Welcome, and Namaste.

This is what we call, in the academic world, a reflexive documentary, where I “narrate and reflect” on my India experiences as a kind of cultural self-assessment. As a female, white, Westerner with an air conditioned office, nice paycheque and a dental plan, how does going to India for a month help me come to terms, or even redefine, my identity? How can it make me a better communicator by understanding others better?

And what is that identity? I may think of myself as a traveller, not a tourist, but that may be an old story that I play in my head. When was the last time I truly challenged myself as unscripted traveller moving beyond the safety of the tourist enclave? It’s been a while. My life is very comfortable. Perhaps I’ve drifted into a comfortable complacency. Surely, spending a month in a country with where schedules are just a rough guideline, “no” is communicated simply by not saying “yes”, and the sheets are less than 400 thread count is sure to shake me loose.

My intent is to come back with new insights, and perspective, (a bonus would be 10 pounds lighter). To help achieve this, I’ll draw on what India is known for – mysticism and spirituality. I’ll use meditation to reflect on my experiences. My aim is one meditation a day. We’ll just have to see what comes up.

See you on here.