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This week I had to make the tough decision to let go of the idea of submitting to speak for a second time at SXSW. I had an incredible experience in March speaking about the topic of yoga and creative focusand teaching yoga to SXSW conference participants. The people at SXSW are inspiring and generous. I packed so much learning into those 5 days; it made me feel alive. When I got home, I immediately began thinking about speaking topics for SXSW 2012.
And this in the past few weeks an odd and wonderful possibility came into focus for me. For many years, I have wanted to travel to India, the original seat of yoga. This desire has become increasingly stronger over the past couple of years as I’ve committed more fully to my yoga path – as a student and as a teacher. India is a tough place, and particularly difficult for independent travelers. I have tried to plan a trip before and once I got the tome of a guidebook in the mail, it became immediately apparent that this trip would have to be much more carefully planned and measured than my other globe-trotting adventures. India seemed to be new terrain in every way, though as the birthplace of yoga, a practice I am very deeply committed to, it holds an odd familiarity for me, too. .
My friend, Akash, had a birthday a few weeks ago. I wrote him a simple message on Facebook and got the kindest reply back. He wanted to know when I was finally going to get to India (where he and his wife live now) and said he was prepared to roll out the red carpet. There was something in his simple message and beyond-kind offer that set my imagination on fire. Here was the opportunity I was hoping to find; here was a way to India.
Now of course this trip will cost money and time, and the best time to travel in India is during our winter months. Given the timing of SXSW in March, I needed to make a tough choice – commit to applying to SXSW and letting the chips fall where they may or forgoing the trip to Austin in 2012 in favor of an incredible experience in India. There is something about this magical time in my life that makes India feel like the right fit. I feel like I am about to break open and free, about to start zooming along my path, and a trip to India to experience yoga in place of origin seems to be in order.
So bring on the swirls of color, the jasmine and saffron, the bustle, the crowds. Austin, I’ll miss you, though India is pulling so strongly at my heartstrings that I just can’t put it off any longer. I am ready to take it all in, to grow and learn in its presence and with its guidance. Now I just hope India is ready for me, too.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
This week I had to make the tough decision to let go of the idea of submitting to speak for a second time at SXSW. I had an incredible experience in March speaking about the topic of yoga and creative focusand teaching yoga to SXSW conference participants. The people at SXSW are inspiring and generous. I packed so much learning into those 5 days; it made me feel alive. When I got home, I immediately began thinking about speaking topics for SXSW 2012.
Christa Avampato 
I live vicariously through you – how thrilling this prospect is. Go for it!!! but only if you promise to bring back lots of pictures. I admit to initially feeling concerned due to the state of the world these days. But in reality, no where is “safe”. and if you have such good friends in India, that softens my concerns. You have learned so much from all your other globe-trotting experiences, I know you will carry that experience with you, and that this may well be the trip of a lifetime.
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I’ll make sure to completely fill up my camera’s memory card and then some!
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As I shared in a previous blog… we are gifts to one another…
your friend gave you the gift and the answer that was already in your heart.
If we just listen and be open all sorts of doors will open.
Yesterday was also one for me. I have been making jewelry for a couple of months and loving it. I wear my jewelry everywhere and always getting compliments. I went into a small boutique yesterday and the store owner noticed my necklace and earrings and when she heard I made it she immediately said “Would you be interested in going on consignment and selling your jewelry here?” At first I was like shocked and then very excited. When we talk to others, when we share our lives with others and they with us, there are so many new doors and opportunities we never thought possible. Have a beautiful trip and I am sure the funds will be there because you are answering the hearts desire and where you are suppose to be.
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I agree, Frances. It’s amazing what the universe provides when we put our (specific!) heart’s desire out into the world. The doors open when we articulate our heart’s desires.
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Christa,
India is ready for you and you are ready for India. Go for it.
Yoga started in India thousands of years ago, so India is the mother of yoga. A country steeped in history: traditions, folklore, dance, cuisine, you name it.
However, I urge you to be careful. I want you to return home safe and sound. So, please talk to as many people of Indian descent as you can and try to find out more about India through consulates and embassies. They can provide you with a treasure trove of information.
Also, try to read books about India before making the journey. And be careful about what you eat and drink. Mosquitoes and insects can also lead to diseases. A lot of travelers have complained about it.
I was a bit worried until you revealed that you have friends in India. That is great to know. A host, Indian family can help to ease your transition and can help you streamline procedures and take care of details.
No matter what, don’t forget Kerala: abode of gods and godesses. It is nature’s playground. It is scenic and beautiful: you will love it. One of these days, I also want to visit Kerala. Best wishes and good luck.
Cheerio.
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Hi Archan,
What’s kept me from India for so long is the fact that it’s not safe to travel in as a woman on my own. I’ll be with friends the whole time I’m there, which is a great comfort. I truly can’t wait. It’s been at the top of my travel list for many years and now it’s finally taking shape!
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Christa,
I have never visited Kerala, but sometimes I dream about Kerala.
Imagine my surprise when I came across a documentary about Kerala.
Kerala spells peace of mind, tranquility, serenity, union with the divine.
That’s my impression of Kerala: such a scenic place of natural beauty.
In Kerala, you will find hotels, resorts, ashrams, guest houses and other places. This is something you would do well to look into.
They offer massage, aroma therapy, meditation/yoga sessions, swimming pool, nourishing sattvic vegetarian fare, etc. And anything else you are looking for, including gurus who can teach you.
Vedic masters: knowers of shastras and puranas–others, possibly.
So far Kerala has been a dream, but it is on my list for sure.
When you visit Kerala, you will thank me for recommending this State.
I want you to enjoy your visit to India. Bon Voyage. Cheerio.
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I love that Kerala shows up in your dreams. I hear it is such a stunning place. I can’t wait to see it. I promise to share lots of photos 🙂
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Christa, this sounds magical and right and I am so happy for you! The only thing that occurred to me as I read your post is some caution re: expectations. I’m thinking of your Greek trip and how (rightfully) disappointed you were. Which of course reminds me of my Costa Rica experience! In other words: sometimes we’re called to journeys that ARE right for us, but not in the ways we expect them to be. My unsolicited (!) advice would be, be open to India surprising you, and try (as hard as it is) not to create too much of a narrative in advance re: exactly how you see it going or what you see it doing for you at this point in your life. I mean this in a very loving way, hope it doesn’t sound negative or like I’m sticking my nose in! Bottom line though is that I am VERY excited for you and only a tiny bit jealous 🙂
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I totally understand what you mean, Amanda. I think the big difference between this and Greece for me is that I’m going purely for the experience and for vacation and will be with friends the entire time I’m there. My friend, Akash, who lives in Delhi is going to plan every detail of the trip with me as well since India is a very difficult place to be without a specific plan. In Akash’s words, “I love my country but it’s not a place to show up with a guidebook hoping for a good time. It’s unlike any place you’ve ever been.” So this trip will be much, much more planned than most of my other travels, and planned by people who know the country very well.
I really loved Greece and the Greek people. What really disappointed me on that trip was the yoga retreat itself. I’m hoping to take in a couple of yoga classes while in India though I’m really just going to experience the culture and history!
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Christa,
I don’t mean to rain on your parade. In fact, I want you to enjoy your parade: every gorgeous moment of that parade.
However, there are a few words of caution here….just something to keep in mind as you travel through India.
Hygiene can be an issue. A lot of first-time travelers from developed nations have gastro-intestinal disorders. So, make sure to eat and drink only what is clean and hygienic. Home-cooked meals tend to be a safer option than eating outside.
There is a lot of heat and dust in India–there are strong smells too. That can weigh you down after a while, so it is nice to know you have Akash’s place. You can retreat to his place if things overwhelm you. Trust your intuition here. Feelings.
In India, people drive any which way they please. So, laws are there but not always followed. Nobody cares for the pedestrians (walkers), so watch out when you are out and about. Look on all sides before you cross the roads.
Watch out for the stray dogs and cattle and other animals. You will find animals everywhere. Some stray dogs bite and have rabies, so be careful. Consult Akash: he will tell you.
Try not to travel alone. Travel with Akash and his friends and family or at least people you know; people you are comfortable with. There may be issues of safety and security.
A lot of small-time business owners will try to fleece foreigners because they like your dollars. The dollars translate well into Indian rupees and they pocket the difference. So, be careful when you are shopping and haggle for prices. Price it down when you buy products and services. Learn to argue.
Just thought these suggestions could be useful to you, but I am sure Akash will take care of the rest. You can ask Akash.
I hope you have a pleasant journey. Hope this will not be your last time in India, and you will visit many more times. I hope you enjoy yourself and have a wonderful time with Akash and his family and other nice people you encounter there. Cheers.
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Hi Archan,
All of this advice is so helpful. Thank you so much. I will print it all out and carry it with me. I appreciate how much thought you put into giving advice to make my trip to Incredible India just that. Cheers!
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Christa,
Thank You.
However, rest assured, I am not giving advice. Rather, these are merely suggestions. I wished to be helpful, since this is your first journey to India. I would like you to have a safe and pleasant journey. For first-time travelers, India can be a difficult country to negotiate. A few other things to keep in mind:
It would be great if you could carry food and beverages with you. Pack some stuff from your home. Later, you can cook it in India. The reason? Gastro-intestinal disorders are so common that “Delhi Belly” is a phrase that travelers have invented on their journey to India. It is not a pleasant experience when you fall sick. It can be avoided if you take the necessary precautions. Best to prepare in advance.
Delhi is the crime capital of India. This is based on surveys and personal experiences of travelers. Historically, Delhi is a fascinating place, but I would suggest you leave that place as soon as you can. People in the North can be rude and aggressive. If you are not used to that kind of behaviour, it is better to work your way down South.
Don’t miss out on Goa and Pondicherry. South Goa is more quiet and less “touristy.” Goa will remind you of Hawaii: it has that feel about it.
Sandy beaches, coconut groves, palm trees, etc. You will like it.
It is also a great place for people looking to relax and unwind.
Pondicherry is for you. It is located in the South. Great for Yoga enthusiasts. There are dome-shaped buildings where you can meditate. There is an entire village “Auroville” dedicated to people like you. You will also find a lot of like-minded foreigners there and there is international cuisine available. You can make friends there too. The weather is great.
You may even find a teacher there who can teach you about ayurveda.
When you travel, try to keep an eye on all your belongings. Every single item. Don’t let anybody touch whatever you own without your permission. Keep things within easy reach and close to your body.
Just a few thoughts which entered my mind when I thought of your India trip and this post in particular. Have a great day. Cheerio.
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