Post-trip: by Riya Dalal

This trip has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have truly found a way to ground my soul and escape the hard realities of pressure and the superficiality of being on the mainland. I’ve understood how important it is to care for the environment and how it can take our bodies and minds to a new level of peace. Also, this trip has helped me understand how the Hawaiian word/idea, Ohana touches people in an interconnected community.

Sitting in peace in the mindful moments or sitting in the grass to take a nap helped me feel the energy of the plants and sounds around me. It was almost as if I were to sink into the grass and take the shape of the land; I would be in the most peaceful state possible. My dad has definitely been on me about praying and reflecting on my days to accumulate happy thoughts and release the hurtful, negative ones. I never really understood why I was forced to do this or why I felt it never affected me. This was because I was doing it in a way that wasn’t effective for finding a peaceful state of mind. This trip taught me, the natives especially, how connecting with the world's simplicity will fulfill this desire for calmness and peace.


I’d also like to mention the second part about how the word Ohana has shown its true roots on this trip. Being with this group has been the most eye-opening experience because of how close we got and in our most comfortable states. Living in the house brought us together like brother and sister. We all are going through stuff that is heavy and not the easiest. We may bicker like a family and make a mess, but we have been able to touch each other's hearts, just like Ohana would. The love from the natives on this island has also inspired me and our group. It’s their base, core value, and strength. Just like this magical week with phenomenal people, I want to be able to take back the values of Ohana that I have learned on this trip. It creates such a safe environment and happy state of mind- it’s wonderful because, at home, everyone just seems so fake to one another. I will miss everyone on this trip, but I know these memories and values I have learned will last me a lifetime. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It was one like no other.


~ Riya Dalal



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