The most memorable moment of my stay in Northern India was without a doubt the personal encounter with His Holiness the XIV. Dalai Lama. Not only as a significant historical figure but as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, perhaps the only truly authentic leader in the world today, he represents genuine values. Even at the age of 90 he continues to fight tirelessly for the freedom of his people against Chinese oppression, dedicating his life to the representation of the Tibetan nation and spreading the ideals of happiness and compassion.

Together with ~200 others we stood in line for just a few seconds of meeting him. I let some tears go. Even while waiting I was deeply moved by the moment and after the encounter tears streamed down my face from the energy that flowed through me. The manifestation of coming into contact with the energy of a deeper truth.

While I don’t fully identify with Buddhism as a religion, many of its ideas and values as ancient wisdom resonate deeply with me. The cultivation of the mind, being present in the moment through mindfulness, finding inner peace through connecting to our deeper self, loving kindness, compassion not only speak to me but I’ve learned from personal experience that these are essential tools and values based on which I want to live my life. The wisdom of Happiness.

I want to live my life in an authentic way, true to the person I am and not just running the marathon by following patterns. Life is wonderful when viewing it through the right lenses! But this perspective doesn’t come automatically. Shifting the mindset is a long road with letting go, transformation and tears because it’s the very essence that must tune into a different frequency.

But what else could be the purpose of my life if not to live authentically and truthfully? Listening to my inner voice shows me the way. I see beauty, love, self-contentment and new possibilities are unfolding in front of me like a gift.

That’s why the personal meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama was so important to me: I carry these values forward with me. It strengthened my connection to who I genuinly am, enabling me to embody it more deeply in my life