While mindfulness has become a bit of buzzword in the West over the last few years, it is a practice that has been around for centuries. With its roots in Buddhist practice, it is a spiritual concept that encourages the practitioner to immerse themselves in the present moment. The goal of this is to bring about better awareness of ongoing experiences without judgement or expectations and accept the present as it comes.
This is known to reduce stress and anxiety, boost concentration and give people better tools to deal with difficult emotions – which is something that life coach and mindfulness practitioner Isis Monteverde knows from first-hand experience.
What Is Mindful Travel?
Mindful travel is a way of travelling that helps the traveller to get more out of their trip. It is about taking it slow and taking the time to become fully immersed in the local scenery and culture. This not only helps to see the travel destination in a different light but also offers a better chance for true relaxation. Travelling with a more mindful mindset can help to cultivate a more meaningful and deeper travel experience and turn a standard holiday into something much more memorable.
Where to Start With Mindful Travel
The best place to start is by practicing mindfulness in everyday life. Once a mindful mindset is part of a daily routine, it is easier to put it into practice in a travel setting. When actually travelling, travel light. The more luggage and belongings there are to take care of and worry about, the more chance there is for extra stress and disconnection.
Planning ahead is also important, and setting specific mindfulness intentions for a trip can help to keep the mind in focus. This could be taking part in a mindful activity such as a meditation workshop or picking a scenic walk to take in peaceful solitude.
How to Stay Mindful During Your Trip
Making the decision to stay away from the internet and social media during travel can have a major impact on the overall experience. Equally, while it is good to set some goals, mindful travel is more about the journey than the destination, so setting aside a strict travel schedule and going with the flow is usually the better option. This may help with discovering new, unexpected experiences that might have otherwise been missed. Take it slow, let go of expectations and enjoy the journey.