The Art of Undoing: Lessons From India
I’d like to share one of my favorite experiences while traveling and discovering happiness in India. It was in 2022, a time when few people were traveling due to COVID. However, my responsibilities at work and my pursuit of spiritual growth gave me no choice but to move forward. Traveling alone during that time felt like a brave step—not only for work but also for self-discovery.
One of my favorite things about traveling is meeting people from all over the world. Each interaction shapes who I am and teaches me something new. Photography is my way of capturing these moments and reflecting on the lessons they bring—just as a photograph freezes a moment in time, it often reveals deeper insights about life. Through the lens of my camera, I’ve experienced transcendent moments and profound life lessons.
A Mandala of Lessons
I remember one particularly striking encounter in Kolkata. In the lobby of my hotel, I noticed a worker quietly undoing a colorful rice mandala. I stopped to watch him, captivated by the calmness with which he performed this meticulous task. Mandalas have always fascinated me. Their intricate designs symbolize harmony and balance, yet their temporary nature reflects the impermanence of life.
As I watched this man collect hundreds of colored grains one by one, the act itself felt deeply symbolic—a reminder that endings can be as meaningful as beginnings. The patience and care he showed while dismantling the mandala mirrored the reverence given to its creation. Each grain was being saved for the next celebration, highlighting the cycle of destruction and renewal. This moment, captured through my camera, was a striking metaphor for life’s cyclical nature.
This experience resonated with me not only because of its beauty but because it underscored the importance of letting go. It reminded me that in every phase of life—creation, destruction, and recreation—there is an opportunity for growth and renewal.
Cultural Practices and the Power of Undoing
During my many travels in India, several cultural practices profoundly inspired my reflections on the concept of “undoing.” Here are a few that stood out:
The Festival of Holi: The celebration of Holi is about letting go of past grievances and starting anew. The act of throwing colored powders symbolizes not only joy but also the undoing of societal boundaries and personal conflicts. This reminded me of the beauty in embracing change and celebrating the fresh start that comes along.
Yoga and Meditation: In many places in India, yoga is more than just physical exercise; it’s a spiritual practice focused on inner peace and self-awareness. The teachings emphasize letting go of attachment and ego, which resonated deeply with the idea of undoing the things that weigh us down emotionally and mentally.
Traditional Crafts and Art Forms: Watching artisans create intricate crafts using traditional methods was enlightening. They often start with raw materials and undo layers to reveal beautiful works of art. This process highlights patience and respect for the craft, reinforcing the idea that sometimes we need to strip back to build something new and meaningful.
Rituals Around Death: The Hindu practice of cremation emphasizes the belief in the cycle of life and death, portraying death not as an end but as an opportunity for transformation. Participating in or observing these rituals made me reflect on how letting go can lead to renewal and rebirth in various aspects of life.
Local Markets and Street Food: The hustle and bustle of local markets illustrated the constant movement and change in daily life. Vendors often adapt their offerings based on seasons and customer needs, showcasing the importance of flexibility and adaptability—essentially, the ability to undo old ways in favor of new ones.
The Beauty of Letting Go
These practices collectively highlight that undoing is not just about loss; it is also about growth, renewal, and creating space for new experiences. The act of dismantling can be just as powerful as creating, offering opportunities for reflection and transformation.
The worker’s process of collecting each grain of rice reminded me that undoing requires care and intention. It is not simply about erasing what came before, but about honoring its value while preparing for the future. This cyclical process—a balance of creation and destruction—mirrors life itself.
Lessons for Everyday Life
In the West, the mindset of “time is money” often prioritizes efficiency over reflection, leading us to rush through processes without appreciating their depth. My experiences in India challenged this perspective, teaching me the value of slowing down and embracing the process of undoing.
Understanding that dreams may evolve or even fall apart is a crucial part of life’s journey. Each phase, including loss, adds richness to our existence. This principle also applies to relationships: rebuilding trust or connection often requires patience and vulnerability, much like editing a photograph to enhance its beauty.
Embracing impermanence allows us to find joy in the present moment and appreciate the cycles of life. By letting go of what no longer serves us—whether physical clutter, outdated ideas, or emotional burdens—we create space for growth, creativity, and renewal.
Reflecting on Undoing
The concept of undoing has profoundly shaped how I view life, work, and relationships. It reminds me that endings are not failures—they are opportunities to begin again with renewed purpose.
In which areas do you see the potential for incorporating the concept of undoing?
