My first blog entry
Delighted to be writing my very first blog entry here. The blog was quiet because all the action’s been elsewhere: in India!
In fact, I just got back from my fourth time co-leading MINDFUL INDIA, a trip that combines sightseeing with training in meditation and mindfulness practice for people who dream of doing something “off the beaten track” while still traveling in comfort, safety, and style. My fantastic business partner, Rachelle Oseran, and I make that dream happen.
This year, for the second year in a row, we traveled to Northern India. In the space of two weeks, a group of 20 of us, from all walks of life, from Israel and the US, met and merged into a joyous, dynamic group that, together, explored the wonders of Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, all against the backdrop of Judaism. We celebrated the exuberant and colorful Indian holiday of Holi with the locals, and they celebrated a wild and wonderful Purim with us. We danced – to Bollywood music in a special dance class Hochmoderne Spielesoftware ermoglicht Online Casino spielern ihre Webcams zu nutzen, um viele Live Dealer Casinospiele zu genie?en. taught by Rachelle; to our own singing on Erev Shabbat; to Indian music playing on the radio at a roadside tea shop, cracking up the locals who then got up to teach us some of their moves. We ate delicious vegetarian Indian food at top-notch local restaurants all over the place and broke bread – ok, chapattis – with the locals at their homes in an Indian village. Even some of the most conservative palates got into the swing – and spice – of India. We marveled at the grandeur of the Golden Temple and the Taj Mahal. We got up in the predawn cold of MacLeod Ganj, donned many layers of clothing, and participated in a very special teaching of the Dalai Lama, sitting only about 50 feet away from him! If you’re interested, here’s the link with the English translation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
And in the midst of the trip, I got the email from SUNY Press telling me that my book, HIDING PLACES: A MOTHER, A DAUGHTER, AN UNCOVERED LIFE, had been printed and copies are already out there in the world! A few more weeks remain until the book is officially published, but what a thrill it was to receive the news, and to share it with the group. And with you, right now!
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12 Comments on "My first blog entry"
Good Luck with the book. Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks so much, Yasmin. Let me know what you think when you’ve read it. Dina
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was searching for!
I just noticed that my reply to this got moved below, somehow – so in case you check back,, I wanted to make sure you saw this (hope it posts correctly this time!). Thank you for your post — your comment is intriguing and I would love to hear more about what you mean that it was “just what you were searching for.” And in the meantime, all the best,
Diane
Everyone must be so proud of you! Your mom is definitely kvelling. Can’t wait to read the book. Mazel Tov! Regards to Dad, Barry, Chaim and the kids.
Diane, I am totally inspired by you and feel privileged that I played a small part in this wonderful occasion of the publication of Hiding Places. Love, Judy
Mazal Tove! Good for you! Just from the title I was moved. I believe that if you really want something seriously, you can achieve it.
I wish you that all dreams will come true!
Varda
Curious as to what you were searching for, and glad you found this useful. all the best,
Dina
My Mum continues to read your book in absolute awe. I am sure that it will give us the break through that we need to move into our own stories with courage.
Had to put in an order again with the Depository because i keep giving my copy away (everyone in the book world should have this kind of support! LOL).
I gave a copy to Lita. Lita is 83 years old, vital and intelligent and survived the war in LWOW, just got an email from her saying she can’t put your book down.
I am part of a tiny group of 2nd gen and others
who are supporting survivors and learning their stories. Lita has written her story but there are many, many gaps and i am looking at your ‘model’ and book to help me through the chasms. Lita’s husband Julius is 93 years old also animated and vital he was connected to Begin and was involved in israeli, jewish security here in Australia…an amazing man with an amazing story.
So very much more to tell you and not sure if this is the place. Let me know.
Love
you
exx
Dear Dina,
Inspirtional! I just finished reading your and your mother’s book, and am awed and inspired. “Hiding Places” for me represents the physical and emotional hiding places within each of us. It is filled with yearning and determination. It represents all of life in its extremes and contradictions. It is a reminder to live in a state of gratitude for what is, and what is possible. It calls me to focus on Mindfulness in my life, living in the present, accepting what cannot be changed. Noting what might be changed, but first experiencing the moment, the sensation, the emotion, before moving on.
On another note, your writing is extraordinary! At times I found myself rereading a phrase or a passge, just to revel in the lucious literary light of your words!
In gratitude from your student and fan,
Sally