Culture Shock is defined as “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes” – Wikipedia
Something that we can all relate to is the feeling of switching from one environment to the next; but why does adapting to culture have to be such a disorienting and SHOCKING experience? Between language, dress, etiquette, food and climate we go through stages of being enamored by the differences, then frustrated, and finally accepting that things are the way they are in a place we are just getting to know.
Cultural differences ultimately teach us to accept uncertainty. Some may fear this challenge of continual immersion into the newness of ideas and ways of life, but there really is nothing to be shocked about or fear. Even avid travelers feel a culture shock coming back to their own country. In many ways we all need to work through the frustrations. Taking the time to truly challenge the way we view the world and ourselves more regularly is the only way to eliminate the SHOCK of culture and even misconceptions of others. Sudden and/or aimless entry into travel and culture often causes tension; rather doing so with the intention of acceptance yields a joyful outcome.
For example, once I was invited to a wedding ceremony in a remote mountainous village in Peru. I carried no expectations, but suddenly found myself surrounded by a community of women dressed in traditional costumes, speaking a foreign Quechua language and going out of their way to share a meal with me with what few options they have available in the high Andes. I was amazed at how peacefully their small children sat by their sides (in comparison to the USA) and by how genuinely interested they were in who I was, even if it momentarily felt like I was an alien. In truth, for the first few hours, I could barely move or speak but rather I observed every detail of their way of being. Gradually, the grounded and vibrant spirit of this community left me feeling overwhelmed with emotions of bewilderment, gratitude and inspiration.
The emotions behind culture shock are normal and predictable. It helps to anticipate irritability, plan for the uncomfortable and embrace change to a new environment – whether it be a new country or even returning to your own after being abroad. So how can we reduce the shock of culture shock and adapt better? Below are some practical tips to follow the next time you have the opportunity to experience a new culture.
Practice intention before, during and after your travel. Envision in advance how you might respond to difficult situations. Spend more time in one culture to truly feel identified with place and then when you leave, don’t forget the feeling of how frustrated you were in the beginning of the trip; when you couldn’t speak the language or understand the public transportation systems.
Be mindful to every sight, sound, smell, and interaction. Ask yourself why you become agitated in order to accept ambiguity in life. Be open-minded, put your heart out there and make friends, even if you don’t speak the language perfectly.
Stay grounded through familiar foods, through long distance connection with loved ones and by staying healthy and active. Create a ritual that makes you feel centered. Above all, just breath.
Honor and appreciate diversity. While the little aspects of everyday life might not make sense to you, we don’t need to understand cultural norms to accept them. Get curious about the reasons why without judgement.
Eventually, you’ll find that the rewards of travel and cultural immersion offer value to both your professional and personal life. You learn about yourself, your own culture and the world at large. By virtue of you connecting with another person through the lens of culture, you share something about your culture as well. Imagine how beautiful our world could be if everyone shared this energy exchange.
