Well this is my first attempt at this; I'm not really much of a blogger per se, but I feel its good to contribute. Thus far this experience has been life-altering, and I know I am not the only one who can say that. It's challenged me in a bevy of ways and really forced me out of my comfort zone; a real paradigm shift. I think being here has really allowed me to question, that's what life is about right? When you're face-to-face with a world so different from the one you are accustomed, new thoughts a feelings arise which begets self-reflection, the basis for all growth and wisdom. Part of this trip have been overwhelming, postively and negatively. The intense heat and humidity of the cities, the aggressive hockers, the incessant honking of cars, and poverty of the calibre that none of us have probably ever seen, its a lot to wrap one's head around. Can one attempt to be neutral to it and just accept? I haven't gotten there yet. But then just when the world seems insane and completely unfair and full of oppression and cruelty we see the selfless compassion of the people at Hayden House, especially the brilliant Noreen Dunn, the religious tolerance and acceptance of Father Kinley, the smiling faces of the beautiful children learning and playing, the serence gentility of the Buddhist monks and the vastness of India. This place is a literal assault on the senses. And I am grateful for all of it. Grateful that I have this opportunity, grateful to be challenged, grateful for the wonderful thought-provoking company, just grateful. I would like to end with a quote from a Zen commentary I've been reading, I think it sums up alot.
"As monks, we are supposed to be homeless, having left our homes behind; but once we are homeless we realize that every place is home; wherever we happen to be is our home. This planet is our home; if we go to the moon, that is our home. We cannot leave home. It is a paradox: when there is no fixed abode, no fixed home, every place is home. "
Anyway, today is lovely and I must be off to be a part of it,
Nadine
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