Five important lessons I have learned while working in a developing country.
Working at Makunda Hospital has taught me many lessons, most of which I now incorporate into my everyday life. Reflecting back I have come to realise that these lessons are often forgotten or made less important in the developed world. We become consumed with work and the idea of lack of time that it starts to impact on the way we choose to live our lives. Ultimately we forget that we are the creators of our reality and if we can remind ourselves of the most important lessons that we have learned in our lives then maybe we can start living out our vision and dreams.
Here are my most important life lessons:
1. There are incredibly generous and kind people in this world
As soon as I stepped into the Makunda District I felt like I belonged to a family. The director of the hospital and his wife welcomed me into their home and allowed me to stay and eat with them and their two young daughters for a whole month. I was made to feel part of the community, attending ceremonies, birthday parties, tea gatherings, school functions and community discussions. The doctors, nurses, pastors, community health workers and other locals embraced me as one of their own despite my short visit to their country. It’s the generosity and kindness of the people that has left a heart-warming feeling and I hope that I continue to live my life as I have learned to in Makunda.
2. It’s the small things in life that matter
I observed and interacted with the children at the Makunda District and realised that they did not have the fancy gadget like the children of the west. Life was simple and they had each other. They created new games, were physically active and were incredibly fond of each other. There are many lessons that we can learn from children, none more important than this one.
3. Every moment is precious
It is very important for us as a society to stay in the moment, live in the present and learn from the past. I have come to see how quickly a moment can be taken from us and unless we fully embrace that experience it will forever be lost. Making plans for the future is important and necessary but worrying and stressing about outcomes that have not happened yet is the cause of anxiety and stress. It is not necessary. It is important to realise that experiences, whether good or bad, are what makes us feel alive, not the things that the media or other people say are important, but the things that bring most joy to you.
4. We are the creators of our destiny
No one knows yourself better than you. No one knows your abilities and talents better than you. I have seen patients walk from the deep areas of the jungle for months to make it to the hospital in heartbreaking conditions. Yet they survived. There are no limits to what we are capable of doing. It is simply just a matter of the state of mind.
5. Life is a wonderful dream
I was incredibly fortunate to have the experience that I did and I will choose to do it all over again. I hope you find the passion in your life and let that guide you with an open heart. The possibilities are endless.
So next time you are having your cup of coffee I hope you remember this story and the five most important lessons that you have learned in your life. As you sit at the coffee table, take a five minute moment to write down your ‘Top 5’ on the notepad of your phone. Each time you have your cup of coffee have a look at that list. Breathe the emotion that surrounds you into your lungs, into your life and start living it. Moment by moment. Day by day. Until it becomes a habit. Then you will feel at home once again.
This completes my blog posts on my experience at Makunda Hospital. If you would like more information please visit the hospital website www.makunda.in
My next post will be about a condition that not many Australian men know they can get. A little information could make all the difference. Until next time.