by Aaron Mandelbaum

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~Lao Tzu

Long JourneyA chance meeting over the past weekend reminded me of this quote—one of my favorites, by one of my favorite philosophers.

I was at a local ashram for dinner and satsang—a form of devotional chanting and meditation. My special lady and I dined next to an Indian man who graciously shared much of his life story, answered our questions, and laughed with us about all things surreal in this day and age.

At 20 years old, he left home for America. He attended a top university and completed a PhD in an advanced science. Later he formed a company that makes artificial diamonds and amassed great wealth. Through the last few years of this economy, he’s lost over $4,000,000. His company had to close its doors.

I was amazed by how calmly he shared this story; it made me suspect he’d accepted the changes in his life with a similar sense of peace.

Although he did not come to satsang with us, my partner and I discussed him for much of the night. I don’t know what challenges he faced earning and subsequently losing his fortune but I can imagine they were difficult. The same could be said for moving to a foreign county alone.

We are constantly starting new journeys. Some aren’t as long as a thousand miles and some may be far greater. I have started many journeys and often had no idea how long they would take or where I would be on the other end.

In the spring of 2005 my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her doctors told her she had six months to live. Each day was a new journey for our family. We loved and appreciated every one of them, as we learned about treatments, medicines, prayers, hope and care.

My mother traveled, created art, and loved us each day. Her cancer traveled on its own journey, both through her body and our lives.  It moved to her brain and took us to new doctors, fears, and a new level of closeness.

It changed all our daily routines, but she affected far more people than just us.

Her journey with cancer lasted 18 months—not 6.

When she passed we had an awe-inspiring service in tribute to her life. Over 600 people attended. Those who couldn’t make it watched a video tape in the weeks after. I am not sure what journey she is on now but stories about her life endure.

My journey continues to change course. Through it all, I know to expect only one thing: no matter where my journey leads me, a new one is always close by.

Aaron Mandelbaum is the web marketing manager for a retail clothing chain and resident of Park Slope Brooklyn. He has an MBA in strategic management and a BA in philosophy. Aaron enjoys photography, cooking, and finding laughter and love in all that surrounds him. Visit him online at aaronmandelbaum.com or follow him on Twitter @bendistraw.

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