Sat Nam Grounding

The last month feels like a whirlwind. I feel myself changing every moment of every day, yet they seem to pass so quickly. We spent the last 5 days without internet. I hear this happens often just due to the fact we are in the middle of the ocean–issues with connectivity are bound to arise. Honestly, I loved it.

We took a trip up to the highest point on the island last weekend in the wake of our inability to connect with family back home. I say “trip” and immediately regret that word-choice because it was one of the physically hardest things I have done in my lifetime thus far. I am unsure if I would call it a mountain or a hill or what… but “she” is huge. There were 10 of us in our convoy. Between us, we had a number of injuries, all ran out of water and had to climb trees for coconuts to hydrate, and took many, many breaks under the hot pacific sun.

The locals call her Witipun. She is various terrains of field, jungle, and solid rock. Atop the vast beast, secrets lurked of the Japanese battles in her bay. Machine guns of massive proportions still stand in caves and fields all along her.

Upon arrival back to campus, I felt changed; as if having completed a pilgrimage or spiritual journey. As our internet has returned and I ponder here now, I set new intentions for the next month:

• I forgive myself of subconscious mal-intent to myself or my peers.
• I am charismatic and understanding; raw, free and open.
• I will walk softly and intentionally on this Earth.
• I will hold tight the brief moments with seemingly strangers and leave a positive impact.
• I will follow my own path as far as it will go.

The last 5 days without internet has been so clarifying. I have mediated and consequently been freed of the binds of the society that was ingrained in my being. No, not as simply as a “5 day technology cleanse” back home. Being isolated with the same people for 5 days in one of the most beautiful places on Earth has cleansed me. Sitting on this rooftop, watching the sunset, I find that I am in love with the wind on my skin.

As “hippie” as that sounds, you wouldn’t understand unless you were here with me in the midst of this whirlwind of life.