As we slipped off our shoes on the warm stone of the corridor, I heard a sudden swell of voices rising from the end of the hall. We paused as the girls staying in Manav Sadhna's Girls Hostel raised their voices in prayer before their meal. I listened in awe as the individual voices of many young children wove together to create a song that reflected the age and wisdom of a tradition much older than they were.
Read MoreA comforting arm reached around my back and onto my shoulder and sparked a chain reaction around the entire group. A group circle was created; the love in each arm that touched was tangible. This circle that enclosed and protected all our positivity and smiles. This circle that brought us physically all together but also emotionally.
Read MoreAs I stepped into Vandana’s house, I was surrounded with the most beautiful architecture, natural light spread throughout. My feet embraced the cold stone floors while the sweat disappeared from my forehead, blown away by the powerful fan. She greets us, gives us a brief tour of her home and then brings us to a room filled with her stunning artwork.
Read MoreDust floated up into the air from the tires of each passing green and yellow auto-rickshaw, creating a temporary orange haze in the road which did little to abate the intense heat beating down on us from above. The harsh afternoon light illuminated the entire open and unpaved road, heating up the red dirt, the white painted walls and the faded gate ahead of us.
Read MoreWhen I opened my eyes, I saw the hands of Mukeshji resting on his knees. He sat crisscrossed in the dappled sunlight, his head supported by a long pillow propped up horizontally against his wooden chair. The creases in his white clothing rippled as a soft breeze swept past my face. I glanced around, momentarily distracted from my first meditation session at ESI.
Read MoreAs we entered the garden, the picture of the cultural building was still living vividly in my memory. I could remember stepping onto its marble floor while looking at the quotes on the walls, the colorful mosaics on the floor, and the small but proud bookshelf in the corner just 5 minutes before.
Read MoreIn my first first week of getting to know India, I felt as if she has been reaching over with sweeping arms to put a finger to my lips. Shhhhhh, she would hush, stand beside me and watch as I show you who I really am.
Read MoreHe truly seemed happy and blissful. His warm, calm smile morphed into “Thank you.” For that one moment, our hearts connected. My eyes shadowed his eyes; my lips shadowed his lips. I wasn’t sure how to respond, but I really didn’t need to.
Read More“It’s Niswarth tradition that after Seva Cafe, we play these two songs” Mr. Mundra informs our group. I’m standing on the small wooden stage, looking past the table and chairs of the cafe, and at the volunteers we had met just hours before, laughing and joking with us.
Read MoreWhile packing for my three week long trip to India, I quickly realized there was so little I could fit in my suitcase. Thus, I was forced to leave so much behind. At first, I worried this was a negative. I can’t bring my family and friends with me, which make me feel so comfortable and loved, no matter where I am in the world. With them by my side, I feel at home. By leaving them behind, I feel out of place.
Read MoreIn coming overseas and taking the (long) flight to India, we leave material items, intangible relationships and assumptions behind. Not only have I left my family: my dad, mom, brother, dogs and house, but I left my home behind.
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