Even in Paradise, Peace Isn’t Guaranteed — A Lesson from Switzerland

I just came back from a wonderful family vacation. It was one of those rare vacations where we had the rare fortune to travel through Europe for 3 weeks with family joining from India and us four from the states. Here’s some highlights of what we did:

Drove on the Autobahn in Germany hitting a top speed of 204 kilometers per hour! (The prize for the highest speed goes to my brother-in-law who blazed through at an eye popping 227!)

Drove through the majestic and rolling alpine mountains even catching the morning prayers and bells of Corpus Christi in Zirl, Switzerland.

Saw a dazzling show in Venice combining orchestra, ballet and opera in one evening.

Enjoyed majestic sunsets on the greek island of Santorini.

Visited the charming streets and gondolas in Venice (Yes, at the same time as Bezos’s wedding!)

Roamed through the beautiful and quaint streets of London with my sister and even saw the modern rendition of a Shakespeare play - Midnight summer!

Rode the breathtaking Bernina express train from the beautiful Italian village of Tirano into Chur, Switzerland.

Eventually arrived in the majestic aqua blue lakes of Interlaken, Switzerland surrounded by towering alpine peaks.

It was one of those trips that your heart wants to melt for. Perfect combination of beautiful places and quality time with dear family and friends. Truly wonderful!

Yet, amidst all this beauty and wonder, there were still challenges. How could there not be right?

My wife and I had done a similar Europe trip back in 2016 as backpackers. Though this time we also had grandparents and our kids amidst all the flight, train and driving logistics of the trip.

As many beautiful moments as there were, needless to say there were also some challenging ones. It’s only natural!

One morning, I found myself deeply frustrated and irritated, of all places, in Switzerland. 

I was quiet. I reflected on the irony of finding myself to be most frustrated on the days we were in one of the most beautiful places imaginable on Earth -  Switzerland - a literal slice of heaven.

From my past, I realized this was another one of God’s tests. The universe was showing me that it isn’t about ‘where’ we go, it’s about who we are ‘being’ that determines our happiness.

So as I was caught up in my frustration and irritation, I decided to be quiet and process what was happening.

Slowly I began to see that part of my frustration was with having had too much wine the night before (in celebration of course :) and how that was impacting my morning.

Another part of the frustration was seeing my own ego’s lack of control being triggered by a family member. There it was the subtle ego slowly rearing its face of control again. Once I saw that, I could let it go. 

Yet, the frustration remained. The emotions were whirling inside me to no avail and lasted for hours.

So what did I do?

First, I let my family know how I was feeling - specifically my wife and kids.

“Hey guys - I’m feeling frustrated. I don’t quite yet know why. I need space and quiet please.”

They understood and honored my request. In the pic, you can see my wife sitting with me knowing full well that I was not in the best of my moods. At the time, I was just breathing and coping.

Another judgment kicked in - how could a coach like me find myself in a bad mood of all the places here in Switzerland?

My soul knew this was perfect! 

How else can one work through their deepest inner healing if not in one of the most contrasting places of all?

This was God’s way of letting me know that it didn’t matter where I was. It mattered most how I was being. And of course, I could also share this lesson with you.

Even as a coach or leader, I’m human. Our emotions aren’t flaws—they’re messengers inviting us towards deeper insight and understanding of ourselves.

So I breathed, walked, drank water, and stayed present with my surroundings. Eventually after going for a hike to a nearby waterfall, all the built up emotion had processed, settled and left completely.

I was at peace again.

I share this story with you for several reasons: 

• Beauty outside doesn’t determine peace inside. Where we go doesn’t determine how happy we become. It’s an inner experience first and foremost. You can be rich, famous, powerful and still be miserable if you haven’t learned how to manage your inner world.

• Becoming aware of our experience and then communicating with others helps us navigate the situation without reacting.

• Processing situations takes presence and patience. Breathe, hydrate, move and create space for yourself. Healing happens through attunement with self and others, not force.

Wishing you peace and love,

Nitin