My Sabbatical story: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Cultural Immersion

Introduction: Taking a sabbatical from work can be an incredible opportunity to explore new places, learn new things, and gain a fresh perspective on life. For me, my sabbatical was all about travelling across India, a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and languages. During break, I had the chance to immerse myself in the local way of life, meet new people, and explore the beautiful natural and historical landmarks that make India such a unique and fascinating country. In this blog post, I want to share some of the highlights of my journey and the lessons I learned along the way.

Cultural immersion:

India is a country with a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. During my travels, I had the opportunity to witness and participate in many cultural events, festivals, and traditions that were completely new to me. From the colorful Okali festival in Karnataka to dance performances in Meghalaya and Leh to the elaborate wedding ceremonies, I was amazed by the diversity and vibrancy of Indian culture. One of the most profound experiences for me was visiting the holy city of Chitrakoot and witnessing the daily rituals and ceremonies that take place along the banks of the Mandakini river. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of spirituality and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Natural wonders:

India is also home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the amazing rock formations and ravines and craters of Madhya Pradesh, I was constantly in awe of the natural beauty around me. One of the highlights of my trip was a trek to the Double Decker Root bridge in Meghalaya which is a natural wonder. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that left me feeling humbled by the power and beauty of nature.


Food and drinks:

One of the best things about travelling in India is the incredible variety of food and drink available. From spicy street food to rich curries and refreshing chai, every meal was a new adventure for my taste buds. Local Thukpas of Ladakh and Spiti to amazing chaat items of Indore to different varieties of Rottis in Karnataka. Each region had its own unique culinary traditions and flavors, and I loved learning about the ingredients and techniques used in each dish. 


Learnings:

1. It's always great to take some time off for self discovering your passion

2. You don't have to be super rich to travel. You can travel by train, hitchhiking, and buses and stay in retiring rooms and dormitories for lesser cost

3. Most people in India are good at heart and welcome you especially in the rural areas. Again you don't have to be super rich to help others

4. Don't feel depressed in the rat race and don't compare yourselves with others. Learn to be content with what you have. The person with more salary and assets need not be more happy

5. Plan your finances well. Make sure you get financially independent by the time you turn 40

6. Don't indulge in unnecessary luxuries just for show off. Spend on things you are really fond of

7. Always have alternate sources of income

8. Try to relish early mornings 

9. I didn't buy any clothes in this one year. It's easy to manage with whatever you have already. The only things I bought was gadgets like cameras and even those were gifted by my wife :-)

10. Don't try to build properties and empires for children, make them capable of building their own

11. My travelling, creating content on Youtube, Instagram, Blog was quite hectic but I enjoyed every moment. This means that if you enjoy doing something from your heart then you don't mind slogging

12. I like travelling with family, with friends and solo too. Sometimes its good to enjoy your own company too :-)

13. Thanks to my colleagues, mentors and friends in my company especially Sathesha, Sunil, Devaraju, Poonam, Sarah, Sophia, Saurabh, Raj, Neeraj, Abhinandan for putting in their best efforts to help me land a role in my organisation post sabbatical especially when the market is slow.

14. Keep travelling. The earned leaves from your organisation are there for you to utilize, and the more you travel, the more you realise that you are just a tiny creature in the universe

Conclusion:

Overall, my sabbatical was an unforgettable experience that taught me so much about myself and the world around me. I learned to appreciate the beauty and diversity of different cultures, to embrace the unknown and the unexpected, and to live in the present moment. I feel grateful for the opportunity to have had such an amazing adventure, and I hope that my experiences can inspire others to take their own journeys of self-discovery and cultural immersion. 

What next?

I am planning to stay in corporate for some more time until I figure out to make a living through travel. So keep supporting!

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLightBaggage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arunthetraveler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelightbaggage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/abharadwaj5 Website: https://www.thelightbaggage.com/ email: arun338868@gmail.com













Comments

  1. Good Luck in all ur future Endeavours. Well Encapsulated Blog👍👍

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  2. Its a rare DNA, of those who find excuses to pack bags, to look in every crevice, touch rocks of rare origin, romance google maps, journey miles to see one phenomena of one lifetime, feel the era pass eons ago now. You have that DNA. Keep it on....Mayank

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