Heart-centered wheel

Heart-centered wheel

October 22, 2010

While praying at the Medicine Wheel a young man came to sit with me. Havani was curious about my chanting in Lakota. A man from Davenport had visited his village and supported his studies in college for two years. He was studying religion and computer science. The man later became a Buddhist monk and could no longer send him money. So, like Siddhartha, he had set off traveling to learn from life.

We had a wonderful philosophical discussion that lasted two hours. We shared many beliefs in common. He was well read and shared his understanding with ease and confidence. He was astute in his observations of other cultures. I was very impressed and found our time together very enjoyable. I am encouraged by the caliber I am finding in young men. A sign, I hope, that the times are truly changing. Each interaction is a confirmation of the prayer I put up in the cave in Peru.

He was from a small village off the grid in Northern India. Now he was stranded in Pokhara having underestimated the expense of traveling. I asked if he had called home for help and he explained how expensive it was here to use the phone or computers. He quoted the difference in living expenses compared to his town. When I inquired what he was going to do next, he said he had a friend he could stay with in Kathmandu. From there he would call his parents for help or make enough money for a bus ride home. He had been trying to find work in Pokhara and had dwindled down his funds to almost nothing. I gauged the sincerity of his story and felt it was my questioning that had brought it to the surface.

I thought about how much money I would have spent at internet cafes if I hadn’t had my laptop and I remembered how it felt to have your generosity fund my travels. I budget 1,000 rupees ($15) per day. My stomach was full from a large breakfast and I had nothing to spend money on, so I decided to give him what was left in my pocket. 900 rupees would be enough for a bus ticket to Kathmandu and some food for the journey.

He smiled as he shook my hand. He said he could tell that I was a good person because I had a kind face. Then he said that today I had been the hands of God for him. From your hand to mine to his.

While we were visiting, the man who had propositioned me last night approached. I have made a pact that the next man I give myself to must be dedicated to a spiritual path. The company of the young man provided the contrast I needed to make the choice to decline his offer. Somewhere in the distant past, my father had warned me about carpet salesmen and today I decided to heed his advice.

Later in the day, I dipped into tomorrow’s dough to treat myself to a foot massage and an ice cream sundae. It was more satisfying then a passionate night with a stranger. I was very relaxed and grateful for the touch. It was not advertised as reflexology and she basically repeated the same 6 moves with no circulation. It made me feel good about the sequenced acupressure points I offer to optimize health. She did some interesting moves on my calves though so I will return bustin’ a new move.