We said goodbye to two of the pigs last evening for they flew out early this morning for Delhi and their homeward flights. The now four pigs started our day in Fort Cochin by heading to the Kathakali Culture Center to participate in a one hour meditation to music.
In a dark room lit by candles, sitting on cushions, we sat crossed legged, spines and heads straight with eyes closed. We formed a semicircle around two accomplished musicians on the sitar and drums. They played a beautiful raga meant to illicit meditation and happiness.
I love to meditate in the mornings and I try to do so each morning for 30 minutes. It centers me and gives me focus for the day. It is very rare that I can take an hour to devote to my morning meditation. Today I had time to go beyond concentrating on NOT concentrating. The music with a 16 bar beat on the sitar was enough of a constant rhythm that it was easy to fall into mindless thoughts. I think the Beatles used this same beat in their recording of "Within You Without You". It's amazing how powerful music can be in setting one's mood. The hour had dissapeared in what seemed but an instant. I emerged onto the sunlit and bustling street happy, energized and carefree.
When pigs fly there comes a time when they must return to each of their homes, families, jobs and committments.They are not the same pigs they were when they took flight 21 days ago. They have seen new places, made new friends, and created memories to last a lifetime. They have enriched their lives, nutured their souls, and brought a little sunshine and light into those whose paths they have crossed. "When the energy is good...the roads cross". Everyday we acquired new knowledge of man and nature and we were content and happy; what more could anyone want?
There is no such thing as Goodbye to a flying pig; only an "Until Next Time".
M
