There is an expression "wherever you go, there you are." With money and time and good enough health it is now relatively easy to travel anywhere in the world. More difficult are visiting places within ourselves, not dependent on time, money, or even health. Here at 7 such places, highly recommended to visit on a regular basis, almost always available. No reservations are required:
1 - Mindfulness - This word mindfulness literally means remembering, not forgetting who we are and what we are doing. What really matters to us? Are we remembering our breath, our feelings, the air we breathe, our loved ones. Are we remembering those who nurtured us, gave to us and taught us? This is a terrific place to visit on a regular basis -- no matter where we go.
2 - Curiosity - A marvelous place to explore; our interest and openness to the world we live in. Where did I come from and where am I going. Who are these people around me, really? Not being caught by narrow and limiting ideas and ideologies. Exploring, opening, wondering. Please, experiment with visiting this place of wonder and awe. Who knows what you will find?
3 - Energy - This place offers the possibility of looking deeply into the wonder and mystery of being alive; feeling the energy in our breathing, our heart beating, the energy of our minds and bodies. This is the gift and place of choosing how we embrace and utilize our energy, our actions, the abilities we have been given. This is the place of using our energy to help, to heal, to connect.
4 - Ease - Another terrific place to visit; letting go of stress and distractions, sometimes right in the middle of offering help, of being there for others. Accepting what is, not retreating into denial or busyness, but feeling the ease of maturity, the ease of accepting our full power and responsibility. See if you can find this place on your own map.
5 - Joy - This is the place of acceptance, of seeing what is right in the world and in ourselves and not focusing only on what is wrong, or on what is missing. Joy may be even deeper and more available than happiness; finding joy no matter what the circumstances. Try visiting this place regularly.
6 - Concentration - Not an easy place to visit these days, as we are bombarded by choices, by information, and by technology. Concentration means to be able to focus on one thing at a time, and also to expand our awareness, so that we are not fooled by having a narrow focus. Concentration is a combination of joy and ease, a kind of evenness, of acceptance. We concentrate to enjoy and accept each moment of our lives.
7 - Letting go - Ah, a terrific place to visit; not a place of not caring or indifference, but letting go of our petty concerns, and embedded ideas, habits, and ways. Visiting this place of letting go, we find that we may discover we have lots of love and acceptance for ourselves and for everyone. Isn't this a place worth visiting?
So, please, enjoy your travels. No waiting in lines. No hassles. No worries about airport security. Miles per gallon are boundless. This kind of travel is good for your health, the environment, and good for those around you.