Submitted by Rachel Sclar on the 2020 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Communication…
Living in a world so full of pressure, stress, busy schedules, and expectations, sometimes you need to get away. Coming to New Zealand, a place that puts so much emphasis on kindness, nature, and a slow pace, I feel as though I have been able to press the brakes on the stress in my life. Furthermore, I believe going to see the sacred kauri trees located in the Waipoua Forest has truly contributed to my new sense of happiness. The kauri trees are giant, living things that have been around for thousands of years. Throughout time they have endured a bacterium that eats away at their trunks, and destruction brought upon by humans. And yet, they still stand. These trees are extremely sacred to the Maori people, so it is a huge part of their duty and culture to protect them. On our group tour through the Waipoua Forest, we were able to see a few of these kauri trees – one being the largest tree in New Zealand, the third biggest tree in the world, and 3,500 years old. It felt surreal to be in the presence of such a spiritual, massive, living, and record breaking thing. I was also extremely inspired by our tour guide’s emphasis on how the Maori people, despite the trees’ destructive past, focus on what can be done in the present and future.
During times of distress in my life, I often find myself dwelling on the past and replaying situations in my head that have already occurred. Staring up at this massive tree, I felt extremely present and at peace. I took a deep breath and decided that from here on out, I would devote more of my focus on the present. In the future, during times of distress, I will think back to this moment of silence and peace. I will take a deep breath and remind myself that everything will work out. My favorite part of this activity was the change in pace from what I’m used to. I can’t recall the last time I was so disconnected from technology, immersed in such silence, and inspired by the calmness around me. I have decided to use this idea of a change in pace for a happiness project. Again, I am the type of person that loves a busy schedule, but can easily get caught up in it. With busyness comes planning, and with planning comes a lot of focus on the future – not so much the present. For 30 days I will set aside at least 15 minutes to find a quiet space, stretch, and do some slow breathing.
Throughout my life, I have been a competitive dancer. For that reason, up until I began college, I would set aside some time every day to stretch. I used this time not only to physically benefit, but to reflect on my day, think about anything on my mind, relax, and mentally benefit as well. Ever since I began college, I feel as if I lost that time to myself. With my happiness project, I hope to get it back. I believe it will allow me to regroup, relax, and give me a mental/physical break, no matter what is happening at that point in my life. I am excited to give myself permission every day to find that sense of calmness and relief I felt at the kauri tree. I believe it is something that will benefit me in many ways, including my happiness.