I haven’t even landed in India per say and I am already in the classroom soaking in the lessons before me from the very people who put spirituality on the map. Sitting next to me on the plane? Sir Maharaja. Ironic since Maharaja means the king of all kings. It also happens to be the name of my beloved guru Maharaji, known by many as the guru of love who most famously inspired the Beatles, Krishna Das, Ram Giri and Ram Dass in the book Be Here Now. ( I highly recommend this book if you have never read it). Either way, Mr. Maharaja really? Could this be a sign?
As we grow tired, his mother-in-law, who speaks not a word of English, kindly motions to me to take the two seats to sleep and moves to sleep on the floor aisle of the plane, I am amazed at her kindness. When she is awoken and told she must sit in her seat by a flight attendant, she comes back to her seat and immediately puts my head on her lap. She insists on petting my hair, and for this moment, I am her child, falling asleep open to a mother’s love. This love has transcended time and relationships. Here is where my heart opens. Here is the first lesson India will teach me.
Lesson #1
Love indiscreetly. Love everyone. Treat them as you would your own children. We are all interconnected and there should be no boundaries on compassion and love.
However, we usually impose boundaries on how to love and give, even when it comes to loving ourselves. These boundaries are born usually out of fear and anxiety from previous loss and betrayal. When we move out of love and compassion, we move away from the present moment and are stuck in the past or the near future. The only way to remain true to ourselves and others is to come from a place of love.
In this moment on this Indian woman’s lap, I am reminded of the mantra I have written for this journey and perhaps one I will practice now for the rest of my life:
With Love let me Lead the way
With Love let me Inspire
With Love let me Grow
With Love let me be an Artist of Life
As I wake, on this 14-hour journey I grow restless and pick up the newly released Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert (Who’s second book coincidentally was released on the very day I was leaving the states), the author of Eat Pray Love. Her book is why I am in India in the first place. Inspired by her divorce and journey for her truth, I embarked on my own. It led us both to India. In her opening chapter of Committed she states: “I came to India and on this journey to heal a broken heart and here I not only healed but found love again.” As I continue reading my eyes finally go weary, and I stop to think to myself before I close my eyes: “Is my heart broken? Why exactly am I going to India?” I quickly answer myself: “Maybe, yes.”
“Am I lonely?” “Yes “, I respond, “but I am learning to love, that is why I am on this journey”. The pilot announces we have two hours left on this flight and I think to myself, I have already learned my first lesson on this journey and I haven’t even landed yet! What exactly you may ask is the lesson? “Love compassionately always no matter how much it scares you".
India is opening my heart, the healing is beginning…
Testing
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