I can’t ignore my big birthday [60]. I am amazed I have got this far, and I think I will have a huge celebration — including a ten-day trek in the Himalayas in India.
This trek with the Children’s Society is a perfect marriage: getting to go on an adventure while helping the poor and under-privileged children the Society represents. The trip is very important to me, and it was extraordinary that, although I am contracted to the musical Hot Flush from February, the organisers have agreed to let me off for the trip. I think the understudy is very pleased.
It seems to me so unfair that children suffer and bear the brunt of adults’ problems, and that is why I am involved in different children’s charities. This is the first time I have linked up with the Children’s Society, and am very impressed by what they do. I am planning to visit some of their projects.
I was brought up as a Roman Catholic (my parents are from Poland) and am now a Buddhist. All people of faith have common values and principles; it is there in the religious texts. The more you give, the more you get back. I don’t have any problem with the Children’s Society being a Christian organisation.
The Good Samaritan and the Loaves and the Fishes are two very important Bible passages to me: their message always stands out. I would like to be remembered for making a difference and helping others.
Of course I am using my contacts in the theatre world to support my trek: each of us on it is expected to raise a minimum of £2750. I gather that 20 others have booked to come already: the Children’s Society asked me as a name to attract others. But this is not for the faint-hearted, as we will have to get used to walking long hours in high altitude.
I adore travel, particularly adventure-type holidays, but have only been to the Himalayas in Nepal before. We will be doing some very heavy trekking, and one of the things I am greatly looking forward to it is visiting Dharamsala [Little Lhasa], the home of the Dalai Lama since his exile from Tibet in 1959.
There is no guarantee he will be there, but I am very much hoping.
The Dalai Lama has a huge physical presence. I have met him twice before, but only in this country. It is very difficult to explain his effect on people, but I always say it is rather like sitting in front of a huge log fire, and you feel as if there is no one else in the room. His eyes and that big beaming smile seem to connect with your soul.
I have given up smoking to get in trim, but it is also a spiritual decision as I think it is important to challenge oneself. It is not proving easy: I have smoked for all my professional life, and tried to give up many, many times. How many I smoked really fluctuated, depending on what I was doing. I smoked less when I was doing theatre. I am also following a comprehensive fitness programme.
A lot of the books I read are for work, as I do a lot of BBC audio recording. I love Fay Weldon and Francis Fyfield, and I read a lot of self-help books, as well as enjoying faction as it has become known — a mixture of fact and fiction.
Family and my Polish ancestry are hugely important in my life. I was brought up in a very loving and giving family atmosphere in the UK. Both my parents had lived through the horrendous Second World War in Poland, and came here as refugees. They lost everything, and had a lot to lose: I was born a Polish countess, but all privileges were lost in the war.
It is my family who inspire me. My parents gave me strict rules before I was allowed to go to drama school: I had to finish my education and complete a bilingual secretarial course. I did what they wanted, and then I was allowed to go. I can speak four languages apart from English. I also have a gloriously eccentric aunt, who tells marvellous tales of pre-war Poland.
I have one daughter, whom I am very proud of: she works as a paediatric nurse. One of my regrets in life was not having more children, but that was how it worked out. I also regret both my divorces, as I do believe that marriage is for ever.
When my second marriage [to the actor Dennis Waterman] failed, I accepted responsibility for myself. The biggest choice I have made is probably making this decision: you have to learn to find happiness within yourself first, not through other people.
I wanted to be an actress ever since I can remember, but I always wish I had kept up with a musical instrument, as it is something you can do on your own. Singing is not quite the same.
War makes me angry, as it is the civilians and who suffer most. I also get hugely angry about the unfair wealth-distribution with very high wages for those in top jobs, but not comparable taxes.
I am happiest when I am surrounded by those I love. Being in harmony with my surroundings and people is very important.
I like the odd bit of luxury and hotel holidays, but nothing beats real adventure and getting into the thick of it in a jungle or up a mountain. I am a huge supporter of conservation projects, and love wildlife, particularly elephants.
Divine chocolate is my favourite fairtrade product. I try not to eat too much of it, as now I am not smoking I have a tendency to eat more.
I would like to get locked in a church with someone inherently wicked like Hitler, to see what physical effect being in such a place would make. Otherwise, I would choose the late Polish Pope or the Dalai Lama or Nelson Mandela.
Rula Lenska was talking to Rachel Harden; www.justgiving.com/rula