Coming to the ashram I didn’t quite know what to expect. I just came hoping that it would help me grow and be in a better state than when I arrived. I had no idea that I would consider staying longer for the month or so that I originally intended. I began by being somewhat closed—more so heart than mind— I was so used to being alone and living in a state of survival mode almost all the time. But although I didn’t feel it in the beginning and realize it until staying longer; I was being held in the highest light with all the love that one could give by everyone on the ashram. It was almost shocking because I was not used to it at all. On the first day I accidentally stepped in a patch of cloves and unlabeled herbs on the ground unknowingly and when it was brought to my attention that I had done this, in a lovingly way; I wasn't sure how to respond because my default response was from a place of fear, it caught me off guard. But this love began to permeate, as I began to see it all around me, in the people at the ashram, in the Sun, in the many butterflies that flew by, the ants on my feet, the frogs at night, the rabbits wanting to be seen; most times I saw Love in all the things. As that became clear, I gradually began to allow myself to break down the walls that I built, that kept me separate, isolated, alienated and confused. I began to realize that I wasn’t really alone anymore in that way that I was so accustomed. I was around people who inspired me, who motivated me just purely by their being and who spoke the same language as me. This I appreciated because it helped me to reflect more about myself and my own growth. The teachings and practices I was taught have been life-savers during my time and I’m sure they will continue to be of service to me when I leave the heavenly bubble that the ashram is. Once the prerequisites of being a newcomer were complete, I felt like I fit right into the divine family here. I was playing the djembe during kirtans, sharing my love for food, goofing around, opening myself to learn new crafts and skills, and having heavy, vulnerable conversations; amongst others. I began to see the child that I was, that child that is still within me slowly but surely come out of the darkness and into the light; and I don’t know if those steps could be taken anywhere else but this ashram. In this past month I have laughed harder and more than I think I have in the 21 years I’ve been alive. This summer is one that I will not forget, along with the scenes and characters who shaped it.