This year, I felt quite fortunate to get another opportunity to volunteer at Gandhi 3.0 retreat. What did I learn this year? When I sit and think about it, below are some reflections that stand out.

The stories that spoke about human connection touched me very deeply. I try and practice to build connections (beyond transactions) with people in my day to day life. I draw a lot of value from the MBL community when it comes to having connections with people, I felt that this retreat in many ways was that. I get deeply moved by noble connections that people make, I get deeply moved by the fact that people see their loved ones in someone around them. I was moved to tears when Seher said that she sees her dad in Jayesh bhai. I was in awe of volunteers when she on her first evening announced that she had found her tribe (for her to say that after what Neeti didi shared about breakfast table discussion was incredible). It was so fast that she felt home.

The examples of 'being the change'. I was listening to Shaheen's story of how Jayesh bhai was an example of keeping the footwear in order, and coming to ESI, this might sound like a simple thing, but this one thing was a reminder and listening to her story made my eyes moist, not because a valuable lesson was taught to the kids, but because an example was set in such a loving way. Even what Myron shared about feeling inclusive. After 3 steps and a bow, I saw Jayesh bhai touched Anuji's feet and she was trying to stop him from doing that, they hugged each other, I was standing in awe of both the persons trying to grasp 'Be the change'. I try to practice this in my daily life and I see myself fail at it so many times, I know it takes long time and the stories and actions at the retreat act as a great reminder for me to look more such blind spots in my life and work on it.

Understanding catchy phrases like 'Untiring mind', 'Wounded healers' actually and not just intellectually. J. Krishnamurti talks about understanding something actually and not just intellectually. I never quite got it until the time we sat in a breakout session on 'understanding an untiring mind'. I used to jump to the lingo but this retreat made me see so many things beyond. When we were trying to explore the concept of untiring mind, I realized that there is so much depth to the phrase 'untiring mind'. It's not a state to attain or badge to wear on your shoulder (and boast the ego), but it is more of byproduct of a still, calm and a pure mind. From the little understanding I have, I realized that when my mind is emotionally stable, when my mind is able to see the things as they are (without any personal alteration), maybe then my mind can become untiring. It's not just motivation that will create an untiring mind but a deep conviction towards working on the filth within. It becomes very easy for me to intellectualize this and get an intellectual high about the phrases but a question I hold is 'How do I work on myself so that I moved closer to experiencing it?'

Deep listening, a quality I really need to work on. All of us were simply amazed by Zilong's recap, he had the hard work behind it and the homework helped him too, no doubt, but the way he summarized it needs deep listening and a still mind that doesn't wander off in the process. To listen to each and everyone for 2 hours straight is a task of a quiet and a still mind. I miss this thing even in my personal life, my mind wanders off here and there and sometimes I face challenges in my personal life because of this.

Spiritual partnership, authentic power. This is another thing I'm grateful for, what Gary shared in circle and personally with me is going to be of great help in my relationships with everyone around and not just my partner. I can already see changes in my life with what he shared and I can firmly say that it is a life changing experience.

Not giving smart answers/replies. My mind often gets indulged in giving smart answers, at various instances. I realized that just giving smart replies sometimes does not help me understand what I'm trying to, but often it takes away my attention. And this is one more thing, if I work on it, can help me 'walk towards deep listening'

A lot of things I saw, learned were the things I am trying to implement in my daily life. Gladly, I'm past the point of coming to MBL retreats and leaving the values there. In daily situations, I try to look for opportunities to approach things with love and kindness and that's what touched me and moved me and made me cry in this retreat. Every time a story of love or kindness was shared my eyes were moist, I was super sensitized and really overwhelmed by people's work for peace, love and kindness. I am grateful to have received the reminders in so many ways and I feel that they are going to be a tremendous support in walking the path.

Thank you.

Posted by Vinit Gujarathi on Feb 9, 2018 | permalink