A Sacred Weekend

This weekend has been a busy one in our home. Both Passover and Easter were acknowledged. Michael wrote about his experiences in “An Easter Walk” seen here.

After Googling many a Haggadah -there are literally thousands of them- Reading through more than I ever have, Michael and I frantically cut and pasted what we hoped would be meaningful and honoring of the Seder story, including all relevant parts (This year along with the orange on the Seder plate, and Miriam’s Cup of water, we included olives representing the hardships of the Palestinians and of the bloodshed that has occurred) just as the children arrived-already hungry! A quick snack, and we were on our way to tell the story, relaxing as we are to do, in front of the fire, in our livingroom sharing stories and asking questions. In our family, we are mindful of the slavery that still exists in the world of all faiths.

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Cultural experiences

As I come regularly to India, I realize that I have become accustomed to the sights, smells and tastes that are all about India. Below are a few pictures about my current trip. I arrived earlier today, and have been settling into my flat, which will also double as one of the  training spaces for the work I am doing with the East/West Center for Counseling. In this day, I have already seen cows meandering the street, heard honking as if honking was going to change any of the traffic, and experienced what I most miss when at home- A sense of vibrant engaged people in the streets.  There are so many people! Because it is warm here (actually HOT) there are saris and salwaar kameezes in every color and patterns. As I think about all the layers I wear to stay warm at home, and how much we withdraw and hide ourselves because of the cold, I am aware that the warmth for me also means a coming alive and being present with others that often seems lacking in Vermont.

I have gathered though that this too is changing in India. At breakfast with my colleague Magdalene Jeyarathnam (Director of the East/West center for Counselling) we discuss the fact that many more people are buying on line items that usually one goes to the stores for. Malls here are emptying out because of this, and she senses a “lack of communication between people – no one actually meets another as its all done online”

I felt sad upon hearing this. Coming to India feeds this part of my Soul. People are always talking with each other- One goes to the store for everything. When I pointed out that I like trying on my clothes and don’t buy too much online because of it, she noted that there are now companies that come to your home to try things on and then you purchase.

Now that is something I might like.