Random Acts of Kindness

Whilst sitting in a Buddhist meditation program the other day, the teacher asked us to remember the very first act of kindness someone showed us. Go all the way back in your memory, and recall, who was it that showed you kindness, and what did they do? You can try it now if you like. I found it extremely challenging, either my memory has trouble reaching that far back or perhaps it is I couldn’t recall an act of kindness. Not to say I didn’t experience kindness as a child, but I couldn’t think of a specific example. I came to realise, that I was surrounded by love and kindness but I simply didn’t recognise it as kindness. Just as normal everyday behaviour.  So I stated to notice this week, the random acts of kindness that people show, and to be honest, I have been overwhelmed.

Our friends on our trek

This week the organisation I volunteer with closed for holidays as it is Losar – the Tibetan New Year.  I still had some things to finish with CHOICE (the editing work I have been doing) but things were winding up so it was a good chance to have some time “off” to enjoy McLeod Ganj in my final week.  The weather was still cold and even a bit wet, but it didn’t seem to dampen the mood as the town prepared for the Losar celebrations. I liken it to preparing for Christmas, lots of food, family and friends come together to eat and celebrate for 3 days. A few day trips were planned – a trek up to Triund into the snow covered mountains I had been looking at out my bedroom window for nearly a month (2900mt – which incidentally we only made 2/3 of the way due to the weather), and a day introduction to Buddhism at a local Buddhist centre – strangely enough run by an Aussie guy (who prompted the noticing the kindness acts) So back to my week and the random acts of kindness (for ease, I will call RAK) –  the first  RAK - Our local cinema guy, knowing I was leaving,  asked what I would like to see, so by special request he screened “3 Idiots” a Bollywood movie. I highly recommend it, it has everything a good Bollywood movie should have, comedy, dancing, romance and a good story line that at times, really made you think.  No one else was in the cinema but us and the cinema guys, which perhaps made it even more special.  The next RAK, the evening before Losar, when everyone is heading home to spend time with their family, Dondul one of the guys I have been working with took me out to dinner to say thank you for the work I have been doing.  Having worked all day, with still lots to do for the big day, he took the time to hang out with me as a gesture of thanks. Small, but so meaningful. My next RAK was at my favourite coffee shop – my last morning was spent with the guys, both taking turns in hanging out, chatting, laughing and making my last time there so special, and then insisting I don’t pay (hopefully that doesn’t get you in trouble!!)

Losar preparations - traditional dress

Cafe Budan - my local coffee shop with Dorjee, Jamphel and Ta Bo

And then my last day in McLeod Ganj - it was so perfect, the sun came out and the warmth in the air returned, my hotel said not to hurry checking out (small RAK) and I spent the morning at the Temple as it was the main day for Losar. I then was invited to a Tibetan friends for lunch (again, another RAK) before a final catch up with Catherine to say goodbye and meet our respective buses. So then my final RAK, which almost made me cry, my Tibetan friend presented me with some small gifts, to protect me on my journey and to remember him by. So thoughtful and well, beautiful. Then to my surprise, my favourite monk (I know it it’s not really pc to have a favourite, but I am being honest) turned up at the bus station to say goodbye and presented me with a white prayer shawl – again to protect me on my journey. My Tibetan friend stayed, lugged my bags, made sure I was on the bus and I was safe.  All from people I didn’t know 4 weeks earlier. Words cannot describe how humbling it is, how special it makes you feel and well, pretty lucky I am to have met them.

Sherab and I at our final tutoring session

So, I have learnt we are constantly surrounded by kindness, we just need to see it as that. The hotel guy allowing me to check it out 6 hours later is in fact kindness, it doesn’t need to be monumental, but perhaps the small things are what count the most.  I think I wrote last week that I was going to be sad to leave McLeod Ganj, that the place was special but then I was debating whether it was the place or the people. I think I have found my answer, there is something about the place, but hands down, the people have been nothing short of amazing.  The guys at our favourite restaurant summed it up pretty well, “Aussie, you may not be here with us in body, but you will be here with us in heart and soul”.