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Mindful Words, Pure Intention, Real Experiences, & Practical Guidance

This page was created to share thoughts, stories, and teachings that inspire. I invite you to spend some time here: click around, wander, wonder, read, sip something, learn, smile, connect...

Intrepid Times •

Chota Char Dham: A Voyage into the Mind and Heart in the Indian Himalayas - Intrepid Times

The winner of our Pilgrimages competition tackles the Chota Char Dham, in the Indian Himalayas, braving cold-bucket baths, jostling with other pilgrims, and powering through splashes of horse manure in search of happiness.


Pablo squats under a staircase in the dark corridor. Naked and trembling, he pours small plastic pitchers of cold water on himself from what I presume is a dirty mop bucket. He’s yelling like I’ve never heard him yell.
Intrepid Times •

From Kopan Monastery to Medical Mayhem in Kathmandu, Nepal - Intrepid Times

A spiritual seeker in Nepal trades ornate temples for a hospital ward when a medical emergency hits, but will Buddhist teachings guide her through the pain?


I. The Scene


“One day closer to death,” Venerable Robina greets us each morning.


Sure, by definition, this is a morbid way to start the day. However, the salutation isn’t meant to cause suffering. In fact, the concept that we can all free ourselves from suffering is the theme of our month-long course, offered once a year at Kopan Mo...
Intrepid Times •

Girivalam 46: My Pilgrimage at Arunachala - Intrepid Times

A pilgrim connects with herself and the world around her as she makes her 46th ‘Girivalam’ or circumambulation of Arunachala, a holy mountain in Southern India.


My bare feet follow the painted white line at the left edge of the black asphalt, still warm and visibly steaming after a flash tropical downpour. Returning my gaze and awareness to the sacred hill, I observe that the pace of my typically-slow steps has increased. Somehow, after so many rounds of the mountain, I seem to have lost the...

Selected Articles: Yoga, Meditation, Holistic Wellness, & Mindful Living

happiness.com •

Nonduality: What it Is, What it Isn’t, and Basic Teachings

Take a moment to consider how you interact with the world – not only your physical surroundings, but also how you see yourself and others. Do you envision yourself as an individual? Are you part of a whole? Can you imagine your life as something entirely beyond these concepts? 



As it turns out, it’s rare to see “self” as something other than a person; that is, as an individual who wanders through life, engages with others, and strives for the ideals of health, true connection, and a sense...
happiness.com •

The Essentials of Energy Healing: 10 Techniques

Energy healing techniques are based on the principle that physical and mental complications in the body are manifestations of restricted, blocked, or unbalanced energy. Although the Western medical community often shows skepticism towards energy healing, many of these practices originated in ancient times and are still widely accepted and integrated into modern medicine worldwide. 


 


Let’s explore the idea of energy healing and examine some well-established, time-tested energy medicine p...
happiness.com •

The 7 Chakras: Locations, Colors, and Use Within Yoga

I was introduced to chakras during a yoga teaching training class when a teacher instructed me to chant “ham” repeatedly while inverted in a shoulder stand. This, the instructor said, would open my throat chakra, which was linked to my insecurities, and radically improve my life.


 


At the time, this seemed odd; I didn’t know what a throat chakra was, why it might be closed, how opening it would be helpful, or how chanting upside-down might facilitate this! However, I can now admit that,...

Who Am I?

Me at home on Arunachala.

Namaste, Vanakkam, Hola, Hello!

Thanks for stopping by.

"About me:"

On the surface, I'm a long-term traveler, yoga & meditation instructor, and freelance writer, with an intention to share authentic words, heartfelt sentiments, and meaning.

I'm from Holy Toledo!, Ohio and have spent the past six years living near a sacred mountain in southern India. My journey to arrive here circled the globe and made me aware of something more important than seeking new experiences: understanding the vast nature of our own inner world.

I don't use social media and would like to avoid listing degrees, certifications, and credentials in this space. However, I'd be happy to share more about my life and get to know what's important to you in a private conversation. 

Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss opportunities to work together!

Thank you, nandri, gracias, with gratitude, 

Rachel

colourfulrachel@gmail.com

Creative writing from direct experience: mindful words, pure intentions, & practical guidance