444 - Service
Happy new year!
I hope the holiday season is filling you with warmth.
I’m Max. I’m a photographer and yoga teacher travelling South Asia. Each month I recap recent events in a series called ‘444’. Inside you’ll find something 4 me, 4 you, and 4 us.
This blog is a reminder for me to follow my heart. I hope reading this offers some space to listen to yours.
At 4:44 on the fourth from wherever I am in the world this will land into your inbox.
Tonight I’m writing to you from my bunk bed in a Buddhist centre in Bodh Gaya, India. My poor bounce back from a water fast is joining forces with a sickness floating around. This throbbing headache is alluding to a sleepless night.
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4 me - the Bodh Gaya effect
Following a bout of travel burnout, Bodh Gaya arrived at the right time. On the surface level, the cold and air pollution are challenging. Stay longer and it shows the growth that comes from stillness.
It’s a place to practice and study. Days move between the tree where Buddha attained enlightenment and this semi-monastic centre.
Tibetan monks leave the mountains to offer free teachings. Other Buddhist lineages meet at the bodhi tree to share mantras and blessings.
It’s my first time being at the heart of a religion. The spiritual charge is palpable. I hope the impact of the teachings and conversations speak through action. A question running through my mind:
‘How can I be of service to both myself and others?’
4 you - something
‘You don’t have to do everything, but your something is greater than you think.’
- Venerable Thubten Wangdu
4 us - buy me a coffee
My friend Adam inspired me with his Shifting Gears blog’s heartfelt efforts. I want to show the positive impact small groups of people can do in the world.
I’m starting a ‘buy me a coffee’ page. I don’t drink coffee, but have essential photography costs. Your support will go to my necessary Adobe and Squarespace subscription. Anything raised above this I will contribute to the community projects shared here.
This next year I’ll transition out of travel world. I hope to sustain these pursuits in a way that can support both myself and others.
If these endeavours are impacting you, I’d be grateful to any donation or shares towards this page.
Community project updates to come <3
Have a great day,
Max
