Indian Wedding

Today I was privileged to attend the wedding of a co-worker. I continue to be impressed by how everything in this culture has symbolism and meaning…names, spices, colors, fruits, time of day, grains, thread, you name it and there is a story behind it… It makes every little action purposeful and rich. For example, the bride and groom go around a ceremonial fire seven times. Each round about the fire symbolizes a part of life. The groom leads in first three rounds symbolizing that the earlier part of marriage is led by the groom. The bride leads in the last four rounds symbolizing that the latter part of life will be led by her. When leaving the event their hands are tied together with string and there garments as well to signify their unification. We all had the opportunity to approach the bride and groom, give them a gift, say a few kind words and then sprinkle or throw rice over their heads as blessings.

The wedding was overflowing with vibrancy. From the elaborate clothes worn, the resonating music played to the amazing flowers adorned everywhere.

Outside there was a parrot tarot card reader, assisted by a gentleman. When you sat down the bird would come out of his cage approach a set of cards, pick one up with his beak and hand it to his counterpart who conducted a reading about your future…

Context

Sharing my experiences in India with friends and family back in the US has proven difficult. It is hard to truly express what life is like for me here when people lack 1st hand experiences that allow them to really relate with the drastic differences. Sensory experiences provide people a richer understanding that resonates within and adds depth.

Recently my girlfriend Gina ventured to India for the 1st time. Prior to her arrival we had talked extensively about my experiences and life here, but that was just talk… I am extremely grateful she had the experience to absorb it all personally. Doors that were previously closed are now open in terms of relating to me. Gina spent five days exploring the North with her friend Jivan and then flew down to the South to spend time with me. I had the opportunity to show her some of Hyderabad, where I live and work, introduce her to my colleagues, take her to some of my favorite restaurants and expose her to some of the crazy contrast of India. After two days in Hyderabad we flew to Goa to find peace on the coast. The next four days were just what we had imagined; relaxing and restorative. Like the difference between looking at the ocean on the surface and diving into its depths, Gina and I now have a deeper relationship and understanding of each other. I am thankful she was willing and open to explore mystic India….

After six days of adventure, discovery and connection with Gina, I thought to myself:

Is it possible to feel empty and full at the same time?