In 1997, tired of sending other people to far off corners of the globe, I left my job at University of Alberta International to volunteer in Nepal. While working for the Women s Studies Department at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, one of the instructors, Mandira, asked if I had visited a meditation centre. When I answered No, she looked shocked. You came to learn about Nepal.
Religion is more important to Nepal than the mountains.
I had received a telephone call the night before from my ex-boyfriend telling me I d been replaced. This bit of news sent me into a tailspin, reminding me that life was proceeding along without me back in Edmonton. Suddenly consumed with homesickness, I had an overwhelming desire to jump on the next plane home. I wanted to marinate in self-pity rather han go meditate with Mandira. There was no way to reach her to cancel, so I rolled offmy floor mat and went to catch the bus.