- The Wat Temple visit was a really great way to be introduced to the Thai culture. Being exposed to the different relationship dynamics, especially between the monk and women, was really interesting and will surely be helpful when we actually get to Thailand. It was definitely reassuring how accepting and welcoming the Thai people at the Temple were. Personally I am an atheist, as others have touched on as well, but they made me feel comfortable in their religious environment. It was a very calm and serene experience.
- One goal I have for my study abroad experience is to challenge my comfort zones. I’m also going to try and work on letting go of some of the routines and stressors that I find negative in my daily life. In other words, I am going to try and live by the philosophy: “Life isn’t about what happens to you, it’s about how you handle what happens.”
4 thoughts on “Blog Post #1”
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Chelsea,
I can relate to what you felt in regards to the religious aspect of our visit. I’m agnostic, and I felt that the Thai’s religious environment was very pleasant. I wasn’t sure what to expect because typically religious services (particularly Christian services because that’s all I’ve ever witnessed) make me feel uncomfortable, but like you said, I felt calm and serene at the Wat Temple. During this trip and afterward, I think that my views on spirituality will develop more and grow in different ways, and I’m really looking forward to experiencing that growth!
Chelsea,
I agree with you that the visit at the Wat Temple was a great start to learning more about Thailand before we depart. I can’t wait to explore in Thailand and learn more about the relationships between Monks and women. Since I did observed that a Monk can’t be near women. I will keep this in mind once we visit the Monk Chat in Thailand. I think that it’s great how you want to challenge your comfort zones. I feel the same way with stepping outside of my comfort zone and learning as I go. Thanks for sharing.
I completely agree, it made me feel a lot better seeing how welcoming and inclusive the people at the temple were. They truly made me feel welcomed as well. Which makes me super excited for Thailand because I feel like the Thai people will also be very welcoming.
Also, I love the quote. Part of my goal is to get out of my comfort zone on this trip and challenge myself in every aspect possible, so we can definitely help each other do so 🙂
Chelsea, I wonder if you had a parallel feeling when monk KK explained that Buddhism is not a religion. So, you could be atheist and buddhist. KK helped clarify many things for me. Your dog is so cute.