India, 2005
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India, 2005 Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram, and Mamalla are 3 names by which this coastal fishing village, on the Indian Ocean, in Tamil Nadu, are known. My first visit to Mamalla was in 2000. In 2004 I returned to spend time with the under-privilidged children, and not long after was compelled to return again, shortly after the Tsunami devastated much of the southeastern coast if India.
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189480817Tsunami! This is the actual wave hitting Mamalla.
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189483463"Bones of Boats" The village relies on fishing. These are the ripped-apart remains of the Fishermen's simple boats. Not only were their boats destroyed, new restrictions were placed upon the industry, after generations of fishing in the same tradition.
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189480822Fishermen's Yoga Anger, depression, and alcohol-abuse were some of the results of the tsunami's destruction. I offered the fishermen twice-daily yoga classes on the beachn at sunrise and sunset. Two students faithfully came and before long there would be 15-20 showing up!
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189483461A boat named after me! In gratitude, Arani named his newly-donated, more modern boat after me!
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189482020Nadi-Shodhana Alternate-nostril-breathing is a very effective pranayama (breathing exercise) for reducing stress and quieting the mind.
https://www.cocoyoga.ca/apps/photos/photo?photoID=189480821
189480821Shavasana "Shavasana" is the relaxation pose. ALL my yoga classes finish with a deep surrender. It is an essential part of one's yoga practice.
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189483462Class photo This was my last day in Mamalla. I will never forget my times there and continue to correspond with Arani as well others I met and befriended there.
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189480824Coastal villages destroyed. One of my projects during my post-tsunami stay in Mamalla was to get a large portion of the devastated seaside village cleaned up so that new building could begin.
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189481697In one day With a small amount of donated funds I hired a group of men and a "lorri" (truck) to clean up and haul out a massive amount of debris. Fleas, roaches and other scavengers had to find a new place to go and the villagers could begin re-building.
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189481699Temporary housing Along the coastal highway, temporary villages like these were erected. I was impressed by the people's resilience as well as the massive amount of support shown by others like myself who came to help however they coul after the tsunami.
https://www.cocoyoga.ca/apps/photos/photo?photoID=189481700
189481700More temporary housing These ones were like tin cans! Imagine staying in one of these in 140-degree heat!
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189483464Indian Ocean
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189481701Time well spent In 2005 I was priviledged to share time with these special friends in Tamil Nadu, India.
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189481696Local street kids, outside my lodging house. Impromptu English and Yoga classes were common. I could barely walk a block without hearing, "Coco!" and before I knew it would be the center of a crowd of new friends!
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189482022Time for a massage! The older girls have so many demands placed on them. They were always so grateful for my help with washing and cooking. I would braid their hair, give them a massage and try to relieve them for a bit!
https://www.cocoyoga.ca/apps/photos/photo?photoID=189482023
189482023Mahabalipuram Gorgeous, ancient temples like this one managed to survive the tsunami!
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