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Writer and Musician, Jahnavi Harrison.

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In Vancouver I stayed with an old friend who’s got married and had a baby since I last saw him. After a day of being there, I got a bad cold and lost my voice a bit, which was somewhat challenging for leading singing events. His lovely wife was making me fresh herbal teas on the hour, and not to mention cooked the most wonderful meals every day, whilst juggling to feed and watch her three month old daughter.Ìý

Further into the mountains in British Columbia, forest fires blazed, leaving the air for miles around full of smoke, but in a valley just a stone’s throw from where the some of the fires first began, I was welcomed with open arms, and hours of heart-warming conversation. It was the same in Toronto, as well as on a two night stop to do an event in Bermuda.

Travelling tends to always sound glamorous, and it is wonderful in many ways – but when you have been round and about enough to wear out the novelty of it, it can be a little hard on the body and mind. One thing it has really helped me do is to appreciate the gift of good hospitality. There is an instruction in the ancient Upanishads - that the Guest is God.Ìý

It sounds very noble, but it’s not always the easiest thing to put in practice, especially with the sometimes dreaded unexpected guest! But having been both a guest and a host, I’m learning that it can be one of the most rewarding experience to take part in. Being the recipient of such warmth and care over the last five weeks gives me more inspiration to offer the same to others and reminds me that it doesn’t need to be complicated or grand.

ÌýThe simple thingsÌý – a place to sleep, a home made meal, a ride to wherever I need to go, a smile in the morning and before bed – make all the difference.Ìý