Surrender

Hello everyone! I hope you're all well and enjoying the New Year!! The celebration here was unlike any I've ever experienced - it was quite simple really, but quite lovely. Mooji led us all on a 14km walk around the mountain that's here - something EVERYONE does. The streets are literally filled with people walking, and both sides were lined with food and local trade booths the entire way, set up specifically for the occasion. It was remarkable to see the grandeur of it all. The entire thing took us about 6.5 hours, as we stopped for food, drinks and other treasures along the way. Then before we said goodnight, we all enjoyed a well-deserved meal together, and then Mooji finished the night by speaking to us all - giving us some background on the significance of the day and the walk we had just accomplished, as well as some words of wisdom to bring us into the New Year. It was awesome.

As for the retreat - I realize it has been quite some time since I last wrote. I have to admit, it was an intense 10 days - more so than I thought - and I needed a few days to 'come to' and just be with it all. I think the biggest thing I took from it was to surrender. To let go thinking we need to be a particular way or need to have a specific thing in order to be complete. As Mooji says: 'there is no menu to life', so stop ordering. Stop ordering and it will come.

Which also means trust; it's a scary prospect to just let go and take whatever comes - you can imagine the scenarios that came to mind when you're on your own to think about it. But the beauty of being with a master such as Mooji, is that you're never left ill-equipped to implement any advice. He also pointed out that thoughts are only that, just thoughts, and that no matter how awful (or how joyous) they might seem, they're always changing. No matter what comes, it always goes, is only temporary - you can check it out for yourself. If you simply let them come & go, and just watch, you'll notice they never touch you :o)

So, I guess that's it for now. Mooji and his team are graciously continuing open satsangs (times where you can go and sit with Mooji and ask questions, and listen to others do the same) through until mid-February, and I've decided to join them. I'll continue to write as I feel drawn - however please forgive if this turns out to be periodic!

Love and blessings to you all. And once again, Happy 2010!!
Nikkuu