Families Who Dance Together
Dance has always been a form of self expression for me. I feel that dance is not just one of the most important parts of my own life, but it is also one of the most important forms of cultural expression across the world. I had been excited about learning something about Indian dance from the beginning of the trip.
First, I was amazed by how well our class was able to learn and perform the dances after just three days of short rehearsals. I attribute this to both our class’s talent and to the incredible teaching of the older girls at the ashram. I admire the talent, knowledge, and patience of those girls!
On the surface, the dances were incredibly fun, high energy and exciting to perform. The Saris were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was joyful. Watching the ashram kids dance was astounding to watch. The dancers ranged in both age and talent, but running through them was constant joy and delight in sharing their compositions and culture.
On a deeper level, what struck me about this whole process, beyond the general pleasure I take in dancing and the way it bonded us all, was the incredible sincerity with which the ashram kids wanted to watch us perform. I sometimes feel as if people come to watch my dance performances out of obligation or caring for me no matter what I’m doing. While I am grateful for all the support I receive, I was shocked by the earnestness the ashram kids displayed while watching us dance.
After our performance we were asked to do it again. I was immediately confused at what they were asking for, because surely they didn’t want us to just repeat the exact dance we had just done (all of them knew the dance). However, that was exactly it. They wanted to see us repeat the dance they had taught us. Never mind that it was far from perfect; they seemed fascinated.
I have heard from faculty and alumnae of the trip that the ashram feels like a family. Like our family. I was so surprised to find that this is entirely true. They remember every Mount Madonna student. They love, care-for, tease, play, get frustrated with, and miss us just like family. Seeing how much we mean to them, just our presence, really puts things in perspective. To be celebrated and unconditionally loved just for showing up is an indescribable feeling. It is an extremely humbling and moving feeling I will not be forgetting soon.
A New Way to Play
Staying at Sri Ram Ashram amazed me so many times and in so many ways. The one thing that stood out to me the most, however, was the time we spent at play.
Every moment that is not spent eating, sleeping, studying or praying is pure playing. The type of play that we are used to in the United States is very different that what we did at the Ashram.What these kids do is one hundred present untamed, unadulterated fun. What struck me most about it is that the games weren’t about skill for them. It didn’t matter how good or bad you were. Whatever you were doing in the game, all that mattered was that you were trying your best. There was no judgment about who was the best or who was winning. We were just having fun for the purpose of having fun.
I notice that in America, we think about playing games as a way to advance our skills or to be the best, but we often forget the joy in just playing for the sake of fun. This is definitely true for me personally. I get very competitive and the only thing that matters to me when I play games is winning. What was so fun about playing with these kids is that winning was just a perk of having the most fun. That sounds cliche, but it is the truth. All the kids cared about was fun. I had some of the most fun, ridiculous and incredible play of my life in a dirt field with a frisbee and a soccer ball. All thanks to these incredible kids and the short time we got to spend with them.
Everything is Temporary. And That’s Okay.
Today we had our last day at Sri Ram Ashram. The night before, we had a farewell party where many of the kids performed. We also performed a dance that we were taught by some of the ashram kids. Leaving the ashram for me was a very sad experience. I feel like I am leaving a second home. All the kids at the ashram are so kind, loving, and funny, and they make you feel at home. They immediately treat you like their bhaiya (big brother) or didi (big sister), and this was a very touching experience for me.
Although we were not there long, I felt like I had made really great friendships and had many conversations that meant a lot to me. Although there was a language barrier, I nevertheless felt a deep connection to everyone there. I will definitely miss everyone. I will miss playing games with them, having each meal together, and talking with them about their lives. The kids there every year seem to make friendship bracelets or jewelry for all of the MMS seniors who visit. I was gifted six bracelets, and they mean a lot to me. The bracelets show how much they appreciate and care about our visit, and I think that is really amazing. I hope they don’t break.
In practical terms, I learned how to eat with my hands the proper way. I honestly find it optimal, and in some ways better than eating with utensils. There are definitely some downsides but that’s fine.
In conclusion, I feel like I should say what I learned, and I learned a lot of things. The thing that strikes me the most, however, is that nothing lasts forever, but I have learned to find peace in that truth. More importantly, take every opportunity you can and make the most out of your experience because you will thank yourself. That is what I did at the ashram, and now the experience is a core memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Crazy how that works… I hope I can come back someday, and hopefully that day is soon.
