Erin left a piece of her heart in India

I asked Erin, who travelled to India with me in 2020 to write a little about her experiences. This is what she said:

"With its sprawling, sometimes overwhelming, always sumptuous mix of spices, soul and spirit, Mother India will welcome you home. I was lucky enough to travel through her with Seed Yoga in 2020 and I'm coming again next year.

I was initially drawn to the mythical tales of Maharajahs and an abiding love of Vindaloo, so I over packed my bags and landed in Delhi. The pre-trip experience was fantastic! Instead of multiple, chaotic skyscanner tabs and taking a blind leap of faith that AirBnB listings might be accurate – Kecci from Essence of India took it off my plate (more space for Roti that way). With every step of my itinerary sorted, I meet the group and we set off in tuk tuks to embrace the bustle.

Drenched in history yet overflowing with modern life, vibrant, pulsing Delhi hits you from the moment you leave your hotel. Suni, our guide helped us expertly navigate a maze of chai wallahs, street stands and temples while we acclimatised to a new frequency of existence. Hanuman’s Tomb, the inspiration for the Taj Mahal was a stunning introduction to the incredible forts and palaces to follow on this trip. On our rickshaw ride through the wedding markets we saw rich saris glittering with gold embroidery hang from carts. It was nuts, sensory overload, but in a good way!

From the kaleidoscope of Delhi we explored the Jodphur, where the temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. My room had been built around an ancient tree trunk and peacocks wished me good morning when I walked outside.

All through Rajasthan we ate flavourful, nourishing food and did yoga under the joyful instruction of Lisa, our guide and India ‘fun fact’ guru. She was right there with us every step of the trip. It was an immeasurable reassurance to have her experienced hands guiding us through the oddities and hiccups of travelling in a completely new world.

In Jaipur the Pink city, we were shown the ‘secret’ best spot in town to see the Windy Palace. Its multi-arched, colonnaded construction is a stew of Islamic, Mughal, European and Hindu influence which took the best and became better.

The Amber Fort is the region’s spine and runs along the perimeter of the old city. Elephants still walk up the grand walkways and occasionally block traffic – a sight which has not changed since the Maharajah’s held court. While exploring the white marble sun gate, we ended up as extras while a Bollywood movie. I was ready for my close up.

From Jaipur to Udaipur and Narlai we got stuck into all the region has to offer. We were inducted into Aarti fire ceremonies with shamen, smelled sumptuous perfume oils made with the petals of countless roses and met the original Spice Girls. A group of women, who against all odds, took over their father’s spice store and amplified it to global prominence. No wonder Posh is a fan.

In Narlai, a cart of oxen drove us to dinner in a step well lit by the light of a thousand candles. I cannot imagine any meal, any place as steeped in the special alchemy of India.

Varanasi was the most intense place I can imagine. A place for life, death and everything in between. Mystics and orange robes ascetics walk the streets alongside pilgrims and a tour group from Australia. Floating down the sacred Ganges river at sunset overlooking a city which pre-dates Babylon is not something which can be put into words. We sat silently watching the funeral pyres burn along the ghats as the ash peacefully floated into the ancient, magic waters.Death and life are not taboo here. Everything, the painful and joyful are out in the open. Celebrated and shared. And we were invited to participate, which was an honour and a privilege.

India is an idea shattering, shot of coffee to your life in Australia. And I cannot recommend it highly enough. So I'm going back!"

Thanks Erin for this beautiful reflection. We leave on 20 February 2020 and you're invited to join me.

More info: https://www.seedyogawellness.com.au/.../mystics-mantras...