Ceremony. Ritual. Exploration.
I recently took a life-changing journey through Southern Asia. I left my Blackberry at home, packed light and unplugged from regular life to explore some of the planet’s most spiritually rich, and economically challenged, lands.
In addition to learning about the places I traveled and the people I encountered, traveling alone for almost two months taught me a surprising amount about myself (what I can live without, what frightens me when I’m alone, what simple things make me happy, what my ideal personal day is like).
The trip was one of the best teachers of my life. And, I am abundantly grateful. I encourage you to seek out ways to get outside of the bubble you live in, however you can.
Here are a few words, as well as photos, from my transformational experience…
CEREMONY. RITUAL. EXPLORATION.
A spiritual journey through Southern Asia.
India. Cambodia. Vietnam. Laos.
The earth’s most impoverished people are also the most beautiful.
Rich dichotomies are food for learning in the colorful honesty of the third world.
Heavenly fragrance
Hideous stench
Lavish temples
Beggars
Vibrant color
Flowing fabric
Rich flavors
Surreal shrines
Shiva and Buddha
Rhythmic chanting
Ceremonial dance
Artful worship
Powerful teachers
Sadhus and Monks
Indigenous healing
Herbs and potions
Ayurveda and acupuncture
Reiki and palm reading
The energy of prayer
Children laughing
Waterfalls
Blue ocean expanse
Birds in flight
Overwhelming generosity
Love in the bright smiles
and fearless eyes,
opens me.
Simply the happiest people on the planet
because they live simply.
Now, through these photographs,
taken mostly on disposable cameras,
taste my life-changing exploration.
Namaste,
Amy
18 Jul 2008
Anne Sophie
Amy – these photos are wonderful and I am so happy to hear that it has brought you so much peace and love.
18 Jul 2008
Alexandria
Amy- Thank you for sharing your gifts and blessings. What a magnificent journey. I am truly grateful to have you in my life, knowing that the past is the present and future all encompassing, I wish you love, light and send many blessings to your heart from mine.
with love and light . Namaste. -Alex
22 Jul 2008
alex tower
this post and these photographs reflects this major shift that is happening in your life – it is beautiful and exciting and inspiring. thank you for inviting me for a peek.
23 Jul 2008
heather
I went in to the spa and found myself there for so long looking at all the pictures. I kept imagining the way each moment connected to your senses—taste, smell, sound, temperature…I am sure there were a range of emotions that followed you in your journey. What a gift to have this experience in you past and future. Thanks for sharing, it has been inspiring. I hope to find myself on my own traveling journey some day. All my best to you and Melissa. I hear she is ready to have another baby very soon, I myself am working on number two as well. Blessings,, Heather
03 Sep 2008
Dani
Amy, I loved your photographs. Thank you for sharing them I am so glad I was part of this trip at least for a few hours.
Much love