So, Auroville - intentional community populated with people from 46 different nations and thousands of varieties of insects, spiders, snakes and other wonderful creepy crawlers that thrive in the sweltering heat. as a center peice there was a gigantic golden sphere with reflective panels accompanied by somewhat of an omnipotent banyan tree and a stout pillar containing soil from those 46 nations represented by the residents. inside the Matrimandir (think enormous golden golf ball), is a carpeted room with 8 columns encircling a crystal ball about the size of a large snowman's bottom. Everything in the room was pure white sans the crystal ball. The cult overtones were no longer vieled as I couldnt help but picture someone walking around offering small cups of kool aid. yum.

Outside Matrimandir, past the banyan tree was a stone bench next to a stone table both of polished grey granite. Seated on the bench was an unassumingly beautiful Australian boy named Alex whom Kathrin was talking to. I was introduced to him and his work partner: Susmehta; they were sampling grey water systems in Auroville. That was seven days ago, he left for the north of India today, and then to Europe.

I havent been this sad in months. And it actually feels like sadness. Not sad anger, or sad jealousy, or sad guilt or even sad dissapointment but a sense of longing for what is no longer.

Now I feel amazing. It is these moments, a direct appeal for your participation or a brief physical & mental kismet, that give me the hope I crave.

All I can offer from here is a hug composed purely of warm strong thoughts, soft reassuring intent, and cool embracing solace. Know that you are not alone as you may feel. And please do not destroy the possibility of a hug upon my return or the shared bliss of a yoga weekend at Kripalu.

hugs tree climbing and kite flying from afar
demetrius