Quake

Every once in a while, something happens in life to make you realise why you exist.  The Nepal earthquake has shaken me up.  I am scared to read the news or see the pictures.  It is mad to think that two years ago I was there, anywhere, that the earthquake struck.  And all I want to do is take the first flight out of here and go and do something.  But I can’t.

Instead I exert patience.  I tell myself that it will happen in good time.  That training and getting expertise is the most important thing just now.

What.ever.

What can I do but tell you?  Implore you?  Please do everything you can.  Please help keep them safe.  Please let them have food and shelter.  Please let my sherpa friends be ok.  Just please.

The Himalayan Rescue Association has been floored, I read.  Devastation at Base Camp.  Kathmandu torn to shreds.  Superlative after superlative.

And the beast inside me it rumbles.  Be calm.  Sit still.  Be patient.  Your time will come.

And in the meantime, all I can do is offer up my prayers.

‘Om mani padme hum…’