Five Things Morocco Can Teach Us :: I was lucky enough to have just spent two weeks in stunning Morocco. Our itinerary saw my friend Al and I and the group we were with experience things I had only read about or seen in movies. The hustle and bustle of the medina (think outdoor bazaar); the oppressive heat of the African sun; the colours and textures of the fabrics worn head-to-toe by the locals.
I have travelled a lot. Across North America, as far away as Colombia and much of Europe. But never have I come home from anywhere else with such a strong sense of having visited a culture where they do things a bit better than we do in the rest of the world.
Here are five things Morocco can teach us:
- The people of Morocco are noticeably kinder. They greet each other constantly. Coming home it genuinely felt weird getting into an elevator full of people and not acknowledging each other. I’ve begun making an effort to say hello to people I share space with or interact with or make eye contact with, and I am enjoying giving them the respect that comes from that.
- The people of Morocco look after each other. I will never forget the blind man led through busy (insanely busy!) streets by a stranger. Before I left Canada I remember seeing a blind man in downtown Toronto who was obviously having a difficult time. All of us around him just ignored him. Not anymore.
- Living in downtown Toronto, I can’t help but notice there is an increase in the amount of panhandling / begging on our city streets; I don’t know about yours. Islam teaches to take care of the less fortunate and it was hard to find anyone begging. They practice what they preach, which includes taking care of the less fortunate.
- This dovetails with my first point but is worth bringing up: Moroccans are exceptionally friendly towards one another, using “brother” and “friend” in the most sincere of ways. I have never called so many people “friend” in my life and I really enjoyed doing it there. I’m also enjoying extending myself in a more friendly manner this way to others. After all, we are brothers and we are sisters.
- In Morocco there is a call to prayer each day. I’m not religious, but I loved this aspect of their society. It is a wonderful way to be reminded in your day to pause. To breathe. To relax, reflect, get out of your head, give thanks and appreciation, and be reminded that we are all a part of a greater whole.
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