I’m writing on my last day here in India, where I have been for the past three weeks or so – in Chennai, Mumbai, Ooty and back to Chennai. Returning to my home town after six years, it has been quite the trip.

Among the many experiences, what stands out for me is the kindness, the friendliness and care that has come through these past weeks. In meeting old and dear friends after many years, I have been touched by love and gratitude for having some incredibly awesome people in my life. In meeting relatives with whom I haven’t done a great job of staying in touch with, I have been touched by warmth, openness and generosity. And the kindness of everyday folks – the maids, the cook, the watchman, the ironing guy, the cab guy, the hotel staff, the temple folks, the shop keepers – it sure cracks the heart wide open like a coconut!

Sometimes, the stress of simply going from one place to another feels frustrating and at other times, the equanimity of those who do this everyday and manage to keep their cool is inspiring. Cows that wait patiently at the coffee house next to humans, monkeys that climb on tall trees waiting to sneak out your food, dogs on streets lazing in the heat and people who go about their way without complaints. How can I hold the contradictions in life with equanimity? That seemed to be the theme everyday here in India.

Among the sensory overload that is India, especially after a long time away, what I am most grateful for are three things. The first one is time with my family. I am grateful this was possible and that we could spend some quality time together, both at home and through travel and sightseeing. Eating my moms home cooked food was awesome and so special. I also enjoyed some amazing North Indian food at my in-laws and the celebratory South Indian meals at the functions I could attend during my time here.

The second thing I am grateful for is my meditation cushion. Seriously! It’s the first time I have traveled with my cushion and I almost removed it from the suitcase in lieu of carrying other things when my husband reminded me that I should stick to my plan. Having my cushion with me reminded me to sit everyday. To make time for my mind to settle, and to remember what was nourishing for my spirit. It was also deeply grounding amidst all the travel and it allowed me to stay connected to presence and remember to relax when possible.

The last thing I am grateful for is traveling with my daughter Anjali. A beam of light in my life and also light hearted, Anji rode the waves of change easily – whether it was new food or new place or new people. It was so fun to show her the hangouts that I went to as a child, to introduce her to new people including those who have known me since I was her age or younger, and to sleep with her in the same room that I slept with my grandma so many years ago…she is a continuum of the life that has flowed down through generations. And Anji moved between worlds with such ease and grace, it inspired me to hold my experience with lightness and let go of any expectations.

So here I am – on my final day, my heart full of a mixture of emotions. Peace, thankfulness, joy and anticipation of returning home, sadness that I won’t see my parents and friends here for some time. It will perhaps be a year or two – and more things would have changed. But not everything. Not the care, the love and the deep friendships that are part and parcel of this place I grew up in.

With gratitude, S.