What did you bring back this summer?

At the end of their personal development expedition to India this summer, our Expedition Leader asked the team members the following question:

What do you bring back with you from the land, the people, the group and yourself?

Here are some of the answers they gave:

The power of generosity and how it can unite us

That it’s more important to appreciate where you are and what you have.

I have seen that what connects us is community – it’s universal.

Materialism does not bring about happiness, it comes from within.

I have learnt to acknowledge my surroundings and to step back from the busy-ness of things 

I see that all the time on social media is wasted – so much is happening here and now and I don’t want to miss it.

I feel more aware of others, of others’ feelings and am able to care more than I thought.

I see determination to be happy with what you have. A power that is so clear in the people here. These people are the happiest people I have ever seen.

I have and take with me how important it is to look at and appreciate your surroundings. I realise that I am deeply affected by my surroundings, way more than I thought.

I have learnt that I don’t need to worry as much – that I don’t have to do it all.

I didn’t realise how important this group would become to me. I didn’t realise what it would be to share this experience.

I have learnt that stuff doesn’t make you happy – in fact I think it has a negative impact on our lives and lifestyle in the UK. It has shown me less is more.

I’ve learnt how massive the world actually is. I have learnt that we need to look after the world more. I want to be part of making it better. 

I’ve developed skills to talk to people and not to be afraid to talk to people. I feel more independent. 

I have learnt about determination and teamwork.  Every day at the project I watched as people worked together. You don’t need much, but you need each other.

I have learnt that I am a lot better at trusting and talking to others and my confidence has grown so much.

I have felt happiness and gratitude and have not needed anything. I have experienced how calming it is – I haven’t felt bored, I feel relaxed. I feel I have found a different mind-set.

I have realised that I can do things for myself.  I took things for granted letting others do things for me. But I see now that If I put myself to something, I can do it.

It is amazing how welcoming strangers have been. In the homestays opening their houses to us made me feel so safe and was a wonderful way to get to know them. I have learnt not to be too scared.

I have learnt that language barriers are not important, you can connect with people anywhere. 

I have learnt how fast the world is changing.

I have found the entire trip a massive hub of learning about respect, appreciation, kindness. I have seen how amazing the world really is.