Shaken to be Awakened…

Shaken to be Awakened

I recently returned from a 15-day trip to India, during which we traveled to 7 different cities. It was a fantastic trip on many levels, but it sometimes left me feeling exhausted, uncomfortable, frustrated, sad, and sick. Honestly, it wasn’t the trip I wanted, but it was precisely the trip I needed to have happen in my life right now. Before I get into that, let me orient you to the amazing country of India. 

Primer on India

·       India is home to 1.4 billion people, making it the most populated country (about 17.7% of the global population). Over 65% of the population is under the age of 35. 

·       India has 22 officially recognized languages out of 121 and is home to 270 mother tongues.

·       India is a land of religious diversity that has existed for thousands of years.  The main religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, but they also include Baha’i, Muslim, and Christianity. 

·       Despite its burgeoning population, it only generates 62 million tons of garbage annually (versus the 268 million tons generated in the US), of which only 70% is collected and only 12% is treated, thus creating many environmental issues. It is also one of the top five countries in the world with the most polluted air.

·       The income disparity in India is significant, with the top 1% owning 58% of India’s wealth. 

·       India’s past contributions to medicine, literature, philosophy, science, mathematics, and the arts are vast and significant. Today, it is a global hub for technology, attracting investment, innovation, and talent from around the globe.  

·       The geography and biodiversity of India are diverse, from the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas to the tropical forests of Kerala.  

The country is a feast for all your senses, yet there is an underlying chaos that even the locals joke about.  At times, my senses were utterly overloaded to the point where I was not enjoying myself.  Upon reflection, I realized my discomfort was trying to awaken and reveal something more meaningful and personal for my greater good.  

Please click this link to read the entire Ki to Life article: https://mailchi.mp/senninso.com/india_2024