4Omar’s First Trip

Omar travelled abroad for the first time. On his first day, while exploring the city, his phone battery died, he lost his way and no longer knew how to get back to his hotel. The language was strange and the culture different; anxiety rushed in and he felt lost.

He remembered a method he had read about in a book, built on seven small steps that calm the mind:

“He was not alone; many others feel lost in a new place.”

Activity. Instead of panicking, he went into a nearby museum to discover the country’s history and art.

Giving. On his way out he saw a child selling flowers, and bought a bunch to help him, and to feel he had made someone happy that day.

Comparison. He saw many tourists in the streets just like him, and realised he was not alone; many people feel lost in a new place.

Emotions. He put in his earphones and played a melody he loved from a playlist saved on his device, and felt happy and at peace.

Distancing. He sat on a bench in a park and imagined his anxiety as a black ball fading little by little until it disappeared.

Thoughts. He occupied his mind with a small puzzle in his notebook, regained his focus, and moved away from the feeling of being lost.

Sensations. He tried a famous local dish, and enjoyed a new experience for his senses.

Then he stopped a taxi, explained his situation to the driver, and showed him the photo of the hotel he had taken when he arrived. The driver was kind, and refused to take a fare: the hotel was just across the street! Omar returned safely, his heart full of experiences and stories.