Entry #5
May 6, 2014
This morning I woke up feeling very well. My stomach is not currently bothering me, and I have grown to love Chai tea here. I feel the tea is helping to ease my stomach problems. The bed was quite uncomfortable as it is essentially a wooden table with blankets. I did not sleep through the whole night, but with position shifts, the bed is completely sufficient. It also helps that the weather in Patti is marvelous, especially at night. I am no longer afraid of becoming overheated during our walks today and Thursday.
Yoga was easier this morning. I can already feel my flexibility increasing. Some poses are still difficult for me, such as the mountain pose, but I have only had two sessions. I can't expect to be a professional until at least two and half sessions! Greg suggested we continue practicing yoga once a day for the rest of the month. I don't know how we would do this without an instructor, but I honestly don't mind the idea of continuing.
The yoga instructor said there is not good hiking in Rishekesh, which relieves me because it was not an activity I was looking forward to. I took a shower this morning and actually enjoyed it! It was a real shower, not consisting of any bucket usage. Despite the cold water, spider webs in corners, and small bugs flying around, I found the shower to be refreshing and far easier than my previous expectations would have led me to believe. I was warned that I would be taking cold bucket showers, but this does not appear to be the case in any city I am staying in.
We have returned from the health camp, and it was not as I expected. My expectations are beginning to be proved wrong quite frequently. The health camp was basically the same experience as the clinic but in a person's house with tea and snacks. I am far more confident taking some one's BP and am becoming more familiar with listening to the lungs. I am curious to hear what fluid-filled lungs sound like. We have clinic tonight from 4-6pm.
I am more comfortable with the people here, and we joke around quite a bit. Virender asked me what foods I liked and didn't like. He then called his wife Rita and told her what I said. I am unbelievably grateful that they have noticed which foods I do not serve myself and are so willing to make special accommodations for me. India has proven to be a hospitable and welcoming country for me. I am also fortunate that my stomach is better handling the meals. I get the impression that everyone here is getting to know my personality and because it is so sparkling, I feel they are all beginning to like me.
I am learning so much about the country and health care system. It is interesting to see the mix of traditional and modern medicine, and I wonder if this will be common in Dehra Dun. I only wish that I were learning how to diagnose patients based on symptoms, but I suppose this knowledge is best gained through study and memorization.
I have come to the realization that India spurs more emotions in me, positive or negative, every day that I would have in a typical week back home. I am learning constantly about the country, its people, and their beliefs. It is lonely being separated from everyone (and every thing) I know and love, but in this moment of clarity, I know that I am beyond happy I took this leap and journeyed across the world alone. Even in the most difficult moments when I am not sure I will make it through the month, some small part of me is extremely proud and satisfied about where I am. I believe the experience makes me a stronger, more independent woman whom is willing to push her boundaries. Being here teaches me that I have no boundaries when I mentally apply myself. I am more attuned to my body, my desires, and my mind. I will take much from this adventure, and whether or not it aides me in being accepted to a PA program, I am lucky to have had this opportunity and taken it.
There was only one patient in clinic tonight and it began to rain after about an hour-long warning of deep, rumbling thunder. The rain cooled things down to a perfect temperature, considering how hot it became around midday. It was awe-inspiring to witness the bursting, dark gray clouds rolling around the mountain tops, accented by quick flashes of white lightning. A large group of villagers stood outside with us and took the time to appreciate the phenomenon.
After clinic we had yoga, and the routine was slightly new. I greatly enjoyed it–much more than I enjoy the aches I feel when we focus on working our abs! I'm afraid my perpetual laziness is catching up to me. If I do not lose ten lbs through merely sweating and doing yoga (never mind the fact I'm consuming less than a thousand calories per day), I will be truly shocked–and severely disappointed.
After supper we played a card game called Kent. Greg and I both knew the game so it was an easy choice. Fun fact: we discovered that we both utilize the same signal, which we both created ourselves in a past life. Of course it was the best signal ever and we always relied on it, so we were forced to become creative and develop several new signals throughout the game. Great minds think alike, I suppose! Apparently my mind is greater, though, because Rajesh (the yoga instructor) and I won 11-3! Really, Rajesh and I just made a great team. Dr. Paul had us all laughing so hard that tears were spilled. I feel we have formed a close-knit group (me, Dr. Paul, Rajesh, and Greg) and can not all be in the same room without laughing our butts off. Figuratively, of course. I am very much not looking forward to the end of this week, which will bring about my farewell to Patti and its companionable inhabitants. What a 180 degree change from–what?–yesterday's entry? See what I mean about the emotion-filled days around here??
Although I am sad to be leaving the people here, I am happy to still be able to travel with Greg. I am grateful that he is my traveling partner because I feel we make a solid team. While being complete polar opposites on the physical activity scale and (more importantly) on the interest in physical activity scale, we think a lot alike. We had the same exact Kent signal, for Pete's sake! On a side note, not that I am calling myself a psychic or anything, but I had a sneaking suspicion we would have the same signal. So, yes, I'm basically a professional psychic, available Monday-Thursday, $80 per visit. Off a side note, Greg and I have established routines to help one another out. Aside from the multitude of support I get from back home, it is very comforting to have a support system here and readily available. Thankfully we had zero problems organizing our weekend plans and no conflicts of interest, except that long hike I'm hoping to avoid.
Today I realized I am incredibly grateful for my traveling partner (especially now that we've moved past the initial awkward-silence phase), for the generous people I have encountered in India, for my parents and friends whom send overwhelming love and encouragement, and for the opportunity CFHI has created for myself and others. Today Dr. Paul developed the phrase, "Jalhee jeevna hai," which translates to "water is life." We later added to the beginning, "Water is power." Such a simple phrase, and yet it has a profound effect, even without the powerful sentiment given to any quote uttered by a well-known historical figure! This phrase is one small glimpse into Dr. Paul's mind, which is truly fascinating. The way he talks and thinks is in such a simplistic manner. He can generalize any idea to be applicable to the entire world or life itself. Despite this clear, direct line of thought, his insights are meaningful and thought provoking. Even disagreeing completely with him, it is impossible to not understand his perfect reasoning and logical conclusions. I look forward to more of his teachings.
No comments:
Post a Comment