On Saturday I went along with a good friend of mine to see the 14th Dalai Lama at the Palmerston Recreation Centre. We had no expectations – just went with open hearts & to see what it would bring.

As we entered the centre there was a CD of Tibetan folk music playing, beautifully tantalising our senses…..leaving us wanting more. Then the Chung Wah Society Jade & Lion Dancers each performed their colourful routines. Both were magical in their own sense. Next the Gyuto Monks of Tibet shared their low & mesmerising tones – much deeper than we were expecting.

Seconds before the police escort arrived, we both experienced an overwhelming flow of emotions – I wouldn’t say I cried, but a lump in my throat was physically there & a few tears fell. We both knew “he” had arrived. His Holiness spoke of us each sharing warmth & love to bring peace to our world. We are all the same – all human with the same dreams….we need to respect & send out love to each other to end all wars. We all need to be “citizens of the world”. Questions from the audience were asked & answered….& we all reflected on those answers to see how we can take them on in our own lives. Most I already do – but it was a beautiful space to remind us of challenges we face daily, & how we may be able to tackle them differently.

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama is not necessarily about religion….more about how we can enrich our lives & those around us by being conscious in our choices…respecting one another, & sharing the warmth & love from within our hearts. He also reminded me to laugh more….his laugh is so honest & child-like!! Thank you for share your energy & presence….it was a beautiful experience.

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama