Cultural blinkers

I have been on an incredible learning curve since my last post, all culminating at the weekend when I went on a Silent nature meditation retreat in the mountains. Awesome experience, I discovered a balance in my physical and psychological being that felt new to me. And my teacher, a westernised ledakhi, told me very firmly about some truths relating to my status as a volunteer and the very different culture here.
Many Ledakhis whom I meet tell me that the author of the book that i recommended last time is not respected by the native people. People see her as stranger who has come into Ledakh and romanticised the culture, and demonised the influence of development which has actually made life much easier for these people who live in such a harsh environment. It is a beautiful culture here I love Ledakh, but it is very different from the west. As someone who has spent all my life in the west, it is my default setting to see through my culturally conditioned eyes. That is not at all appropriate and I see that now. So although it is hard for me to understand some things it is absalutely necessary that I respect them.
This is a valuable realisation, especially if I want to continue to support this project with foreign professional support. It is very important that people who want to participate undergo cultural training.
So I will leave on sunday and my marvelous mum will join me in leh. I will take my mum to meet the kids at the hostel, she has always wanted me to have kids, and now I have 25, she'll be delighted!!
We will have a party on sunday, with some traveller friends who will bring along their musicalities, the kids love dancing, and I will bring a cake, so fun all round I am sure!
Then I leave, happy to have these children in my heart and happy to have had such an intimate introduction to this beautiful culture, which has taught me so much and happy to know that the children are loved and safe, and supported.