Follow the Journey

TAKE THREE! I would like to premise this by letting you all know I am typing this all on a phone because I tried to use the Internet cafe twice already and both times the power cut out at the end of writing the blog. Three cheers for India!!!
Namaste Carpe Diem friends and family! Our adventure continued this week in the beautiful lower Dharamsala at the now deeply beloved Dev Bala family farm. After the honkey, crowded, touristy chaos of McLeod Ganj we were all slightly panicked to move to a farm. Although a quieter time was ensured, I was not ready to wake up at the crack of dawn surrounded by even more cow poop than in the cities (which I assure you have their fair share of cow poop). Little did I know, we were driving straight into paradise. I know that sounds like an exaggeration but I promise it’s not. Rather than gush for pages about the fresh organic meals, the kind hospitality and family-like atmosphere, the henna creations, the picturesque environment, and the laid back feeling of living well, I asked all the Shiva family to share their favorite memory of the farm.
Dylan: “It’s nearly impossible to choose a single favorite memory, but the most immediate one that comes up is the drive from the farm to the river and hot spring in Gugulu’s open-top jeep. Standing up with the fresh air, the wind in my hair, and all that good stuff, as we flew around mountains and through valleys with the sky glowing as it began to approach sunset!”
Gabriela: “Since it was the first time in a month that I could eat fruits and veggies, let’s just say I ate three helpings of everything. But that was just the beginning… Mom I know you won’t believe me but I learned to plant and how and weed! And I had an absolutely amazing time pushing my comfort zone. Hey, maybe I’ll plant a mini garden at home! A huge thanks to the wonderful people at Dev Bala farm!”
Makenna: “I will never forget the enriching and riveting conversation with Divinderji about his farm as organic agriculture. As he boastfully plucked out dozens of worms from his compost, I could tell he truly loved what he did. We can all learn from his wise outlook on life, ‘What is the point of living on this planet if we are not going to help improve it and other’s happiness?’ I will never forget his kind smile and passion for getting his hands in the rich soil.”
Eden: “My favorite thing about Dev Bala farm was the family itself. They were all so immediately welcoming and kind. I think that I speak for everyone when I say that I felt at home with them. Going on an outing to the river with the whole family was wonderful- with everyone so relaxed and happy and carefree. It was amazing to see everyone laughing, splashing, and jumping off the rocks all together. I will never forget the Rana family and have so much gratitude for their welcoming spirit!”
Jordan: “The calming nature of Dev Bala farm was extremely needed after McLeod Ganj. Sitting in a hammock while reading and drinking hibiscus tea was so relaxing and the Rana family made us feel so welcomed. I already want to go back.”
Audrey’s favorite part of the farm was making a pumpkin pie from scratch all the way from harvesting the pumpkin to watching it cook over a wood fire. To say there wasn’t a struggle would be a lie, but after Jordan made a few “things disappear” we all were able to enjoy an American fall tradition all the way across the world.
Jeremy enjoyed waking up and doing yoga and meditation with a few of us on the Rana’s ledge overlooking the crop fields owned by villagers in the fields below. Watching the sun peek over the far mountains was the perfect way to wake up.
My favorite part of the farm was waking up at 6 am (yes 6am!) and walking the family dogs. Walking over the hill in the early morning solitude with the snow-capped mountains in view is one of the most beautiful and peaceful memories I have so far in my life. Also playing with puppies is a universal joy I can find wherever I travel!
As you can probably tell it was hard to say goodbye to the Rana family. They all gave each of us warm hugs and gathered to wave goodbye as we headed off to Deer Park in Bir. We drove about 2 hours to the small Tibetan village and were welcomed in to the clean, comfortable Deer Park compound. We’ve spent the last week diving into the philosophies and practice of Buddhism and meditation. We go from classes in the dharma teachings to meditation workshops and back again. We were able to meet the first western nun at her beautiful all-nun monastery a half hour’s drive outside of Bir. She was welcoming and attentive as she fit us in before leaving to teach in Singapore and Australia. With our free time some of us have taken to studying Buddhism on our own with books from the library while others have been honing in on henna skills and eagerly learning about the next few stops on our trip.
Now that we’re all well-rested and healthy I know I can speak for everyone when I say we’re ready to jump back into crazy India heading to Amritsar, Agra, and Varanasi!
Happy early Diwali!!!!!!
–Leine
PS: I was going to post a bunch of pictures India wouldn’t let me. Maybe next time, sorry mom!