As I am sitting at the program center waiting for my dreaded
flight home, I have found myself reflecting on the past six weeks. This has
been one of the most beneficial learning experiences thus far in my life. Yes,
I was studying India’s medical field and I learned a lot of different things
via lectures and excursions. But more importantly I learned numerous life
lessons. I have learned so many new things in a mere six weeks.
I developed new perspectives on cleanliness and privacy.
When I first came to India I had found myself very bothered by what appeared to
be a lack of privacy standards and hygiene, especially in hospital settings. I got
through this discomfort by reminding myself that I was in a different country
and while the standards may be astonishingly different, that doesn’t make them
wrong. Later on in the journey I was able to make reflections on how my
perceptions changed. I felt that the reason the standards differed so much was
due to different cultural needs. In America we love to over sanitize things. Antibiotics
are radically prescribed as allopathic medicine is the norm. This is our
culture. We expect a certain representation of glossy floors, fresh sheets,
paper covers, closed toe shoes, gloves, and white coats when at a doctor’s
office. In India, it is a different story. Some medical buildings have open
hallways and it is not uncommon to see lizards and cockroaches. Sandals are not
uncommon and attire ranges from traditional Indian wear to business casual.
Different procedures are used as well like leech therapy. Sanitation isn’t as
much of a concern here because the people of this culture have developed an
immune system strong enough to deal with what they have. When it comes to privacy,
America does everything they can to keep patients identity confidential.
Patients are given separate rooms with one on one doctor service. Informed
consent forms are a must in order for a student to observe treatments. In India
it appears that privacy doesn’t matter. Forms were not signed when our group
was to observe a treatment. Multiple patients may be in a single exam room to
see a doctor. Closed doors were not common. At first this appalled me, but
after experiencing the culture, I now understand why. The people of India have
an overlying sense of privacy. People are not nosy nor is it common to hear
gossip. In short: the people of this culture know how to mind their own
business. That is a short coming of Americans. We become too wrapped up in what
everybody else has that we can’t focus on our own needs. The privacy standards
in America are needed so that treatment can be effective.
In regards to medicine, my views have not changed. I have
never been a fan of allopathic medicine. I feel that the culture we live in is
much too willing to over medicate rather than fix the root of the problem.
Alternative medicine is something I find fascinating. When you look to nature
you realize that you already have everything you need to sustain a happy and
healthy life. It is important, however, to not only be educated about the
various plants and herbs, but to understand the correct ways to implement them.
I am not an expert; actually I am the farthest thing from it. I have an
interest and desire to learn more and further my understanding. What I do know
is that I have been a victim of over medicating. I have been prescribed things
that were never needed and I have had doctors prescribe medications that should
never be combined. This has made me very particular about the chemicals I
ingest and with any prescription I research what should not be combined before
agreeing to take it.
I learned a lot about social interactions. Being an
introvert, group settings are not my forte . . . especially in a foreign
country. The way I function in social situations is quite complicated. In order
for me to interact with the people, I first need to become comfortable and
aware of my surroundings. It typically isn’t an issue, but when you are
traveling every few days in a foreign country with a group of strangers—then you
only have a couple of choices. The first choice is to isolate yourself, work on
the school material only, and not leave the vicinity of your comfort zone. The
second choice is to buck it up, remember why you are here, and broaden your
horizons. I’d be lying if I said I went with the better choice. I did
eventually get out of my own way and that was when the true growth happened.
Unfortunately with any group, conflicts arose. There were
disagreements among group members and bridges were burned. If there is one
thing I have learned is that it is perfectly ok to rid yourself of toxic
people. Not all personalities mesh well with one another. It is not necessarily
a fault among either party; it just means that a friendship cannot work. What
is a problem is when someone does not respect the mutual give and take balance
of a friendship. If one party is giving—whether it be supplies from a first aid
kit in a peer’s time of need, spotting a few extra rupees here and there, or
simply lending a shoulder to cry on and kind words—it is perfectly acceptable
for the other party to accept this. The problem arises when the latter party
only takes. This is manipulation and unfortunately it happens. What the first
party then learns is that there are indeed limitations and it is important to
stop before reaching them in order to
prevent being burnt out and with nothing left of their own.
It is also important to remember that not everyone will
agree with you. In fact, there will be people out there that will label you
wrong no matter what you do or how you try to change your behaviors. Do NOT let
these people affect your self-worth. These people simply do not mesh with your
personality. That is ok. It’s better to just accept the fact that you will
never please them and get on with your life. When you are bitter towards
another person, the only one you are harming is you. It’s already been made
apparent that this person does not value your opinion—you not liking them will
not affect them in anyway. Rather it makes you mopey and avoidant and
completely takes away from your own experiences.
In that regard, do not shut yourself off. No matter the
person, the personality type, the culture, we are all human beings with
thoughts, feelings, dreams, aspirations, and purposes. Just because someone
doesn’t mesh well with you it doesn’t mean they are any less of a human being—they
have just as much right to be on this earth as you do and you need to respect
their existence.
The rest of the things I learned vary between life lessons
and new experiences. They would be easier to understand in a bulleted list.
·
Women of all cultures are one of the world’s
strongest creatures.
·
Life is so much more enjoyable when you let go
of material things.
o
In agreement with this—yes, it is indeed
possible to survive without a cellphone.
·
While I already knew I wanted to take the
therapy route, I would more specifically like to be an art therapist.
·
Nature saves lives in numerous ways.
o
For me nature was my holistic health. I found
the spirituality I’ve long been searching for. Nutritionally it supplies
everything I need. Emotionally it never fails to calm me and guide me to a new
perspective.
·
True happiness does exist and it is nothing to
be afraid of.
·
Children and animals never fail to bring a smile
to my face and warm my heart.
·
It is important to learn things as if you are a
child: with an open and completely unbiased mind.
o
Learn as if everything is new. Don’t compare.
The first time you saw a rose it was beautiful. Now whenever you see a rose you
compare it to the last one you saw. Don’t do this. Rather, see each rose for
what it is—beautiful.
·
Pictures are wonderful visual reminders, but
nothing compares to truly being present in the moment.
·
It is possible to visit a place once and feel
more at home than you have your entire life.
·
Going through the motions of daily life and
truly being alive are completely different things.
·
Do not criticize who you were yesterday or a
week ago or in the past. The truth is that person no longer exists.
·
Never give up.
o
In Hindi it is said “kabhi asha mat chodiya”
which translates to “never lose hope”. This had been my mantra throughout this
trip.
·
Goodbyes do not exist.
As I am concluding my trip and reflecting on every aspect, I
am astounded by the amount of self growth and knowledge I have acquired. I am
very sad to be departing this beautiful country. The title of this post is
Hindi for “Happiness happened after meeting you India. Until we meet again.” I
already know this will not be my last visit. I’ve even been looking into ways I
can make this a permanent home for myself (after finishing my degree of
course). So India, I would like to thank you for everything. I promise to
return one day and until then, I will cherish our experiences.
I can remember when I started this blog I was
simply picking a title that would catch the reader’s attention. I can honestly
say that my life did begin in India.
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