India, Om Shanti...

- You would think that with all this traveling I would learn how to be a better guest but I'm pretty sure I'm learning how to be a better host. So many warm words, gifts, and positive exchanges. Murali, our Indian coordinator steps up to the mic and every time it's, "Friends, on behalf of the ECC and the St. Olaf group...."

- Doug and Jane Koon, members of the first Global Semsters and their advice: live modestly so you can return to India, give back, and be free.

- We were blessed by the highest Hindu priest, the only priest of his generation to touch Lord Shiva at the a world-renowned Hindu pilgrim destiniation, Mt. Arunchala. He is a Brahmin and his family has been doing this for generations. The temple was dim and musty; water pooled on the stone, cave-like bedding. I was hot. I was pinned between the others amongst the relics and mystic idols. But I made sure to look into the preists' eyes when he marked me with the the Bindhi. He noticed. I hope the right message was communicated: respect and honor and awe and fear. a slight challenge? maybe.

-Ramana Ashram, a walking meditation center: We were to ask who am I? and if we felt like it, to whom do my thoughts arise? I started asking and saw a book. I went to literature and then my poem. Who am I? I am the poem. Why am I destroying myself? Why am I destroying myself? Why am I destroying myself. I was under Shiva's spell, the God of destruction. Around and around I went with a deep frown embedded in my brow. Why am I destroying myself? How am I destroying? Cutting. Who is destroying? Me. What am I destroying ? Me. I am desire, need, love. Why am I destroying myself? What am I getting rid of? Am I getting rid of me to be me or ridding me of me? Around and around I went. Who am I? The destroyer and the destroyed. Who am I? Who am I?

On the way home I walked in step with three young Indian women. They said hello and their purple, green, and pink saris comforted me. Name? Tiffany. You? Lukah. I passed along a slight, eager, promising wave. Bye.

Daphne said Shiva attacked the mind and the ego and so the great meditater answered his own question with his heart. It returned. Loving again.

- India wakes up early. The roosters crow and cricket players scatter and bloom in the fields.

- I dig the no-shoe thing.