Up Before Everyone Else
I am up this morning with impatience in my chest. I'm feeling keen to start moving, and doing my thing again, whatever that is. Everyday is replete with newness, so I feel like days are the equivalent of weeks. That being said, I'm starting to feel somewhat accustomed to the noises and smells and everything everywhere style of MT. Things that at first were so novel and fascinating are becoming everyday. How quickly we can get used to things and forget how special they are!
One of my favorite things to do so far is to watch passersby from the landing of the flat spin the prayer wheels as they walk by. The mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' (the simplified meaning is 'Jewel in the Lotus') is written on paper, which is placed inside the wheels. Spinning the wheels as you walk by is equivalent to orally reciting the prayer. Thumbs up to the Tibetans for efficiency, and incorporating range of motion exercises in their prayers!
My plan is to go to Western Union this morning to try to get some cash so I can start paying for things myself! Everyone has been so generous and kind in paying for things for me, but the fiercely autonomous part of me is rearing its head and trying to gallop away. I think I am just feeling frustrated that I don't yet know how to get things done here, and that I can't even find my way around MT yet (fo' shiz this place ain't on Google maps), and that I don't have the language to do what I need to. Kelsang tells me that there are all sorts of language lessons given for free in Dharamsala by the international crowd who gather there, which is inspiring. I am going to have to pick up some Hindi during my time here!
I'm also looking forward to having a coffee at the internet cafe! Again, it feels like it's been ages. I know there are incredible sights to see still in Delhi, but the idea of more smoggy rickshaw rides in the haphazard traffic are a bit much right now. Face masks seem to be pretty popular here, so I might have to jump on that trend. My voice is making a slowish comeback, I really strained it yesterday talking on the phone with the bank and Visa office, and trying to carry on conversation with everyone as if everything was normal! Kunsang asked me to play him 'Hotel California' on the guitar yesterday, so I learned it! I guess there are advantages to having a lot of down time.
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In the background, the monk who's been waking me up every morning is starting his chants. Someone's pet bird is chirping. The smell of roasting garlic floats in through the permanently open window. Flute music from the radio is floating around the air, and the morning bustle noises of car horns, banging pots and pans, people spitting into sinks, and constant murmuring of voices decorates the soundscape. I think things are going to be alright. It's just a matter of time before I get my feet under me.
