‘They are my spiritual teachers’

“These kids (her team of massage therapists) keep me grounded. They are my spiritual teachers. 

One day at the end of their work-shift, I was checking-in with them on the tips they had received. One of them had had three clients and received 500 rupees (US$7.30) in tips while another had five clients and received 100 rupees (US$1.45) in tips. Out of my own maternal need to offer comfort, I reached out to the second one and said, 'Don’t worry. I know you work hard. Tomorrow will be a better day.'

And much to my surprise, she turned back to me saying, 'You worry so much! I’m going to split this 100 rupees between a talk-time recharge for my cell-phone and a chocolate bar. That takes care of my needs for today. What else do I need?'

Where else can I learn this from? They are very intuitive and their understanding of their surroundings is far more nuanced than ours as abled-bodied individuals. They show me every day how not to get carried away by anyone or anything. 

Today, each one of them takes home a salary every month, not including their earnings through tips, that allows them to contribute towards the expenses of their families and also set some aside as savings. As a team, we go on outings, celebrate birthdays and look out for each other.

Even after all this time, I still get very excited when a celebrity or well-known personality comes in for an appointment at Mettaa. Then one of my therapists will tap me on my shoulder, reminding me that this is just another client. They are a lot more accepting of everyone irrespective of their background or appearance.” 

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Mumbai for more responsible travel tips and ideas! 

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