With the blue sea in view, we stand in the shade.
Monday, January 17
[Advertising] I asked. Most of the staff are Buddhists, some Christians. Their devotion to the guests is touching. There was a lot of activity on the beach today – the town seemed to be on vacation. I learned the reason: It was Duruthu Poya, the first full moon night of the year, celebrating the first visit of Buddha after his enlightenment in Sri Lanka. We guests were invited to the resort to participate in a monk’s chant, in the meditation room. The suttas he recited were available in English translation. I thought that the content corresponded to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
the meditation room
But don’t worry: The Barberyn is not a place of esotericism. But it is a spiritual place where everyone decides for themselves how much they want to participate and what suits them. The resort is designed according to vedic rules. Cardinal directions, earth currents and certainly water play an important role. What strikes me is that all the furnishings look as if they are at least 100 years old: Exclusively natural materials! Dark wood, wickerwork on the seats, the floors a combination of wood, tiles and polished screed. I see one worker brush the wooden floor with oil, another waxes tiles and then polishes with a monster of a machine. You can see and smell the result – wonderful. Even the toothbrush cups are made of clay. Everything is plastic-free – except for the clothes hangers and thermos flasks. This environment creates a feeling of security in me – a bit „good old times“…. It reminds me of my Lufthansa days over 40 years ago and visits to my in-laws who lived in Islamabad at the time.
Back to the city, which first appeared to me as a village. In fact, Beruwala has about 165,000 inhabitants according to Wikipedia. The retreat is a „gated community,“ meaning it is open only to its guests. The beach, the sea and the lagoon belong to everyone. There are a few stalls – much less than before because of Corona – and a small bar. But the beach is so wide – space for everyone. And you are greeted at most, but not harassed, not disturbed. I feel better not to take the beach from the local population – because they appreciate it as much as I do. After all, the resort is not located in a wasteland – they are rare here – but on the outskirts of Beruwala. A few hundred meters further, life is raging: Traffic chaos, stores stacked in and on top of each other, markets and people, people, people, who also find work here. A good and peaceful coexistence from which everyone benefits. I just bought small wooden elephants for my three grandchildren on the beach. They love our wooden elephants at home, which we brought from India over 40 years ago.
The yoga room is at the top like a penthouse above the guest apartments that are by the pool.
And the exercise? Sure we swim and of course we walk on the beach. But without yoga, that would be too much lying for me. There’s an early morning offering for everyone, then in the afternoon for beginners, a little later for advanced. I am totally out of practice due to corona, toe surgery and a minor foot injury I had last year. I know the strict instructor from the last few times. I volunteer to go to the beginner’s class – and lo and behold, he is incredibly mild. Starts with breathing exercises and ends with sun salutations. He gives me tips on how to get my toe back in shape. The yoga room is located at the top like a penthouse above the guest apartments, which are located by the pool. The long window front to the sea lets the wind blow in and with a bit of luck I experience a wonderful sunset at the end of the hour.
And in the evening? During our last stays, there was often music, dancing or a movie. Nothing exciting – that wouldn’t be in the spirit of the cure. Corona eliminates that, as well as excursions into the surrounding area. Only the boat trip through the estuary takes place. However, in contrast to the past, there is WiFi all over the place. This was strictly limited 6 years ago, because actually we should not only „detoxify“, but also come to rest and go into ourselves. But it can’t be kept up that strictly. Also I could not take this time out without the contact with my hard-working co-workers, who add this little diary to the blog and movies and photos on Instagram, for which I thank them from the bottom of my heart, dear Karo, Pia and Stephanie. Back to the evening pleasure: Reading, of course. And I confess: Finally watching Downton Abbey. We never got around to it.
I sit here in the evening and write my diary.
From day to day I let go stronger – and will also finish my little diary. You are welcome to ask me anything that interests you. If you really come here (which you should definitely do), I have two pieces of advice for you: From the first day, consistently rub vigorously with fragrant citronella oil that is available. You will get an herbal oil for the stings right away. And: You should speak English. For a meaningful treatment this is indispensable.
Take it easy after that. After 10 days of Barberyn – which is actually too short – I am so incredibly strengthened and fit that I tend to pull out trees and take on too much. Make a plan and be gentle with your resources. Then you will draw strength from this time out for a long time!
This is how relaxed I am after 10 days.