Its the New Year!!!! Welcome 2010...a time of change for so many of us.
It was such an experience being away from the bombardment of the holidays and only recognizing each other as being special through the holidays. There was a Christmas tree erected in the dining area which was lit up each night for about a week, and a symposium of guests offering lectures, music and dance for our education and entertainment.
Down the seashore it was a different experience....I talked to a man that had rented 10 rooms at the Atlantis for his family for 10 days....the rooms cost $350 a night (do the math, it is a downpayment on a small home) and they were all demanding, and high maintenance. He was running around trying to find things for them to do during the holidays, all at additional expense and yet there is this incredible ocean right here for everyone. I dont think I can ever understand that type of lifestyle.
Across the bay in Nassau was another story...they all put together homemade costumes using alot of creativity and march through the streets all night after Christmas dinner celebrating what they call Junkanoo with music and dance. There is a costume judging done throughout the parade but what really amazed me was the spirit. The goat skin drums, the cow bells and whistles vibrated out a sound that penetrated through the core of you. There were children smiling, dancing and alive with the spirit although the physical demand of dancing the streets all night after a full day of Christmas activities would be taxing on the strongest of character and physic. It was such a high energy and community based delight to see.I am eager to start my next course here...January 7th. Following that I will be doing what is called a yoga vacation, whereby I do the morning meditation, 
then 2 hour yoga class and have the day free to explore. I return back here for another yoga class at 4pm and then dinner and whatever I choose for the evening. It was an adjustment I had to make in order to use up my credit balance here...I am sure the relaxation will be wonderful for me. Everyone here is addicted to yoga, even the seagulls...I got a picture of one doing the tree pose on the deck the other day while waiting for the boat to go across to Nassau. Not much else to say this time, my head is a bit scrambled but have alot of different thoughts to express....I will at some point.
then 2 hour yoga class and have the day free to explore. I return back here for another yoga class at 4pm and then dinner and whatever I choose for the evening. It was an adjustment I had to make in order to use up my credit balance here...I am sure the relaxation will be wonderful for me. Everyone here is addicted to yoga, even the seagulls...I got a picture of one doing the tree pose on the deck the other day while waiting for the boat to go across to Nassau. Not much else to say this time, my head is a bit scrambled but have alot of different thoughts to express....I will at some point. One Love, wishing you all the very best for the New Year and always.
Happy New Year, my friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can imagine how different this year's celebrations must have been for you, both Christmas and New Years alike. Wish more people did focused on the "reason for the season". It seems to get lost now in the hussle and bussle, crowded stores and traffic. Getting back to basics, that's what it is all about.
Now adays, with the family and kids grown, we have settled down to a nice quiet Christmas eve family dinner at our house...14 this year, 15 next year with the coming of my first great grand daughter.
And New Year's eve, just mum, dave and I all trying to keep our eyes open long enough to welcome in the New Year with a hug and a kiss and wishes for a bright new year.
Every holiday I try to find words that most relate to how I feel about the holiday. This is the one I found for New Years:
The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul. G. K. Chesterton
You, especially, will no doubt feel a connection to those words this year as you will have entered the New Year with a new outlook on life.
Happy New Year, my friend. May the benefits of the lessons you've learned and have yet to learn on your journey fill your heart, mind and soul, and bring you peace and love not only this year, but in the many years to come.
I love you and miss you dearly.
Denise
Hi Sherri,
ReplyDeleteHope all is well in paradise, we are all cold and hating all the snow and minus 11 temps.But that is Canada in January.
Had some good news, my niece is getting married in Oct 2010, so maybe it will a year of cheers instead of tears like last year. Still missing my Dad terribly, he would have loved to go to his granddaughter;s wedding, and he will be badly missed.
Life goes on and we make the best of it through laughter and tears, I guess that's what its all about.We are going to Nicaragua soon, I will be taking school supplies again. Can't wait for the sun!!!! Take care and let us all know what's going on!
Cindy
Ohhhh Sherri!! Your words are so powerful I can feel the emotion coming through them. There's nothing like watching the sunrise and I can only imagine how muchly greater it would be in a meditative state! And the stars... I can picture the magnificent stars from out around Komoka and beyond where you can see the milky way and numerous shooting stars. I bet the stars there are 10x as awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that your stay is being cut short. Typical government always mucking things up. However, "kay cera cera, whatever will be, will be" and everything happens for a reason. (We get to see you sooner rather than later!!!!) :)
What a most enjoyable Christmas you had... the way Christmas should be!
Happy New Year to you Sherri! I look forward to touching base with you once you've returned, whenever you're ready.
Lots of love coming you way!
Meaghan xoxo
p.s- love the bit about the "canadian chick throwing around the odd cuss word"... made me chuckle. :)