MINDFULNESS TRAVEL; SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Here’s a concept you may have never heard of; it’s called “Mindfulness Travel“.

An idea that only when we truly connect with ourselves, will we be completely immersed in the most incredible experience of life, that we call travel. To open your heart – a phrase I’ve learnt to love, to connect with your mind and to be the very best person you can possibly be whilst abroad (and throughout your entire life of course).

It sounds pretty great, right? And it’s not as difficult as it may sound. Here are a few tips to practice, that will help you stay mindful when on the road:

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Learn To Let Go ✹

As soon as you leave your home, you’re experiencing the unknown.

It may be incredibly difficult to forget about your problems, but being in a new place is like flipping a new page in a book. You can start fresh, re-charge, and get your mind back to the exact place it needs to be.

It’s just like when people say they need a holiday to de-stress. We all need that once in a while. If it’s a struggle for you to be in the present, when you’re away from home is the perfect time to really give it your all!

Remember Where You Are ❊

Remember that – especially if you’re in a non-westernised country – you will be surrounded by people that may not be as privileged as you. There will be people serving you, living next to you, and walking the streets with you, that have far less than what you more than likely have in your pocket.

Be thankful for your home, but also be aware of where you are and the locals that surround you.

Throw away all of your greed too. It’s a toxic thing.

Recognise Others Struggles ✼

Instead of fearing the painful sights that you’ll undoubtedly encounter on your travels, embrace them.

Don’t ever forget that more often than not, there are hundreds of people around you that are in desperate need. But, you can make your experience one that will make an impact. Tourism can be a damaging thing, but when you travel with an open mindset, you can make an experience that’s merely the opposite.

When you see things that sadden or worry you, don’t run! Use them as your motivation. Recognise your luck, and use your emotions as encouragement for change.

Spreading awareness is a powerful thing. When you see people struggling, help them!

Cultivate Gratitude ☼

Spend a little time to cultivating gratitude. Be thankful for your life, for what it has allowed you achieve and the destination it has allowed you to reach.

Being thankful is the trick to happiness. Remember the good, the bad and the ugly, and be thankful for what they’ve ultimately given you.

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Forget Your Expectations ✾

Expectations are a recipe for disappointment.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, forget about all that you’ve previously heard and live in the present. Forget about what should and shouldn’t happen when you’re abroad; the unknown is a precious thing.

Don’t always focus on the Differences ✣

As much as we love to focus on the differences between nationalities, it’s just as important to recognise our similarities.

Diversity is a beautiful thing, but after all, we are all human and there are so many amazing things that we have in common too.

Allow Down Time ✶

It’s easy to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of travel. The urge to see everything and the need to experience every little detail of the country you’re in – I’m a big culprit of this too.

It’s important to allow yourself time to relax, to take it all in and keep your mind at ease.

Maybe even try switching your phone to aeroplane mode? Take a step back from the online world and connect with who and what is around you (I need to take my own advice on this one).

Stay Mindful ❃

There’s a quote I heard from an unknown source, which goes something like this:

“In the end it will all be over. In the end there will be 2 dates on either side of a dash. Make sure that dash is not empty. Make sure it is full of life; full of living”

There is no point in just existing. Being the best person you can possibly be is something to strive for, and being mindful is the first step.

I challenge you on your next travel experience, to bring your full and whole-hearted awareness to every single aspect. Your heart really will thank you!

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