This is the third time I’m packing up and leaving New Haven to go on the road. Incredible how life unfolds itself in the most unexpected ways. It may seem similar, but here’s what’s different this time around.

I’m lighter… Spent the last 3 months purging my parents’ house, which has been my dumping ground for 10+ years. MANY bags and boxes of books, clothes, gadgets and gizmos tossed, sold, and donated. I’m leaving physically, mentally, and energetically lighter.

Clear eyes, full hearts… What began as a brief interlude in between travels turned into more than a year of tremendous growth. I learned to embrace the subtleties of staying in one place. I found community. I discovered the power and humbleness of being a teacher and serving others. And I leave New Haven this time not out of a desperate need to escape, but instead with my heart already so, so full.

My Intention… Is to go deeper inward. My friend Anna and I used to joke that we went all the way to India just to sit in a room with our eyes closed for hours. A bit funny but also true. This time there’s no need for guidebooks or grand itineraries. I am absolutely ecstatic about simply floating in the middle of the ocean, deepening my yoga and meditation practice, and spending time with great friends who expand my soul. Doing nothing, just BEING.

But first…
The very first thing I’ll be doing as soon as the plane takes off is… sleeping!! Another joke Anna and I used to say in India was that by the time we finished our morning practice and fully enjoyed breakfast, it would already be 2pm and nearly time to get ready for dinner. After 15 months of East Coast grind, I’m ready to surrender back into a natural rhythm and allow my mind and body relax, absorb, and process.

In the inevitable whirlwind before any trip, I was up until 3am last night trying to figure out how to fit a year’s worth of gear for temperatures ranging from 10-35deg C into a single backpack that wasn’t horrendously overpacked. Not sure I succeeded but it eventually looked something like this:

My packing skills are a little rusty, but a copy of The Prophet is always included. Food for the traveling soul!

Follow Me:
Aug 25-Sep 10: Tunis, Tunisia
Sep 11-17: Gozo, Malta
Sep 18-29: Tubingen, Germany
Sep 30-Oct 6: Barcelona & Madrid, Spain
Oct 7: Mother India!