Zen Under Fire: revisited

Earlier this year Zen Under Fire was published. It's the story of the two years I spent in Afghanistan - the people I met there, the lessons they taught me.

Four and a half years since I was last in Afghanistan - I now have the chance to return. I've been given the opportunity to combine three of my favorite things into one trip:

- helping to uncover and tell inspiring stories about Afghanistan;

- teaching yoga and well-being to people working to serve others, and

- supporting local Afghan women's advocates.

This is a dream trip for me.

PLUS it will give me the chance to go back to Chagcharan, a small town high in the Hindu Kush where I lived for six months and where much of my book is set. Funding cuts in Afghanistan, and the general movement towards withdrawal of international support for the country, mean that some of the programs I was involved in setting up may be at risk.

By going back now, and recording stories of the successes of my former colleagues who have carried on the work we started together, I hope to do my bit to help advocate for the need for more - rather than less - international support for the people of Ghor.

I also want to take copies of my book back to the people who made it possible in the first place. My colleagues, friends and teachers.

To make this trip possible, I need your help. Travel in Afghanistan is expensive. The security situation means that I have to choose more expensive (and safer) options for accommodation and transport.

The total cost of this trip is going to be about $4500. I have saved $2000 myself. I'm asking for your help to raise the remaining $2500.

I've never raised funds or asked for donations for myself before. This is new (and uncomfortable) territory. But I believe in the value of the work I'm doing on this trip. And I haven't felt this excited about my work, or as clear about my purpose for a long time.

If you share my passion for telling alternate stories about the situation in Afghanistan, or for serving those people who serve others - then I hope you'll help make this trip possible.

If you join my mailing list (here) then I'll make sure you get regular updates on my progress!