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When traveling, we pay attention not only to the sights and climate, but also to people. Surprisingly, often the inhabitants of economically prosperous countries do not look happy, and, on the contrary, in not the most prosperous corners of the planet, people are friendly and satisfied with life. Why is this happening? Anna Akbari reports.
Now I live in Bali. Most come here to relax on the beach and enjoy the carefree atmosphere. But by interacting with the locals, they learn valuable lessons.
1. Beauty is everywhere
Indonesia is not the most prosperous country, but there is a lot of beauty here, and the people appreciate it. Not only the nature of Bali is amazing, but also what is created by human hands. The people of Bali are deeply spiritual people. They create “gifts to the gods” from palm leaves, flowers, incense and foodstuffs and arrange them around the house and in public places, and make new decorations the next day. Incense and flowers are everywhere, even in public toilets and at the airport security desk. And although the religious meaning of these rites is alien to me, they brighten my day.
Even the poorest villages have beautiful temples. There are no traces of poverty and dilapidation on them. On the contrary, they are beautifully decorated and imbued with love. And in trendy places like Canggu, every meal is served in pretty dishes with a little decoration like a jasmine flower. There is no waiting for a special occasion, because every moment is special.
2. And in chaos you can find peace
Like residents of many other countries in Southeast Asia, the Balinese generally do not drive cars, preferring scooters. The roads are dirty and noisy, but no one swears. It is, of course, chaos, but peaceful and calm. And this “disciplined mess” is not about the force of law. It is based on awareness and faith in those with whom you share the road. The Balinese seem to give each other signals: “We are all here together” and follow unwritten norms of behavior.
3. The main thing is to master the art of patience
The Balinese are known for their hospitality, and you can almost always see a smile on their relaxed faces. Even if you are upset or annoyed, they remain calm, show kindness and patience, and communicate with ease and support. As far as I can tell, the average Balinese hardly knows what a bad mood is, it’s amazing.
And if you can’t move to Bali, why not follow the example of the Balinese and start creating and seeing beauty every day, finding peace in chaos and being kind? Let’s make the space around a little better, and if something bad happens, let’s not lose our temper, but plunge into the world of inner peace.
About the Developer
Anna Akbari Sociologist, coach, entrepreneur, author of Startup Your Life (St. Martin’s Press, 2016).