Letting Go

Entering a foreign culture is a difficult process for most people. It requires complete malleability, a willingness to suspend the underlying laws that govern ones own society, and a desire to learn new things that may appear frightening or distasteful. In essence, it is a process of acclimatization—a time for the body to ‘normalize’ unregistered external input and make it comfortable and familiar. This period of adjustment is different for us all and often depends on our experience with the alien cultures, and our willingness to adapt to them. If anything, this could be likened to a cold water swim on a hot summer day. When one hits the water, a quick gasp of breath escapes the body. The eyes light up with shock and register fight or flight upset in the sensory inputs of the brain. Only with acceptance, with recognition of a threat-less state will the body calm itself and back down. The secret to all of is to LET GO.

My last post was my way of dealing with this upset, of dealing with the culture shock and frustration of this new and unknown land. Brazil is really quite an intense place—truly the coldest of alien pools I have had a dip in. While I still have a long way to go (months and months) in terms of proper acclimatization, I did feel a palpable sense of release with my desire to LET GO.

It happened rather innocently. Just a little party put on for some American teachers here in Bahia. I was invited by a beautifully wonderful acquaintance of mine to attend. I ate churrasco (Brazilian barbeque meat….slober slob), drank beer, babbled in English and Portuguese, and danced the night away. I hugged a palm tree, I embraced the warm sea breeze, I looked up at the sky and muttered a thanks.

Simple really. If you truly want to adapt and to change, to get over the culture shock and embrace the wave of unfamiliarity, just do one thing.
Embrace the unknown. Smile at the universe and…well…just LET GO.


--Been to dangerous to drag the camera around, but pics are coming soon. I will have internet at the house after carnival. Speaking of which
stay tuned for some good reading.