~Do I experience the world because I keep my heart and eyes open, or are my heart and eyes open because I experience the world?~

One by one, the elders of the clan gathered in the living room and approached the newborn on their knees. Gently, they each tied a single white string around the baby’s chubby, round wrists, offering in both Lao and English an abundance of good luck, health, prosperity and love.

I looked around the room, admiring the gathering of family members and friends. Smiles stretched wide on everyone’s faces. We had just feasted on an incredible menu of lap sin, papaya salad, sticky rice, jeow bong, steak, mangoes, all signature fixtures of Lao cuisine. 

But I wasn’t in Laos. 

I was at a colleague’s sister’s house in Iowa City. We were celebrating her niece’s new baby, the first grandchild, with what is called a baci ceremony. 

I had only met this colleague at a formal work event all but four weeks ago, but upon me asking if her surname was Lao and sharing my brief history with Laos, we recently met for drinks. Instantly, I felt from her the unguarded warmth and hospitality of Laos. My colleague -now friend- welcomed me enthusiastically and the next thing I know, I’m invited to a family garden party and newborn celebration Lao style. 

How lucky, I meditated to myself, to have lived a year in Laos and twelve years later, I’m still feeling its magical ripple effects. 

To this new newborn, and maybe some day to any of my future tiny ones, my blessing is this: may they experience the world by keeping their heart and eyes wide open.