Why Are You Smiling?

Returning home from my morning run, I was a few shops away from a cold bucket bath and a hot glass of tea when I was approached by a group of students.

“Why are you smiling?” one of the oldest ones asked in perfect English.

Quite honestly, I didn’t even realize that I had a cheesy grin spread across my face. I was so surprised by the unexpected question in a language I could understand that I didn’t think about the answer until much later.

Why am I smiling?

Smiling is an expression of appreciation and wonder –including the everyday things. At the point, I’ve passed the honeymoon stage we ETAs experienced upon arrival, our heads swiveling back and forth as we exclaimed “Look at that!” and “Did you see that?!” (Ok, I’ll admit I was still shocked to find a goat’s head on our front step last week…) Growing accustomed to life in Nepal, I’ve been able to notice the more subtle things that are just as, if not more, beautiful and inspiring as the giant stupas and waving prayer flags.

Things like watching little Supreme take his first wobbly steps outside the shop next door. Getting air high-fives across the soccer field from my biggest troublemaker in sixth grade. Having Spandan climb into bed with me, showing off the homemade picture book she made in school. Hearing cheers coming from the grade nine classroom when they found out I would be teaching their free period. Seeing the look on my headmaster’s face as he walked by my classroom as I had a student’s leg elevated on a desk and “bandaged” with my scarf in an attempt to demonstrate a first aid science lesson. Being unable to walk out the door without Stutat chasing after me, grabbing for my hand.

Why am I smiling?

I now realize that all of these moments have one thing in common –they involve my relationships with family and community members. I’m smiling because I’ve finally reached the point where I feel I belong. I feel grounded by this sense of community.

Buddist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, writes, “If we really know how to live, what better way to start the day than with a smile? Our smile affirms our awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.”

This morning, the students asked me why I’m smiling. But a better question would be, why not?