Have you ever felt rushed or disconnected when traveling? Maybe you’ve found yourself hurrying from one tourist attraction to the next, taking countless photos and feeling like you’re not really absorbing the essence of the place you’re visiting. Or perhaps you’ve felt disconnected from the local community, sticking to the tourist areas and not really getting a sense of what life is like for the people who live there.
If this sound familiar to you, well I know that many of us have experienced the frustration of rushed travel or the sense of disconnection that can come from sticking to the tourist trail. But there is another way to approach travel – one that emphasises mindfulness, inner connection, and personal growth.
And today, I’d like to make a pause and explore the art of mindful travel. To help you discover how it can help us connect more deeply with the world around us. From being fully present in the moment to connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures while fully embracing personal growth and self-discovery. Together, let’s delve into the many benefits of this unique approach to travel. So if you’re looking to slow down, savour the moment, and truly experience the places you visit, read on.
Feeling Rushed or Disconnected When Travelling?
How might slowing down and being fully present in the moment change your travel experience and your perspective in life? Being fully present in the moment is a key aspect of mindful travel. For me, this means taking the time to slow down and truly appreciate my surroundings. It means being fully engaged in the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of the places I’m visiting, and not getting distracted by my phone or other futile distractions.
But being present in the moment isn’t just about enjoying the scenery – it’s also about cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and mindfulness. This means being attuned to our thoughts, feelings, and reactions, and allowing ourselves to fully experience our emotions and sensations without judgment or resistance. What does it mean to be fully present in the moment? This might mean taking a moment to pause and appreciate the intricate details of a piece of architecture, or to savour the flavors and aromas of a local dish. It could mean listening intently to a street performer’s music, or taking the time to soak up the ambiance of a local market.
As I look back on the impact that Eckhart Tolle’s teachings have had on my life, I’m struck by how much his words have stayed with me over the years. I remember the first time I read “The Power of Now,” and how it felt like a wake-up call to the present moment. His words resonated with me on a deep level, and I found myself returning to his books and videos time and time again, seeking out new insights and perspectives.
“Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” – Eckhart Tolle – Powerful, don’t you think?
Connecting with People from Different Backgrounds and Cultures
With this in mind, I found myself re-evaluating my relationship with time, my sense of self, and my place in the world. His teachings on presence and mindfulness helped me to slow down, savour the moment, and connect more deeply with the world and the people around me. So rather than constantly worrying about what’s coming next, I’ve learned to take time, to pause and appreciate the little things, like the taste of a delicious meal or the beauty of a sunset.
Over the years, I realised that by taking the time to learn how to appreciate local customs and traditions, you can celebrate the opportunity to connect with others, get a chance to build meaningful relationships with locals and create unforgettable experiences that will stay with us for a lifetime.
As you slow down your travel pace, it becomes easier to approach travel with a sense of curiosity and openness and to better understand what impact you being here, has on local communities.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
To me, Nepal has always been the perfect place to embrace the concept of slow travel. Working and living in Kathmandu has had a profound impact on my personal growth and self-discovery. At first, the slower pace was a bit disorienting – especially in the tumult of Kathmandu. At the time, I was arranging tours and leading groups, rushing between airports, hotels and restaurants to meet travellers and reach suppliers so the idea of spending entire days in one place felt foreign to me. But as I settled into the rhythm of the place, I began to appreciate the beauty and depth of the experience.
And Buddhanath is to me the perfect place to embrace the moment. This magnificent stupa dominates the skyline, and the area is filled with temples, prayer flags, and chanting monks. I have always felt a sense of peace and tranquility that I had never experienced before. But it is not just the beauty of the place that impacts me – I am also struck by the kindness of the monks, the generosity of locals, and the humility that fills your heart.
Looking back on my time in Kathmandu, I can now clearly see how much this place changed my perspective on life. The experience helped me to slow down, to appreciate the beauty of the present moment, and to connect more deeply with myself and the world around me. It’s a lesson that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life, and one that I’m grateful to have learned through the power of slow travel.
Do you have a special place in the world that gives you time to reflect, to journal maybe, or to simply be present in the moment? If not, reflecting on your own values and priorities should help you to pick one on the map for your next slow adventure.
Let’s Wrap it Up!
When you find yourself re-evaluating your relationship with time, your sense of self, and your place in the world, remember to be kind to yourself. Remember to be respectful to the people and places you encounter on your journey. Mindful travel involves a deep appreciation for the world around you, and a commitment to leaving it better than you found it. Travelling at a slower pace can help you to connect more deeply with the places you visit, experience new cultures and perspectives, and most importantly truly relax and unwind.
