In 2022, we were all trying to move past the global pandemic situation. While juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, the pandemic had taken a toll on me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It had been on my mind for some time to do my first solo travel, but it was constantly getting postponed. I came to know about the Earthy Hues tours - an all-women trip around mid-April and my husband nudged me to join.
As an Energy Mindset Coach, I work on sustainable, conscious living concepts for myself and my coachees & love taking my me-time in nature. I am a city-bred person. The idea of transformative, regenerative travel appealed to me strongly. The 7-day Meghalaya trip was not only rejuvenating, but it was my first in many ways- my first solo travel, my first me-time after the long pandemic lockdown, and my first NE travel.
Nature, the people, the culture, and the food were grounding and calming. My visit to the Living Root Bridges and Sacred Groves was the highlight of my trip. I had such a beautiful meditation experience in the Sacred Forest. I returned with a sense of stillness, warmth, peace, and connectedness.
Experiencing the cleanest village, talking with the locals, visiting untouched places, eating our lunch under the sky, with the beautiful view of the 3 mountains, and walking in the clouds experience while going to Cherrapunji, I don't think I could have asked for anything more.
We had an amazing local cultural experience at the Pongtung village. The houses were simple with bare necessities & despite the language barrier, the way the people opened their hearts and homes was so touching. There were just smiles, and happy, curious, giggling kids following wherever we went. The local band group returned after their hard day's work and dressed up in their local grand attire picked up their indigenous instruments and sang their own composed songs and I got an opportunity to join their beautiful dance. We all laughed together. I, for once forgot all my worries, and stress and there was this deep feeling of connection with these simple, friendly people. The time went slow, I felt so loved & welcomed even though I met them the first time which was a stark contrast to the hurried, raging city life.
I often wonder what & how much does one need to be happy? It was indeed a transformative experience I felt a shift at many levels mentally, emotionally & spiritually. I always remind myself to carry this feeling of human-ness that they displayed, the responsibility and pride for the place you stay in to keep it clean. This Meghalaya trip will always be the most special, close-to-my-heart, and memorable trip of my life.
It feels great to share my thoughts and experiences on Transformative travel with the national print media Hindustan Times- Delhi edition