I’ve been a bit off the radar this past week; no posts, no social media activity, nada. The reason behind my slacking is that I’ve been quite busy on other fronts, and sometimes you just gotta set your priorities straight. As much as I love writing, there are other important things that need to be done.
So what have I been up to?
Well, I’m in the middle of a mindfulness course.
After all the commotion of the past years, there were a lot of things I hadn’t dealt with yet. Your mind is like a basket, the more you fill it up, the heavier it gets. Add too much and it becomes too heavy to drag all that baggage around.
Image: RelaxingMusic
I admit, I was a little sceptic at first. For the first few weeks I was unable to clear my head and it seemed like waste of time to me. But I kept doing my exercises and got better and better at turning my attention inwards. I started noticing things about myself that may have always been there, I just never stopped long enough to notice them. I’m finally starting to pay attention to my ways and the reason behind them and I must say that it’s very confronting.
I know very well that before I’m able to go and experience my trip to the fullest, I have some things to work out first. You can travel as far as you want, but wherever you go, you’ll always take yourself and your problems with you. Hopping on that plane now to just leave the situation would be escapism, and though it would be nice to be away from it all, that’s not what I’m trying to get out of it. I’m trying to make a change in my life that will benefit me in the long run and I want to make it so that I can be happy whatever my situation is.
I still have 3 months to go before I hop on the plane to Bangkok, but for me, the journey begins here. Right now, it feels like everything is falling apart, but deep down inside I know that what is really happening is that the old is crumbling to pieces, making way for something new.
I realize this isn’t the kind of post you’d expect on your average travel blog, but then again, this is my blog and honesty is of the utmost importance to me. It wouldn’t feel fair not to mention it, not when it’s such a big part of my life at the moment. Besides, an inward journey is just as important (if not more) than a physical one. Don’t worry, I’ll be back, and I promise my next post will be a bit more upbeat.
A Couple Steps Forward 
Rubella
November 16, 2012
I’m so glad you touched on this aspect of having self-awareness in relation to travel, I believe it is largely overlooked. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned when we travel we don’t necessarily leave our problems and internal woes at home we bring them with us like an invisible piece of luggage. I to have been doing a little bit of soul searching through meditation and such so that when my trip comes I will be mentally sound and ready to handle whatever comes my way, physically and spiritually. Traveling can open ones mind but they have to be ready to receive it or it’s pointless. Eating the food and seeing the sights are awesome but if you allow the culture and people to resignate within you allowing you to evolve it will be so much more rewarding. Great Post :)
miestravels
November 16, 2012
I’m planning on writing a post about the benefits of mindfulness both in life and in travel, but that will have to wait until I’m ready. Thank you, and I couldn’t have said it any better myself! :)
Kristine
November 19, 2012
I loved this post! I totally connect to the escapism part. Lately I’ve been trying to work harder to bring my priorities into order so I wouldn’t feel such an intense need to get away. I still want to travel, but I don’t feel the intense need to LEAVE anymore, haha.
And I liked that this was the kind of post that we typically wouldn’t see on a travel blog. It makes your blog unique!!
miestravels
November 26, 2012
Yeah, I’m noticing the same thing! I’ve made my peace with staying here for the time being, and am way more patient while waiting for my next trip, which is quite the progress for me, haha.
And thank you so much! :)
colette
November 21, 2012
Mindfullness is i.m.h.o. finetuning on yourself to regain more balance. That doesn’t mean ‘ living happily ever after’ because happiness is more like a state you have to learn to see it. Sometimes it’ s there, more often not.By accepting this it will be getting easier and easier dealing with not feeling happy. This is although something completely different then feeling unhappy of course. Love to read the effort you put in losing your ‘garbage’ or walking around it without noticing the nasty smell. But don’t try too hard, sometimes let feelings be what they are without putting direct action to it.
miestravels
November 26, 2012
In my opinion you’re spot on.It’s a beautiful thing, mindfulness. For me it has been an experience of observing myself without judgement, for the first time. I’ve been recognizing my patterns and have been accepting emotions for what they are. I’m learning how to filter my thoughts, or at least let them pass by without feeling the immediate need to act upon them. I think it’s a valuable lesson that everyone could benefit from!