SELF-DISCOVERY IN A JAPANESE ONSEN: LETTING GO OF INHIBITIONS AND EMBRACING BODY POSITIVITY

It’s that time of the year when I reflect on whether I’ve learned or done something new.

- SANDHYA MENDONCA

For several years now, this has been my goal. I’ve learned new languages, dance and music. For most people, vacations are a time for novel experiences, and activities during holidays have often helped me overcome my fears. On a recent trip to Japan, I had a wholly unexpected moment of selfdiscovery.

But first, come with me on a trip back in time to Cavelossim Beach, where we watched the last sunset of 2008. I realised I hadn’t done anything new that year. It was already December 31, and in a few hours, the year would fade away taking my self-set goal with it. I didn’t want to admit defeat, even to myself. That’s when the answer floated right in front of me. My eyes followed the parasailers in the Arabian Sea, and I impulsively announced that I wanted to try it. My family was surprised, as I wasn’t then one for physical adventure—especially anything involving heights. My discomfort with heights likely began on a school excursion when a Ferris wheel malfunctioned. I was stuck with a hysterical classmate whom I had to hold on to, to stop her from jumping off.

That warm December evening on a Goan beach, my family encouraged me, and soon I found myself in a tandem harness with my ever-supportive son, who was then a teenager.