Chapter 15 Meditation & Inspiration
Dr. Jolly was looking forward to talking with Dr. Morrison in Chicago. Her research on the impact of meditation in boosting the immune system was of great interest to him. This could potentially be incorporated in the clinical trial plan.
Finally, it was time for the meeting. Dr. Jolly got on the Zoom call and after a few minutes Dr. Morrison joined him. “Greetings Dr. Morrison. It’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Greetings Dr. Jolly, it’s great to meet you as well. I have heard so much about you. And please, you can call me Jasmine.”
“Thanks Jasmine, please call me Tony. Btw, my daughter is with me here in Mumbai. So, she would be listening if you don’t mind.”
“That’s fine. I heard from Dr. Kaviani about you being in quarantine.”
“Well, Jasmine, Life is full of surprises. I am so grateful to be spending time with my daughter.”
“That’s wonderful. Family is the foundation of civilization.” Dr. Morrison responded.
“I totally agree…. Well, I have a lot of questions about your research. I understand this was conducted in South Side of Chicago in an area with high crime rate.”
“That’s right. That’s an area that is often neglected in terms of education and opportunities. So, the whole family suffers as a result. But also, those are the places that have the highest potential for spiritual concepts. Light is most appreciated where it’s been dark.”
“That’s so true Jasmine. I read your research paper. It’s fascinating. It also shows your dedication to your work in picking a very tough neighborhood. What was most striking to me about your research was your focus on integration and the concept of the unity of mankind. By the way, that sounds very Baha’i which I’m learning about.”
Dr. Morrison laughed. “Well, third generation Baha’i. My ancestors were brought here from Africa during slavery. My great grandparents were sharecroppers in the south during Jim Crow and segregation. Eventually my grandparents moved north to the Chicago and that’s where they heard about Baha’i.”
“Wow, Jasmine, that’s wonderful. I would love to learn more.”
“Definitely, there is a lot to share and lots of stories which I am also trying to write for future generations.”
“That’s great, I have read “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and saw the movie. By the way, are you related to her?” Dr. Jolly asked.
“We are kind of related. but I have never met her.”
“Jasmine, I’m trying to bring together a team of medical professionals as well as people from different background to try some non-traditional ideas to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Would you be interested to join us?”
“Oh wow, for sure. I am all in. I have been hoping for something like this for a long time and that was the purpose of my research. I am so delighted to hear that you would make such a proposal. It’s exactly what we need. “
“Thanks Jasmine, so far, we have Dr. Kaviani in Atlanta, Dr. Gutierrez at Pfizer in New York. I have also been communicating with Dr. Mulungu in Tanzania who has been doing research on the impact of plant-based food on the immune system. And of course, my daughter Jenna who has been a great inspiration with her openness to innovation and meditation. I am sure there will be others along the way which will add more dimensions to the holistic nature of our clinical trials and study groups. Dr. Kaviani is arranging the locations for the trial. I will keep you posted.”
“That’s perfect. I’m excited to be working on this project with you and will introduce you to some of my friends who would be interested to join the effort.”
“Beautiful, this has been a very inspiring conversation. We are blazing the trail for future generations. I feel that this could be the beginning of similar efforts to address the need for balance in our social, economic, and ecological dimensions of life.”
Dr. Jolly turned towards Jenna to see if she wanted to say something.
“Hi Dr. Morrison, this is Jenna. It’s been so wonderful listening to you. I look forward to meeting you someday.”
“Hi Jenna, it’s great to know you. I pray for you and Dr. Jolly for a quick recovery and please come see us in the Chicago area. I can introduce you to a lot of youth where you can share your experience.”
It was late at night. Dr. Jolly and Jenna talked about the meeting.
“It’s wonderful to learn about Dr. Morrison and her research. She is tapping into the spiritual dimension of life which we all need to explore to build a better world. It’s the realm of infinite and part of what we did at the meditation center here in Mumbai.” Jenna shared.
“Jenna, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I feel the same way. I want to share with you a poem by Persian poet – Rumi who is one of my favorites.”
“We are as the flute, and the music in us is from thee;
we are as the mountain and the echo in us is from thee.
We are as pieces of chess engaged in victory and defeat:
our victory and defeat is from thee, O thou whose qualities are comely!”
“Wow, that was so beautiful dad. You are always full of surprises. I love what you are doing.”
“I got this from Dr. Kaviani who sings this poem in Farsi so beautifully. I heard him when I was at his home in Atlanta.”
“Music could be such a wonderful addition to any treatment plan to uplift the spirit and facilitate healing.” Jenna said.
“It so amazing that you should say that, Jenna. In fact, some hospitals now have musicians and artists in residence which is a new concept and a great boost to the patient’s spirit to expedite recovery.”
Jenna clapped in approval. “That’s great dad. I was looking at some research where they were looking at the impact of music on water and plants. It’s really fascinating.”
The next day early morning after Yoga and a simple breakfast of nuts and bananas, Dr. Jolly was watching the news from around the world on his computer.
The spread of virus was again gaining momentum and new variants were emerging. It was total chaos everywhere. In the U.S. and Europe there were again protests against lockdowns and restrictions. In some cities there were clashes with the authorities. Shortages of food in South America was severe with no sign of relief. There were new variants in Africa which were spreading at a much faster pace than the original virus. The global market was on a downward trend in reaction to tremendous uncertainties caused by the pandemic.
Dr. Jolly and Jenna were feeling much better. They went down to the lobby of the quarantine hotel where the ministry of health had setup facilities to monitor and test for the virus. They both took the test to see if they had recovered and were told that the result will be available in about an hour.
Dr. Jolly and Jenna went back to the room and were discussing the idea of the non-traditional clinical study group.
“The results of clinical trials could be significant for other illnesses or just to improve the overall health.” Jenna shared her thoughts as someone who had always been interested in new ideas to improve the quality of life.
“You’re right, Jenna. This could open the door to tremendous possibilities. There have been lots of innovation in healthcare, but the mainstream of western medicine has been for the most part focused on treating the symptoms which has led to the rise of the medical industry as one of the major pillars of the modern economy. Globally, we spend astronomical amounts of money on health insurance, hospitals, medicine, and support industries. Pharmaceutical companies are among the best businesses in today’s market where profit margins are unbelievably high. Basically, on the average the level of public awareness of nutrition and health is low. We eat mostly like our parents and what is most pleasing to our taste buds which can lead to obesity and stress. On top that, our economic models are also the cause of incredible amounts of stress which also totally weaken the immune systems.”
“Dad, I’m so happy to hear you talk about this. I think a lot of young people would be very inspired to hear you talk about these topics. At least a lot of my friends are questioning the status-quo.”
As Dr. Jolly and Jenna were talking, a call came in.
“Hello?”
“Dr. Jolly, we would like to inform you that the result of the test for both you and your daughter were negative.”
“Well, that’s the best news so far. Thank you so much.” Dr. Jolly responded.
Jenna started jumping up and down and hugged her dad in a strong show of emotions. They were both in tears. Finally, they could go home.”
Dr. Jolly got in touch with a private jet company in Mumbai and made the arrangements for a flight back to New York. He also got in touch with Dr. Singh.
“Dr. Singh, you might already know that we tested negative today. I have already made the arrangements for a private flight to New York for tomorrow afternoon if it’s ok. But I also like to meet with you before we leave either today or tomorrow morning.”
“Well, yes, I have been informed of your test results. Of course, we will help facilitate your departure as you wish. I would like to arrange for a special dinner at the hotel and invite a couple of our specialists at the ministry of health. So, we can talk over dinner.”
“That’s wonderful. Thanks so much. Looking forward to talking with you.”
At the dinner table, Dr. Jolly explained to Dr. Singh about the clinical trial and group study in the U.S.
“We are going to try something non-traditional with meditation, green juices, plant-based food and detox remedies.” Dr. Jolly explained as Dr. Singh’s eyes lit up.
“My dear Dr. Jolly, I’m so delighted to hear you talk about your plan. We are on the same wavelength. Currently, we are studying the impact of the pandemic on our vegetarian population which is pretty large. But we would be interested to try your study model at a couple of centers here in Mumbai and possibly New Delhi.”
“Wow, that’s fantastic. Looking forward to working with you.” Dr. Jolly responded.
© 2022 Ramses Rashidi
"Light is most appreciated where it’s been dark."
And...
"We are as the flute, and the music in us is from thee;
we are as the mountain and the echo in us is from thee."
Thoughts for a lifetime.