The Land of Sri
श्री - Śrī
The Sanskrit word for ‘radiant’, ‘blessed’, ‘prosperous’, or ‘resplendent’
लङ्का - Laṅkā
Sanskrit and Pali word for ‘island’
Hi, I’m Max. I’m a photographer and yoga teacher travelling South Asia. 444 is my monthly piece. A practice to trust my path. I hope reading this offers a moment to connect with yours.
On the fourth of every month at 4:44 from wherever I am in the world I’ll write something 4 me, 4 you, and 4 us.
My time on the blessed island is drawing to a close. The last piece from my jungle home. Monkeys roam the trees staying out of dogs’ reach. Colibris hover the windows confusing their reflections for friends.
Between 444s I write community updates. Shares showing the impact small groups of people have on the world. My ‘buy me a coffee’ page exists to continue the chain of acts of kindness. Anything I raise above essential photography costs I donate to the causes.
Find my ‘buy me a coffee’ page here.
Read this month’s update feeding Sri Lanka’s street dogs.
Shoutout to this month’s supporter Adam!
4 us - It takes a village
During a recent beach photoshoot my things were stolen.
Passport. Phone. Wallet. Bank cards. Cash. Scooter key.
Stranded on the beach, sets of emotion rolled in. Reality’s waves crashed down with rips of rumination. Reminding myself that it’s all water. These things are just things.
A situation that can happen on the road. An uncomfortable block for one, an opportunistic payday for another.
‘Find My iPhone’ not working. The next day a location popped up near the same beach.
A small Sri Lankan cafe noticed my return. I showed them the map and they started helping. They knew the land, they knocked on doors. In a heartbeat fifteen villagers were searching the jungle for my belongings.
The men were having a ‘boy’s look’, lightly covering as much ground as possible. The women were having a proper look digging thoroughly under bushes. To no surprise, women’s screams echoed in celebration. They found my bag tied inside a grocery bag in a bush in the middle of the jungle.
All belongings inside, besides the cash.
A moment of misfortune. Countless expressions of love and kindness that I’m forever in debt for.
I’m sure the thief is celebrating somewhere too.
4 me - letting go
Establishing in another country has had its challenges.
Expectations. Social isolation.
Calling out, surrendering to the land’s rhythms, life began to click.
Meeting people. Job opportunities. Mental health improving.
The beach incident epitomised this. Trust that it will all come when it comes.
It’s solidifying my dance between staying or leaving. There’s growth in stillness, but everything can change in a second. A part of me needs to let go for something else to flourish.
Isthuthi to all the wonderful people I met on this island.
4 you - Sunshine Cafe
In the small village of Maaliyadda, Pradeepa used her housekeeping salary to start a cafe in her family home. She prepares local cuisine beside a secluded beach where the jungle meets the sea.
The beach stretches long. The power of the wind and waves occupies the senses.
A place that’s easy to daydream and forget where you are. You may have misplaced a few things upon return. If so, Sunshine Cafe will rally the whole village to search the entire jungle until your things are found.
Find her little cafe on your next trip to Sri Lanka’s south coast here.
See you next month!
Love,
Max
