LittleWoo.org

Sreedhari Residency Program

On the first day that I met Vasudevan of Sreedhari Ayurvedic Centre, I shared the idea of creating a residency program here.  Within the first few days, I had drafted the application details.  We are pleased to present this opportunity to interested applicants from Vancouver, BC as a joint experiment. I am happy to serve as the liaison for this project – please contact me at woo@littlewoo.org if you have questions not answered here.

This type of travel is part of a growing branch of eco-tourism where adventurers can experience both culture and education in live-work environments while doing seva (spiritual service).  This residency will allow 2 people to gain a unique perspective of the Ayurvedic lifestyle while providing valuable help to the Sreedhari Centre. Read more

A System Re-set…
My last big trip was in Jan-March 2008 when I traveled to Thailand (Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan) and Bali (Kuta and Ubud), Indonesia.  The trip was a sabbatical – a period of quiet rejuvenation and a chance to explore Balinese art forms.

Four years later, my body, mind and heart are ready for another sabbatical or what I’ve been describing as a “System Reset”.  Though I do take some time to relax and chill out every day (a basic reboot), I really enjoy unplugging completely for a significant period in order to fully rejuvenate (a system reset).  Due to the work that I do (and love), I am usually keeping a high level of focus, commitment and scheduling.  During a system reset, I am not connected to my normal tasks thus I can be more diffused in focus, awareness of time and responsibilities. Having a period of play nearly each day is like having a school recess while having an extended play period is like being on summer vacation…

Mother India Calls
Drum roll… In the decision between India or Hawaii, I have chosen India since I am now able to do 4 months of travel.  (Hawaii was a contender because i was possibly only traveling for 1 month)  Leaving January 9, 2012, I will fly to Thailand and buy my ticket to India there. (thanks Andrew for that tip!) I will likely spend 3 months in India and then spend April in Thailand.

Based on my friends’ recommendations, the top 6 areas I am considering are: Rajasthan, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Dharamsala, Goa and Kerala.  These are just ideas and I will see what will flow for me at the time.  I prefer to be a “slow” traveler – staying longer at select locations that I really enjoy (rather than seeing many places in a short time)… This way, I have a chance to connect with the community, plant some roots, relax and discover favorite spots to enjoy for a while before moving on…

 3 Intentions of My System Reset:
- to allow my body to rest & rejuvenate (including massage, ayurvedic treatments, time outdoors)
- to indulge my travel bug with some of India’s culture and history, sights and sounds (and smells)
- to spend quiet, leisurely time in writing mode

2 Questions to Ask Yourself:
1)  How do you reboot every day?  What is your form of daily recess? (beside eating/sleeping)
2)  When was your last system reset?  What is your ideal form of “vacation”?

For ideas and inspiration, here are some photos of my 2008 Balinese cultural studies:

http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/index.htm

http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/gamelan.htm

http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/leather.htm

http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/shadowpuppets.htm

http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/silversmithing.htm

http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/batik.htm

http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/woodcarving.htm

Friday January 6, 2012
Evolution of Passion + Bon Voyage Gathering

Little Woo will be interviewing Joel Bellenson about his game-changing book:
Equal Watts: The Solar Emancipation of the Third World

Have you been overwhelmed by the world situation?  Are you concerned about Peak Oil?  Climate Change?  Energy Crises?  Overpopulation?  Over-consumption?  Social Justice?  World Poverty?

Be you artist, activist, historian, entrepreneur, scientist, philosopher, teacher, consumer, worker of any creed, color or collar, then you can be among the first to hear the astounding details about the upcoming Solar revolution that will change the world.   Backed by tremendous research, Joel will dispel many of the current fears that humanity has about energy resources.  After the presentation/interview, you’ll really enjoy the Q & A portion where spicy questions will arise and his comprehensive knowledge is further revealed. Read more

The Inspiration: A Mermaid’s Heart

Since I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Thailand on two occasions, I have a visceral appreciation for the people and the land.  Much of my time there was spent IN the water so my association of Thailand with water is very strong. On my second trip, I got live out a childhood fantasy:  to swim in the ocean as a mermaid!  The incredible beauty of the Andaman sea really touched my heart and soul…

Little Woo Mermaid video in Thailand: http://vimeo.com/23359832

This winter, when I learned that many people in Thailand are not able to get clean drinking water after the recent flooding (its worst flooding in decades), my heart yearned to offer some help at their time of need.  Read about the flooding: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Thailand_floods

Then I remembered a video on Ted Talks about an amazing water filter and after some research, I discovered that the manufacturer was providing the filter to various countries in need.
This gave me the idea that our community could help by donating towards clean water for the on-going Thailand relief efforts and this Indiegogo campaign was born… Read more