Under the Goddess of the Sky

Judith Glyde, in the fall of 1999, spent three months in the Khumbu region of the Himalayas. Following in the footsteps of the Buddhist teacher who enters contemplative isolation to study, she experienced these months in a secluded village, Sengma, re-exploring the six suites for solo cello by Bach.

Upon her return, Judith wrote: "Where shall I start? Sengma was a remote, isolated Sherpa village of only several houses facing tremendous 22-23000-foot peaks. My accomplishment was considerable: memorizing the six Bach suites; meeting many challenges, physical and spiritual; and living with a Sherpa family. Trekking to see Mount Everest was an extraordinary experience and the fulfillment of a grand obsession. I was in awe of this top of the world-the 'Land of Snows.' The experience, once put into hindsight (as I am still affected by the isolation of those three months), will remain the adventure of a lifetime-the most inspiring task I have ever accomplished."

To go outside of one's comfort zone while communicating with nature and with those around you is a gift. I have no regrets -not for things past,