Well, it’s Panchakarma retreat

It was a great summer filled with lively social gatherings, making new friendships, savoring Italian red wine, eating plenty of pizza, and making significant life changes. Exactly one week ago, I found myself in Glasgow, enjoying the company of a friend while pondering what my upcoming journey to India would entail. Anxiety started to creep in as I realized I was about to embark on an adventure that not only took me to a new country but also pushed me far out of my comfort zone.

Now, I find myself seated on a yoga mat in an ashram in Kerala, South India. Every day, I drink medicated ghee, and my mouth is layered with a thick coat of rich “gheeness”. Just two more days of the 'oleation' process before I transition to the purgatory phase of Panchakarma treatment.
My staple diet during Snehana (oleation): rice soup

My day kicks off with therapeutic yoga and guided meditation. Two solid hours dedicated to cleansing my chakras, restoring harmony to my body and mind, and hearing the yogi repeatedly emphasize 'relaaaaaaax, relaaaaaaax' during yoga class. Then comes the ghee, always on an empty stomach, followed by ginger infusions every 5 to 10 minutes. Afterward, I follow prescribed rest and relaxation.

This is precisely why I came here: to reset and relearn the art of relaxation, a skill I had lost along the way. My life in London had been a flurry of ceaseless life admin, running errands, and checking off my To-Do list then moving onto the next list. I often felt like an octopus, using all its arms to juggle a multitude of tasks, watching them dance in the air.

The idea of embarking on an Ayurvedic retreat in India unexpectedly landed in my lap during a casual conversation with a friend over bubble tea in Camden. As she was telling me about the retreat, my curiosity grew with every word she said. It's rare for me to instantly connect with an idea, where it resonates so deeply that it keeps me awake at night with excitement. But that's exactly what happened. The seed of the idea was planted, it sprouted overnight, and by the next morning, I knew what I had to do.

Since arriving here a few days ago, my daily routine revolves around reading, practicing yoga, listening to podcasts and music, and watching films. I have entire days to myself, free from obligations or commitments, and that is pure bliss. Most of my time is spent on the terrace, gazing at swaying palm trees and observing local eagles scanning the area for prey.


I wander through the garden, admiring the enormous jackfruits hanging from trees, lush foliage, and encountering spiders, butterflies, and unknown species of mushrooms. Yesterday, I had a brush with ants, saved a butterfly, and listened to rooks having debates outside my balcony. Every day holds its own adventure, even when it appears otherwise.

In the end, it's not just about what you experience but how you experience it and what you take away from it. I'll be sharing more updates every now and then and plenty of photos, so stay tuned.

Leaves dotted with suckers similar to octopus arms

"Patty pan" spider 
Magnificent downpour!
Baby jackfuit


Comments

  1. Anonymous5 October 2023 at 18:04

    Loved it, I can so relate to the octopus analogy! You are absolutely moving in right direction girl, carry on!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. black moth5 October 2023 at 19:10

    Haha, thanks million!

    ReplyDelete

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