Lori is just finishing a Ten Day Vipassana Silent Meditation Course. Yes, you
read that right...ten days, no talking. I'm amazed and proud that she was able to complete this challenge.
I don't know much more on how the experience was, other than I just spoke with
her as the broke silence this morning, she is doing very well and she returns
home tomorrow morning.
Little did I know this ten day experience was just as much for me as it was for her. I had a chance to spend time playing lots of music, reading books, I actually exercised quite a bit (very proud about that one), went out many nights with friends and simply enjoyed some great quiet relaxing time.
I called the office to check on Lori 3 times during the stay. The first time a woman gave a nice report on how she was doing, the second time a guy in the office said 'she's fine.’ As I asked for a bit more details, he said, 'she's very fine'. Well, ok, thank you. It took a conversation with my driver for him to remind me that it is a silent meditation center...they probably don't talk too much. Great point, Imran!
Throughout the last week, I was reminded of how much I love my wife. I spoke with her today for the first time in over 10 days! It was a short, but amazing conversation. It almost felt as if we had just met and I was speaking with her for the second time ever. Needless to say I am so excited to see her tomorrow, excited to be home.
My love for my wife is stronger now than the day we met or even the day we were married. Living away from our home in the US for that past 15 months may be a reason for this bond we have, and it only continues to develop. But what I realized first hand this week is that a home is not a house. Its where your loved ones are. Setting aside the physical space you live in, although comforting; home truly is where your pets, your parents, your sisters your children or your spouse is.
My parents and I visited the Taj Mahal a few weeks back. You can simply feel the love that was put into constructing this monument by walking up, around and through it. This structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took over 20 years and 20,000 people to complete. At the site of the Taj there are two tombs, one for Shah and one for Mumtaz, right next to each other. I share this not to be dark or mortal, but perhaps Shan's vision was for the two of them to be side by side for eternity, to be home - forever. The calligraphy at the main gate to the Taj reads:
"O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you."
Setting graves and quotes aside, I'm ecstatic to see my lovely wife tomorrow. I'm excited to be home.
Little did I know this ten day experience was just as much for me as it was for her. I had a chance to spend time playing lots of music, reading books, I actually exercised quite a bit (very proud about that one), went out many nights with friends and simply enjoyed some great quiet relaxing time.
I called the office to check on Lori 3 times during the stay. The first time a woman gave a nice report on how she was doing, the second time a guy in the office said 'she's fine.’ As I asked for a bit more details, he said, 'she's very fine'. Well, ok, thank you. It took a conversation with my driver for him to remind me that it is a silent meditation center...they probably don't talk too much. Great point, Imran!
Throughout the last week, I was reminded of how much I love my wife. I spoke with her today for the first time in over 10 days! It was a short, but amazing conversation. It almost felt as if we had just met and I was speaking with her for the second time ever. Needless to say I am so excited to see her tomorrow, excited to be home.
My love for my wife is stronger now than the day we met or even the day we were married. Living away from our home in the US for that past 15 months may be a reason for this bond we have, and it only continues to develop. But what I realized first hand this week is that a home is not a house. Its where your loved ones are. Setting aside the physical space you live in, although comforting; home truly is where your pets, your parents, your sisters your children or your spouse is.
My parents and I visited the Taj Mahal a few weeks back. You can simply feel the love that was put into constructing this monument by walking up, around and through it. This structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took over 20 years and 20,000 people to complete. At the site of the Taj there are two tombs, one for Shah and one for Mumtaz, right next to each other. I share this not to be dark or mortal, but perhaps Shan's vision was for the two of them to be side by side for eternity, to be home - forever. The calligraphy at the main gate to the Taj reads:
"O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you."
Setting graves and quotes aside, I'm ecstatic to see my lovely wife tomorrow. I'm excited to be home.
Such a great post. I've truly enjoyed reading your blog during your time in India.
ReplyDeletethe "she's fine"... "she's very fine" was so... India :)
Enjoy the weekend!
b
Wow!! After I wipe the tears away... I can type. Such a great post. Thanks for sharing your insights... ones anyone can truly reflect on.
ReplyDeleteIt has been fun to read about your experiences through your personal and professional journey!
ReplyDelete