Greeting from a Bhutanese child
A few times a week during the summer, I sit in the Music tent in Aspen, Colorado, where the annual Music Festival takes place. Of course, I could listen to recordings, but nothing equals live performances. The same applies to travel. Although I have traveled so many times in my imagination through books, documentaries and websites, nothing replaces the real experience of traveling.
Here are eight lessons I learned from travel:
1. Our own way of living is not “the way.” There are many other ways. It is well-known that travel brings a sense of perspective to our own lives. Exploring different cultures and being exposed to many other spaces, sights, tastes, smells or sounds revives our senses and widens our awareness. We may realize that some habits we cling to are just habits, habits that could easily be changed and in some cases replaced by healthier, more sustainable ones. For example in Asia, getting up early and retiring early for the night is what people do. This is better for their health and it saves electricity.
2. There are wonderful people everywhere. These last months, daily news have been filled with reports of violence at home and abroad, contributing to feelings of fear, insecurity and maybe even hesitation regarding traveling. Yes indeed, our world is experiencing crises at many levels. However, first, we have to acknowledge that such random acts of violence may happen anywhere. Secondly, when we travel, we are often surprised by all the nice people we meet, whether they are fellow travelers or locals. We realize that, even if our lives and cultures differ, we are all human beings experiencing the same emotions and desires.
3. Communication goes far beyond language barriers. The lack of knowledge of the local language can sometimes be a problem, but travelers will tell you that a smile goes a long way. Many of us have found our route just with smiles and gestures. Personally, I like to know the words “Hello” and “Thank you” in the language of the country I am traveling in. This simple sign of respect and acknowledgement of a different language brings a smile and, at times, a laugh as local people are used to hearing travelers mainly speak English...
4. We can adapt more than we think.Travel can present stressful situations such as a delayed flight, a bad weather week, or an uncomfortable place to stay. We can take this opportunity to choose to adapt and accept what is rather than letting our mind react. A change of itinerary will not deprive us from having a great time. A different food might provide a sense of adventure.
It becomes a metaphor for adapting to the circumstances in our life. At the end of the day, we will have learned that we can adapt to a lot more than we thought.
5. It is possible to disconnect.In today’s world, we seem to be unable to live one day without a phone, a computer or other electronic device. Travel is an amazing opportunity to disconnect. In most cases, there is nothing we can do regarding major world happenings. Longing to stay in contact with our family is natural, but do we ever remember how we lived a few years ago before the time of cell phones? My experience is that, if there is a emergency that requires us to be contacted, circumstances will make it possible.
6. To reconnect with our self helps connecting with others. Disconnecting from news and constant signals from our electronics facilitates living more in the present, enabling us to start reconnecting with who we are really. We are not are thoughts or daily actions. We are a human beings. Being in the present, we can open up more to the people we meet and thus enjoy and learn from our present experience.
7. Gratitude brings more abundance. Some people cannot travel very far because of means, time or health. I have fortunately been able to explore remote places, especially in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. I have enjoyed trekking and meeting local people. I have been exposed to the Tibetan culture and the practice of meditation, which has helped me to evolve personally and professionally. Today I am a teacher of Primordial Sound Meditation, trained at The Chopra center: http://www.chopra.com/
8. Sharing with others is rewarding to me and brings enjoyment to my friends.A trip does not have to stop when you come home.Taking photos and/or writing a journal is a nice way to keep a journey alive. We always remember the highlights of a trip but may easily forget little details which made the journey special. Photos and notes are also very helpful when wanting to make a rich presentation to my friends. Coming home is always nice, like coming back to my nest. But I enjoy lasting memories, the influence they have on my life and the inspiration they can be for other people to travel. You can find some on my blog: http://www.catherinecussaguet.com/blog/
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Before You Go
