Unpacking Andaman: Observations and Reflections from a Mindful Traveller
Air Turbulence and the Flight Forward
Air Turbulence and the Flight Forward
Why do we travel? Is it an attempt to escape from the mundane or anticipation of experiencing something new? I didn’t have an answer when I found myself seated on a flight to Port Blair with my husband (Mr S) on my right, occupying the aisle seat, and my daughter (Miss M) on my left, peering out of the window seat.
Miss M’s chirpy questions and conversations left me in a state of wonder. Before I knew it, we were all set to take off, with our seat belts fastened and window panels open. As the plane began to gain momentum, Miss M firmly gripped my hand, her excitement palpable.
But within a moment, her excitement turned to dread as the air turbulence caused a sudden jolt and shaking while the plane was gaining speed down the runway. Although it made my heart skip a beat, I knew that Miss M was feeling frightened, so I put on a calm and brave face to reassure her.
The turbulence subsided as the plane continued its ascent, and Miss M’s grip on my hand loosened. We gazed out the window and were greeted with stunning vistas: a bed of spongy clouds stretching as far as the eye could see, ships navigating in the distance that appeared motionless like a painting due to the relative velocity, and as we approached our destination, the vibrant hues of the ocean resembled a necklace draped around the curves of the island.
I guess, it’s natural to feel scared or anxious when things get turbulent, whether it’s on a plane or in life. If the last two months that saw my health go on a rollercoaster ride had taught me something, it’s this- the importance to remember that these moments will pass, and with faith and resilience, we can emerge stronger and better. Just like how the plane adjusted its flight to navigate through the turbulence and revealed a breathtaking view, we too can find our way through difficult times and discover new perspectives.
As the plane flew over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, I felt a sense of gratitude for this opportunity to travel and explore new places with my loved ones. It reminded me that the journey is not just about the destination but also about the experiences and memories we create along the way.
So why do we travel? It’s not just about escaping the mundane or experiencing something new but also about finding moments of wonder, beauty, and gratitude. And with faith in ourselves and the world around us, we can navigate through the turbulence and soar towards new heights.
With that said, I want to conclude this post with a heartfelt note of gratitude to all my well-wishers. Their excitement about my trip surpassed my own, and I am truly grateful for their support and encouragement.
I also want to express my deepest appreciation to the doctors and dentists who helped me navigate through the challenges and uncertainties of my health issues. They prioritized my treatment plans and provided me with the necessary care and support, ensuring that I could embark on my trip without any worry.
Even during moments when I felt discouraged and doubtful about my ability to travel, these incredible individuals stood by me, offering unwavering support and guidance. Their presence in my life has been nothing short of a blessing, and I am truly grateful for their unwavering kindness and care.
To conclude, ‘In the flight through faith, God makes us witnesses to miracles’.
