Purohit: Soma to Soma

Growing up in postwar London, I was a child whose experience was separation through class, religion, and ethnicity. This sense of cultural separation is one aspect that drew me to community later in life. My father’s death when I was seven surely had a role to play in the wonderment of the life-death cycle, and the nature of his death at another’s hands presented to me a nightmarish violence; so, more seeds of yearning for oneness. Who were these beings that came in my dreams, orange-robed monks that in my unconscious so real did they seem.

And then the years of fame, glory, success, running Nodumki, a chic London salon. Of course, worldly success with its limitations led to more yearning. The stress and the times led me to yoga, vegetarianism and self inquiry. Back pain, which I termed ‘body neurosis’, led me to Shyam Singha, an incredible healer who had been very close to Osho. Shyam ran a clinic that housed an Osho meditation center several blocks from my Salon’s location, very convenient for my first primal scream and the introduction to Dynamic meditation. A gift indeed.

Several years passed before I made it to Pune…years of marriage to Prem Tara, some travel, touching the earth by living in and rebuilding a Welsh stone cottage, donkeys and all, and the birth of a wonderful being, Prem Geet. He was two when we traveled to Pune as a family with desire of a greater family. There, the dance of many peoples of many colors, of many ages: exploration, trust, celebration. How wonderful, an abundance of community, the dream come true. Fun days, tough days, days of love and loss. And gain!

Back to the material world, London, then Los Angeles, from where I had the intention to travel to Santa Fe. But wouldn’t you know, it didn’t take long and I found myself spending time at Utsava in Laguna Beach, then Geetam – where the group therapies took place until the ranch was ready. At Geetam I ran the landscaping department which facilitated workshop participants in having a contemplative work experience. Rewarding for one and all.

The ranch and the many contradictions – this was not the most fun, yet there were good times as always amongst fellow seekers. But in time the misuse of power showed its wretched head…and, lessons to learn. My time was spent working several days a week in Chiyono hair salon. We had a great team and fun was had. We were appreciated, for it was a time when residents, often exhausted, could take a break and be cared for; guests could be adorned with a Chiyono Halo! The rest of the time I mostly worked construction, as so many did, and for a time I was partnered with Jayapal once a week as night guards by the air strip.

Santa Fe, a destination whose seed was planted at the movies during my childhood – western movies, the Southwest USA and it’s amazingly vast landscapes and skies. These were the days of being in the world yet not of it…well, an effort to that end. Life was good being dad. A full life, much work; cooking and running a house that was a social hub; parties, dinners, house guests the norm.

During this time much exploration, studying Kabbala, Satsangs with Gangaji and many other adepts of self-inquiry. At this time I was very much drawn to water and its healing qualities, and found myself working with floatation and breath work. I was also graced with the good fortune to discover Hanna Somatics, which I studied and have since been practicing and teaching for fourteen years. The work has roots in the Alexander and Feldenkrais methods. A true yoga, ‘joining up the disparate parts of oneself’ contemplative exercise. I now coach interactive one on one and group instruction – gentle yet dynamic!  Somamotion, a meditation in motion. I find this work supports well-being in mind-body-spirit, is self-empowering, and a pleasure to share with people.

Sitting silently or not so silently in contemplation – meditation, for me, has meant being in the mountains above the tarmac of the world, sitting by running water amongst the trees. But these days I find myself longing for a Greek island.

Ahimsa, do no harm. My love of animals, human and non-human, has brought me to a lifestyle of pure vegetarianism: the vegan way – compassion in action.

At this time with the passing of many beloveds from this reality, I give thanks for the richness I have, for the teachings of Osho, and I feel blessed to share so much love with so many.

Aum shanti

May all beings know peace

www.somamotion.com
Text by Purohit for Osho News