New Insight

Bodhi (She in the Spring, He in the Fall) is a UNM student studying anthropology with a deep curiosity about the world and the people in it. Quiet by nature, she often prefers to listen, gathering wisdom from the stories of others.

Before coming to The Open Table, Bodhi carried complicated experiences with faith communities. “I had a very negative view of Christianity,” she admitted, shaped by past hurt and painful encounters connected to Christianity. Those experiences left her cautious, unsure of what to expect from religious spaces.

When invited to the Ramadan dinner through The Open Table Connection, Bodhi came with openness and curiosity, even though she is a practicing Buddhist. “I absolutely adored it,” she said, even while acknowledging, “I’m not used to big crowds,” describing the overwhelming but meaningful environment. What stood out most was simply being present among others. “I love hearing other people’s stories,” she explained, “I usually like to just listen,” and in that space, listening became connection.

The experience offered something deeper than just information, it offered a new way of seeing. “It made me feel more grateful,” she reflected, “more enlightened,” she said, describing how the evening helped her recognize and reconsider her own perspectives. Being welcomed into a space of shared humanity shifted something internal. “I’m more than willing to participate,” she said, “and support you in any way I can,” signaling a new openness born from that encounter.

Perhaps most powerful was how the experience reshaped her understanding of Christians. “It put you guys in a much brighter light,” she shared honestly, contrasting it with her past experience. “I view y’all as actual Christians,” she said seriously.

After the dinner, Bodhi found herself more willing to engage, to show up, and to connect. “I would say yes,” she said when asked if she would join future gatherings, a simple but meaningful shift. What began as an invitation to dinner became something much more, a step toward healing, understanding, and a renewed belief that connection is possible.