In the UK we have grown used to having supermarkets with shelves abundantly filled with food, high street stores selling goods for every conceivable lifestyle requirement, internet and plentiful gas and electricity supplies which power our labour saving devices. However, during times of recession money for some is often scarce but the longing to worship at the altar of conspicuous consumption serves as a constant temptation. For those of us, including myself, facing up to financial difficulties the drip feed of advertisements and marketing madness urging us to buy the latest electronic gadgets, high performance cars or luxury holidays in far away lands can sometimes trigger a sense of deprivation and envy as we misguidedly crave these symbols of wealth as the marketing of these products are strategically packaged to appeal to our inherent desire to ‘fit in’. But the question is does the acquisition and ownership of these expensive goods really make us happier.
From my perspective and experience volunteering in India was defined by meeting those with few material possessions yet who still seemed to capable of being spiritually uplifted by both their faith and the presence of extended families and friends which sadly seems to be in decline in our culture. I was in awe just quietly observing the concentration, determination and sometimes joy which everyday tasks were approached; the housekeeper who swept the leaves from outside my room two or three times a day, the young kitchen apprentice, just beginning his journey into adulthood whose job it was to make the chapati dough for each meal and the tuk tuk drivers taking their lives in their hands as they negotiated the Jodhpur traffic, which followed road rules alien to me and probably every other passing tourist from the western hemisphere.
I experienced nearly every form of transport during my travels to India but none were quite as exhilarating as one of the journeys I experienced in a tuk tuk towards the end of Holi week. As the tuk tuk wound its way through the back streets of Jodphur we stumbled upon groups of males, vigorously pounding drums and chanting enthusiastically. I sensed a strong feeling of camaraderie and belonging; groups of people bound together by faith and friendship bonding together in celebration.
The energy infused within me during this journey has inspired me to continue to seek 
fulfilment by following the same principles. That is to appreciate the relationships with my family and friends, to buy only what I need and seek a higher understanding of how faith can be beneficial in contributing to a more fulfilled and often extended life.
rajasthanadventure 