Three Steps And A Bow In Mumbai
ServiceSpace
--Meghna Banker
2 minute read
Oct 23, 2019

 

I just read about a beautiful ripple, that can perhaps be summarized like this ...

Sachi works in a children's observation home and Children’s home in Mumbai (India). About 2500 children pass through the doors of this home.

It houses over 200 children rescued from trafficking, child labor, domestic violence and those who are vulnerable and missing as well as about 50-80 children who are in conflict with the law. They are alleged of crimes from petty theft to heinous offense like murder and rape. One of her staff members recently joined one of our HHH retreats, that concluded with three steps and bow.

Last month, they were perplexed in handling three kids who had committed heinous crimes. It felt impossible to get through to them. Going for a long shot, they tried something simple yet radical -- three steps and a bow.

"Sometimes we cause unexpected harm but can't apologize. Sometimes we can't forgive others who hurt us. Sometimes we can't thank those who stood beside us through bad times. Each bow is a chance for us to apologize, forgive, and thank those influences in our lives."

That was their instruction as they bowed around the Guidance Center in silence. The boys were in tears. Afterward, they started sharing deep from their hearts -- one after one. One boy's parents refused to get him out, even after 5 months, and his anger towards them turned into an apology. Another apologized to the person he had harmed and their family members. They all expressed gratitude for so many small moments where people lent their a hand.

One of the boys came back to say, "Can we do this once more? I still have more people to apologize and thank."

 

Posted by Meghna Banker on Oct 23, 2019


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