The Final Countdown

 I do love a bit of cheesy pop and never get tired of quoting Europe. The Final Countdown really is upon us! This time tomorrow we shall be well on our way, somewhere in transit, possibly already in, or at least over, India. Up until today, I have surprised myself with how calmly and patiently I have been managing all the things that have needed arranging, how balanced I have kept my moods and how little I have wasted energy on indulging in pre-emptive fantasising about my imminent experiences, however this morning I began to feel a sense of impatience for the first time. “Oh enough of this, let’s just get there already!” Knowing that today would need to be a fairly hectic mix of admin and domestic tasks, starting the day with a Mindfulness of Breathing meditation seemed like a pretty good idea, though I really wasn’t sure I’d have much luck focusing! In reality, I found my meditation experience actually quite fruitful and when I started thinking of tasks to be carried out, or anticipating the content of the coming months, I was able to manage these moments with equanimity.

At various times throughout today, I have been recalling the reason for our efforts, in the immediate, medium and then in the longer term. This afternoon, I have been mainly helping with domestic tasks like cleaning and cooking so that Shakyajata (the inspirational order member who runs the charity and with whom I shall be travelling and working) can focus on her own ‘To Do’ list and may feel reassured that there are not outstanding jobs at home, that she can return in January to a pleasant living space. Her peace of mind is important to me, not just because I care for her wellbeing but because I will be relying on her experience, guidance and friendship in unfamiliar territory, physically, professionally and spiritually.

 Knowing that we are prepared to be the strongest possible team is then not only in the interests of our own health and happiness but directly relevant to our medium term aim. I was reminded of this recently, especially when seeing a photograph of the young women with whom I am to be living, learning and teaching. We are undertaking this trip, and the activities of the next six months to play our part in supporting them, as well as ten young men and some non-residential students, from backgrounds of oppression and hardship that I can only imagine. We hope that with our teaching and pastoral care, these twenty plus lives will be happier, richer and more fulfilled.

While we are there, we shall also be engaging in dharma study. I will be learning a lot on my path to ordination, and I shall also be helping to share the dharma with the students at Aryaloka. This is an important part of our longer term aims; to strengthen and develop the integrity and reach of the order, help others to develop and find the dharma and ultimately, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I feel it is important not to lose sight of this overarching goal and if nothing else, it certainly helps me put everything into perspective whether planning a lesson, saluting a shrine, preparing a shared meal or cleaning a kitchen! I am, I think, as ready as I can be. I’ll just be off to check I’ve packed my passport and get an early night for the 05:30 taxi… but if you would like to do a little thing yourself to support us, we are always in need of donations, which may be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/youngindianfutures. Thank you.