All You Need Is Love

It's been a pretty interesting week so far.  I've been reading, walking, going to meditation classes, attending workshops on the chakra system, practicing yoga, doing a couple of hours of work everyday in the kitchen and chatting to new and interesting people all the time.  

I still feel like this is a good place for me to be right now, so it's likely that I will stay for another week.  This seems like a great opportunity for me to press the reset button, on my body, mind and soul, which have felt out of balance for quite some time now.

Despite the endless supply of amazing meals and deserts, I've decided that I should do a detox and stay away from all gluten, sugar, dairy and caffeine once again.  My digestive system definitely needs a break after the last few weeks of baguettes, meat, cheese, chocolate, croissants, ciabatta, nutella, gelato and red wine.  I loved every second of it, but my sensitive stomach is now suffereing the consequences.

I love the fact that there is a lot of music and singing here, but I'm discovering that all of the chants dont suit my voice - the key is way outside of my range (too high).  I don't think it's allowed, but ive been singing harmonies instead. 

Someone asked me to play a song in the kitchen yesterday.  I felt a bit nervous about it because I had already been told by one of the teachers that only devotional music is allowed.  Even so, all in attendance burst into applause when I had finished. One of them actually whispered "such a nice change from the chants".  I can imagine hearing the same music week after week would drive you mad after a while.

I've noticed there seems to be a bit of a stuggle between the older and younger generations.  I think the young people feel they should be allowed to be more adventourous with the music and maybe even write thier own songs.  Whereas the older generation feel that everyone should only sing the music written by the man who set up the community (his name escapes me for the moment).  Even a place as peaceful as this is not free of politics.

Strangely enough the songs that I find myself quietly chanting since arriving are all Beatles hits :) Can't get more pure than "all you need is love"...

I have to admit, there is definitely something special about living amongst a community of people who are all striving towards the same goal of peace and happiness, and also aspiring to find a deeper meaning to this life.  In this beautiuful setting mountains and sky I can see how many people who visit decide to move here and become permanent members.

I wondered if it was in me to do something like that.  But I can't imagine myself in a place like this for a long time.  There is so much more for me to discover and explore. 

Plus I think I like red wine a little bit too much to give it up completely :)

xx