My 2023 started with adventurous travel to Uganda and India for the first time since before the pandemic – a profound experience of getting out there in the world, and at the same time, going to new places within myself. During the pandemic, like many others, I found safe shelter within the confines of my home, but isolation takes its toll on all of us both mentally and physically. The brain craves new experiences and challenges to stay sharp and healthy. Here’s how I made the best of my international journey – almost three years in the making:
The power of leaving technology at home
For this trip, I decided to truly disconnect from work. When you do not have access or a portal to something, then it easily slips to the back of your mind. Before leaving the States, I spent weeks preparing my team to be able to step in and cover my work responsibilities while I was gone. I also focused my time and energy to get my clients to a great state on our work projects and deliverables. This allowed me to more easily transition to that relaxing state of mind…
- Researchers believe people who spend a lot of time on social media and online have less time for in-person interactions, which may negatively affect their mental health.
- People who refrained from using social networking sites for a week reported lower stress levels.
- Blue light from devices makes your brain think it’s daytime, which in turn, reduces melatonin production affecting sleep.
Traveling with a group versus traveling alone
During the planning phase, I designed my travels abroad to involve segments spent with family and friends as well as segments spent alone. Even if your travels involve others, find time to explore solo. As an independent, you are more approachable by natives and likely to engage in conversation and learn more about your surroundings. This realism was made evident during my transition from Uganda to India.
In Uganda, I traveled with a group of family and friends. We immensely enjoyed each other’s company, especially while touring different national parks and seeing the rich tapestry of land and wildlife. We explored foreign land with curiosity and courage, supported by the comfort of knowing each other and sharing in joyous moments of laughter, and group learning. Epic, new experiences together like trekking with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat or white-water rafting on the Nile River creates an unforgettable bond and story that lives on through time.
In parts of India (Auroville and Mumbai), I traveled alone. This was an entirely different experience. I needed to pay more careful attention to all the logistical details and being safe while navigating unfamiliar places. Yet, there was space for me to have more serendipitous encounters, to meet and befriend strangers, and to pivot plans based on how I was feeling in the moment. There was also stillness for me to take a scene in and have the moment all to myself. Above all, I find that traveling alone in faraway places enables a deeper coming home within.
Immersive sensory experience
The epiphany of my travels was attending my friend’s Indian wedding – an exquisite and authentic cultural experience. As the only non-Indian guest there, I immersed myself in the vibrant traditions, sights, sounds, colors, spices, and family gathering. I learned about the meaning behind the rituals and about the caste system – a social hierarchy that is carried down via families, and it can determine your fate as a profession or even the person you marry. Feeling safe, relaxed and cared for by natives enabled me to be fully present and soak in every minute of the three-day celebration.
There is something poignant that emerges each time we venture into the unknown. We learn about other cultures, rituals, and ways of life but, most importantly, we learn about ourselves in how we manage through uncertainty. Travel will inevitably serve up unexpected, unimaginable, and sometimes challenging situations that requires creative solutions that stretch you beyond your normal routine and mindset.
Traveling is a beautiful way to spend time and add richness to the quality of your life, especially when designed with intentionality and experienced with presence. It doesn’t matter whether your travels are near or far nor positive or negative. Travel can expand your aperture of world views, spark new ideas, help you to better relate to other regions, and even, deepen your appreciation for all life everywhere. I hope this blog encourages you to plan your next adventure into the unknown!
