What You See is Human

I have done a lot of cool things in my life, but nothing on the same scale as this. I am truly blessed. Why am I so lucky? This is something I’ll be asking until the day I die.

For the past two days I, along with eleven other students, spent two nights in the middle of the Sahara Desert- a vast, dry tundra that spans over 80 million square miles in northern Africa. But it was more than just a simple stay in the desert. It was an emotional experience that I don’t think anybody other than those involved will ever be able to comprehend. It is something that we will never forget. From abruptly stopping our vehicle and dancing to techno music in the middle of the Sahara, to interacting one-on-one with beautiful nomadic children, we did it all.

We were lead by an Arab man named Habib, a wise soul who put his entire heart into making our experience something we will remember forever. Though we met him only three days ago, the group instantly fell in love with his charm, wisdom, and fatherly ways. The man has been through so much, things that we as a people from a first world country can never even imagine, yet he still let down his guard to share his world with us. We broke down a cultural and social barrier with Habib. He was more than a tour guide. He became a friend.

I tell you this because Habib is perhaps the soul reason for our incredible Sahara experience. Sure, we went out to the desert, but because we were lead by this incredible man, our experience was more than just superficial. It became emotionally and physically real, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.  It all started with the disco party in the middle of Sahara. Habib, mid-drive, decided to pull over the Land Cruiser, get out, and dance to the music blasting from the speakers. We just let loose and let go of everything holding us back. It was amazing. All fifteen of us (Habib and crew included) acted like fools to a foreign techno song that none of us had heard ever of. It was spontaneous. It was fun. It was beautiful.

I’ve never felt more carefree in the world. The soul was liberated.

At first, Habib seemed like a large intimidating man whose robe and headscarf indicated an Arabian knight ready to fight to the death. But don’t be fooled. This tough facade masked an incredible man that made an impact so great that our group is dedicated to making it back one day to see him. 

I believe I truly felt what it was like to live these past two days. I stayed completely in the moment, and put aside all other worries and obligations in my life to experience what is. That present is the only thing at is real. That is the Power of Now- just as the book suggests. There is no need to look at the past- for it is the past and cannot be changed. And there no need to dwell on the future as it has not happened yet. The only thing that is real is the present. It is tangible. Make the most of it. Seize the day.

I realize I haven’t said a lot of what we actually did, and I can understand if you don’t really comprehend what I’m trying to say, but I just had to put this out to world.

I guess the biggest message from this is that I am making the most of the time we have over here. I thank God and my parents for this opportunity. I love you and thank you. You have given the world to me- literally. 

I titled this post “What You See is Human” because it is a key line in Dave Matthews Band’s song “Minarets.” Though not one his most popular songs, I invite you to listen to it. We are group from the other side of the world, yet our human connection with Habib and his men made that distance seem trivial. You see where I am going with this.

The title of the song is also fitting, as Minarets are the tower portions of Islamic mosques. Given that Morocco is an Islamic country, I don’t think this song could be more appropriate. Mosques are everywhere. Listen to it while watching the stars. I dare you. It’s awesome.

There is much more to come on actual activities, but for now I just had to get the emotions out. After all, they span over 48 hours… and they are still alive.

Shukran. Thank you to everyone.

Peace, love, and happiness to all.