Ep.11/" The Essence of Simplicity and Resilience in Nepal - Lessons from flowers"
"Awakening to Life's Fragrance: The Essence of Simplicity and Resilience in Nepal - Lessons from flowers”
Episode 11:
"we would discover that not having everything can reveal that we possess everything we truly need.”
Welcome to a profound journey, where we unearth life's essential lessons, learned during our time in Nepal. Despite the economic challenges that grace this beautiful country, Nepal emanates a heartwarming warmth and friendliness that has etched an indelible mark upon our hearts. Alongside us on this transformative voyage are our beloved parents, Mama & Nobbi. Together, we invite you to relive our adventure with our precious Munanui, an expedition that led us to seek a distinct form of opulence – one that would teach us the art of finding comfort in discomfort. Little did we anticipate that this odyssey would reveal that in not having everything, we genuinely possess everything we truly need.
Our sojourn in Nepal immersed us in moments of anxiety and uncertainty, primarily a result of the absence of Western safety standards and regulations. However, as we wholeheartedly embraced the local way of life, we were profoundly moved by the resilience of these communities, who thrived without the modern conveniences we often take for granted. Ergo baby carriers, strollers, cribs, bottle warmers, sterilizers, and even diapers were luxuries unfamiliar to them. This striking observation catalyzed a significant realization.
Our decision to refrain from expanding our family, shaped by the formidable challenges of Munanui's birth, holds a deeply personal significance for us. Nevertheless, amid our self-reflection, we couldn't help but contemplate whether others may also be reluctant to embark on parenthood or grow their families. The intricate web of societal norms and the ceaseless pursuit of material abundance for the sake of comfort appeared to contribute to this hesitation and complexity surrounding life-altering decisions. Our journey in Nepal illuminated the value of simplicity and the nurturing potential of a child-friendly environment, prompting us to question if it was time to reevaluate our own perspectives and life priorities.
Our contemplation delved deeply into the labyrinth of societal rules, which at times seem to complicate rather than simplify our lives. We began to question whether these rules genuinely enhance our well-being or inadvertently deter others from embracing the enriching journey of family life. In our quest for answers, we unearthed the transformative power of simplicity and the nurturing embrace of a child-friendly environment, reminiscent of the one we encountered in Nepal. This introspection revealed that simplifying our lives not only reconnects us with our true essence but also cultivates an environment where the joys of family and parenthood can flourish unburdened by the complexities of societal constraints and the relentless pursuit of material abundance.
This magnificent country and its way of life compelled us to reevaluate our purpose and acknowledge our privilege. It became imperative for us to ensure that Munanui comprehends the privileged life he leads and learns not to take it for granted. Our experiences in Nepal illuminated the value of adaptability and the profound beauty that can be found in embracing change. Throughout our travels in Nepal, we encountered the untamed spirit of our son, Munanui, who found adventure, love, and pure happiness in every moment. We discovered that as parents, we often carry unnecessary fears and worries, and in Munanui's eyes, we glimpsed our own strength and resilience mirrored back at us. This newfound understanding has taught us to relax in our parenting journey and simply be present with our children, recognizing that they are far stronger than we may perceive, and we, too, possess untapped reservoirs of strength.
Nepal's candid and unreserved approach to both death and birth left an indelible impression on us. It is a vital lesson we wish to impart to Munanui – that life is precious, and death is an inevitable part of our existence, one that should neither be feared nor concealed. Going beyond the superficial aspects of our journey, we carved out time for profound introspection and reflection. We explored how the pervasive materialism in our society has eroded our humanity and disconnected us from the essence of our existence. We underscored the importance of remaining grounded in reality, recognizing that our choices and values shape the realities we inhabit.
We extend an open invitation for you to join us on this enlightening journey, one that provides profound insights into Nepalese culture and life. Together, we will explore our inclination to overcomplicate our lives, realizing that true self-assurance and the elegance of simplicity are the treasures we have been searching for all along. Prepare to embark on this invigorating voyage of self-discovery and transformation with us, where our little one serves as a constant reminder to appreciate life's simple joys – TO STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS!
