Ah, the joys of travel! Leaving our everyday
responsibilities behind to venture out into the unknown, to freedom and new
landscapes of the heart, sounds simply divine.
Yet, when we think of travel, our focus will likely be on
all of the fun we plan to have. We may not consider, however, what a great
opportunity we'll have for personal growth, too. For when we venture outside of
our predictable routines, our comfort zones, we are invited to learn and grow
ourselves. Situation upon situation, we'll be reminded of our likes and
dislikes, what pushes our buttons, and what brings us joy. And as an old adage
claims, "Change is inevitable, growth is optional." So this year when
you find yourself traveling to wonderful new places consider chronicalling your
inner travel, as well. You can begin by keeping a travel journal. Here are a
few tips to get started.
1. Select a spiral notebook, 5 x 7 inches is perfect for
fitting into a purse or backpack. It's easy to use and comfortable to write in
no matter where you are. Purchase some different color gel pens, smooth gliding
ones, for effortless writing. These also come in handy for drawing pictures,
diagrams, or just making your pages fun and lively.
2. Explore what is the best time of day for you to record
the details of your wanderings. First thing in the morning, reflecting on the
previous day's events? Or at night, when the day is done? Perhaps, like me, you
might like to make little notes to yourself all along the way.
When my husband and I drove from Michigan to Florida a while
long ago, I kept my spiral notebook in the front seat with me. I jotted down
everything from funny billboard sayings to remembrances of stunning scenery.
Making brief notations in the
moment is helpful. You can go back and add colorful details later. Despite my
best intentions of writing in the morning or at night (too busy in the morning;
too tired at night), I found I was more of write-it-down-before-I-forget-it
sort of gal. Each of us must find our own rhythm.
3. Tune your senses up to high and write with childlike
wonder. Really see, listen, touch, smell all that surrounds you. You may have
never seen these sites before and you may never see them again. Take time to
fully experience and describe the sensations you're experiencing.
4. Notice how you feel, name that feeling, and jot it down.
At least you've recorded it and you can expand upon it later. Here are a few of
my noticings from memorable trips:
Canyon de Chelley, AZ: "Very emotional, teary, as if
deeply held by Mother Earth herself. This canyon feels like a safe womb, and I
do not want to leave."
The Gulf of Mexico, FL: "Relief! Breathing space. I can
see forever. I feel home."
SRF Meditation Gardens, Encinitas, CA. "I have never
seen such stunning natural beauty crafted by man' s hands before. I feel like I
am walking through the Garden of Eden itself. True peace is here for me."
5. If you find yourself reluctant to write, or are moving
from one place to another very quickly, buy a duplicate postcard picturing each
place you visit. Send one to a friend and keep one for yourself, briefly
writing on the back what you did there and what your impressions were.
6. Allow yourself to creatively play within the pages of
your travel journal. Add drawings, if you like, or paste in photos. Use paints
or markers, glue and scissors, if you're inclined to turn your efforts into a
real scrapbook. Let go of any "shoulds" and simply have fun with
yourself.
7.Take real reflection time now and then to think back on
what you've just experienced. Note how it impacted you. Don't edit or critique
your entries, just write from your heart and record what comes up in the
moment. Ponder how different you now feel from when your journey first began.
What are you learning about yourself? How have you grown from having been here?
Most of all, enjoy your journey of inner travel. Get to know
yourself all over again in the shadow of majestic mountains. Gaze upon the real
you reflected in a crystal clear lake. Reconnect with your truest self wherever
you are.
Your travel journal will serve as a keepsake of this
memorable journey home to yourself.
2 comments:
This was wonderful, Jan...lovely hints for enhancing our journeys, both inner and outer. I adore travel, more so when alone but also with a companion when we click, and while I like to select destinations, once I begin, the journey is the gift, not the destination. My husband only really wants the destination (so we don't travel much together, which is fine). We laughed about it and said that I like the "whole cake" whereas he is more about the icing, the finishing touch, the shiny richness. Not the best comparison, but it's what arose when he and I were talking. :). Have a glorious journey!!
Sounds like excellent advice, not only for travel, but for day to day living! :-)
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