras.  In this dance of devotion, time loses its grip, and we find ourselves suspended in the eternal present. The music guides us, and we follow its lead, trusting the flow of existence to carry us where we need to be. @ahanayoga @miami @designdistrict 



Morning Rituals

A magical transformation unfolds each morning as the first rays of sunlight grace the horizon of Miami Beach.  Along the sandy shores, a community of early risers gathers, by bike, foot, and swim, each drawn by the allure of the sun’s awakening embrace. Yoga mats unfurl, forming a graceful patchwork of poses, as bodies mirror the ebb and flow of the South Beach tides.


Storied Monumental

Embark on a journey to an ageless realm of wonder, where the storied monuments of Washington, DC materialize anew. In this monochromatic tapestry, hues dissolve, unveiling the stark beauty of architectural icons. They rise, uncolored yet resolute, against the canvas of history, adorned with intricate embellishments, bathed in the dramatic dance of light and shadow. In each captured moment, the very spirit of the nation’s soul is unveiled — tracing the echoes of footsteps etched in time and the aspirations of tomorrows stories yet to unfold. #MonochromeDC #CapturedEssence#whitehouse #lincolnmemorial 


New Moon Sounds

 Miami Beach Yoga and Meditation Retreat is a unique fusion of music, movement, and mindfulness—a transformative experience that unites body and soul. Immerse yourself in the hypnotic rhythms of the new moon sounds.  Feel the beats reverberate through the crowd  resonating with collective energy. As the music takes hold, barefoot bodies start to sway and undulate in synchrony with the tantric rhythms. 



Caribbean Escapade

Allow  the poetic allure of the French side of Saint Martin sweep you away on a journey where beauty dances with your senses. Explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches, and naturalist’s escapes of #OrientBayBeach, where turquoise waters embrace soft white sands like an eternal lover’s caress. As you wander through the quaint streets your eyes will feast upon houses draped in bright colors that creates an atmosphere of tranquility, inviting you to lose yourself in the serenity of this coastal haven. At sunset, its dinner at #Java where the Grand Case sky becomes a canvas painted in hues of fiery oranges and purples, casting a spell of enchantment over sun drenched souls. 



Fleeting Moments

Empty glasses scatter like forgotten dreams. They stand as silent witnesses, remnants of joyous moments that have slipped through the fingers of time. Each glass tells a story, a testament to laughter shared, to toasts raised in celebration, and to the fleeting beauty of the passing hours. The echoes of laughter and clinking of glasses still linger in the air, their vibrant energy intermingling with the hushed whispers of memories. Like scattered stars in the night sky, the empty glasses bear the imprints of countless souls who have found solace, connection, and respite within their transparent walls. Each one carries the weight of emotions once brimming, now spent, yet etched forever in the tapestry of time. Amidst the fragments of revelry, there lies a certain beauty in the emptiness. It is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life’s pleasures, a bittersweet dance between fulfillment and longing. The empty glasses invite reflection, beckoning us to savor the fleeting moments, to appreciate the richness of shared experiences, and to cherish the bonds forged amidst the clinking of crystal and the swirl of spirits.



A Garden of Light and Flowers

In a mesmerizing intersection of art and nature, a sublime masterpiece of digital art transcends the boundaries of conventional beauty.  This kaleidoscope of hues and fragrances floats gracefully through the vast expanse of the heavens, it sets in motion an enchanting symphony of colors and flowers.  Each hue delicately dances with the other, allowing the viewer to harmonize in a breathtaking symphony of contrasts. It is as though the celestial brushstrokes of a divine digital artist have come alive, creating an ephemeral masterpiece that lingers in the memory like a sweet melody. With every inhalation, a symphony of aromas unfolds, transporting the soul to a place where time stands still, and the essence of beauty transcends mortal boundaries.



LUSH

 I invite you on a sensory journey through a collection that not only captures the natural wonders but also embraces the profound human connections found amidst its island beauty.  “Lush” unveils the Caribbean’s wonders, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests. Each photograph reveals the vibrant colors and textures that define this paradise. Witness the interplay of light and shadow, the dance of hues, and the ever-changing canvas of nature’s masterpieces that transport you to a realm where beauty knows no bounds. 





Humble Homes

Behold, a captivating tableau of humble homes unfolds, painting the Caribbean landscape with vibrant strokes of sunlit beauty. These modest abodes, bathed in the caress of tropical rays, become whispers of serene tales amidst azure seas and gilded shores. Each dwelling, a testament to the harmonious blend of nature’s palette, stands as an artful masterpiece in its own right. Like a symphony of visual poetry, these dwellings radiate a magnetic charm, drawing weary wanderers into their tranquil embrace. From cozy cottages nestled amidst swaying palm trees to rain drenched shacks perched the water’s edge, each structure weaves a tale of island  life.  As sunlight dances upon their facades, these Caribbean homes become a sanctuary where dreams soar and memories etch themselves upon the canvas of the soul. In their warmth and simplicity, they offer respite to those seeking solace, beckoning with open arms to all who yearn for peace. For within these Caribbean dwellings lies a refuge where weary hearts find reprieve, where tranquility intertwines with the allure of the islands, and where the essence of tropical bliss becomes a cherished reality.

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