I fall in love with someone or something new every single day. In Rishikesh, I fell in love with about 10 dogs that I took great pleasure in feeding and loving on. Then I fell in love with the locals who enjoyed watching me take care of the dogs, who then offered to continue to do so upon my leaving. I became friends with a 10 year old girl who said she never thought about feeding the dogs before because no one had ever told her that she should, but she loved watching my interaction with the dogs so much that she wanted the same experience. So we sat down and I wrote out a list of "how to take care of a dog". She is so excited about the responsibility. I then walked from store to store to let all the shop keepers know, who previously had a tendency to pour water on or throw rocks at the strays, that I loved all the dogs so much and that they should show them as much respect as they have shown me. They assured me that they would and I can only hope that they keep their promise now that I am gone.
I fell in love with the priests who conducted the Aarti ceremonies in the evening and all the children who sang the mantras to and with us all. I fell in love with my new friends from all corners of the world whose adventurous spirits led me to experiences such as hiking up a glorious trail at the top of the Himalayan Mountain to a beautiful waterfall then white water rafting down the Ganga River. Two experiences that will live with me forever.
And now I am in Dharamsala/ McLeod Ganj and continue to fall in love every day. The journey here began on a 12 hour train ride with Sarah and William in a third class non air conditioned sleeper car. Prior to coming to India, I was warned to avoid the back of the train, especially on long trips but I have to say I am incredibly grateful for the experience and actually really enjoyed it despite the grittiness factor. We arrived here at about 5 am, checked in to a hotel and passed out for a few hours. When I stepped out of our room, my eyes and heart were flooded with love all over again. It is simply beautiful beyond words here. The mountains are bustling with big gorgeous green trees and views of snow caps in the not too far distance. The roof tops are adorned with Tibetan flags flapping in the wind.
The Dalai Lama lives here and the town has become the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. Tibetan Monks walk the streets amidst students and travellers from all over the world. The energy here is incredibly peaceful and joyful. I have, of course, fallen in love with a female monk who lives on a mat in a tea shop outside of the temple. She has been living here for a year and a half and has devoted her life to Tibetan Buddhism. She has become a teacher of sorts to me. On our first encounter she gave me some sound, and very sweet advice: "From now on, every time you turn on a light, say a prayer to open your heart and mind a little bit more. Think only good thoughts, at all times, about all people and you will live a peaceful life." Something to aspire to.
I have decided to spend the rest of time in India in Dharamsala/ McLeod Ganj. Tomorrow I begin my first day of volunteer work here, with a group called Rogpa (http://www.tibetrogpa.org/), at a baby center. I will be taking care of about 45 children (with about 4 other volunteers). The work will involve feeding, cleaning and playing with the babies. All of the children's parents are Tibetan Refugees who are dealing with various struggles including feelings of isolation, unemployment and drug and alcohol issues. Despite multiple attempts to volunteer at various orphanages in Rishikesh, nothing ever panned out due to misorganization so I am thrilled that I can be of service here and look forward to falling in love with all of the babies and their families.
Each day presents itself with new lessons, new challenges and new opportunities to open my heart and mind a little bit more. I am so grateful for it all.
Sending you Love and Light from the Himalayan Mountains. xoxo
