Arriving in Sri Lanka on December 28, just before the New Year, I found myself unexpectedly separated from my luggage. Days turned into over a week without my belongings, and I began to fear they were lost forever. Attempts to contact the airlines and airport proved useless, leading me to suspect that someone might have taken them, as they had been left unattended at the airport.

This situation compelled me to confront my attachment to material possessions. I was struck by how deeply we can become connected to our belongings, even though we cannot take them with us beyond this life. The sentimental value and the way these items express our identity can create a strong hold on us.

However, this experience revealed that these external items do not define who I am.

Graciously, an older retreat participant at the hotel where I was teaching offered me clothing. Even in these oversized garments, I felt comfortable and authentically myself. I realized that my worth and identity are not tied to my possessions.

This lesson illuminated the influence of the beauty and fashion industries, which often lead us to believe that our value is linked to our appearance and belongings. We spend money on items to reward ourselves or to project a certain image. But when all of that is stripped away, who are we at our core?

On January 5, my luggage was finally returned. The driver spent six hours at the airport, navigating from one person to another to retrieve it. I am profoundly grateful for how the universe orchestrates events. By embracing challenges and seeking the lessons within negative situations, I find myself more attuned to the harmonious flow of life.

So my question for you, who are you really ? Underneath it all, behind the facade ?