Varanasi burning outside and inside

Thank you to those of you that reached out to me yesterday in response to my post, Varanasi contentment. Your support buoyed me halfway around the world. Support = release in yoga and in life, and I appreciated that tangible experience yesterday.

Things have improved dramatically for me, and there are a few reasons for that. One, putting words to my experience, and shining the light of Consciousness on it had a powerful effect. But we knew that would happen, because there is great power in putting words to your experiences. When you shine the light of Consciousness on something, it changes.

Two, I attended Gurudevi's online Q&A satsang last night from Varanasi. This Q&A was open to everyone, so if this sounds like something you're interested in, keep your eye on SVA's calendar for the next one. The very first question was about the fear of death. Gurudevi's answer made everything fall into place for me. She said, "There's only one fear, the fear of death." Of course I would be facing my fear of death in the city of death. I'm grateful for the reminder that there's only one fear, no matter how many guises it may take.

I was also grateful for her continued answer, "To make it easier, add mantra to it." How many times have I reminded my students about the power of adding mantra to anything (and everything)?! (Insert facepalm emoji here.) She also acknowledged how difficult it can be to remember to repeat the mantra when we're in the grips of fear. That's why it's important to get lots of practice repeating mantra when we're not in the grips of fear, so it's easier to call on the mantra when we are on the grips of fear.

Three, I made the decision to not be limited by my fear. I went out last night to a local restaurant, and did some wandering up and down the alleyway, enjoying Varanasi's nightlife. I made it back to my guesthouse without incident. I'm back out again this morning, writing this from a nearby bakery with a pot of chai by my side. This morning, I'm headed back to the airport to fly to Mumbai, feeling lighter from burning away so much here in Varanasi. 🙏🔥🙏