Thursday, October 25, 2012

Time for reflecting, my last week:




The weather has finally become pleasant with days in the 80's and evenings dropping to the 70's. 

I’m really looking forward to coming home.  My tolerance levels to noises and crowds are diminishing.  I have been dealing with the unpleasantries of living in New Delhi while making the best of the situation and now I am not trying.  

Reminiscing of the positives-walking to the market for a morning banana, fresh fruits and vegetables, puppies, food – spices, diversity of the country, friends I have made along the way and kindness and gentleness of the people.  My senses are always stimulated when out – eyes, ears, noise and smell. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity.

Work has been a great disappointment; the dysfunctional director, not going into the field to meet the locals, sitting at the computer for 6 months and failure to accomplish anything. On a positive note, I was away in a far away land, different culture with new experiences for 6 months.  In the past months I have adapted to the extent that I feel comfortable with my surroundings, learned how to get along with my fellows and how to get along with myself.  Spending a lot of time on my own has taught me to appreciate my friends, my need for companionship and feeling part of.  Nothing here is wonderful but can be comfortable.  People adapt to the point that they become oblivious to garbage, noise, street dogs, traffic, smells, beggars, blackouts, flooding - it's the way of life.  It can be so much better if people took a stand and demanded the government to improve life on the streets and take care of the people. I remind myself that this is a developing country.  Many of the same issues occurred in America until the public requested/demanded a cleaner safer society.  It will take time in India and I have no doubt things will improve.

Is India magical, exotic? 

Definition of EXOTIC
2 : foreign, alien
3: strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual  
Definition of MAGIC
1a : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces
2a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source
b : something that seems to cast a spell: enchantment

Yes India is definitely exotic and magical!  People coexist and do it without violence or annoyance.  Is this due to the spirituality of the Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs who pray and do the best they can? There is something magical about the calmness in the chaotic driving conditions, people take it in stride and don't appear angry.  Rarely has anyone said anything negative or controversial. 
India: with chaos there is peace. 

Definition of CULTURE
5a : the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations
b : the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time <popular culture> <southern culture>
c : the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization <a corporate culture focused on the bottom line>
d : the set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic

I was going to say that I haven't experienced culture while vacationing in a foreign country but that’s not true.  I spent one month in New Zealand and three months in Nepal/ Bhutan and did experience the culture.  New Zealand culture is similar to US – developed and educated.  Nepal and Bhutan culture appears to be based on religion, diversity and the equality of the people (or non-equality).  The Buddhists in Nepal/Bhutan have a great influence on the culture. 

India has a very strong culture based on diversity, religion and social hierarchy.  Even with such variety people live peacefully. The Sikhs I met on their pilgrimage to the Holy site Hemkund and Vishwa, an office colleague and friend have helped me understand their religious beliefs based on compassion, kindness and respect. 

Pfizer requires all fellows to present their GHF experiences upon their return to work.
Below are my professional and personal “learnings”
          Professionally
      Importance of honest and open communication
      Collaboration
      Organization
      Health in relation to society - EDUCATION
      Importance of government in quality of health care
      Work outside the box
          Personally
      Flexibility
      Persevere
      Admit defeat
          Stop struggling
      What is important to me:
          Keep positive attitude
          Need for productivity both personally and professionally
          Living and working environment
          Relationships
          Surroundings/Atmosphere
          Family
          Friends
      Learn to BE
          Live and enjoy  the moment
          Stop planning the next…..

THE USA IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

1 comment:

  1. Sue, I can't wait to see you....your reflections are profound and heartfelt. I know at this point you are in the air and returning home. Safe travels and perhaps me need to go out before WE all go out! xoxox

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