Tufts Blogs

Imagine deep within a cave, the oppressive darkness pressing in and the pin-drop silence amplifying every breath. The looming rocks feel menacing, creating a sense of being trapped. Yet, paradoxically, the experience is liberating, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai city—the blaring horns, the rhythmic chants of monks, the chime of temple bells, and the lively murmur of Thai voices. This is what the cave experience presented to me.

I had never before visited a large cave (apart from a medium-sized one on our family land in Kenya). On the morning of the visit, my goal was to "go beyond my physical and mental strength." Minutes later, I was put to the test by climbing approximately 150 steep steps up a mountain. It was fun but very demanding. The team led us into the cave's depths, where we had to squeeze through narrow spaces between rocks. We crawled out of the tight hole, one by one, slowly and cautiously.

The stalactites were enormous and awe-inspiring. It was fascinating to see how they continued growing, starting as fragile formations and becoming stronger over time (a metaphor for life—keep going, and time will make you resilient). The instructors explained that stalactites grow one millimeter every ten years, making it incredible to imagine how many millennia it had taken for some to reach their massive five-meter size.

As we descended the steep slopes, we encountered a team of rock climbers deeply engrossed in their craft. Our hike lasted about an hour before we paused for a long discussion about the incredible rescue of the 12 boys and their coach who were trapped in Tham Luang Cave. The boys were 2.5 kilometres from the entrance and survived nine days without food by drinking water dripping from the cave walls. Their coach led them in meditation sessions and encouraged them to chip away at the cave walls with stones to keep their minds occupied.

The heroic efforts of John Volanthen and Rick Stanton, the two divers who found the boys alive, were awe-inspiring. They navigated perilous waters to locate the team, later devising a strategy to sedate and guide them out to safety—a first-of-its-kind rescue. Despite the risks involved, their success remains a testament to human ingenuity and bravery. If you’re curious, I highly recommend the documentary 13 Lives on YouTube.

At the final stage of our journey, we participated in cave meditation. We reflected on profound questions: Why am I here? What was the turning point in my life that led me to this moment? How can I go beyond my fears? The darkness and silence created a space for personal introspection, allowing me to confront my fears, embrace nature, and revel in the beauty of breaking routine. I tuned in to my body, let my thoughts wander, and found solace in the depths of the caves.

One of our instructors, Pi’ Bo, shared his story of spending nights in caves and visiting the very spot where the boys and their coach had survived. His experiences brought another layer of meaning to our day. Progression’s logo, depicting mountains and valleys growing larger over time, symbolizes life's journey—an ever-growing progression where goals expand as we evolve.

This unforgettable experience has inspired me to unlock a new passion for exploring the unknown.