A Sliver of Sky

I have climbed hills, walked long stretches, felt tired, fainted – but was also revived by the people who were around me. My visits to the villages across the country widened my eyes, deepened my understanding, sharpened my ears both because of the beauty, straightforwardness and trust as well as the pain, suffering, discrimination and exploitation. It stirred the deep well of anger that had lain dormant within me for so many years. The thirst to delve deeper and drink in this well of knowledge actually helped build bridges between me and the communities who I did not know much about… When one looks back at one’s life there appear to be infinite possibilities, but one tends to forget that the window one is looking out of is at a different distance, probably it is a different window altogether and along with our experiences, our perspective also keeps changing. I know that what was true of me yesterday is not true today. However it is human to wish life was different and this feeling is strong when we look at our disappointments, our failures, and our pain. I recognize the learning and wisdom I have gained from my most painful experiences but cannot put myself on a pedestal saying that I gracefully accept it. I accept it with the feeling that maybe I could have been spared the pain…