Today started like most mornings here in Paro, with the calming sound of the river flowing nearby. It’s one of those everyday comforts that feels like a gentle reminder to move with the rhythm of nature. My morning kicked off in its usual busy way—preparing breakfast and getting my two daughters ready for school.
My elder daughter leaves for school earlier since her school is quite a distance from our home. Today, she decided she didn’t want to pack lunch, so I gave her some money to grab something from the school canteen instead. It’s nice to see her growing up and making her own little decisions.
My younger daughter usually catches her school bus around 8 a.m., but today, the bus was running a bit late. We made the most of that extra time by playing a little game of skipping outside. It was a small moment that brought a lot of joy to our morning. When the bus finally arrived, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of a sleepy little boy sitting at the back, still trying to wake up.
Once the girls were off to school, I thought I might squeeze in a little more sleep, but as usual, that plan didn’t quite work out! Instead, I turned my focus to my daily prayers and my Ngondro practice—my ongoing journey of completing the four stages of 100,000 offerings. I’ve already finished 100,000 prostrations and Vajrasattva recitations, and now I’m halfway through my Mendrel offerings. It’s a practice that demands consistency; even missing a single day means starting all over again. But there’s a quiet satisfaction in this commitment, knowing that each step brings me closer to a deeper spiritual connection.
Today was also the first time I stepped outside my home in ten days, as I’ve been focused on my Mendrel offerings. I needed to visit the bank to take care of some errands, but before I did, I made sure to complete my prayers. I’m preparing to visit Nepal at the end of the month for the start of the two-month Kangyur Oral Transmission—a rare and sacred opportunity that I’ve been looking forward to as a Buddhist practitioner.
When I took care of things at the bank, I picked up my elder daughter from school since she was let out early. We decided to treat ourselves with some momos in town, followed by a stroll through Paro’s charming streets. We picked up a few things for the house and even stopped by a newly opened Bubble Tea shop. It’s funny to see how this trendy drink has made its way to Bhutan and how it’s becoming quite popular here.
On our way back home, we swung by my younger daughter’s school to pick her up. It felt like the perfect way to end the day, with both my girls by my side as we headed home.
That’s all for today, I guess. It’s these simple moments that make life here in Paro feel so special, wrapped in the rhythm of daily routines and the warmth of family.
