What I used to do

Before I came to India on my first journey I admit I was completely out of Balance. After spending nearly three months in this glorious country I was grounded, I was connected to my truth, I sat in my own power. It was easy to be me because it was now the only truth I knew, so much programming had fallen away in the silence and rekindled joy of my inner child.

It wasn’t easy remaining true in the West nothing felt right any more. So when the opportunity to move to India presented itself as you know, I did just that.

Becoming an Indian Housewife and mother definitely threw me off balance once again, but that is because I stopped being true to me. I disconnected from putting my soulwork first in an effort to be what I thought was wanted of me, in an effort to make sure everyone loved me.

In every situation we find ourselves we are either aligned with higher self or detouring off the path. When we are in alignment everything feels right, there is no struggle, its when we step out of our blue print, deviate off of the path that serves us to one that no longer does we feel discombobulated.

The question I am continuously asked and ask myself is how to get aligned?

Unfortunately there is not one perfect solution, because we are all unique we all need to take different action. I know that may not be what you were hoping to hear but have faith there are modalities that can help you find your truth; meditation in it’s many forms is by far the most effective and a great starting point for anyone at any stage trying to achieve anything.

The rest my friends is divine. When you connect back to yourself through meditation the universe will begin to show you where you need to focus, where you need to put your energy, what the steps are you need to take in order to achieve this oneness with god self most of us are seeking on some level. 

That has been the point of my last few blogs particularly the one where I asked you to commit for one week. Together we discovered answers everywhere, literally everywhere, we just had to open ourselves long enough to listen.

For me the first step in my reconnection was Reflective meditation,

The practice of reflective or analytical meditation is like disciplined thinking: choosing a theme, question, or topic of contemplation we focus our reflection, or analysis, upon it. When our attention wanders to other thoughts, we return to our chosen topic. 
Excerpt taken from "The Five Types of Meditation" outlined by the website self-guided. 

It was a non judgement process where I allowed myself to return to my happiest time, a place where I felt the most at peace, within that were keys, what was I doing in that time and place that I was no longer doing now? The list was surprising large; Meditating, Yoga, Healthy Eating were all areas I was already aware of and making great strides to transform.

But other area's I had all but forgotten about included: Working with minerals and gemstones. Healing with crystals came quite naturally to me and even ironically during a deep clean of our home a few weeks ago I found a bag of stones I had brought from Canada five years ago when I moved here, I think I stopped using them almost immediately. Now they sit in a bowl in kitchen and daily I am getting reacquainted with their energy!


Hugging Trees, my mother always joked about me as a child talking to trees, She'd often find me outside sitting near a tree having a conversation, hugging them became a natural extension of this. I didn't want to draw extra attention to myself in a culture where I already stand out so I stopped doing things that are not with societies 'norm.'

We have a wonderful Ashoka Tree in our courtyard who now receives a hug from not only me each morning but my children who are overjoyed with the experience. Ashoka trees are considered quite auspicious and linked to Hindu History, Ashoka literally means "without sorrow"so fitting,



Dancing, I've been a dancer since childhood, but some how I misconstrued my husbands comments on how Indian women were the best dancers combined with the bombardment of Bollywood actresses like Katrina Kaif on TV dancing in ways I no longer felt capable of doing in a pregnant  Indian housewife state, My love of movement felt frumpy and forged, I no longer felt like a Goddess when I moved in my body, I felt foreign and feared being judged. Sadly to this day my husband has never seen me dance but I am slowly get back my rhythm, and maybe, just maybe,,.



Smiling in this culture can be misinterpreted out the street and I was lectured once for laughing in a busy market because it brought about unwanted stares. I began to stifle my laughter.

Fortunately with the arrival of two goofball children the laughs in our world have expanded and I'm trying now to make a point at laughing about the things that can be frustrating. I mentioned the anger I was feeling in a previous blog, it wasn't serving me but the laughter certainly does and helps to transmute those unwanted emotions. Laughter truly is the best therapy!



I realized I gave up a lot of my confidence going anywhere by myself and being completely fearless
living in a culture that holds women in their arms for safety I began to feed into the vibration
plus as most mothers will tell you the world can start to feel a little scary when you have a child, like a Mama Lion you are now more aware of dangers that could potentially lurk around the corner. In an effort to transmute this I've been heading out more frequently alone, my husband fully supports this which is lucky really because my Indian sister in laws do not leave the home unaccompanied and while my mother and father in law are not crazy about it they do understand and are getting more comfortable with it,

Next in my journey I'm going to revisit my bucket list, you know the things you'd like to experience before you "kick the bucket". Something I actually began creating in my teens and updated frequently but like everything I've talked about in this post something I haven't looked at in five years!

Time to connect back to the part of me that longs for experiences in this world and set some intentions for the future, care to join me in compiling a list? I'd love for you to share the inspiration...

In love and light beautiful souls

Follow @1balancedsoul

Can you commit for one week?

I received a lot of feed back after my last blogpost and I thank each of you who took the time to share your truth, your experiences, offer your wisdom and advice but most of all I thank you for the love and encouragement as I continue to open up further to the light.





I'm still processing all that I am going through, working with the wonderful messages that are coming forth and doing my best to integrate changes.

As I mentioned in my last blog "I am open and ready to receive guidance" but I've discovered staying open isn't always easy, especially when you hear things that you don't want to believe as true! So this week I've been practicing remaining open to all of the suggestions no matter how foreign they may sound.

Many people pray or ask for guidance but then they don't take the time to listen to the whispers from spirit around them or simply shrug off the bombardment of signs aka messages that are delivered, I committed myself to understanding that only God, my angels, my higher self, were speaking to me this week. That absolutely everything I heard was a message for my emotional health and healing.

So even when I heard proposals like "you should consider medication" or "it's the devil" I remained open despite the negative aspect of ego that did everything it could to close me down. When I felt the resistance I took time to truly see what I was actually resisting and find the pearl of truth that was being offered by this particular angel's message.

I'll start with the suggestion that I should consider medication because this one came in a few times and I immediately scoffed. While I'm grateful for the existence of pharmaceuticals, especially in those times when assistance is needed during the healing process, I do however believe that without getting to the (spiritual) root of the issue and simply medicating the medication will just act as a band-aid, the underlying issue will not dissolve it will simply manifest in other areas.

But in an effort to remain open I committed to seeking professional help if I couldn't make headway by the end of the month, And furthermore I contemplated what was said "you should consider medication" and the reality "medicine" for me has always been more about supplements and vitamins and even more importantly from an Ayurvedic philosophy food.

Ayurveda is a ancient medical care system that translates to the science (or knowledge) of life. My very first trip to India was for an Ayurvedic retreat where I learned the importance of eating the right foods for my body type. Healthy food doesn't always mean its the correct food, shocking I know!

So remembering my teachings here in India I understand anger is related to a Pitta imbalance so this is where I've begun, with the help of a trusted Ayurvedic Doctor and my own knowledge I am eating a much more mindful diet, and taking time to find the balance needed for this dosha.

If your interested in finding out more about Dosha's click the link to take the free Dosha quiz. 







And when my dear friend told me it was "the Devil and I needed to rebuke the devil verbally". I had visions of me loosing my *hit then claiming a defence of ' the devil made me do it!' my ego encouraged me to laugh it off but once again my commitment to remain open over ruled and I took a breath, asked her to give a me moment to let her words find a truth somewhere inside of me.

I don't believe in the devil or hell as many Christian's see it, so it was a little hard for me to swallow but then I thought about what the devil does represent to me. I believe the devil is a personification of what does not serve our highest version of self, the distractions (demons) that keep us from being in our naturally blissful (Christ Conscious) state. Again an angel had spoken and I was heeding the advice which was put to the test later that day; when I felt angry I cried out "Nope, this is not me or mine. Universe show me instead where to direct this energy"

Shortly afterwards it was suggested that "I stomp my feet like a child having a tantrum to let it out," something that makes my kids laugh out loud and the sound of their giggles is enough to soothe any angry mood like they say laughter is the best medicine!

Many people proposed I work on grounding myself one that stood out particularly recommended physically touching the ground, then my husband was watching a movie and when the student was consumed by his anger his Sensei (martial arts teacher) had him 'take a knee.'  See what I mean friends, advice from the divine was/is all around ;)


So the work continues, I understand frustrations will arise especially as a mother of two small children and being in an intercultural marriage but what I'm working with is not just a frustration, it is something larger, a force if you will, but by implementing the above changes I have started to make some headway and I know there is more to it, I'll get to the bottom, or root, of it you know why? Because my beloved and these love bugs, heck I, deserve nothing more than to be my highest version of self.

And so the Spiritual adventure continues and I invite you to join me...

Can you commit for one week? One week of understanding that only God (insert whatever you want here: universe, source, spirit...) is talking to you? Let go of all resistance to anything and everything you hear and see if a pattern arises that is offering you a gateway to walk through, so you too may be more aligned with your truth? I'd love to hear about the experience...

~ In Love and Light beautiful souls

Follow @1balancedsoul

When the shift happened and I saw stars in the darkness...

It all really started to shift back into place during Adhik Mass here in India it's an auspicious month that according to the lunar calender happens approx every three years,

A month that should be and completely was devoted to "self-development, evaluation, assessment, reflection, retrospection and Introspection", so that is exactly what I did. I made the commitment to get back to me, to listen to the prompts, to give up the excuses, to stop wallowing in victimhood. I took back control but at the same time surrendered; one of the many paradoxes faced on the spiritual path. Two seemingly opposite theories yet both divinely intertwined.

During Adhik Mass they say "it is a time for one's own soul and spirit to complete all pending work, detoxify the body and engage in spiritual rituals. To regain ones strength in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual terms."

About a week into the month I decided to join with of my family members who were engaging in Parikrama, it is a walk circling an area or sacred spot, in this instance the town I call home in India, 11 km that encompasses all five thousand ancient temples, It is said to purify ones world, eliminating karma and releasing one from the cycle of birth and rebirth. I've done it before but the last time was five years ago.

While walking, barefoot I may add, I thought about all of the excuses I've used since marrying my beloved and giving birth to our two children, I was growing increasingly ill, and stressed. I was still far more reactive than I wanted to be, I knew this walk was what I needed to begin empowering myself again, facing a challenge can remind you of how little the little peeves really are.

We, a number of family members including some of the children, left at 4:30am and it was still dark outside, years ago it was dirt roads, when I first started travelling to India only seven years ago it was still dirt roads but now the entire thing is concrete, The government kept one area off to the side fenced in similar to sidewalks in the west where the dust remains, unfortunately it is also a dumping ground for thousands of outsiders who descend upon our town each day, Workers have been trying to keep it clean but to no avail, so on the pavement we sauntered, my feet began to ache at about the half way point.

I seriously considered jumping on a passing rickshaw, I questioned the point of continuing, what was this really serving? My family was doing it for God. I don't believe in a God that blesses some and punishes others, if that was the case then why oh Lord why are people like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian still living large while school teachers are being poorly paid and often purchasing school supplies their own money?

I begged to know was this serving my higher self? My God self?

And then it happened, the undeniable call of a peacock, the morning sun igniting the moment.

I slowed and was in awe, could it really be?

The peacock is symbolic in almost every faith and country.

In Greek mythology Hera gave the peacock it's many eyes to see the past, present and future, the all knowing eye (truth). Chinese say that the blending of the five colours of it's feathers gives us the sweet harmony of sound. In Egypt, the peacock is associated with the Sun God Ra. In Christianity the peacock symbolises death and resurrection. And here in India he is associated with Lord Krishna, the very God whose path I was following for this walk; the ultimate enjoyer and lover of life. 

I felt a presence, larger than the bird in front of me, larger than me, it's one I've known since childhood and I felt the message being offered; "you've got this, there is nothing you can not achieve if you really want it" 

My spirit lifted and I felt a spring in my step. I wanted this, I wanted to prove to myself I once more that I was capable, capable of anything and everything!

About three quarters of the way through I couldn't understand how my sister in laws were still walking normally, I was hobbling. They were on day four of this walk, day four! I thought my feet had gotten tough after five years running around India but I was wrong. I began to beat myself up, what was wrong with me? All I wanted was epsom salt soak and good cry they didn't seem phased at all. I exercise and do yoga practically daily, they do nothing of the sort, how was I so much weaker?

Another peacock sang in the distance. My mind stopped and I realized the continuous patterns I was going to have to work on if I was truly going to achieve inner peace. The comparisons, the self judgement, the belief that I or my life was anything but divine. It was all going to have to end and it was going to take courage and constant attention to my thoughts to get there.

I changed my focus I realized these women in general have a strength I admire. There isn't time to waste in self pity or wallowing when as task is at hand, just get it done! I was honoured remember they are a reflection of me. My heart smiled and I noticed a woman trot by with her mala bag and I regretted the decision to not bring mine, I chose to not bring it fearing my family would think I looked to much like a "foreigner devotee" but as the peacock continued his song I reminded myself that I am a foreigner. Yes I wear the clothes, speak the language (sort of) I even have the name but I'm still a Canadian girl, One they all accepted open heartedly, one they all respect for all that I have done to be part of their culture, but never, ever did they ask me to stop being me, that I did to myself..

And my darknight of the soul began to lift...

State of my dusty feet when I returned home

One of four blisters

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

In Love and Light Beautiful Souls ~

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What I love about India...13 Shopping

I still have a couple more things I want to share in this series on "What I love about living in India" and next on my list are the

Indian Bazaar's (markets)

I love that India is one of the last places where consumerism, brand madness and corporate control doesn't rule the day.



In my town there are no american chain stores and no fast food restaurants. It was quite shocking to me on a recent road trip to Delhi when we stopped in a mall and everywhere were American brand name shops, while the air conditioning was a nice treat and for a moment it was fun to recognize the familiar brands but after an hour I was done. The novelty had worn off, I craved my little market stalls, where outrageous prices on factory produced cooker cutter items wasn't the norm.



When you see a sari, or top, or pair of jeans in our local market that you like best to purchase because the chances of finding it again are slim to none. There are not usually ten pieces of the same item, you may find the same top but the colour and design will vary.

Purchasing a sari is an experience within itself, when you enter to the shop it's customary to take a seat on the floor and give a brief idea of what you are looking for; fancy, simple, price range, etc... and then the shop keepers begin pulling out items until you find just the right one!




Don't forget to barter, although many shops nowadays have a "fixed rate" sign hanging somewhere in the store, this is rarely the case, almost always you can find a bit of a discount, especially if you are purchasing a number of items.

Not only can you find great quality items at a fraction of the cost you get to enjoy the rich ambiance that is Indian culture.

Shopping in India is so much fun I've actually turned it into a bit of a job, purchasing treasures and trinkets from Mom and Pop shops and selling them back in Canada, I call it Balanced Soul Clothing and Accessories I feel it is a much needed answer to corporate consumerism that is plaguing the west and helps to support the local economy in the town I call home,

Do you have any funny stories about shopping abroad to share? I'd love to hear them and feature them next week when I tell you about one of my most hilarious shopping excursions...

What I love about life in India...12 rickshaws

Next on my list of "What I love about life in India" is

Rickshaws

Here in our town we have three varieties to choose from:

My personal favorite is the cycle rickshaw, any season these are available and a very inexpensive way to get from point A to point B. Because our town is quite small you can get just about anywhere fairly quickly for about fifty rupees which is approximately one dollar in North America.

I have a few I always choose to go with, they are the guys that are strong and have never tried to rip me off, When they see me coming there is a race to get to me first, it's an ongoing joke among them.

What I love most about cycle rickshaws is that you can get around easily and still check out the sights along the way!

The next type of rickshaw is a tuk tuk or in this area it is knows as an "auto"

Although much faster they do tend to be double the price and I find the drivers often rude, they have always attempted to charge me more than double the going rate despite my Indian garb and Hindi capabilities and on top of that they often take on more passengers stuffing as many people into the ride as possible, which in India is about ten more than there are actual seats for. I rarely utilize there services to be honest.

The last form of rickshaw just became available in our area this year; the electric rickshaws are much better for the environment than the traditional tuk tuk and the price tends to rival the cycle rickshaw, the only downside is the lack of shocks to help absorb our bumpy road conditions.

Maneuvering our streets can be difficult by car but all three of these can get down our narrow ally ways and vehicles are technically restricted from our marketplace but cycle and electric rickshaws are are allowed and even the autos find their way in, which makes them all super convenient.

Living here I often find it easier to hail a rickshaw then worry about traffic or parking, all forms are always around which takes the stress out of getting anywhere, plus it adds to the Indian experience!

Still more to come in this series be sure to check back next weekend!

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A list of things I love about life in India...11 Chai

Next on my list is...

Chai


Chai translates to tea, but in India its not just a drink it's an experience.

Now let me back a track a little about me; I have never been a coffee drinker or tea drinker. Many North Americans can't start their day without caffine but it never appealed to me. I like the aroma and the taste and have indulged occasionally in one of the designer cups of coffee trying expresso in high school to fit in with the now crowd, sitting in the popular chains writing and fueling myself with one of their flavoured coffees and while I like them I didn't long for them and never wanted to it to become a habitual.

I have also and still do enjoy a cup of Green tea or any number of herbal teas but none have ever been a daily occurance.

When I first traveled to India I didn't indulge in the sweet fluid called chai, I had adopted a sattvic diet shortly after arriving and when my friend and I began touring around meeting locals she would secretly exchange her empty glass for my full one and finish it for me so I wouldn't look rude to our Indian hosts. In fact one day she ended up drinking about twelve cups of chai and was a bit strung out by the time we returned to our ashram! But that's what dear friends do for each other.

*refusing chai can be considered an insult to the Indian host


When I moved to India my husband insisted I drink chai stating its importance; many Indians feel it's a life sustaining fluid that should be drank a minimum of two times a day, one cup in the morning and one late afternoon and it is the cultural norm to fed it to children and babies alike. 

I resisted at first but when I made the move to India I also made a promise to myself that I would be up to fully adapting to Indian culture, well at least trying it on and what felt right I would keep, the rest would be discarded but that is a whole other series!

I fell in love with our morning ritual of quietly sipping the sugary yet spicy liquid, some days it would be served as "bed tea" other days we'd sit on the rooftop and shortly after moving into our families joint home preparing morning chai for my husband and in laws became my first official duty. To this day five years later I still wake before my family and prepare chai not because it is a "duty" anymore but because I love to do it. It's a special time for family and friends to come together and connect, words don't even have to be spoken.

Here in India chai flavor tends to be a little more simple than in the west. Our family recipe is simple we bring a bit of water to a boil, add loose tea, then add fresh crushed ginger, after this to has boiled we add sugar then milk, After the milk has been added a total of three boils should take place to prepare the perfect cup of chai.

We do vary it up from time to time for instance in the winter we add fresh cracked black pepper to bring some warmth to the body, throughout the year it is not uncommon to add a couple pieces of crushed cardamom (this is also great if you have an upset stomach) but my favorite is in the summer months when we pick fresh Tulsi leaves from our courtyard, Tulsi is renowned for its healing property and adds a light earthy taste and is great with or in place of the ginger.

Chai is a constant presence in India and stalls line the streets of our town and while I love home chai when we journey to a stall the wallahs are always excited to have us there and it adds another element to the chai experience!

Be sure to check back next weekend for more of "What I love about life in India"

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A list of things I love about life in India...10 Holi

There is so much more going in and around my world that I need to voice so much so that I've actually developed a bit block in my throat chakra!

So I have decided since there is still a lot that I love about India and want to share with you I'm going to continue with this series but I'll only post the series once a week, the intention is the weekend so if you've been following make sure you stop by on Saturday or Sunday each week.

I will also try to get a post in mid week about some of the things that are transpiring in my world but for now the series

Number ten on the list is...

Holi

The "Festival of Colour" or better known in India as the "Festival of Love" now I could generalize and talk about all of the  Festivals, and it's true I love many but Holi by far, is my favorite and something I look forward to every single year!

This picture here on the right is from my very first Holi celebrations five years ago where I played with children in a charity school.





Our auspicious town is quite special this time of year since one of the stories surrounding the origin of Holi explains that Krishna who was darker in colour decided to paint the fair skin of his beloved Radha. He did so in such a loving and joyful manner that everyone wanted to join in on the fun.



So thousands of people flock to our town to partake in the festivities; the crowds walk the streets and attend temples where colour is thrown with wreckless abandon.

It can reach a feverish tone and I for one tend to avoid the crowds now and just play with my family and children in our home and neighborhood. The kids love throwing colour on passerby's and the giggles and shouts of "Holi Hai" can be heard all over.

No one is safe; if you leave your house there will be colour thrown on you, my in laws turn into children on this day and to watch them laugh and enjoy themselves so much makes my heart swell with love.

 My kids are at such fun ages for this festival and were real troopers outlasting some of their older siblings!

Have you celebrated Holi? If so please share with me your experience and if you've never had an opportunity consider joining us here in India next year for this celebration at our Guesthouse!

A list of things I love about life in India...9 Temples

Number 9 on my list of  things I love about Life in India is...

Temples

There is something magical about the temples of India. For me they have become sanctuaries. I honestly believe to cultivate a relationship with higher self, God, source, the universe whatever you want to call it you do not need anything but the stillness of your mind and the whispers of your heart. But the energy around you can either support or thwart your spiritual growth. Where I live in India there are over 5000 ancient temples and many new modern ones. Many of these structures have become sanctuaries for me. A place of refuge, a space where I can absorb some pretty beautiful positive vibes and enjoy the peaceful, or intense bhakti energy, depending on my mood determines the temple I visit at any given time.

When I want entertainment, fun and tasty cake I visit ISKCON; the Hare Krishna temple as we would refer to it in North America, here in my town it is called the "Angrez Mandir" which literally translates to the "foreigner temple." Most locals don't attend this temple but it was one of my first experiences with deity worship and someday I'll share the story but I feel I have a bond there, plus its often the only time I see other white people!



I'll admit to my Christian friends I sometimes feel like Jesus did in Matthew 21:12 "And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and seats of those who were selling doves. And he said to the them "It is written, MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER"; but you are making it a ROBBERS DEN." when I enter this temple sometimes I'm saddened and disgusted how God is for sale but then it's not my place to judge if I want to live true to ancient texts. So instead I view it for what it is to me; a place of connection, a bhakti high and a source of entertainment all in the name of divine love.

Here is a video clip from the Kirtan that takes place daily;

Then there are the quiet out of the way temples that many outsiders don't even hear about, ones that feel so ancient and are picturesque to me of what India looks like. Your soul can't help but be transported to a deeper more knowing place of love and connection.

I always find in these lesser known temples there is a sense of history,I can feel the energy that existed long before I did. I often feel like I'm transported back in time, it brings out the spiritual adventurer in me.

I've been privileged being married to a local, some of these temples are tucked away and one may not even realize it's a place of worship. I feel blessed to be exposed to their beauty and gifted with their energy.

And I know this will sound a little strange but when the deity connects with me, through eye contact, a wink or even a smile, words whisper from my heart and I know I'm on the right path. Many of these powerful beacons call to my heart and I can't get them out of my head until I visit, whenever I heed the call and find my way to them I'm usually gifted with a new insight into my world, my life and my true nature.




"You may pray for an hour and still not pray. You may meet God for a moment and then be in touch with him all day." ~ Fredrik Wisloff

"In worship an increased power steals its way into your heart, an increased compassion grows in the soul. To worship is to change." ~ Richard J Foster

I lead a number of retreats yearly in our Holy Area exploring the off the beat temples and sacred areas most travel guides don't even mention, if you'd like more information make sure to "like" and "follow" Balanced Soul on facebook or email 1balancedsoul@gmail.com


There is still more to come in this series be sure to check back regularly...

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A list of things I love about Life in India...8 sunsets

Number 8 on my list of what I love about living in India is...

The Indian Sunset

I admit I love a sunset anywhere and have been privileged to witness some of the most famous sunsets in the world, think Hawaii or the Hiking the Inca Trail in the Andes and I'm always grateful for the beauty, night after night after night, the Indian sunset rarely disappoints!

"It's almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream" ~ Bern Williams







Whenever I take the time to watch the red sun fall sleepily into the earth there is an extra sense of peace that transpires, I always invite the guests of our Spiritual Guesthouse in Vrindavan to join me in the garden or on our rooftop for the meditative experience.









"Never waste any amount of time doing anything important when there is a sunset outside that you should be sitting under" ~ C.JoyBell. C













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A list of things I love about living in India...7 Health Care

When compiling this list some of the things that came to mind were actually quite surprising, in this case number seven might even bewilder some of you.

Health Care

It shouldn't be a shock considering some of the best doctors we have in North America are of Indian decent. I'll admit it was overwhelming to me the first time I went to the doctor here in my Holy town; the line ups, lack of scheduled appointments, crowd of other patients in the examination room, others attempting to peek in past the curtain awaiting their turn, it seemed like chaos as I waited for them to call my number, on the verge of tears I was ready to run back to Canada.



Then I met the doctor, I was there because I was pregnant and had been suffering with loose motion for four days. She was quick to assess, checking only my eyes and tongue then writing her prescription. There were five items, I was kinda pissed, worse then my Canadian doctor who thinks antibiotics is a cure for hunger!

I refused to allow my husband to purchase any of the medicines until I did some research online. Turned out she had only prescribed one "medicine" similar to a pepto bismal, other four were an Iron, B12, Folic Acid combination for my pregnancy, as well as a protein powder supplement, we are vegetarians and this would be a normal suggestion among most medical professionals. Electrolytes to keep me from dehydrating and acidophilus which was to help the good bacteria in my system. Having relied heavily on naturopaths in Canada I was thrilled to meet a Medical Doctor who apparently understood healing with nutrition! Because of my experience I chose to have her deliver my second child in India and she delivered via c-section in less than 20 minutes.

While my encounters with Indian doctors have been positive I have butted heads. One of my first trips to India left me feeling quite ill after a few weeks of being here. For two weeks I battled loose motion then developed a cough and cold. I was doing an Ayurvedic course and after two weeks of being ill, but still in great spirits I might add, the doctor looked me in the eye and said "it's all in your head."  How dare he, I cried in my room. I was doing everything I was told, eating the right foods, resting during the prescribed time, enduring the treatments, I didn't know why I wasn't getting better but I sure as hell knew it wasn't in my head!

Years later and living in this culture I get it. The doctors and my husband have taught me about honoring my body but not agonizing in it. Nobody believes that laying around feeling sorry, telling yourself over and over again how sick you are is going to help you feel better. You need to focus your mind on feeling good, I don't always succeed at this but I'm getting better.  They believe the best medicine is sunshine, it's key to a healthy body, along with fresh home cooked foods and lots of warm water. That topped with what my Mom always taught me; let a fever run its course, do not to push yourself especially when your sick, don't feel guilty if you don't "get it all done today" and always find time for naps :)

I've always said finding a balance between east and west would make for a perfect life, and this is what I've been striving for since my move to India and while my health is still not where I'd like it to be, it is heading in the right direction!


More to come in this series, and I'd love to hear from you what you love about the place you live?

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A list of things I love about living in India...6 ~ Suits and Sari's

Next in my series on what I love about living in India is...

Suits and Sari's

The simplicity and elegance of the sari and comfort and ease of the suit take the stress out of fashion for me. Years in and I'm really just coming into my own sense of style. When I made the decision to marry a traditional Indian boy I also agreed to go all in, which meant covering myself in non sexy Indian garb. My husband is of the old school thought that my body should only been adored by him and like many men in his culture the thought of another man coveting his wife is not something he can take in stride. 


After marriage I was to wear only sari's for the first few weeks, my mother in laws rules. I got off easy my oldest Sister in Law had to wear a sari every day for one year! But hubby said enough was enough and while in the home I could convert to wearing suits and only during outings for the first six  months I was to wear a sari. Part of me resisted of course, no Canadian girl is going to like being told what I can and cannot wear but then I realized I loved this man, and it didn't matter what I had on, heck it's not like he was asking me to wear a burqa and truth be told I love him enough that I would! Once I surrendered it was actually nice, I always feel so feminine wrapped in this beautiful timeless fabric.

My husband admitted the first time he saw me in a sari he wanted to marry me on the spot. I can say the same, when I saw him in a traditional India suit for the first time, my heart skipped a beat, it was like looking at eternal love itself.













Suits can be ready made or purchased as material pieces then sewn together by a tailor to your specifications. My tastes and requirements have changed over the years. There are fancy party suits which I have yet to purchase, I still opt for a sari when we are heading out to any special functions but for everyday suits it can feel like you are sitting around in your pajama's all day, and that can make any girl, especially a Mom chasing two toddlers quite happy!

Stay tuned for the next installment in my series "What I love about living in India"

Follow @1balancedsoul