Mom Lekha’s, Varkala Beach also known as Papanasam Beach, India 16,330 steps, 8.5 miles (4-3-15)
Visualize the road ahead. Crystal clear self-realization reached through repeatedly pushing the body to its limits, witnessing the engine’s capacity. Adjusting and tuning the mind through exposure to new scenes and scenarios. Simple satisfaction of remaining in one spot won’t suffice. Feed the mind a new set of parameters, movement matures the mind. Just after entering a meditative state while awaiting the sunrise on the beach, a dog came up to me and nestled up next to me, startled for a moment, but amazed by the dog’s keen sense for energy flow.
Focused on my own internal energy, perhaps humans possess the same energy shift awareness. When I find myself in back alley streets in less than ideal neighborhoods, this maintaining of positive spirit essentially guides my path. I may even memorize the next twenty-steps, close my eyes and breathe, walking carefully.
Hindu ceremonies and spiritual symbols line the beach
Loving the vibe here on Varkala Beach. Observed several individuals meditating, eyes closed, perfect posture, hands resting gently on the knees. I found a secluded spot beneath the red cliffs and did 20 minutes, eyes closed as the sun disappeared over the horizon and dolphins breached the surface. Self-restraint yields unexpected satisfaction. Inner rewards for forgoing outer indulgences. Dinner consisting of dates, peanuts, bananas, and water.
5-3-15 Mom Lekha’s, Papanasam Beach, India (490 Rs.) 21,206 steps, 11.2 miles
Ocean breeze gently flowing through the window. No plans but fruit and nuts for food and silence and stillness for peace.
As humans mechanize the production of food, shelter, clothing, water and medicine, and develop a universal infrastructure which can operate without humans to conduct supply chain logistics of goods and human transport, waste disposal and medical diagnostics and patient care on a nonscarce basis, the next stage of progress will focus on learning what the mind and cumulative shifts in energy capabilities we possess. What if we opened our minds, realized the artificial nature of borders and embraced traveling constantly with no concept of ownership – a giant game of musical chairs. Experimenting with diet, curious how the mind reacts to simple diet as opposed to satisfying the palate. Ate bananas, dates, raisins, peanuts and just drank water today.
Varkala Beach, March. 2015
Walking barefoot on searing hot gravel rocks
Walked left down the beach past a few small fishing communities. Short chat with a group of tuk tuk drivers and 3 other locals along the way. Stubbed toe into a rock on the way out as waves pounded me into the rocks. On the way back, walked a few hundred meters in excruciating pain as I took a cliff path which burnt my bare feet as I walked over sharp gravel and carefully avoided broken glass. Sandals would be prudent next time, but I enjoy the freedom of walking barefoot down the beach. Caught a nice sunset along the high cliffs of Papanasam Beach.
I recognize the repetitive nature of small talk, and often prefer just wandering through nature.
Varkala Beach, March, 2015
6-3-15 Mom Lekha’s, Papanasam Beach, India (493 Rs.) 22,681 steps, 11.7 miles
Balance between creativity and stillness. Expanding the lungs, seeking awareness. Blazed trails admiring the perfect harmony of nature. Nurturing the self with solitude, setting the example of non-possession. Owning only the ground beneath my feet. The caterpillar inches along, bound by gravity. You must enter the cocoon of silent awareness before spreading your wings to fly, revealing the beauty that existed within you all this time. Seek positivity and compassion.
Happy Holi celebrations en route to Kappil Beach
Walked right down the beach. Curiosity got the best of me and I walked to the next town, Kappil Beach. The “Happy Holi” paint on my face smeared as I sweat in the fierce sunlight. Consider asking Passerby with a water bottle for a droplet to keep me alive. Dug deep the last few kilometers, but nothing beyond previous instances of running myself to the edge of fatigue. I recall a few 20+ mile runs at Princeton under 6-minute pace beneath a scorching sun in 100+ degree temperatures with no water breaks earning top honors for fatigue limit observations.
Sunset book discussion about Buddha’s Brain
Eating simply – just bananas, dates, raisins, lemons, and peanuts today. Feeling calm and maintaining a consistent mindset of my quest for truth. I close my eyes in meditation and remind myself of the impermanent nature of my being. I inhale as the ocean waves crash ashore, exhale as it recedes. Ironically met Linda from Seattle, again, we chatted about a book titled, Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom as the sun departed from the horizon.
