Part 2: The Moment I Knew I Was in the Right Place

This post is part of the Ayurvedic Journey series. Start from Part 1 if you’re new to this path. I have slept thru both flights on my way to Sri Lanka. With that, landing at 6 a.m. and having a whole day ahead of me I have expected to have all the energy to make most out of this visit. With full enthusiasm, enjoying first views from the airport I found my drive and we headed to my retreat location. Hearing much about this country's natural beauty, rich flora and fauna — and even battling with myself while deciding upon this vacation, ultimately resigning from travelling through the country — I guess I had some picture in my head. An unspoken expectation. Which has quickly faded with the views from the car. Reading about the beauty and cleanliness of this land, and how locals are proud of it, I was surprised to see what looked like neglect — trash scattered along the roadsides and in the open. This had me questioning why I had flown so far, only to spend the entire two weeks in a single location. I could have used those flight costs for a more expensive retreat somewhere closer — in a cleaner, more familiar environment. Immediately to my head came Switzerland (which is on my travel bucket list). With lowered expectations and certain disappointment I've head a very warm welcome with freshly made fruit cocktail. First steps into the lobby made my mood rise. Beautifully open space with view on the garden and river. Calmness in the air. After checking in I was guided to my room with beautiful river view. Now I could imagine staying here for 2 weeks and actually enjoying it. Shortly after I was starting my retreat opened with (ayurvedic) doctors consultation. This appointment, hosted in an open garden pavilion under a wooden roof, was nothing like the doctors' visits I’m used to. The doctor — warm and welcoming — began asking highly specific questions already after the basic checks, like my pupils, blood pressure and tongue started with very specific questions about my health. Not the general ones you find on a standard checklist. Those questions were aiming exactly at my health disruptions, more as a confirmation what he saw in me, then really a question. I have realized, that some of the symptoms he was listing were either ignored by me and not seen, or simply considered as "it's normal". This was very surprising and eye opening experience. Such a deep understanding of human body and mind. And to my surprise I have already got some answers I was seeking for years. This was for me very emotional experience ending up in shaded tears and trust in this place and people. It gave hope, that this time, this retreat will be meaningful and will impact my life and myself. And I felt something shifting inside of me already, as if shields were going down. I was opening gates to my vulnerability to let my inner voice speak. I felt as if I was finally getting attention from myself — the kind I had lost somewhere along the way. I’m grateful you took the time to read this piece of my story. If this touched something in you, stay close. The next pages are on their way.