In the Mother's lap

Divya shares her experiences of volunteering for Isha...
Volunteering at Isha is like crawling back into the comfort of a Mother's lap. Once I enter the space, all the hustle and bustle is forgotten. Packed away. Into the oblivion. I slowly breathe in the music, sounds, silence, glowing faces, warming smiles and the underlying sense of connectedness. Immediately, my insides feels like wet earth after the first few raindrops. Fresh and Pure. Cleansed of all that modern living can heap on me.

Then I settle down to watch the games my mind play. As I move along to the rhythm of setting things up, I see all that my mind is capable of. Or not capable of. Some moments, I helplessly play along. Few moments, I managed to stay nonchalant. One or two moments, still. Just still. Like a flash of lightning, it occurs in the tumultuous of thunderstorms. Occasionally, here and there. Near and Far.

Its been a year and a half since I attended my first introductory talk. After many such programs, I am not looking back. Not even to share my journey. Not anymore. I grab every single volunteering opportunity I could get my hands on. Like it was the last time I am fortunate enough to participate. I plan, plan and re-plan to work around my personal situations. In lunch breaks and after office hours. In the comfort of the home fire and the laptop. In the mad chaos of cosmopolitan train journeys. With a loving obsession.

Some say volunteering is a way to grow. Others say its beautiful to make it happen for others. I don't know about all that. For me, it quenches my thirst. And makes me want more. After all, what is me? What is not me?

Thanks,
Divya R