A sense of community

It is difficult to summarise a three-week experience into a few short words in a blog post. This experience has by far been the best challenge, learning opportunity and period I have had the privilege to explore. I have been given so many opportunities to take my practise outside the confines of a university lecture hall and experience design and transdisciplinary on a new scale. But not only that, this trip has also changed my perspectives and outlook on life.

Auroville is an experimental community located in South India, is a unique place that has had a profound impact on the lives of many who visit it. I have had the privilege of spending three weeks there, and it was truly a life-changing experience.

To paint a picture I visited Auroville in south India filled to the prim with nerves, excitement and questions about what to come.

The first thing that struck me about Auroville was its incredible sense of community. Despite the fact that Auroville is home to people from all over the world, everyone there seemed to be working towards a common goal of creating a sustainable and peaceful society. I felt a sense of belonging and connection with the people I met there, and this sense of community was something that I carried with me long after I left.

One of the things that made my time in Auroville so transformative was the opportunity to learn from and engage with people who are deeply committed to spiritual growth and self-discovery. The community is built around the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, and there are many opportunities to participate in meditation and other spiritual practices. I found myself delving deeper into my own spiritual journey and feeling more connected to something larger than myself.

Another aspect of my time in Auroville that had a significant impact on me was the focus on sustainability and living in harmony with the environment. Auroville is home to many sustainable living initiatives, from organic farming to eco-friendly architecture, and I was able to learn a lot about how to live in a more sustainable way. This experience inspired me to make changes in my own life to reduce my impact on the environment.

Overall, my three weeks in Auroville were an incredibly transformative experience. I left feeling more connected to the world around me, more committed to my own spiritual growth, and more motivated to make positive changes in my life and in the world. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this special community, and I hope to return one day to continue my own journey of growth and discovery.

Voyzey, Isabella

Global Short Program Student (Faculty-Led)

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant Recipient