Rishikesh Reflections: When Doing Stops and Being Begins
Kamila Duda | APR 22, 2025
Landing in India, my first night was nothing short of magic.
As soon as I arrived at my hostel, I was warmly welcomed and effortlessly guided by new friends to a cozy spot for dinner, followed by treats at a local café and a walk through the city’s pulse.
The ease of connection here is unreal — people are open, kind, and genuinely curious. The food? Absolutely divine. And the sweets? Endless temptations that feel both heavenly and dangerous.
That said, it’s been a real adjustment.
It’s funny how no matter where in the world you go, your inner world comes with you.
Lately, I’ve been sitting with a strange discomfort — the challenge of just being, without a plan or purpose.
Up until now, every step of my journey was plotted months ahead, often filled with work or teaching. I told Spirit before I left:
“Use me. Guide me. Let me surrender to what I’m meant to do.”
But if I’m being honest, I haven’t really allowed space for that to happen.
My old self kept the momentum going, kept the income steady, kept the wheels spinning.
There’s been a recurring theme in my life — constantly ensuring I have enough to live, instead of simply living with what I have.
Now, for the first time, I find myself in a space with no plans, no deadlines, no "next steps" — and it's both liberating and unsettling.
It feels unfamiliar, even wrong, to not be doing, achieving, producing.
And in this vast unknown, I catch myself still clinging to the future — so much so, that I forget to enjoy this exact moment.
Here I am, living what many would call a dream… and yet I worry about what comes next.
Why is it so hard for me to just be?
I always thought I was present — doing work I love, following my passions — but now I wonder if even that was a beautifully crafted distraction.
Going with the flow sounds so poetic, but it’s actually deeply uncomfortable when we've been conditioned to plan, predict, and push.
So, here I am, Universe — open, unsure, and curious.
What do you have planned for me?
Because I’m finally ready to listen.
I originally came to Rishikesh for the International Yoga Festival, and it ended up being the absolute highlight of my journey through India. The connections I made, the souls I encountered, and the friendships I’m carrying forward are truly priceless—deeply meaningful and unforgettable.
The rest of my days in Rishikesh were spent in beautiful simplicity: exploring the sacred banks of the Ganga, wandering through the mountains, and sharing time with new friends who quickly began to feel like soul family.
One month in India was simply not enough. I found myself wishing for more time—time to deepen my yoga studies, to travel further into this rich and diverse land, and to reconnect with the magic of the Himalayas. But I know in my heart, I’ll be back one day… the mountains always call us home again.
Though you turned me upside down emotionally, I’m grateful—for the lessons, the experiences, and the ever-healing energy of the Ganga. Thank you for shaking me awake. 🤍

Kamila Duda | APR 22, 2025
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