A room with a view

I've been residing in Chiang Mai for just over a week now, and decided it was time to move into a new accommodation. I'm now in a guesthouse owned by the sweetest Aussie man and Thai woman, and both of them are making me feel very at ease here--resourceful folks that they are. Let's just say that "tea and a bickie" is my daily afternoon ritual with these lovelies. I'm paying an all-inclusive monthly rate (utilities, A/C, hot water, TV, comfy bed), which is easy on the purse strings. The settings are comfortable, no doubt. I'm on the third floor with a small balcony that has a view of a golden temple complex surrounded by orchid trees and behind it, a view of the lush mountain Doi Suthep. Good stuff. I'm also just about a five minute walk from my favorite place to eat breakfast.

Tonight I ventured out for a more thorough exploration of the Sunday market just a short distance away from the guesthouse. So much color and sparkle, so many knick-knacks and potential gifts, so many tourists walking aimlessly about in every direction, and beautiful Thai folk music filled the space between. On the way back, a cool, soft, comforting breeze was in the air as day quickly crept into night. It was truly a perfect moment in time, after feeding myself a very Japanese meal of gyoza and sushi--pure satisfaction. As excited as I am to know that I'll be returning to the States come November, I was totally enveloped in this entire market experience and not wanting to be anywhere except exactly where I was. It's a good feeling to embrace the experience of being present and yet welcoming the passage of time that is married to change. Again, no state of mind or state of being lasts forever--everything is constantly evolving in its own perfect way. The secret to riding these waves of change smoothly is to remain neutral, present and solidly connected to the part of myself that is changeless, nameless, formless, and timeless. The Self that knows no bounds and is always full, never lacking in any respect.

Life is good, very good indeed.