TravelStream™ news feed for member monostratos on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/monostratos en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:26:35 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1217176200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1217176200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1217176200/tpod.html Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:26:35 -0400 India 2008

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Delhi, India

Again the Source provides. Right after posting my last entry, a series of 'coincidences' led me straight to a shop selling donut shaped cushions. My shattered spine (sound more dramatic) has healed fast and continues to do so.

Last day and night in Delhi was a shopping frenzy. I always liked those colorful posters with gods and godesses so I bought 70 of them. And 12 books I can't wait to read. And so many crystals I can't even remember half of the names.

I also had my stars read by a Main Bazaar astrologer. Something about planets, numbers, houses and not eating meat on thursdays. And good fortune is coming on November 9. Not bad for 150Rs.

The flight home was pleasant and uneventful except for me dropping my boarding pass and having my sun lotion confiscated because it contained 18 mililiters more than the allowed 100. And it was only half full. Who knew you could blast a plane out of the skies with factor 30? But I let it go.

While walking through Copenhagen airport this morning I couldn't help but smile when I looked at all the ads. Welcome to the country of desires and needs. Welcome to the land of seduction and sin. Now you can afford to be magnificient. I'm home. And I'm just as much an alien here as I am in India. But now I'm also a sorcerer, commanding secret symbols, ancient mantras, powerful crystals and quite a few gadgets that make sounds in my quest to channel some divine love vibes into this mad world of consumerism and illusions.

I'm signing off now and I wish to thank you for following my experiences. Soon I will post decent quality photos and videos on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=755717731).

May the entire Universe conspire to help your fulfill your dreams.

Morten

PS: I'm still open for donations. Will write for money.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1217056200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1217056200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1217056200/tpod.html Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:15:17 -0400 India 2008

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Manali, India

Hello readers,

I figured I had time for one more adventure before leaving for home, so yesterday I went paragliding. Not that adrenaline sports are usually my thing, but I guess I had something I wanted to prove to myself. And I was right. The fear of crashing into trees or making a big hole in the ground was pretty much gone.

I hired a horse and rode up the mountain to the take-off area. Sounds romantic, doesn't it? Well, the truth is that my horse was a very sad pony with a death-wish. Also, he was tied to five of his brethren carrying a Korean tour group, while being beaten by a pony driver with a big stick. At first I named my animal Shadowfaxe but towards the end I secretly called him Eeyore which seemed much more fitting. He accomplished the mission though, and I wish that he finds the happiness he so obviously lacks. Also, I hope the pony driver finds a different outlet for his rage.

Arrived safely at the take-off area, all the Koreans wanted a photo session with the giant from the North. Kind of funny posing next to real-life hobbits. I felt a bit like Gandalf just then. I know, I should cut down on Lord of the Rings metaphors.

I was third in line. The first girl took off like a rocket, going almost straight up. I was expecting a bit of running and horizontal gliding, but she was halfway into orbit before I got my camera out. The second girl was a bit heavier so she took off the normal way, at least until she crashed to the ground a second later. That's when I began saying my mantra and doing reiki protection symbols on everything around me. Which made me feel even more like Gandalf.

Then it was my turn. I was resolved on filming the whole deal on video which was a good idea, also because it took my mind off those trees. Not many people know this, but running down a mountain with a 50 kg Indian and a parachute tied on your back isn't easy. The first two times we failed to take off although I struggled with everything I had in me. The third time it happened.

Oh my God! How could I possibly describe the view and the feeling? We soared in circles, picking up altitude and I was amazed to see the take-off site way down below me when we came around. I'm not going to waste time trying to explain the view. I have it all on video and I'll post it when I get back home.

I can spare a few words on the landing though. I have often found it odd that we humans still have tail-bones. It may have some hidden purpose, but using it as a landing gear on a hard dirt field is not it. All this time I was afraid of dying, and the thought never occurred to me that breaking my tail-bone would be a lot worse. For those readers who are spiritually inclined, I want to advise against this method of inducing a Kundalini awakening. In fact I'm sure mine was knocked unconscious by the beating. This is also a very bad way of balancing the root chakra.

This is the insight I gained, and I hope these words of wisdom will help someone some day. Don't go on a 16-hour bus drive through the Himalayas with a broken butt. It's not as funny as it sounds. Also, if you do end up with a pulverized tail-bone, avoid sneezing at all costs. And chairs. And don't fly halfway around the world on monkey class either. Just stay flat on your stomach and pray for mercy with your palms resting on your butt cheeks (yes it does look funny and it's hard to do on a bus).

I've been more or less sitting on my healing hands ever since, but I've come to the conclusion that maybe I should augment the treatment with some painkillers. I guess reiki and paracetamol is what I need. And a donut-shaped cushion if I can find one.

Morten
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216893180/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216893180/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216893180/tpod.html Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:25:25 -0400 India 2008

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Manali, India

Dear friends,

There is very little I can write. The past many days I have spent giving and receiving reiki, eating and sleeping. It has been everything except boring. To be honest I don't know exactly what is happening to me, I just know that it is for the better. Issues from the past are being set free, and the experiences I'm having with reiki are beginning to change some of my fundamental beliefs about life. Doubts, fears and delusions are slowly leaving me, replaced by something I can only call faith or love. It is truly an amazing time to be Morten, I can tell you that much.

What will become of this transformation in the future I obviously don't know. All I know is that I want to continue giving reiki as much as possible. Serving others in this way is more meaningful and rewarding than anything I can think of right now. So if you should ever feel the need, please don't hesitate to call or write me. I can not explain how the energy will work or what it can do - it is not up to me. Whether you believe it works or not doesn't matter. Give it a try and see for yourself.

If you're too far away for my hands to reach, don't worry. I do distance healing also. You can even request a shot of energy for some future event where you'll be needing all the support you can get. All I need to know is the time and place.

I will not charge money for my services, at least not yet. Send me a mail and we'll figure out something once I'm back home again.

With love,
Morten
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216307100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216307100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216307100/tpod.html Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:32:00 -0400 India 2008

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Manali, India

Now I'm resolved.
Tomorrow I'm moving over to the nearby village of Vashisht where Rittu, my reiki grand master, lives. And I don't expect to be going anywhere until I have to fly home.

Today I had my first class in reiki, which included a formal initiation by the grand master. Very atmospheric and interesting. To be honest I've never believed that an initiation needs to be necessary for someone to begin healing, but I accepted it as I would accept any ceremony I happen to attend. Imagine my wonder then, when I discovered that something actually had changed. My hands were burning like never before when I placed them around my own body for self healing. I really hope I will get to do some good with this new skill.

I might even take the next class in reiki while I'm here (there are four in total, the fourth being the teaching course). Compared to the prices in Denmark, it's practically free to do the courses here. And the only other student is an English girl so it's almost a private class.

It's funny. I love being here but I don't mind that I'm going home in less than two weeks. I usually hate the thought of coming home, but that probably had something to do with what I was coming home to. How weird is it that I'm actually looking forward to delivering mail again? Besides, I will be coming home as a certified reiki healer so that's something new, and it might even be an extra income. Other than that I have no doubt that I'm coming back here within a few years, so it's not goodbye. But next time I'm not travelling alone. Not that it's not funny or challenging and all that, but I've never been here with someone close to me.

A few words about loneliness. I haven't experienced any. I've been alone most of the time but every time I've needed someone to talk to, there hasn't been any shyness to overcome. I don't want to make it sound like something special, but it really feels like there is a lot less fear in me now. I feel safe and I don't worry about things out of my control (which is pretty much everything). Whether this will continue when I get back home I don't know. But I can hope.

So.. I noticed that I haven't received any donations yet. How about if I promise distance healing for every donation? Also please rate this travel blog, whether you like it or not.

Peace and love and all that
M
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216186560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216186560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216186560/tpod.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:02:46 -0400 India 2008

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Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

Here I am in Manali.
Five years have passed since I was last here, and a lot has changed. Not for better or for worse, but different. Old Manali has grown considerably and the backpacker scene is growing. Living here is easy, as long as I don't think about how this place must have looked 10 years ago. Anyway, the surrounding landscape is breathtaking with its hazy peaks, many beautiful waterfalls and cedar forests.

New Manali is ugly as always, but I did venture into the concrete jungle to buy shawls and presents. Sending parcels home from India is an experience in itself. First you need to find a tailor to make a bag for your stuff, sealed with wax and everything. Then you spend an hour trying to write all the necessary details on the fabric. Then the guy at the post office tells you that it's impossible to read. You then go find someone who sells magic markers and repeat the writing process. Then you hand your parcel to the postoffice, and while analyzing the odds of its arrival at the destination, you pay more for the sending than what the contents is worth.

Next I went to the nearby tourist village of Vashisht because I had read about a great healer there. I had an hour of Reiki healing and the result is astonishing. Impossible to explain, although "very emotional" seems fitting. Walking home to Old Manali after the healing session, some sort of transformation took place. I released a few tears and felt lighter immediately.

I'm going over there tonight as well, to get some info. Right now I'm considering staying in Manali until I have to head home. I might want to take a healing course (Reiki One) and maybe some cooking courses. So far I've been moving almost constantly and only stayed at the same spot for a few days. Now I feel more like staying put and enjoying the easy life while learning useful stuff. Nothing is certain though.

Oh, there are now more pictures uploaded (Chandratal and Kibber/Ki).

Bye for now,
M
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216112520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216112520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1216112520/tpod.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:03:35 -0400 India 2008

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In the middle of nowhere, India

What a morning!
Woke up 10 minutes before the bus left, but I made it. No seats though, so I had to stand up for 3 hours. Indian busses are not made for people of my height, so my scalp was pounded to a bloody mess before I arrived. That sort of started a headache which was amplified further by the altitude where I got off - 4.500 meters.

I went with Boaz and Annat to Chandratal, Moon Lake, which is a 4 hour trek from the pass. Unbelievable beauty! Big. Extreme. Wow. I recommend everyone to come here. Imagine a big mirror-like lake reflecting snowcovered peaks and clouds. Add to that a magnificient silence deeper than anything I've heard before. Even the simplest thoughts seemed noisy and inappropriate. I was completely blown away to say the least and I quickly forgot about my headache.


i rented a tent in a eco-camp, although it was more like a hotel room. Three layers of insulating blankets, sleeping bags and extra blankets. And room service :) How weird it was to have a three course meal served in a tent. Great food by the way. And there were donkeys, mules and horses grazing around the camp. And huge eagles soaring above - and even cooler - below me. I didn't see any slow leopards and I can't decide whether that's good or bad. I mean you have to die of something, and being eaten by a snow leopard seems like a better way than many others.

The next day we hiked to Battal, which turned out to be two small shops and a single house. I got on a bus to Manali and... no seats. By then I had learned to stand on the staircase to avoid being beaten by the roof. It was actually a great ride. I got to look out the front window, which made me appreciate how skilled these bus drivers are. I'll bet it's easier to fly a space shuttle. The roads simply disappear sometimes and become part of a waterfall instead. I put my 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra to use many times, and I wasn't even close to being scared. Yet.

Before reaching Manali, we had to go across Rohtang Pass, which is only open for traffic for a few months every year. It is also where every single person in India go to experience snow for the first time. It was packed with Indians on ponies and many other tourists. Unfortunately the road was blocked for a whole hour due to some road work. When we got started again, the driver wanted to get down as fast as possible. And boy do I mean fast! Blowing his horn continuously he threw the bus around blind curves and hairpins. One unfortunate truck driver wouldn't let him pass, which resulted in the weirdest incident I've witnessed in India - and that says a lot.

My bus driver managed to cut the truck off in the middle of a hairpin, forcing both vehicles to a very abrubt stop. Then he jumped out the door and ran to the truck, climbed up to the open window and started beating the shit out of whoever was sitting in there. Only his short legs were sticking out the window, swinging as he dropped his punches. That part was at least semi-funny. But when he got back in the bus and started driving again, it wasn't funny anymore. I was scared. Really scared. Now he mad AND in a hurry.

Not even the road signs were funny anymore. I used to giggle every time we passed a "Please avoid accidents", "Mind the bend, my friend" or some similar signs. But not during that last part. The guys in the back seat were airborne half the time and the rest of us were clinging to whatever part of the bus we could find.

All in all a couple of adventurous days and now that I'm in Manali I'm going to relax for a few days while I figure out where to go next.

M

PS: More photos to come.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215904560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215904560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215904560/tpod.html Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:44:51 -0400 India 2008

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Kaza, India

I decided to stay in Tabo one more day after the green toast incident to gain some strength. I've already lost a lot of weight because my stomach was scared shitless (in this case quite litteraly) during my first week here. It remembers all too well how horribly ill it was last time I was in India. I'm glad to say that my appetite is back, but maybe I should inspect my food a little more thoroughly from now on.

I went to the local hospital and got some medicine for free. Unknown to me, one of the pills has the side effect of turning my urine bright orange, so for the next couple of days I was sure I would soon die of dehydration.

The bus trip from Tabo to Kaza (both in Spiti Valley) was the most amazing ever. Rock forests of pin shaped pillars rising from the valley, lush green fields and a river constantly flowing in and out of itself. Unfortunately it's damn near impossible to take any decent photos from these buses.

Met up with Boaz and Annat who I've shared paths with since Nako. Today we rented a jeep and went on a day trip to Kibber and Ki Gompa. Kipper once claimed to be the highest village in the world (4.200 m), but now they've added "with electricity and a motorable road". It didn't feel all that high up because the valley itself is at 3.600 m, but a growing head-ache reminded me of the altitude. After a tourist style photo safari we went down to Ki Gompa, a 800 years old buddhist monastery built on its own little mountain. It was amazing to look at scriptures more than 1000 years old handwritten on bark and in almost perfect condition. We had chai with the monks in the kitchen joined by a german guy with a long white beard wearing white from top to toe. I guess I might have jokingly wished for Gandalf the White to come and help me on my quest, but I never imagined actually meeting him.

Tomorrow, if all goes well, I am going on my first trek. It starts at Kunzum-La (translates as Pass of Piles of Dead Bodies) and ends 4-5 hours of walking north at the beautiful Chandratal mountain lake. I've booked a tent and a sleeping bag, and the plan is to walk back to the road and get on a bus to Manali the next day. Will write more when I get there.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1214941620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1214941620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1214941620/tpod.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:46:36 -0400 India 2008

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New delhi, India

Yea! I'm finally here!

It's funny how smells can trigger old memories. The smell of India I can only describe as a combo of urine, incence, cow-shit and pollution. And my god how it triggers memories. Both the good and the bad. One whiff was enough to make my body complain and my spirit rejoice.

There's not much to tell yet. Except for the heat which is now in the 40's and a humidity that makes sweating and showering useless. But luckily I'm out of here tonight. The mountains are calling and an air conditioned sleeper bus (at least that's what they tell me it is. I'm not expecting anything except four wheels and a driver) is taking me there.

Mentally I'm feeling good. To be honest I was a bit anxious when leaving the airport but that is gone now. I guess it means that some part of me doesn't like adventure at all. I'm glad it's not a very big part.

I'm currently reading The Lord of the Rings and I must say that, once again, I have become Frodo. Whether I will reach my Mount Doom and let go of the evil that haunts me, time will tell. How many dragons and monsters I have to fight or learn to love, I don 't know. All I know is that I'm here because I'm supposed to.

That's all for now.
Namaste to all of you.

Morten
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215515520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215515520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215515520/tpod.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:28:22 -0400 India 2008

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Tabo, India

Spiti is fantastic!

The mountains look different here. The cliffs are rugged and pointy, but the slopes are perfectly even, covered with gravel. Tabo sits on the bank of Spiti River, and everything looks lush and green. On both sides huge walls of rock shoot up. On one side there are dozens of small and large caves dug into the mountain. The monks from Tabo Gompa come here to meditate. So did I, but alas. My stomach wouldn't allow me to stay long any of the three times I went up there. I did manage to get some good overtone singing done though.

Second day I was here, I noticed something weird about my breakfast. As I took the last piece of toast, I noticed that it was green around the edges. Half a minute later I said goodbye to what I had already eaten.

Many interesting people around here. There are quite a few expats enjoying all summer in this little village. All doing something for the community, like teaching, building eco-houses and raising awareness.

I'm a bit surprised about the weather. Everyone told me that Spiti would be clear skies and no rain, but it seems that unusual weather patterns are everywhere.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215324360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215324360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/monostratos/1/1215324360/tpod.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:12:24 -0400 India 2008

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Nako, India

Tonight my young Israeli neighbor invited me to share a large cigarette with him on our balcony. He was fresh out of the army, full of sharp opinions about everything and seeming somewhat unhappy. We talked for long about how to find our path in life, about marriage and being torn between the expectations of others.

Somehow I didn't think clearly while we were talking and it wasn't until he had left that I suddenly realized what I had wanted to say to him. Here it is.

The only way of knowing whether you're following your heart, is by looking at how you feel.
If you don't, you feel bad. It starts like an itch and if you don't change course, it grows. Your happiness starts tasting less sweet although you do many things to obtain it. It feels like an appetite that you can't satisfy for more than a few moments. And the rest of the moments you spend chasing it. Eventually, if you don't stop following the mind (your own and other's expectations) blindly, all pleasure ends. Depression sets in, leaving everything in darkness. If you're still too stubborn to change, after you've chased happiness and ended up in a dark alley, there are only two options left: turn around or kill yourself. Change or die. And dying is not necessary. The happiness you looked for everywhere was always right in front of your nose - or behind and below it to be more precise. True and lasting happiness can only come from a heart that fulfills its purpose. Whether it's leading a nation or plowing a field doesn't matter. What matters is why you do it. Is it because it makes you feel happy, or because you think it does? Does it make you happy right now, or do you think it might in the future when all the conditions are right? But the future never comes. All there ever is, is right now. And whether you're happy or unhappy right now always comes down to how you choose right now. Am I doing what I want to do, or am I living in a future scenario pleasing abstract ideals?

You can't think your way to know what your heart wants. If you're used to going about life in a rational way, you're in the dark. You have to go blindfolded with only feelings to guide you. If you don't trust your feelings more than your thinking, you will have to learn. There is no other way. Happiness is a feeling, not a thought. When you get it, you get it.

We all fuck up. We're all basically thrown into a world we know nothing about, having to figure out who and what to trust. Of course we fuck up. Because most of us end up trusting people that aren't happy themselves. They haven't "got it yet". So we repeat their mistakes. But as long as we are many making the same mistakes, it doesn't feel so bad. Look at divorce rates. Could it be that our concept of what love is, is completely wrong? Don't most of us believe that love is something to achieve? And when you get it, you have to hold on to it? While in fact this is the exact opposite of love: It is fear driving us.. Fear of loneliness and failure.

Love can not be had. It can only be given away. Without fear and conditions. Most parents have noticed that their love for their children is much deeper than what they feel towards their partner. This is because they don't expect something in return from their children. If they could use the same unselfish approach with their partners, there would be no difference. If you love only because you want to love and set the ones you love free, happiness is inevitable. What it comes down to is fear. Fear destroys love and happiness.

A few words on marriage.
It is not divine and never has been. It's a social structure designed to maintain the status quo. Those that introduced it as holy, were people that hadn't "got it yet" themselves. They were, like you and me, confused about life and did the best they could. Only love is divine. If you truly love someone, why would you want to marry them when you know that true love never can be promised or expected?
We are taught that being alone is bad because it makes us lonely. Not true. You can be just as lonely with a partner as without one. Loneliness is a feeling and if you have it, you have it no matter who you're with - or not with and no matter where you are or what you social status and income might be. When you feel lonely, you're incapable of loving. No matter how hard you pretend, it is not love. If you can't be happy alone, you won't be happy with a partner for long. You will become alone and abandoned again and again until you learn to be at peace with yourself.

We have to be more careful who we listen to. This may seem harsh, but I have to say it. Why would anyone take advice on relationships from someone who keeps getting divorced and feel miserable most of the time? Why not learn from the people who are actually happy together? They are fewer in numbers but it's worth looking for them. And they're not all that hard to recognise. They smile a lot and they don't put blame on each other. Don't measure them by how long they've been together. Often real love relationships don't last forever. The relationship ends, but the love never dies. Both want each other to be happy, even if it hurts themselves.
Relationships are something to learn from. We use each others as mirrors to learn who we, ourselves, are. And as we learn and grow, sometimes we grow apart and need a different mirror or a time-out to implement what we've learned.

A simple example: How would you discover that you're jealous without someone else to show it to you? And if you use that information to look inwards and solve the issue, how would you know it was gone without someone else to show you? It's not only our partners we use as mirrors, but they are often those that know us best right now. It is those that you reveal yourself to, that in turn reveal something about yourself you didn't know.

Don't be afraid to look your fears. There is a huge freedom hidden underneath them. When you discover an irrational fear, look at it with curiosity and wonder how it got there in stead of the usual moral self-judgment. You will discover that the root problem is always a false belief. And I do mean always. The only questions that remains are then: Are you willing to admit that you were completely wrong? And are you willing to change?

M
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