India: Leaving Auroville, Kerala awaits!

MAR 10

Hot. Hot. Hot.

Today we went for a 2 hour bus ride to Mahabalipuram (yes, I had to look up the spelling!).

Although there are exquisite stone carvings there, there are VERY FEW TREES. Hence VERY LITTLE SHADE. Whew, I felt like all my internal fluids were at their boiling point all day.

We visited the many symbolic rock carvings there which were mesmerizing. I find it incredibly difficult to fathom that these were hand carved pieces. As we moved from structure to structure, I found myself becoming more and more excited and inspired. Such magnificence!

I like that this one is called “Krishna’s Butterball”. My mind goes many places with that…

While there, Maria (my roommate) started to cook up an idea about a performance gift we could give Philippe and Sabine. Once back at Verite, we started to work on the plan.

Here’s the back story: The day that we spoke about the 3rd eye chakra in class, Philippe & Sabine talked about holding a vision for the future, and the power of setting that visual intention. P & S illustrated the concept by sharing their vision of finding a life partner (sappy love story alert!). Sabine spoke of her childhood, growing up being in the hospital quite often. Because she had some difficulty with her left leg, she would, at times, be unable to walk. She would repeatedly dream of being a mermaid and that she would find a pirate to love. They would love on a beach with palm trees and be happy together. Philippe, after living in Auroville for some tme, held a vision that he would meet a woman who was a dancer. Long story short, they found each other, realizing their visions.

So, together we planned a re-enactment of those visions by acting out the chakras And dressing S& P up as a mermaid & a pirate. Best: I was appointed as DJ. Vroom! Let’s go playlist!

MAR 11

During our last morning Nia session we each had 3 minutes to share a piece of ourselves with the group. It was indeed a very intimately touching time. I thanked everyone for beng my teacher (cause hey, who here on this earth ISN’T my teacher?!), gave them dream & blessing tokens/coins and gave each person 2-3 words that captured what they had taught me.

Others shared poetry, talents, sound/visual meditations, performances, art, wishes and secrets. They were all so touching.

Here’s Pia doing an improv dance.

Pia’s freedance: Auroville India from jennifer hicks on Vimeo.

After lunch we shared our special performance gift with Phillippe & Sabine. I wish I had been able to take photos, but I was busy playing DJ Jenn. Needless to say, it was meaningful and brought a few onlookers (Verite visitors who were outside our group) to tears.

Our evening class was *JAM PACKED* as S & P presented their new Nia routine “Awake” featuring Aurovillian musicians. What a unique treat!

We had a very special and moving final ceremony after dinner which sent us on our way knowing that we are surrounded by each other and our very intimate experience. What a warm send off leaving me feeling protected and safe as I carry on to the next part of my journey.

MAR 12

I was all packed and ready for my ride to Chennai this morning to catch a flight to Cochin, Kerala when I decided to confirm my departure time. I correctly remembered the time, but unfortunately the flight was booked for Mar 10. OOOOPSSS. Big effing OOOOPSSS.

I explained the situation to Rajivini and Suba (staff at Verite), and after making some helpful suggestions, they laughed and laughed and laughed. I had to laugh too…

I called the airline, tying up the community phone for half an hour while I kept being put on hold and being transferred. Finally when I spoke to an agent, she kept calling me a “no show” (which felt like the equivalent of calling me a sinner – horrible) and then booked me a flight for the same time today. Whew. So I’m out $100 but it could have been worse.

So you know this girl is checking and double and triple checking flight itineraries from here on out!

Fortunately, the flight to Cochin was quick and easy (only 1.5 hrs), but then the 90km drive to Alleppey was completely ridiculous. I think we hit rush hour and then some. My driver was irritated and used both his horn and his angry voice to excess. There were a few screaming matches in Tamil which made me a little uncomfortable, but no big deal.

Two-and-a-half hours later, we arrived in Allepey and all was well.

Saying goodbye to Marrion, Maria, Pia and Mireille in Auroville:

An ingenious name for a women’s clothing store, right? (in Chennai airport)