July 2006 My visit to the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in Val-Morin, Quebec Canada
During this adventure I met and bonded with many people from around the globe. A toast to all of you and thank you for adding your smiles to my existence. I look forward to your communications at mtmsale@rogers.com. While I very much would have liked to stay the extra day to view the Teacher Training Graduation and participate in the Talent Show it worked out well: Lawrence, Alice and I enjoyed a wonderful drive back reveling together in our adventures. Hopefully these words and thoughts finds you all well and that all of you who took the Teachers' Training Course passed the test.
The facilities of this ashram are as immaculate as ever and include a large outdoor pool, dry sauna house, nearby lakes and rivers, excellent hiking trails, rooftop lounges, numerous huge yoga platforms, and well-organized tenting spaces unobtrusively set into the mountain sides. Quite the change from when I first visited and was fortunate to meet Swami Vishnu in the early 80's. This visit in particular impressed upon me the smile Swami Vishu must be feeling about how his vision to bring yoga to the western world has born fruit. I could really feel the years of karma yoga and how it has evolved into this idyllic setting.
The journey of one's visit goes deeper than the comfortable yet busy environment. Unique about the Sivananda organization is that much of it is build on the karma yoga or selfless-service spirit which unites people together in this community. Everyone is encouraged to pitch in for an hour with a task: sweep the floor, weed the gardens, drive someone somewhere, do the dishes, prepare a meal, give a massage, etc., whatever your skills and inclinations.
Most important to me about promoting their facilities and in sharing this invitation to visit their organization is that I know from experience that they are not a cult. You can go there knowing that their focus is not to "brainwash you into staying". This was my concern when I first went there yet I quickly learned their focus was to serve, love, give, purify, meditate and realize and for me this "retreat opportunity" has been a blessing many times. And that they embrace whichever Faith is in your heart presents a very inclusive space.
Perhaps the most all-encompassing feature for me lies in the treasures of meeting all the beautiful people here. Phenomenal: I like it because you are encouraged to be the person whom you are and with others having the similar opportunity a community of friends is developed which in every instance has been very enriching.
This trip some highlights included:
canoeing down Riviere du Nord with a group of 18 people/9 canoes, laughing and joking (and splashing) in the summer sun. Along the way one participant shares the whistling tune on the cours-de-bois allowing us to synchronize the rhythm of our strokes. During this same adventure another participant regales us with beautifully singing Quebec folk songs
listening to and singing music under the stars on the rooftop lounge at the base of a mountain while bonding with new friends. I even got to perform.
sharing in the moments of exploring a whole new culture with a new-found friend - just by inspiration did we end up enjoying a day together at the Cavate celebration. CBC also interviewed/filmed me (in French): since there was no TV I know not if I made it past the cutting-room floor.
climbing a mountain path with someone whom you just met and by the grace of God encountering persons who shared some of their food with us resulting in us enjoying a mini-picnic on top of a mountain.
Finding a common bond between another and feeling the freedom to skip down and up the front yard of the lodge with all in the area beaming smiles and laughter at the finish - I do strive to be radical especially when it comes to adding smiles and laughter to our lives.
introducing yourself to someone who has just arrived and helping them set up their tents and their orientation.
The gardens flourish with a multitude of flowering varieties.
Mustn't forget the fresh water well that is in the centre of the grounds: you'll definitely meet people here. One visit had me playing volleyball with a real net and an imaginary ball with a youngster and his Mom: boy were we good. I really scored points when I brought out my stash of healthy treats (assortment of nuts, seeds, raisins, granola bars, fruit, etc).
As things have worked out I may even develop a new freeform furniture client as the Sivananda organziation has expressed an interest in our products which could mean another weekend visit before the busy school year starts.
I will, time permitting, go through my photo archives and post them here for you to view.
OM Namah Sivaya: May the universal being be with you.