I have been in Taiwan not 3 days and already have found myself a Chinese name, rather unintentionally. My Indian name is a bit uncommon and difficult to pronounce so twice I have been introduced as Re-hu …hmmm interesting but not my name. The second time this happened which was this morning; I was having my first church experience at Oasis Church. Yes, I was at church, no I have not converted into anything. My spirituality has always been my religion and every religion harnesses the spirit. This was no traditional church experience though, we were not in a large building featuring religious artwork and long benches (excuse my ignorance but that’s my only imagery of churches). Here in this office cum church room, the walls were covered with expressive paintings depicting love and freedom it seemed to be the theme since everyone was very free and open and full of love. It radiated throughout the voices during the initial songs that were sung in gratitude for the divine spirit. It was overwhelming in an extremely heartfelt way. Once the songs finished, newcomers were asked to stand and introduce themselves. My introduction went a little like this “Hi. My name is Ritu and I am thankful to be a part of your session today” and the response was “ Welcome Re-hu” which elicited some laughter and me repeating my name a few times and then giving up and deciding that Re-hu is now my Chinese name! Then I wanted to know what my Chinese name meant… so being the investigator I am I began asking questions, turns out Re is not in the Chinese vocabulary. So with the help of my new friend Anne (an amazing firecracker of a being… a yogini, a psychologist, and my sanctuary savior!) came up with the closest name to it… Li-Tzu. Anne drew the characters for me and then said… your name means Present Bamboo… we sighed and smiled…I adopted my new name and the characteristics it embodied. Be present to the moment but flexible like a bamboo always growing with each experience and happily accepting all the twists and turns that occur along the way.
A hectic wedding weekend comes to an end, my feet are tired my mind has turned inwards and my tummy is craving greens. Lucky for me all my wishes come true at the Poetree resort where a rooftop spa invites me in for a soak and hangs above me a picturesque star filled night sky and then Chili's, (yes Chili's like we have here in the U.S.) fills my belly with a Quesadilla explosion salad… how I have I never had this before?! Topping off the night with an unintentional ab workout in the form of LAUGHTER!
Laughter is the best medicine especially when it comes spontaneously in sudden bursts during Glee sessions. Ha- Ha- Ha! (Thanks Anne for that release of emotion)
MettaLOVE
Li-Tzu
A hectic wedding weekend comes to an end, my feet are tired my mind has turned inwards and my tummy is craving greens. Lucky for me all my wishes come true at the Poetree resort where a rooftop spa invites me in for a soak and hangs above me a picturesque star filled night sky and then Chili's, (yes Chili's like we have here in the U.S.) fills my belly with a Quesadilla explosion salad… how I have I never had this before?! Topping off the night with an unintentional ab workout in the form of LAUGHTER!
Laughter is the best medicine especially when it comes spontaneously in sudden bursts during Glee sessions. Ha- Ha- Ha! (Thanks Anne for that release of emotion)
MettaLOVE
Li-Tzu
