“She didn’t quite know what the relationship was between lunatics and the moon, but it must be a strong one, if they used a word like that to describe the insane.” ― Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to Die
Today I woke up to the sounds from the nearby mosque, at 4.40am as precisely at 5am I was to take the Ayurvedic medicine to cleanse after 3 days of ghee intake. Since it was suggested that I don’t sleep after as it disturbs the process, I decided to head to the yoga studio for some breathing and stretching, nothing exerting.
What a beautiful morning it was, I was once again a part of ‘The 5am Club’. After putting the mat down I noticed the large and dazzling moon, it was either a full moon day the previous night or the same night. Doing what I enjoy most, I put my phone on time lapse next to one of the windows and while it clicked frames, I stretched after chanting OM. So quiet, peaceful it was and so undisturbed that the entire surrounding kept me going for another 45 minutes. And then came the first cry, a pinch in the stomach, fast forward to the consultation at 10am, let’s just say I sat with a hot bottle for some time now. Good or bad? I would say both. Regular teas kept pouring in and my treatments were swapped, foot massage was now at 11am and Shirodhara in the afternoon.
To distract my mind and keep it busy, I continued with the Rubik’s cube video, making it my aim to learn today. Surprisingly with the step by step logical video, I reached one step closer to completing it until I messed it up again. So I thought, even better as now I can clean the mess too and find solutions. Lunch was regular soup which I silently hoped I was relishing for the last time, while I could read the 10 items on the menu board. One more meal, I thought and prayed and thanked God for another day. Today’s conversation was brief as, yes indeed I had to rush back to sit on my throne. Shortly after, call came for the massage which was much needed. From head massage to intense oiling, full body massage and the pouring of warm oil, all of this was an experience. Little did I know, in the end they would add the nasal spray to make my experience complete 🙂
Even if I washed my hair twice, the oil still stayed making my hair permanently oily so I stopped trying to wash off the oil. At tea time I thoroughly enjoyed my banana hoping for some fruits tomorrow, shortly after confirming my departure to the other centre at 4pm after my treatments. One hour drive to Lakes and Mountains, am curious and sad to leave this place as I felt very settled, connected yet disconnected. Shortly after, the doctor asked if we wanted to go for a walk so three of us in the room all excitedly said yes. At 5pm was our meet and we were driven for a walk, that should be something I thought and indeed it was, pictures don’t say enough of the place, so quiet and so calm, every now and then one car or auto or bike passed us. High and low roads did give me a warning to be gentle on my knees but think the mind was too focused on enjoying and absorbing the views that on our return, I chose to walk in the front before my knees gave up. Soon this will be over I thought as I took one step at a time and made it back but the experience from rubber trees to Jack fruit and pineapple was awesome as our guide kept explaining all the way.
And if this wasn’t enough, at 8.15pm we collected in a bigger group this time outside the pharmacy to see the centre’s Ayurvedic pharmacy. We changed slippers at the door, started listening to the procedures and year old learnings, as we entered the place where all the action happens, behind the scenes. The doctor explained to us about the set up and every machine in the room including introduction to the main Chef who joined the family when he was 14 and now he is 64 years old. He learnt from doctor’s grandfather, so it has been well passed on from generation to generation, he intends to do the same. And so is the history of this place, we saw the transcript of old Ayurvedic knowledge written in leaves (in a rectangular form) that are dried and coated to preserve the legacy. What an amazing journey and message to the world, each turn had more to absorb including the fermented room with medicines kept for almost a month. During this process, we were not allowed to take pictures and I thought that was a good idea as we gave it our 100% attention. As we walked out, we were in awe of this place especially with the herbs stand and our trip was complete with a set of postcards given by the team showing the same to keep with us as a warm memory.
