Why Travel?

There are many reasons to travel.  Seeing new places.  Having new experiences. Change of routine. A bucket list. 

These in fact represent some of the surface reasons, the to dos. 

There are also deeper “whys” that tend not to be asked.  The reasons that are connected to who you want to be and who you want to become. 

Travel has the potential to transform, to create real lasting change, if we approach it with more intention and asking how we want to be rather than what we want to do. Consider … 

That age old question: “what do I want to be when I grow up?” This defines the what versus the how.

 People tend to have many roles, moving from one job or career during a lifetime. The question makes less sense now than ever.  

 “Growing up” never sat right with me. Having level of maturity, of knowing myself, yes.  Yet, as important, is being open to rediscovering myself. 

How do I want to be? How do I want to be, now?  

I want to be patient, kind, aware and present. I want to be playful and joyful, laughing and a good listener. To be there for myself to care for my body, through exercise and enough quality sleep, healthy diet. 

I want to be of service and know that the potential of my purpose here on earth is realized. 

Travel is a practice that invites the becoming. 

It requires some intention.  And a slowing down.  Getting away from the day-to-day routine invites this the slowing down. Yet, how common to pack your days full of activities rather than intentionally allowing for open space to be unscheduled, to wonder, to wander, to walk or be still, to watch, listen, be curious?

My traveling parents used to “people watch”.  Sitting at a café, a place to literally watch the world and people go by. 

Travel is a sensual experience. Taking in new sights, new sounds, new surroundings, with greater awareness of one’s interaction with these things.  We tend not to be so attentive to the smells and sights and variety in our home environment. When outside of the familiar, there is heightened awareness, a level of attention, of focus to experience fully.

Yet, this is possible anywhere.  There are many people in the world who are not able to travel, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is war and repression.  A hard truth and something to contend with and acknowledge, as someone who does have the means to move about. 

I believe there is a place of joy inside each of us.  No matter who we are.  And that travel can be a means to discover this place.  Having a traveler’s mindset wherever you are brings this forth. 

One of the best ways to access the power of what travel can do is to take a walk. Walking in nature especially rich, but any type of walk can bring more presence.  Moving our bodies in this way is an ancient practice. 

Walking Mentorship, a self-development program, has four pillars at its core, a framework: slow down, reconnect, gain perspective, and take action.  

It asks to go a bit below the surface. What is important to you at this time? 

My approach also includes writing, drumming, meditation, breathwork.  These are some of the many ways to tap into the parts of us that bring greater alignment and connection with the deeper knowing that exists. To discover greater clarity, feeling sense of purpose.  

Where are you in your life?  Is there something stirring or sitting below the surface that you want to bring forth. 

Are you unsure of your path?  Are there dreams that you yearn to fulfill, or have put aside? 

We are each here for a relatively short time on this earth. You are the only one of you that will ever exist.  Expressing that you, not just from the place of your thoughts and fears, but from a place that is from your heart, your being, your full awakened, conscious self.  

A live it list … what are 100 things you want to put on that list?  

Bring it on, what are you waiting for? 

Melinda is excited about her role to serve as travel coach, walking mentor, and transformational travel designer. Supporting people to connect the dots, discover your whys and nurture your greatest potential toward human flourishing! Oh, and as a pickleball travel expert, coach, and group leader – let’s play and connect and live this life fully, with grace and love.