Dalai Lama and Mothering

My friend called and asked if I wanted to go see the Dalai Lama next week at the Centennial Olympic Park. I could actually go because it would be outside and free of charge. I had given birth three months prior so my traveling was extremely limited. The only other time I attempted to go to a public event was to hear a speaker in a tiny room while my one month old baby, Keats, was slumbering in my sling. I walked around for a half hour trying to get him to pass out before entering the room. This would be different; there would be thousands of people and it was outdoors. Still, traveling anywhere is challenging because he tends to be very sensitive and cries a lot. I considered going if we took public transportation. MARTA, as it is called, is maybe the most inefficient public transportation, but my son hates the car seat so it is the only viable option.

I forgot about the upcoming event until the day it was held. I woke up and it seemed really muggy outside. It was hot, humid and a grey fog seemed to settle around every object. We were afraid it may get cancelled and as we soon found out so was the Dalai Lama. I thought I was dressing for the occasion by wearing boots for the mud and wore long sleeves if it got cold but later regretted this terrible decision. I placed Keats in my highly colorful wrap and I was ready to make the trek.

My friend reluctantly agreed to take public transportation (she is more into convenience than adventure). As usual there were construction and train delays on the MARTA. She was complaining the entire way how long it took to get there. I, always, stick up for public transportation because though it is awful here in Atlanta, I am glad that it is still here. Now I think back about how the hour to hour and a half journey was so excruciating for her and how ironic it seems that we were going to see the Dalai Lama. Without even needing to mention one of the main teachings of Buddhism of being in the present, I could just point out the long rituals that were held before to get ready for the speech and after to conclude the ceremony. The monks, as it seems, like to take their time.