It has been a week and a half since I started the advanced course and my mind is burning with so many question that my mind is literally on fire.  I feel a freedom that is exciting but also terrifying.   There are so many questions from the meaning of life to why I do certain things.  I have really been enjoying my meditation lately.  The struggle of quieting the mind is fun all in itself.

My first weekend of a full week of school was full of presence.  I was present to all the people that attended the St Patrick’s Day celebration at the Lincoln House, the old American Consulate, in Breach Candy, Mumbai.   I drank but did not get drunk or tipsy which should have been really easy since I’m not a big drinker and haven’t drank since my return from Sri Lanka.  

I remembered the story about Ram Das’s guru not feeling any sort of difference after swallowing a whole fist full of LSD.  I didn’t feel my lips getting tingly like usually happens after a few drinks.  I wasn’t all over the place and obnoxious.  I didn’t get louder as the night went on.  However, I also didn’t feel any guilt for partaking in libations with my partner and our friend.  

I also didn’t feel I was above the others that were clearly enjoying themselves as well.  They were dancing, drinking and eating wonderful food prepared on a BBQ Grill.  I enjoyed the breeze that was coming off the ocean.  I enjoyed the beautiful lighting on the trees and main building.  I met new people and talked about our dogs. We talked about philosophical things like the happiness of people who have less.  We talked about the connections within Mumbai. 

Overall, it was an amazing evening.  The people were not overwhelming and most were light spirited and wanting to just have a great time.  While at a St Patrick’s Day event, I highly recommend drinking Ginger Ale, Lime Juice and Irish Whiskey.  I’m not sure if it was my state of mind but it was present the entire time and didn’t feel tipsy one bit.