As we quickly become accustomed to our current life in Urubamba, Peru, I can’t help thinking about what it means to have a beginner’s mindset in a familiar place.
As you may already know, I came to Urubamba 2 years ago with Visions, a community service program over the summer, and although I have seen this city before and wandered its streets, there are many things that seem unfamiliar. As opposed to living in a sort of “compound” (which is now owned by CondorTravel), living in a homestay with Soledad has given me a completely different perspective of this city. When I meet new people, the instant connection feels deeper than before. Roaming the streets with fellow dragons, I feel more adventurous than I had been last time. Dominating the surrounding mountains with Hugh and the view of the valley from the sky gives me a completely different view of Urubamba that I simply could not have imagined during the two weeks that I had spent with Visions.
Experiencing this city in the past week has already been so full of new experiences, and, taking a step back, I realize that I did not know this city. I still don’t know this city. When we leave in the end of November, I still will not know this city. What I have learned from Urubamba, above all else, is that a beginner’s mindset is essential whenever you visit, or even revisit any place or experience.
Just something I’ve been thinking about lately :).
Louis.