Submitted by Rachel Sclar on the 2020 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Communication…
In one of our courses, our professor has been discussing the various Eastern perspectives on happiness. One view that has inspired me is a Buddhist approach. Gautama the Buddha preaches that in order to achieve true happiness, we must drop our desires. Personally, I have always been the kind of person who likes to stay busy, experience everything and anything I can, and one who fears missing out on things I might enjoy. Because of this, I find that I struggle living in the moment and don’t always fully enjoy what I’m doing with the people I’m with. I often find myself saying “what if” or “I should have”. For this reason, my goal throughout my study abroad experience has been to fully immerse myself in New Zealand’s culture with the amazing group of students I came here with. I have been working so hard to take each minute as it comes, embrace every experience, and be truly present.
This past week, we went on a hike up Te Mata Mountain. When we got to the summit, the views of the surrounding land were something a picture couldn’t do justice. Of course, I snapped a few shots to show Mom and Dad, but I found myself looking around and really taking in that fresh, clean New Zealand air. I felt such an intense appreciation for everything I have experienced these past couple weeks, while taking in that moment of silence and beauty. In other words, I was able to “stop and smell the roses”. I wasn’t worried about anyone or anything else. I wasn’t worried about any stress in my life, or stress that I might face in the future. I dropped any desire to be anywhere else or see anything else, just like the Buddha. I am beyond thankful for everything these past few weeks have brought me, and I cannot wait to see what the next few have in store.