What is mindful travelling?
Before we discuss mindful travel, let’s look at how mindfulness is defined. Ellen Langer, who has studied mindfulness for many years, describes it as “the process of actively noticing new things.” Acting in mindfulness allows one to stay focused on the activity at hand, whether painting a house or sitting on a plane, and have a more qualified experience through observing the details. According to Langer, mindfulness also significantly improves memory. “When you perform anything with only one focus on it, it is easy to remember it later,” she explains.
For example, if your flight is delayed, rather than focus on the delay, you can take the opportunity to enjoy a coffee, stroll around the airport or simply sit and observe other passengers. If your preferred hotel is unavailable, you can widen your horizons by exploring other choices – which will in turn offer other opportunities. Traveling mindfully presents us with the chance to approach various occurrences without expectations and with an open mind, thus lowering our stress levels. Keep reading for more on mindful travel. ☺
Taking more than you need is just a burden
Every unnecessary item in your suitcase is a burden on your body and brain. While we all love having a range of options, overpacking is stressful in various ways – and a heavy bag limits one’s ability to travel easily on public transportation, for one. Bringing valuable items such as jewelry just adds stress in terms of safety and potential theft. In addition, packing less offers you the space to collect a keepsake from your trip. It reminds us Marie Kondo’s exhortation to hold on to “only what sparks joy”.
Watch, observe, participate.
New discoveries are possible even in the most familiar spots if one exercises mindfulness. In an unknown city or country, mindfulness can allow the traveler to stay in the moment while fully savoring each experience; this can be as simple as tasting a new dish or drink while breathing in new scents – each city has a distinct smell and rhythm, for instance. Mindful travel also involves being actively present where you are, rather than focusing on what might be happening in the office or at home. When traveling, starting the day with a meditation app can be helpful; if you already have a meditation practice, try to continue it in some way. Last but not least, learning a few words in the language of your destination country is helpful on a couple of levels, in communicating, as well as indicating your interest in and desire to learn more about that country.☺
Consider other possibilities if things go wrong
“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything one does have.”–Stephen Hawking
Naturally, we have expectations whenever we travel but, because we cannot control every single element, we may encounter challenges and frustrations during a trip. The mindfulness method states clearly that “every problem has more than one solution, and every error is not the end of the world. Every event can have several outcomes, each of which represents a new set of opportunities. Trust in life because we never know what will truly happen.” Just as a flexible approach is useful at work and at home, a flexible approach to travel is often crucial.
Keep a travel diary
The Nobel prize-winning writer Naguib Mahfouz said, “I cannot distinguish the difference between living and writing. Many therapists have discussed the value of recording events or feelings. Similarly, keeping a journal is one path to mindful travel. Note the details in your surroundings, or aspects that particularly resonate. In this manner, you can deepen your observations – and you have a record to remind you when you get home!
Reduce use of social media and electronic devices.
While it can be difficult to avoid social media and the news cycle, there are advantages to doing so. Mindful travel does not necessarily entail turning off your smartphones entirely but consider whether scrolling incessantly through a social media site is the best use of your time in a new destination. Again, focusing on where you are, at that moment, can deliver innumerable benefits to the brain and body as well as the spirit!
