Bangalore, India
After a 28 hour flight I arrived yesterday in Bangalore from Los Angeles via Dubai. I was very nervous taking this trip so soon after my last voyage to India had brought me to death’s door, but the moment I stepped into the warm Indian night, breathed in the moist air and saw the tired smiling faces of my hosts, I fell in love all over again. India has a charge about it that affects me every time. It’s proven difficult for me to express just what this country does to me emotionally, physically, spiritually…which is why I rarely write about my experiences here. Let’s just put it this way, I don’t have to drink coffee when I’m here: and if you know me, you know just how big a statement that is.
I was on the ground by 3am, at my hotel by 5am and then up and performing by 8pm that same night. Sonia joined me around noon from her journeys through Rajasthan and our sweet hostess introduced our performance as the Shiva and Shakti energies. Mine as the more fierce and commanding energy and Sonia’s as the more soft and inviting. Both strong in their own way. It was also Shiva Ratri (Shiva’s birthday). Shiva is the lord of dance and one of three supreme deities in Indian belief. It was a most auspicious day and I believe has bestowed a blessing on my voyage. Today we will explore an ancient temple and then visit an Odissi dance village just outside the main city. I will be here another month studying this temple dance, and, as I sit on my hotel sofa listening to the exotic bird song outside I feel just how lucky I am to be here continuing my dream and following my passion.
Namaste
Moria
Lety 6:46 am on February 13, 2010 Permalink
Everything you tell is stunning! I think I’ve only felt that way when I went to Mexico, but not with that intensity! Did you visit the Taj Mahal?
Amira 3:53 am on February 15, 2010 Permalink
Moria,how amazing!i understand exactly what u mean,and i made similar experiences-when i first came to India,i also was near the death door,and when i came for my second stay,i was also very afraid of,but since i was in this energy,i felt like coming home in a way..so have a wonderful time there and stay healthy!Namaste,Amira
Sonia Ochoa 10:45 pm on February 18, 2010 Permalink
namaaste!
what joy it brought me to share this experience with you mo.
even though we didn’t make it to the temple or the village, i had a great time eating dosa, shopping for nose rings, and drinking chai masala with you.
enjoy pushkar and send my regards to all my odissi sisters,
soniaochoa (shakti)