My personal voyage centers on family, children, and home. My work with Raphael House in San Francisco is tied to the same values: the creation of a solid foundation for a home, where each member of a family can thrive and build a sustainable future. When I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful family behind Sahasra Deepika, though it was on the other side of the world, it spoke to me in such a similarly poignant way, that I had to bring it back with me when I returned.
The moment I met these children, I fell in love. Upon my arrival at Sahasra Deepika, they spilled out of the front doors and surrounded me in hugs, leading me inside and asking me all sorts of questions. I wasn’t even certain that they all would speak English, but oh my gosh, did they! The children asked me everything, from “Sister, do you speak French? Do you know what a veterinarian is? We love everyone,” they said. The next few days, I learned through them about the true practice of yoga as they chanted prayers nightly and woke at dawn to practice their asanas. They are dedicated to their spirituality and to each other, and their intelligence was seen through their questions. Their integrity was seen in how they related to each other.
Not knowing what to give 60 kids for Christmas, I brought lots of drawing paper, colored pencils and crayons. Even though they were separated from their families, you wouldn’t have known that there was any effect to the joy in their hearts. We decorated a Christmas tree, danced to music, shared a special chocolate cake and drew pictures. At the end of the day, they each presented me with a Christmas card, essentially re-gifting my very own gift. I was touched beyond words.It is the global understanding at such a true and young age that inspired me to support them throughout their journey to becoming that veterinarian, that teacher, that spiritual leader within their own community and potentially to the world at large.
Touching other’s lives is really all we have the capacity to do in this lifetime, and whether it is at home without own families, with our local community or with individuals we connect to in this world, the knowledge that our support will change the lives of others who deserve and can benefit from it is insurmountable. I believe that the children of Sahasra Deepika have a very realistic opportunity to make an impact on this world. We are all created for a purpose with gifts and talents to fulfill that purpose, but until we are given the chance and support to step into that potential, it cannot be realized.Take a moment and identify in your life, the people who have surrounded you to help you reach your full potential. Whether it was a family member, a teacher, a coach, or you were lucky enough to have many people pave your way, that is what Sahasra Deepika is to these kids and that is what you can be for them too.
~Lauren Eastman
Lauren Eastman is the founder and CEO of Issima P.R. in San Francisco, and serves on the board of Raphael House. She visited Sahasra Deepika on Christmas Day 2012.
