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joyous

mentor I see him in my mind’s eye, sitting in his corner workstation —living with such clear joie de vivre —

Sudarshan was a mentor to me— in no way condescending— he taught me invaluable lessons for living
even at work. We were the ones who would go back to the tiny hospitalist office to type our notes
that I carry with me daily. Some lessons are so ingrained, I did not think of the source until these last few months.
calm
Day two of working full time as a hospitalist, the lesson begins, “Barbara, if you are going to work here (later dictating them) when we happened to be on at the same time. He would be there, with his
beautiful daughter sometimes. I would have my daughter there sometimes, and other times not—
and not lose your mind, you need to ground yourself.” And so, for me, begins years of meditation, yoga and but with the same joy and light and laughter. He was the same person—everywhere I saw him.

daily physical exercise to anchor me to what is really of value. I had some practice before, but motherhood Measured, calm, peaceful.
“made me” put it to the side. I also had and have religious and spiritual beliefs. But beginning that day, we
had innumerable conversations about how practical a practice can actually be. Now it is like oxygen. He I can also see him dancing—in my mind’s eye—at the holiday parties, at his birthday party.
share
was so right. And I am still here, working nights of all things, grounded to my life and my values in a way When I think of him now, that is what I see, joyous dancing with Neha, with our friends.
I was not before. He took the time to share his experiences—which have been invaluable. Pure joy on his face.

My family went to Disney because of Siva. He told me he believed that if the country could be run as — Barbara Chalom
efficiently and cheerfully as Disney World is, it would be such a better place. He talked about it so many times,
and I would bring these theories home to my family, and finally, we did it. (Of course, it was awesome). measured

Not every bit of advice did I take, however. He tried to convince me that The Walking Dead was not just
a TV series, it was so much more. I just could not get into it — yet. I am going to start it this week, in
invaluable
honor of his many failed attempts to sell the series as anything more than zombies trying to eat non-zombies.
I will get to see what the fuss was all about after all.

We talked and argued about politics more than once. Many times. Dangerous territory for friends

made of thinner stuff. He and I both always understood that my leftist sympathies were truly
well meant from my bleeding heart—but he warned me that any extreme can be dangerous.
He shared with me some of the things he saw in his youth, with his own eyes. He never could convince
me that my vote would not count—but I am certain I will think of Siva every time I vote. >>>

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