Blame it on DNA, however there is a lot to be said about children who are bi-racial or possess two or more heritages. In my life, the most prominent gene that seems to have its gravitational pull, is being Indian.

 

The art of being Indian prompts me to seek my higher self and to be true to my standards and beliefs. Sometimes this is not always easy for me because it often

leaves me with feelings of being displaced or feeling "different".

 

Although Granny Gheeta was not always around during my formative years, as an adult I feel her presence more prominantly than ever. Always offering comfort to me in my moments of distress and feelings of not fitting in.

 

There are times in life when even the most rational of persons feel like the whole world is against them, it is in these times that my Granny Gheeta speaks to me through dreams and other people. She reminds me that Indians are warriors and victors by nature, therefore I should never succumb to humiliation or the harsh judgements of others. She reminds me that their opinion of me have no bearing on how I should feel about myself and the achievments I can accomplish.

 

We all experience days when folks are caustic and nasty to us for no aparent reason and during our most weakest moments, those situations leave us with feelings of inadequacy or discontent. It is during these times that Granny Gheeta's voice of wisdom keep chanting in my mind, "Don't let anyone rain on your parade!!"

 

Every step of the way she encourages me to hold my head high and to keep myself looking like the pretty Indian Rose she remembers me to be. Always fresh and never wilted, because someone else's expectation of me is thwarted. Granny Gheeta would emphasize, "People love a crowd pleaser, but the minute you stand up for something meaningfull or different, they will despise you like a dose of poison."

 

Granny's insight into life are usually so appropriate, because it is true that when one chooses to take a path less traveled, the individual usually experiences oppositions and daunting remarks from the "Penny Section". People will say they admire Pioneers, yet they loathe and envy their courage to be Trail Blazers.

 

Everything they do and say is subject to ridicule, only because the Naysayers lack the innovation to take a path less ordinary than everyone else.

 

Being Indian makes me question the motives of people continually, never settling for less than I am accustomed to, by demanding people to deal with my on my level and never stooping to theirs,  and constantly aspiring to greater heights. It makes me challenge view points and certain dogmas that have been pre-set. It is during these times that I often feel alienated and displaced, but Granny Gheeta is usually in the background cheering me on and putting a smile on my face by commenting, "Well,that was a battle and I know you're exhausted, how about a nice plate of curry?"

 

It is during the process of preparing the meal that I find comfort and solace in her words of inspiration. Granny Gheeta would remind me, that an Indian woman is subservient in certain matters, when the need arises. However, she is also strong, opinionated and never backs down regarding her beliefs. The warrior in her, knows when to fight and run away, so that she can fight more ferociously on another day.

 

I must admit, there are times when my spirit waxes and wanes, yet, the ever faithful Granny Gheeta continues to motivate me by saying, "You are not being Indian now, you're acting too soft....Arise and stand up to your critics!"

 

It is then, that I find the last morsel of energy to conquer my enemies and elude the Naysers, regaining my confident stance in the world.