Heart to Heart with Bombay Jen

Sunday, 16 October 2005
Sabira Lakhani
Desi Match Publications

When I was first handed a business card with a picture of a Caucasian lady known as Bombay Jen, I was shocked and perhaps even a bit confused.

She definitely looked American, with no hint of Indian in her and apparently she was extremely talented. It seemed as if she could do everything! This business card had instigated a burning curiosity within me.

When I sat down to speak with her, I found that this lady was fascinating. She had an unusual mindset, a kind heart, and an attractive aura. She made me comfortable and we continued our conversation even beyond words as if we had known each other for ages. I found her and her story to be intriguing and inspiring.

Name - Jennifer Susan
Nicknames- Bombay Jen, the White Indian, Jen, Jenny
Birth Location- Washington, D. C.

I understand that you have had a rough childhood. How has that affected who you are today and what you do for a living?

Well my childhood prepared me for my life mission, but the thing is I am still discovering my life mission. Spiritually I want to accomplish something and I know I need to find what I am meant to accomplish. But, I have discovered that whatever my life mission is, it would definitely involve sharing the Indian culture and bringing cross culture awareness into the western world.

I mean I have a basic ballpark idea of what I want to do, which is teaching and healing and helping other people. I simply am asking God and universe to provide to me with whatever I need to do what I need to accomplish. And I think the experiences I had in my childhood have really just been a preparation and a foundation for this.

What inspired you to do what you do today? Like being an artist, dancer, tarot card reader, etc? That’s a lot for one person.

I’m a Jane of many trades. I can do lots of things but I’m not a master at any of them. Diversity is a part of who I am. I’m following my heart and using my intuition as well as using guidance from prayer.††I am being who I am and doing what I love to do. That is my inspiration. I know it’s different than what other people do. I am me and if people accept me, that’s great. If they don’t than that’s fine too.

I have always felt drawn to Indian dance and belly dance. When I dance, I create a fusion of various cultures. I allow energy and music to flow through my body.

Regarding the Tarot cards, if someone wants me to do it, I’ll do it! I’ve read up on it thoroughly. But basically what I don’t like about tarot is that there are a lot of scary cards. My philosophy is if I want to help someone, I don’t want to scare them! They are just a tool. I have the intention to help people so I ask the universe to use me and Tarot cards as a guide to help this person.

So what kind of healer are you exactly? What do you do?

Basically I’ve recently been trained in Reiki, which is a commonly known as energy healing. I think people have a natural ability of healing. If you allow energy to flow through you to someone else, we could all be healers.

When I was younger, I remember if someone was hurt and I would have the intention that their pain would go away, it did! I used to be amazed and felt very satisfied. And I didn’t even realize it was energy healing. So now I am interested in various types of energy healing.

Where did "Bombay Jen" come from?

It was name given to me in about 1990. A friend and I were hanging out. He was the creative type and we wrote poetry together. And that one afternoon, we were sitting together and all of a sudden he just looked at me and said “Bombay Jen!”

At that time I was not involved with Indian community at all. After a few years I was looking for a penname for my collective poetry and writing and then I remembered “Bombay Jen!” It was perfect for what I looking for.

How were you first introduced to the Indian culture?

I was actually raised by hippies and my mom was single. My first memory of connecting with the Indian culture was in Washington D.C. when my mom became a Hare Krishna. I loved going to the temple and I loved sitting and meditating and chanting. The feeling of affection and worship was so amazing.

Then my mom was invited to live with an Indian family. I think they were Sikh because they wore turbans and that astounded me! I thought their culture was so awesome and I loved living with them. I loved the community feeling.

You know the women would cook and laugh and chat in the kitchen. I remember I was the one they always gave the chapaatis to, so I could put them on a plate, and that made me feel special, appreciated, and not neglected, you know. The children and elderly in the Indian community are cherished and respected, which was unlike whatever I had experienced before.

And you still haven’t visited India?

No I am waiting for the right opportunity to go. I know I’m going to go but I don’t know when! Even though I’ve read so much about India and even though I feel a connection with it, it is definitely not the same as actually being there and experiencing it.