Transformation

A Devotee of the Guru Baba Gee Dev

"Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

George Bernard Shaw

India, whose ancient culture and mystical traditions, is a land I have always dreamed of seeing. On Wednesday November 5th, 2008 that dream became a reality when I landed at Mumbai International Airport at 9:30pm. As I left the airport my dream of this land of mysticism and spirituality was quickly diminished as I drove from the airport to my hotel in Mumbai. I was immediately overwhelmed by the sight of packs of women digging through garbage, the sounds of rickshaws constant tooting and the smell of garbage that was seemingly not removed for days. I knew, in that moment, my time here would be one filled with many experiences that I either embraced or I would hit the panic button, and I learned quickly one had to exercise patience whether using the bathrooms or crossing the streets was an experience one from the west does not take for granted.

Over the next few weeks I will share with you my time in India. Today, this post is dedicated to the people of Mumbai. A population who already have challenges that are more than that of the average human and now a city under siege. I was fortunate enough to leave India just before this occurred, but what I know and have experienced is that the people of India are fascinating, loving, and spiritual beings which will nurture their community back to some sense of normalcy.

Namaste,
Mechel Thompson

CELEBRATION 35,000 FT

On Tuesday November 4Th I boarded a plane to India. AT 2330 over Reykjavik there was an announcement from the captain. "Ladies and gentlemen for those of you who are interested in the Presidential race, John McCain is now giving his concession speech" At that moment the cabins erupted in cheers screams and crying. In a corner were two flight attendants who were crying uncontrollably, I could not help and I melted into tears and joined the two.

For a flight that was sixteen hours long it felt like half and hour, every single person was elated.
As I walked through the cabin people could not wait to get to their destinations, as most of the conversations that I overheard was there is a new sense of purpose.

As I landed in Mumbai on Wednesday evening at 2130 and deplaned and walked through the airport the first words I heard from the ground crew at the door was Obama. I muttered to myself wow this is larger than life. Those were the only thoughts that came to my mind.

There was also something magical at 35,000ft to hear those words will be one that I will never forget. Even though I thought wow I would have loved to be home to celebrate this occasion but to have this point of view from this view was priceless.

Namaste
Mechel Thompson

The Star Apple

"In Cuba, Jamaica, and several other tropical American countries, the Star Apple is a tree and its fruit is held in much the same estimation as the sapote, the sapodilla, and the sugar apple. For its ornamental value alone it merits cultivation. Charles Kingsley, in his brief account of West Indian fruits, refers to the beauty of this plant. "And what is the next," he asks, after mentioning some of the trees seen on one of his rambles, "like an evergreen peach, shedding from the under side of every leaf a golden light, -call it not shade? A Star apple"

So why call this blog the Star Apple Diaries? Growing up in rural Jamaica, the Star Apple was my favorite fruit and still is. I wanted to name this blog the Star Apple Diaries because my biting into that fruit was nothing but pure joy and life should be filled with more joy than sorrow. Enjoy this cultivation process with me.

On November 4th 2008 I will have the opportunity to vote in my first U.S. Presidential election and then Board a plane on the afternoon of election day. I will be en route to India to pursue a burning passion I have embraced called yoga. I will embark on a 16 hour flight to India where I will not know the results of the elections until I arrive in India. Not only is this a monumental journey for me, but it will be the actual day of my birthday and my 40th birthday. Yes, so much to celebrate.

Over the next few weeks and months, I would love to share my journey with you.

Namaste

Mechel Thompson