Readers’ Forum: Landscapes of Liberation
Photo by McKay Savage, Flickr Creative Commons
I’ve been on the road a lot lately, and it reminds me once again that travel can be a tool for freedom, if we use it consciously that way.
Recalling journeys I’ve taken to places across the U.S. and to Asia, I am remembering how some places brought forward something unique in my spirit. In New Orleans, my sensual side comes out; in Thailand, I experience a way of being light in heart; in the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico, waves of creativity and inspiration move through me.
I’d love to hear from you — what’s your experience of travel? Are there certain landscapes or cities that bring out different aspects of your personality? How does travel cultivate freedom for you? And where are you headed next? (I mean that in every sense! Inner and outer journeys…)
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8 Comments
I love travel! I have serious wander lust to the point where I have to remind myself that I am okay where I am and as I am… because I do get a bit caught up in the seeking nature of traveling. I tend to fool myself into thinking that if I do this and that everything will be perfect and easy and beautiful. But I still love travel and have made a point to travel to one far away spot a year – if not more than once a year if I can financially swing it (and get the time off). Last year I went to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The most amazing part of the trip was that for years I had vowed to go to Asia and then I did. It is a surreal feeling to realize “that crazy thing you thought you might do” you actually did! It is such a powerful feeling. It also helped me realize that while I had an amazing-life-changing-time on that trip, the actual experience did not bring me any closer to the peace, happiness and acceptance that I am constantly seeking. I realized that it is great to plan and travel to all these different places but the true joy and peace comes from where I am right now. I must remember this! Anyway, Peru is on my list for this year and likely Alaska next year. I have a dream to travel constantly but I am just waiting for the universe to show me the signs that this is what is meant for me on my path. Until then (if then!) I live and enjoy with what I have and am given.
January 25, 2013
Kaylin, I know that feeling as well… hoping that a journey will be the magic bullet I am looking for. Which is ironic, because I believe the whole point of these travels is that it’s the journey that matters more so than the destination. But we humans can fool ourselves so effectively : )
Wow, Peru and Alaska… what a great wish list! May it be so for you, and until then, may you be content where you are!
January 26, 2013
Thank you! : )
January 29, 2013
Maia,
I do so love this question! I love to travel and experience how other people see the world. It makes me question what is strange. I am constantly struck by the kindness of strangers and how many others are like me – curious about the wider world and open to many experiences.
The time I spent in SE Asia 2 years ago was like an extended yoga practice. I noticed myself contracting and I would give myself permission to oscillate, to go inward and then go back out. I often travel with my family, and it is a time of sweet connection that I cherish.
And then there is the coming home, which is always the sweetest moment. As much as I enjoy going out, there is nothing like returning.
January 23, 2013
I love the feel of this! One day last week, I chose to play tourist in my city…poking into local art galleries, taking photos of the local gardens, enjoying an olive oil tasting at a local shop…things I tend to do only if visitors are around.
That is symbolic of my current journey, my travels are to look at all that I have, including self, with fresh sight, to really feel the abundance and enjoy the wonder and inspiration in it all…to open my heart to a depth beyond “familiar”…to celebrate all of *this*. I am in the seeding stages of a dream, one in which lots of travel will be involved, and I want to make sure to fully appreciate *here* before going “there”.
January 22, 2013
Joy, that’s fantastic! It takes a creative impulse to see what’s all around us every day with fresh eyes, with beginner’s mind. What a wonderful exercise in mindfulness. Actually, it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Shunryu Suzuki Roshi — “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
Thanks for sharing with us here…
January 22, 2013
Hi Maia, yes travel for me is freedom too. Travel makes my heart and soul sing…I love nothing more than to go off the beaten track and explore side streets/roads etc. when I’m traveling. Travel helps you grow in ways you just can’t in day to day life and makes you step out of your comfort zone on so many levels – well it does for me anyway :). My biggest growth came when I spent 5months in 2011 in Bali volunteer teaching at a Yayasan and meeting my sponsor child and his family – life changing on so many levels. I’m heading back there this year for some more and also to India for the first time. I feel alive in these 3rd world countries – life is hard, life is basic, but it’s also ‘real’ – what you see is what you get. I love it! (Vietnam is another favourite place). Thanks for your post Maia x
January 22, 2013
Paula, I know exactly what you are talking about. I was in Bali and Borneo for a month back in 1995 and found it to be an amazing immersion in cultures completely different from my own. There is a vitality and an un-censored quality to life in those countries that is extremely compelling to me. Hope you have a wonderful time on your journeys this year!
January 22, 2013