So we’re about to push off - Iggy and I. We’re pushing off the responsibilities and obligations that take up so much of the space in our lives. Not that we don’t cherish some of those obligations… but to have the feeling of only being responsible for yourself, your camera, and your money-belt is a major driving force in our desire to embark on this journey. Free from distractions, we make ourselves available in a heightened way.
The past fews days, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my last trip to India. I took a (mostly) solo trip to the northern part of the country for about 6 weeks just after finishing grad school. It was my first experience backpacking for any extended period of time and it was the first time I truly understood how much privilege I have. While that journey was not always an easy and pleasant one, I consider those six weeks to be some of the most transformative ones of my life. I remember being flooded with gratitude upon returning to San Francisco. I was grateful for the obvious things like having a beautiful home in a beautiful city with a beautiful group of friends and loved ones. But even more salient was my gratitude for being an educated, financially-independent woman. Unlike many Indian women (and people from lower Castes), I had a voice. I had choices. My entire life was a cornucopia of opportunities. And it is. Along this train of thought, as I pack my backpack and clean my apartment and drop off my kitties to their Auntie Lolo in preparation for my second journey to India, I am filled with an open curiosity for what sort of internal journey and teachings await.
- These lovely little creatures were standing over me as I woke one morning (Camel Trek/Camping in the Thar Desert). After a few moments of smiling and giggling, I realized what they wanted were hair my elastics (I had a few on my wrist). I gave each of them one in exchange for a photo. This photo is my favorite from all those I snapped on the whole trip. (February 2004)
Our first city to explore will be Mumbai. Beyond that, we’re leaving it open. More updates soon from half way around the world!
Love and Blessings-
Allison
Such a beautiful voice in your writing. Indeed, although I give thanks everyday … today I am overwhelmed with gratitude and thanks and reflection on how truly blessed I am … for my family, all of the love in my life, all of the opportunity, all of the laughter, and for the amazing future that continues to unfold more and more beautifully every day. India sounds an amazing place to discover, learn and give! So happy for you and Igz. xoxo
The deeper i delve into this subject, the stranger answers i get i have been scanning cyberspace for mumbai related material but to no avail, you have provided me with content i can actually gain knowledge from! i’m currently doing a project on Mumbai at prison university & i’ve been running into article after article of the same stuff. i can’t understand why these people do it! if you feel strong feelings on a subject especially one as prevalent as this, why wouldn’t they come up with their own opinions? i commend you for taking that extra step in your “Pushing Off « Verbalizing” page.
Best Regards, Mumbai Voices