My mom and I in the mountains near Kathmandu in Chandragiri Hills. In the distance, you can see the tiny cable cars that took us up, and the snow-capped Himalayan mountains just peeking over the clouds on the right.
Over the past 3 weeks, I've been traveling with my mom through Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
This trip began because I wanted to visit my mom, a.k.a. Tracy Sr., who's currently studying to become a Vipassana meditation teacher (she was also a singer in her younger years!). Last year, she lived in Kathmandu at the Dharmashringa meditation centre, and she's now spending 3 more months there to finish her training.
As part of her training, she's helping to lead a few 10-day meditation courses by offering guidance to both first-time and experienced meditators. She's been practicing meditation for over 10 years, beginning at a Vipassana meditation centre in Canada near Barrie, Ontario.
Fun fact: I also did a 10-day silent meditation retreat when I was 19. My mom signed me up and I went reluctantly, but it ended up teaching me a lot, even as someone who's isn't religious. I'd recommend everyone try it at least once in their lives.
My mom and I visiting Dharmashringa, the centre where she's training as a meditation teacher in Kathmandu.
Here are a few interesting things I've learned on this trip so far:
Nepal's Living Goddess
Nepal is one of the only countries in the world with a Living Goddess called the Kumari. She is chosen at a very young age and is worshipped as a goddess by both Hindus and Buddhists (the two religions are closely linked in Nepal). When she hits puberty, another young girl is chosen to become the new Kumari.
My mom at the temple where the Kumari resides in Kathmandu Durbar Square. We got to see the Living Goddess on the top floor as she comes out to say hello to visitors every few hours.
Bodh Gaya, India: The Mahabodhi Temple
For a few mornings and evenings, I joined my mom to meditate at the Mahabodhi Temple, the main Buddhist pilgrimage site and the place where Buddha reached enlightenment. Even at 6am, thousands of people were already there - large tour groups dressed in white, school children in blue uniforms, monks, and meditators from Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and all over the world. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced.
It was also enlightening (heh heh) to learn about the Vietnamese community and the many Vietnamese temples in Bodh Gaya. Even café and shop staff knew how to speak Vietnamese, some better than I can!
My mom and I visiting a stop on Buddha's path to enlightenment. From what my mom tells me, Buddha used the grass here as a meditation cushion and crossed what was once a river on his way to the Mahabodhi Temple (seen far in the background of this picture). This is where he eventually reached enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
Bhutan's Monarchy and Tiger's Nest Temple
Bhutan has been a monarchy since only 1907. The fourth king introduced the country to the world by sharing Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness, and he remains beloved by the Bhutanese people. When we visited, photos of the fourth king and current fifth king were everywhere - in cafes, shops, hotels, the airport, and even in temples.
During our trip, we hiked over six hours to and from Tiger's Nest, a Buddhist temple built into the side of a mountain in the 17th century. The story goes that the monk Guru Rinpoche arrived there on a flying tigress (who was also his wife) and meditated in the cave. We were exhausted by the end, but it was so worth it.
My mom and I hiking towards Tiger's Nest, a sacred Bhutanese Buddhist temple over 3000 meters above sea level. This photo was taken only halfway there!
Sparking Creativity
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, with barely a moment to pause. Now, as I write this from the mountains of Kathmandu, there’s finally a sense of stillness. Nepal is holding its first election since last year’s Gen Z–led protests that toppled the government, and with roads closed and cars off the streets, the city is quiet. My mom and I are taking this opportunity to rest before I head home to Toronto.
In this stillness, I’ve found my way back to the things I love - singing, reflecting, and writing this message to you.
Since becoming a full-time vocal teacher, work that I love, I’ve noticed how easily my own creative pursuits can slip into the background. I’ve poured so much energy into supporting my students that I haven’t always made space for myself to sing. This time away has reminded me how important that space is. It’s given me room to explore, to reflect, and to reconnect with the joy of doing something just for me.
I don’t often allow myself stillness in my day-to-day life, but now I see how essential it is, not just for rest, but for creativity.
If there’s one thing I’m taking from this moment, it’s this: give yourself permission to pause. Even a small moment of quiet can help you return to what you love.
I hope this encourages you to find a moment today to do something that brings you joy.
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