It’s now Day 40 of the Scottish escapade and things are very slowly, yet not exactly surely, falling into place. I’m sat in a quaint café tying up the loose ends of homework (the Brits, or Europeans in general, are less susceptible but not completely immune to a bout of work). I’ve had enough time to start to sort some thoughts out.

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My time here is already being characterized by my learning to reflect upon and put meaning to experiences, largely because two thirds of my course work happens to be focused around consciously doing just that. This a time of purposeful growth; moving across the world and blindly zipping through day-to-day would be quite a shame. The development was initiated by my own desires but has been surprisingly well-aided once I opened up to the idea of help. With these new ideas, I’ve seen more changes than I even expected. Mindfulness, no matter what you’re minding, will change your whole perception.

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We’re so accustomed to living with our heads down. We work until we can work no more, wish for all interactions be scripted if not altogether automated, and try to minimize our time spent out of routine. Fun is to be had on weekends. Coffee in the mornings. Dessert after dinner. Everything has its place. Leave it as such.

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The majority of the people I’ve encountered here are willing to take time to appreciate little things. Weekend get-togethers that would require two weeks of planning, three group chats, four rearrangements and some awkward tension back home are as simple as a “Yea, sure!” here. Pool halls are full all nights of the week, whisky tastings aren’t only for the high-class or boozers, and I’ve yet to see an empty café. People walking home from work may take the long route to admire a particularly captivating sunset or to revisit an important historic landmark because, in actuality, there’s nothing to stop them but themselves. Leisure doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. We shouldn’t feel guilty for taking ten minutes of our busy day to sit back and smile. Enjoying a multitude of small pleasures is just as rewarding as and has a much longer-lasting gratification than delighting in one gigantic feat. It’s an attitude I’d like to keep.

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Being immersed in different cultures, circumstantially depending of course, isn’t as intimidating as is first seems — aspects can be cause for concern but proper preparation eliminates this. My fears of starving in the streets of Czechia while unable to translate anything were later deemed ridiculous. Humans are humans in all places. Most are willing to help. If you show incredibly basic respect while making evident both your effort and your helplessness, the inescapable heart of humanity will make an appearance. I can’t help but think, in every interaction I have, that you get out what you put in. Intent is everything — warmth, openness, and a little grin will get you through a large number of (reasonable) challenges.

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Believe me, none of what I’m experiencing is being taken for granted. I’m completely aware of how lucky I am with every day I open my eyes on this side of the Atlantic. I’m now more concerned with how many people have no idea how lucky they too could be.