Maintaining a spiritual connection while you’re on vacation or on a business trip can be challenging, but it is possibile to be energized and soothed with “spirituality on the road”! These tips for spirituality while traveling will help you stay connected to your source of peace and power…whatever that may be.
Before the tips, a quip:
“So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain.
I don’t know how spiritual Mark Twain was, but he was a seasoned traveler! He encouraged people not to have regrets, and to live fully for today. Part of living fully is nurturing your sense of the divine and your belief in things bigger than yourself….even when you’re on vacation. To stay spiritual while traveling, read The Mindful Traveler: A Guide to Journaling and Transformative Travel. And, here are five tips for “spirituality on the road”…
Spirituality on the Road – 5 Tips for the Mindful Traveler
1. Be open to new types of worship or spirituality. When I was in Jerusalem a few years ago, I went to a synagogue and was awed by the reverence of the devoted Jewish men and women. When I was in Maui a few months ago, I went to “church on the beach,” led by a spiritual, loving, devoted Christian woman. When I was in Turkey, I visited several mosques and attended two services. Each of these experiences added to my trips and my sense of spirituality; they showed me how different people live out their beliefs in different ways. To be mindful travelers, we must be open to experiencing not just a new country, but a new way of worshiping and believing.
2. Find a small group of believers or spiritual seekers. Instead of simply attending a worship service, seek out a discussion group or workshop on spirituality. As a Christian, I love attending “home groups” or small group discussions of Scripture and spirituality – and I especially enjoy finding those groups in faraway countries! Find a local church or spiritual organization, and ask if you can attend for a session. It’s a great way to meet local people with – or without – the same beliefs as you.
3. Download books or bring books on tape – make time for your spirituality. My favorite way to increase my spiritual growth while traveling is to bring Wayne Dyer and other books on tape – especially if we’re going on a road trip. I love listening to and discussing Dyer’s inspirational wisdom and practical life tips – and the bonus is that it strengthens my spiritual connection with my husband. To be a mindful traveler, take time to listen to books and CDs that both challenge and feed your spirit.
4. Stay in a convent, break bread with a monk, or sign up for a retreat. My husband and I stayed at a convent in Italy – and just being there improved our connection to God! We don’t practice the Catholic faith, but there was a sense of peace and reverence in that convent that permeated our minds and moods. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, take time to explore the spiritual or religious opportunities. Maybe there’s a nearby weekend or day retreat, a lecture from a spiritual guru, or an opportunity to visit a monastery.
5. Pray or meditate at a different time of day. This is one of my favorite tips for spirituality, even when I’m not traveling. Break free from a spiritual rut by praying in the morning instead of at night, or saying grace after your delicious meal instead of before. Mediate or read inspirational books right after lunch – or right before lunch, to avoid post-meal stupor! A vacation is a great time to change your spiritual habits and behaviors, and make room for healthy spiritual growth.
If you have any questions or thoughts on being a mindful traveler, please comment below…
I loved reading about your spiritual experiences while travelling, Laurie. I can hardly wait until I go rving and check out spiritual centers enroute.
Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Openness =-.