I Travelled Back in Time and This is What I Learned
I travelled back in time last week and spent ten days visiting different cities in Cuba. I was met with hospitality and kindness from people who have lived for 60 years significantly cut off from “the world”, its technological progress and modern conveniences. This is what I learned:
# Pay attention. In everything, in every form, there lies a hidden process that we often forget to appreciate. The water pressure from the faucet; every product on the shelf; every time we press a button, turn a key, or plug something in. The world is constantly in motion, cooperating and collaborating to make things work for each and every one of us, at every single moment.
# Dream big but don’t overdo it. How many assumptions are we making about the future when we make goals and forge our “10 Year Plans”? How long is too long to wait — for something happen, for something to begin, to finally start or finish something? Before we know it, priorities change, time takes its toll, and the things we once wanted or dreamed of may no longer be a possibility, let alone an option.
# Dance. Even if you don’t know how to dance according to some set standard of what’s cool or hip. Find a rhythm and shake your bod with all its meat, fat and bones and rejoice in your ability to MOVE and be out of breath!
# Get to know a neighbour. Drop by at a friend’s unannounced. Call a family member out of whim. So many of our social lives revolve around making plans to spend time together that we lose sight of the infinite opportunities life affords us with to share deep connections of belonging.
# Don’t let the fragility of things make you fragile. Pry beneath the surface of things so that when they break, you can fix them. And when you hit a wall, ask for the kind of help that will also help you learn. This will enable you to innovate your way to solutions rather than always rely on money to do all the work. This will help you get better with change, rather than just make you resilient to change when the conditions are still in your favour (because they won’t always be).
# Care for the spaces in which you spend time. Declutter, decorate, fix that chip, put that shelf up. Don’t delay. The longer you put it off, the less time you will have to enjoy those improvements. And the longer the current conditions will wane on you.
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This was a tough trip in many ways, physically exhausting, not a “vacation” nor “holiday” in that typical way. Amidst the lovely beaches, music, mojitos and colourful sightseeing, there was definite culture shock, stormy weather, sunburns, a mosquito infestation, sleepless hot nights, a major lack of creature comforts like “proper” showers or really comfy beds. And I’m thankful for it all!
