I find that I learn so much more about Indian culture from talking to people than from sitting in class.

Today, I spoke with Dheeraj, a man I volunteer with for the Right to Food Campaign, and he signs his last name as Kumar, which is not his family’s last name, because surnames are associated with caste. He chooses to not associate himself with caste, as many people do for political and personal reasons. I found this so interesting because in an urban setting, it isn’t often that issues of caste (a hindu social class system) are brought up, but it is still very much a part of society.

I realize I haven’t blogged much but I keep having these “love India” and “hate India” moods depending on my encounters. Generally, I am learning a lot and am enjoying myself, but catch me after a rickshaw ride and I will be in the worst mood possible.

There was one thing I wanted to share though. I am taking a yoga class and I am completely in love with it. I want to say I have always loved yoga, but this would be a lie. I loved yoga when I started practicing at 12 years old, and I enjoyed it for a long time after, but when I got to college, I didn’t practice and I would try to attend classes of different types and I really couldn’t get into it again with so much on my mind. I was afraid that it just didn’t work for me but I have been going twice a week again (forcing myself at first) and gradually it got a little better. I was so far from myself that I couldn’t enjoy or appreciate time alone connecting to my soul. I think I was afraid. I am finally at the point where I look forward to it again. We are all amazing on the inside, and we should enjoy that time exploring ourselves immensely.

To share my experience a little more deeply, I want to explain what yoga means to me. It is not a Hindu or religious practice but a way of life, excellence in everything you do and care about. Anything can be yoga, but the point, according to the yoga sutras, is to find your core, return to a natural state of happiness and peace, and to cleanse your mind so you can be live through the truth, not the clouded perceptions we acquire. Physical practice combined with breathing and meditation help in achieving the goals.

Another really cool thing about India is that despite western influence, you can find an abundance of natural medicines, makeup and beauty supplies, and all for super cheap. Aryuvedic products (products made from natural animal-free sources) are very popular, but whenever I go to a salon, people still try and convince me to use American brands because they are more expensive and popular, but definitely not better.

Location: Delhi, India