Remember when I said that there is no rush in Africa? Well, it still very much rings true ten weeks later. What I have come to realize however, is that it isn’t just the little things where an abundant amount of time is necessary, but also in figuring out the ‘big picture’. I am talking about the zoomed-out lens, extra-wide angle, shot. The perspective that life over and over again tries to remind me about. It’s a lesson that I’ve ought to have learned by now, but is finally starting to sink in.
The last of the five yamas, or ethical disciplines, of yoga is aparigraha. It means to resist forming attachments. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna shares an important message, saying, “Let your concern be with action alone, and never with the fruits of action. Do not let the results of action be your motive, and do not be attached to inaction”. Becoming attached to certain emotions, events, or even people always leads to unhappiness or dissatisfaction because of the constant change the Universe brings. There is a continual ebb and flow of what may considered good and bad, a revolution of thought and feeling. No matter what happens, what triumphs occur or how ever many downfalls are shared, things always change. This internship has taught me more about myself, the person I want to become, and the future that I want to fulfill. I’ve learned that perhaps working a typical 9 to 5 job is not in the cards for me. Sitting in one place, in front of a computer screen, does not provide me with meaningful work. Feeling connected to a cause is important to feeling motivated, and without that, things feel stagnant and pointless. I’ve learned that you should love for the love of learning and work for the love of working. Concentrating less on what the next steps should be is important, and paying attention to the little parts of life is where joy is found. What made this summer for me was the people I met. It seems to be a recurring theme of the times in my life and the places I’ve been. Regardless of everything, it always comes down to making human connections. Whenever I feel unsure of where I am headed in life, I remember that it’s the people that matter. I am halfway out the door now, one foot headed back to the States and one foot remaining here, in Tanzania. Most importantly however, is that I don’t feel like I am leaving anything or anyone behind. Instead I am taking it all with me, in my heart and in my mind, the new friendships and knowledge will accompany me forever. Asante sana Moshi, Tanzania and Kwaheri.
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I wanted to take the time, before I leave, to remember all of the wonderful parts of this journey. What follows is a few brilliant memories I have made and experiences I have shared. I certainly have not included everything, but trust me, the amount of reasons why I should be grateful does not escape me. These may not make complete sense to you, but know that they mean the world to me.
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TanzaniaHi, I'm Helen. Welcome to Lifted ~ I write to lift myself up. Archives |