Trip to India: December 10 Post 4

Posted by Laurie English on December 12th, 2009 filed in Trainings

Post 4 of 4

Afternoon time somewhere on my way to Ajmer train station

I am clawing my way to peace of mind.  Can my will power bring balance and calm back? 

I willfind something beautiful.  Everything will be okay.  I will see what I want to see. I keep repeating these thoughts as the tears streamed down.

Finally I reach a plateau.  The wind blowing through my shawl dries my tears.  I sniff to clear my nose.  I reengage with the family of four that I feel blessed to be sitting with in my little sleeper car on the train to Ajmer.

They feel good to me.

I haven’t eaten since the last snack yesterday evening aboard my Air France flight from Paris.  It is now late morning and I’m ravenous.  Although there are four main interactions that take place on the train (calls to order chai tea, food vendors, entertainers and beggars) I was hesitant to pull out money for fear of being taken advantage of. 

But I was starved.

Plus, I hadn’t slept since December 8.  Add to that my bout with shock and you get the picture.

Veema, the wife, offered me 2 cookies.  I took them feeling so grateful that someone cared that I almost started crying again.  Happily, her family spoke a little English, but most importantly they were fluent in human generosity.  She later gave me 1/2 an orange and a packet of mints.  Her husband also bought me a cup of chai which at first I refused but later Veema made me take it.

I started learning what things costs (5 rupees for chai, 10 rupees for two samosas and 20 rupees for some kind of fried veggie patty with white bread ).  I would later order and devour all of this food on my own, with confidence.

Look for what I’m wanting to see…..(intent number one).

Yes. A beautiful family of four that took care of me and fed me and was nice to me when I needed it most.

Thank you Veema, Manohar, Anopam, and Amloika for your beautiful Spirits!

Love,
Laurie