Growing up in America I was not invited to explore my purpose through space and time, but rather was asked to find myself through dutiful application. Work at it. Pick your path and relentlessly chip away. But what happens if the path choice is unclear? What happens if you are a dreamy spirit in the midst of sure-footed generators?
Standing at the bridge of Self- Discovery stands my inner critic, a troll guarding my access to joy, success, and transformation. It is fed the societal mantra of, "work harder", and "productivity = success", it feels the urge to compete to be the most burnt out, the most "perfect" example of adulthood. Therefore when I feel the urge to value travel and exploration above owning a home, or building my savings, the inner critic lashes out. The troll gets louder. Luckily I have always been somewhat of a rebel, so I have honored my desire to search for more. To follow the quest of purpose rather than the path of practicality.
Today, I am offering an intimate look at the cultivation of my self discovery, and a shortlist of my most sacred travel experiences. For most of us finding the time, and energy to travel is difficult. This article encourages the modern-day professional to step outside of the vacation mindset, and step into transformative travel in order to deepen the relationship with self.
In early life, I was surrounded by women who were the "others" in our community. Passionate, feminist, and wildly creative. My mother processed heartbreak through raging poetry that was dark and complex. My eldest sister always pushed the envelope. She held court at my high school graduation party passionately encouraging a bunch of buzzed teenagers "to think outside the box". Insulted by the mundane, she is a fountain of inspiration. My other sister held a balance between productivity and creativity. A voice that echoed practicality in halls built on glitter and stardust. She gifted me with the understanding of a need for a sturdy foundation. My brother, the eldest of us all, taught me gentleness. Intelligence nurtured through self-study, gobbling up books in his quiet shell. A mind that expands past quantum reality is something beautiful to witness. My father was in constant motion, trying on different philosophies, traveling for work, coming and going from my home space.
I was always a bit more challenging for my family. Growing up the youngest of four siblings, "my favorite surprise" my mom would tell you. I came along after an 8-year gap in child-rearing. Family structures had already been long established. I entered the scene as the challenger. After my parents' separation, I lost the understanding of a firm foundation. I oscillated between two home bases, neither feeling full, neither feeling truly like home. This was a time of pain, and boy did I act out. I am still repenting for the behaviors of my teen rebel.
This experience shaped my inability to be rooted in one place for too long. I constantly crave change. Changing jobs, career, home space. Up until, well maybe this moment, I had not been consciously aware of what was driving this need. I only knew I needed it to feel alive. Over the years I cultivated the ability to sit in my feelings. To use travel not as an escape but as a welcome mat. Welcoming the inner reflection that fosters external growth and revelation.
The truth is we are always reinventing ourselves. There is no point of arrival. Not one that I have witnessed or felt in my life, or in any of my friends, family or clients. There is always an area in which we want to stretch and grow. Some of these times have been more pronounced than others in my experience. Nothing drives a growth spurt quite like heartbreak.
When I feel life's grip start to tighten and strangle my spirit, there is one action that always that creates reprieve. Asking myself "where do you want to go next?" Then showing up by purchasing a plane ticket, saving, and researching experiences that will deepen my time away. I know that if growth is what I am seeking, a destination that confronts my comfortability is essential.
Thus arises my challenge to you. Can you step outside your comforts and travel somewhere that pushes you? Physically, mentally, or spiritually. The key to #transformativetravel is booking a journey. One that carries you into a new understanding of your strength. Below are some experiences that have challenged my way of thinking and excavated personal strength and development. Happy Traveling.
Walking 500 miles From the base of the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia Spain. **Many more blog posts coming about this. **
An open path and walking meditation that demands introspection and evolution. You can not hide from yourself on this journey. Whether you complete it in stages, or in one shot expect transformation.
A More Local Escape to challenge modern mindsets.
Slide back in time with this Westhampton Massachusetts Escape. Complete off the grid privacy challenges our relationship with modern technology.
Sitting by the woodburning stove, my paintbrush captures the changing foliage through the vast picture window. As daylight fades we fill the wood-burning stove with a crackling fire and reach for our headlamps. The hum of a radio carries my mind into a place of ease and wonder. Traveling as a couple? Expect profound connection. Traveling alone? Breathe, create, and honor the artist within.
Have you ever experienced something so special, so close to your heart that you are afraid to share it with the world? Well, this is it for me. A place so undisturbed by tourism that I fear this sharing will impact the community.
A week staring out over a valley striking, polishing and respecting my piece of alabaster broke open wounds that needed healing, stories that needed rewriting, and showered dusty release upon my toes.
An ask, if you travel here, please do so consciously and with an open heart.
Interested in group travel? Check out these physical and spiritual challenges hosted by WHOA Travel.
Some final food for thought.
Currently, travel is something that is "en-vogue", trendy and competitive. ** As I sit writing my travel blog** There are apps that mark off the number of countries you have visited. It has become a race to be the most cultured. How are we, as Americans, impacting the communities we travel to? How are cultures catering to us being impacted and erasing their own cultural values? How can we become more conscious and respectful travelers?
I welcome your Comments Below with and Questions or comments.
With Love,
A Dreamer
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