Simple. But not easy
Since my first experience with experiential learning I’ve been a big fan of stepping out of the comfort zone. It’s the key principle of every course, something like a “mantra” of experiential learning. It may have different forms, usually it’s connected with strong emotions. New experience can take you to the state of deepest darkness and despair or it can give you the feeling of absolute balance and reconciliation. It’s very intensive, but it usually takes only couple of days. I was always excited about every course I could go to and learn something new. I loved the contrast of going through unknown situations and then returning to my ordinary life. Nevertheless, my last “course” started 4 weeks ago and I still don’t know how long it’s going to take :).
And how does it feel? Still feels a bit like a strange undeserved “holiday” which has to end soon. However, as days go by I learn to accept that this is now my reality. Reality which couldn’t be more different from my previous life. No waking up at 6, no getting angry in the morning traffic jams, no stressful tasks and no having planned every hour of my life. It took me quite a while to admit that it’s ok and I don’t have to feel bad about stepping out of everything I was used to. To admit that even without having a tight schedule and sitting in front of the computer for 9 hours a day one can feel useful and learn something.
And what did I learn? During the first month of my EVS I learned how to spend few days with a bunch of screaming young kids and enjoy it at the same time. I learned how to make bivouac or how to sleep in hammock. And a lot of Croatian words, of course. I found a beautiful group of people in a slightly less beautiful (but still cool) apartment and realized for the thousandth time that the adventure begins when you stop thinking and judging everything. When you close your eyes, take a deep breath and take the step into the void. Painful, but true.
So let the adventure begin!
And how does it feel? Still feels a bit like a strange undeserved “holiday” which has to end soon. However, as days go by I learn to accept that this is now my reality. Reality which couldn’t be more different from my previous life. No waking up at 6, no getting angry in the morning traffic jams, no stressful tasks and no having planned every hour of my life. It took me quite a while to admit that it’s ok and I don’t have to feel bad about stepping out of everything I was used to. To admit that even without having a tight schedule and sitting in front of the computer for 9 hours a day one can feel useful and learn something.
And what did I learn? During the first month of my EVS I learned how to spend few days with a bunch of screaming young kids and enjoy it at the same time. I learned how to make bivouac or how to sleep in hammock. And a lot of Croatian words, of course. I found a beautiful group of people in a slightly less beautiful (but still cool) apartment and realized for the thousandth time that the adventure begins when you stop thinking and judging everything. When you close your eyes, take a deep breath and take the step into the void. Painful, but true.
So let the adventure begin!