Page 60 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 4 February-March 2018

COMMUNITY

overcome my fears. Second, I did it to share my husband’s interest in exploration My literal plunge into
— compromising is everything in a marriage. He really is the most ‘outdoorsy’ “ the ocean brought my
person in the world.
partner and me closer
What came out of your journey? together, allowed me to
When my head was submerged underwater, I had an incredible out-of-body see incredible sh, and
experience. All I could hear was the sound of my breathing. You are forced to
concentrate on your breathing at all times, very similar to a meditation session. inspired me to commit to
It’s the perfect time to fi nd peace. My literal plunge into the ocean brought my ocean conservation.
partner and me closer together, allowed me to see incredible fi sh, and inspired “
me to commit to ocean conservation.

Nicky Sachaphimukh
Researcher at Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit

What is your ‘never say never’ experience?
My adventure started two years ago when I went on a 10-day Vipassana meditation
retreat — something I thought I would never pursue.

Why did you choose to go on this retreat?
I was working in a dietary supplement company, and my boss kept telling me I was not
adventurous enough and unwilling to get out of my comfort zone. Thus, I challenged
him by accepting his offer to go on the retreat.

What did you discover?
When I signed up for Vipassana, I had no idea what I was signing up for. When the day
arrived, I was asked to keep my phone locked away and was taken to a small room
I managed to tackle which would be my home for the next 12 days. I had to take an oath of silence for 10
“ my chaotic mind and days. By day three, I couldn’t take it anymore. I ran out of the meditation hall and cried
become more calm in the bathroom. Despite this, I managed to tackle my chaotic mind and become more
calm and mindful. The experience also helped me develop a growth mindset and
and mindful. “ reminded me to never doubt myself ever again!

Malinee Narang
Senior HR Business Partner, SAP

What is your ‘never say never’ experience?
I never thought I would fi nd myself travelling alone to Peru to take on a hiking and
camping adventure. The hikes I had previously done were no more than a couple of
hours, but the excursion I signed up for was 26km over three days, reaching 4,500
km above sea level. Furthermore, the last time I went camping was 11 years ago, so I
was really going out on a limb for this.

What led to your decision to travel solo?
I was working in Lima, Peru for a month and knew that this was a ‘now or never’
opportunity. I wanted to check off Machu Picchu on my bucket list.

What came out of your decision?
I was completely out of my comfort zone in every way. I slept in a tent and there
was no electricity or showers. In the end, it was a gratifying experience physically, I wanted to check off
mentally and emotionally. The power of sharing a challenging experience with
strangers who eventually became my motivators, taught me to embrace the small “ Machu Picchu on my
victories along the journey. bucket list. “

60 Masala Magazine
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018