I ended up in Nepal where I was walled up in a Buddhist meditation cave for 31 days. After that, I traveled overland to Tibet. This was difficult physically (I lost 20+ pounds in the cave). But...like you... the experience transformed my life.
I wake up every morning and go to the garden to meditate and pray. I listen to the birds and talk to the trees. It helps if you are part fairy. But seriously this ritual keeps me grounded and able to start calmly again to greet this life.
What a truly amazing life you have lived John ,mixed with wonderful experiences but also some of the most frightening experiences of war and man’s cruelty to each other.As a war correspondent you must have seen things that nobody should ever see & that has changed your whole perception of life.Yet despite this your travels have made you into a most remarkable man seeing such goodness in the world still exists ,sometimes in the most unusual places.
John, I have very much enjoyed reading all of your books. I wonder, did you ever make that journey to Tibet? When I was 68, shortly after I retired I spent 45 days walking Caminos in Spain, mostly alone (Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, Camino Fisterre) and I did a great deal of thinking about how to approach living the rest of my life. It was the best 45 days of my entire life, and it changed my perspective and my ideas about life.
I ended up in Nepal, walled up in a Buddhist meditation cave for 31 days. The cave was supervised by Buddhist nuns. It was difficult physically. I lost 20+ pounds and…for a few days…was blind in one eye (because of a mold infection). After that, I traveled overland to Tibet. Sometimes it’s necessary to step completely out of your familiar world.
Only yesterday a friend posted a profound quote on Facebook that still resonates with me… “begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life” - Seneca
Your story reminded me of that and, for me, underlined it - thank you
I ended up in Nepal where I was walled up in a Buddhist meditation cave for 31 days. After that, I traveled overland to Tibet. This was difficult physically (I lost 20+ pounds in the cave). But...like you... the experience transformed my life.
What remarkable experiences both you and Diana had! Sudden death certainly shapes our character and perspective on life and the human condition.
I hope you found solace in Nepal and Tibet. Though I am sure the contrast from New York was refreshing and tranquil.
Thank you for the read. Makes me appreciate the little things.
Cheers to a waking dawn <3
I wake up every morning and go to the garden to meditate and pray. I listen to the birds and talk to the trees. It helps if you are part fairy. But seriously this ritual keeps me grounded and able to start calmly again to greet this life.
What a truly amazing life you have lived John ,mixed with wonderful experiences but also some of the most frightening experiences of war and man’s cruelty to each other.As a war correspondent you must have seen things that nobody should ever see & that has changed your whole perception of life.Yet despite this your travels have made you into a most remarkable man seeing such goodness in the world still exists ,sometimes in the most unusual places.
John, I have very much enjoyed reading all of your books. I wonder, did you ever make that journey to Tibet? When I was 68, shortly after I retired I spent 45 days walking Caminos in Spain, mostly alone (Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, Camino Fisterre) and I did a great deal of thinking about how to approach living the rest of my life. It was the best 45 days of my entire life, and it changed my perspective and my ideas about life.
That sounds profound D.
I aim to also walk the Caminos in Spain, just you, your thoughts and nature :)
This will change you…in a positive way. But get a good pair of shoes!
👍☺️
I ended up in Nepal, walled up in a Buddhist meditation cave for 31 days. The cave was supervised by Buddhist nuns. It was difficult physically. I lost 20+ pounds and…for a few days…was blind in one eye (because of a mold infection). After that, I traveled overland to Tibet. Sometimes it’s necessary to step completely out of your familiar world.
Real stories are the most amazing. Thank you.
Only yesterday a friend posted a profound quote on Facebook that still resonates with me… “begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life” - Seneca
Your story reminded me of that and, for me, underlined it - thank you
😁👍
JXIIH,
YOU are my FAVORITE purveyor of thoughts/ideas/stories!!! Never a one have you shared that doesn't send my own mind somewhere interesting...