After a cab ride, two layovers and a twenty-five hour flight, I arrived in Indonesia. It felt like I had just traveled halfway across the world because, well, I had. There I was in Bali: a spiritual mecca for yogis, wanderers, and explorers of the world. A place where finding yourself is supported and losing yourself is encouraged.
I spent two months in Bali this spring, participating in an adventure camp internship. However, the trip quickly became less about work and more about working on myself.
As many of you know, a semester abroad is life-changing. You see things you never thought you would. You meet the most amazing people who tell riveting stories you feel honored to hear. You finally get to see that historic landmark that you promised your mom you would take a picture in front of. Semesters abroad take us right out of our comfort zones and push us to stretch ourselves.
The two months I spent in Bali pushed me to slow down from my Type-A New Yorker self and really relax for once. Surprisingly, I actually managed to do it.
In the words of Pitbull, whether you’re traveling from London to Ibiza going abroad is hard. It can be completely terrifying at times. However, if you go into the experience with an open mind, things tend to work themselves out. By just relaxing, you will take in so much more of what the country and local culture has to offer. I learned loads–from the way Balinese locals lead agriculturally sustainable lives to vinyasa yoga.
Here is a list of some things I learned in my travels. Hopefully this list will help anyone going abroad in the future. Remember to keep an open mind and stay positive about the experience!
1. Own It. Own your experience. Own your actions. Own your words. Those are three of the few things we have control over in life and taking absolute responsibilty for each of them is incredibly powerful.
2. Energy. It might sound so “kumbaya,” but we all have this not-so-little thing inside of us called Energy. In Bali, I learned that one’s Energy is their most important possession. Feel your Energy, find out where it comes from, and focus it towards something you’re passionate about it.
3. Monkeys. I know what you’re thinking right now, “Awww monkeys, they are so cute.” Like, no. No. NO. They will stare you down and steal your fruit and quite possibly your dignity. They have no soul.
4. Yoga. Yoga is one of the best healing practices I have ever taken part in. Take it from someone who has done therapy and kickboxing (both of which relieve momentary stress but don’t quite do the trick). When I started my yoga practice at the beginning of my trip to Bali, I had no clue what I was doing. But as the months went on I learned that it’s not about how flexible you are or about pushing yourself until you collapse or being “good.” Yoga is about feeling your body, your breath, and getting in touch with the earth beneath you. The UMass Fitness Center offers Yoga everyday, I seriously recommend it. Like, do it.
5. People. The Balinese locals, who live on remote islands, harvest many things, including the pearls that you will probably wear to your Sorority’s formal chapter. They also build their own boats and travel to surrounding islands in order to obtain clean drinking water. No, they don’t have iPhones, or wifi, and they also don’t know who Beyoncé is (*gasp*). These people are inspirational.
When traveling to Third World countries like Bali, it is imperative to be open to the surrounding environment. You are a guest in the country and must be respectful and receptive to the culture, language, and new experiences.
6. Sunsets. These are everything.
7. Guacamole. So is the guac.
Be fearless, Collegiettes!
Photo Credit: Katy Rieber