Travel Diaries: Waves
I’ve experienced so much on the road. I’ve collected stories, pals, and of course second hand clothes. But the real beauty of my travels is how I’m drawing closer to myself. The highs, lows, blissfully beautiful and scary shadowy parts of inner me are constantly illuminated and magnetized. I have no choice but to deal. For this, I am grateful.
You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf - Jon Kabat-Zinn
It makes sense. Solo travel is an individual sport, a spiritual journey, the fulfillment of my dreams served with a side of the inevitable reality of disappointments. On some level, that is exactly what I hoped when I embarked into this lifestyle.
I’m learning how to ride the emotional waves. I’m far from graceful, not close to mastery but I’ve created a list of my tied and true methods. It’s a reminder for me and, I hope, a help to you along your personal journey inward.
Lonely
Self soothe by massaging your feet and neck
Listen to a podcast with familiar voices
Call a favorite friend or fam
Loopy
Do a grounding meditation
Unroll the yoga mat for a floor based practice
Hand to heart and belly. Just breathe
Doubtful of your power/strength/smarts
Psssh! Pull out receipts
Blast Lizzo
“I just took a DNA test. Turns out I'm 100%
that👏🏾 bitch👏🏾”
Lackluster energy
Dance! Freestyle or learn a choreography from the youtubes
Sing the song that is on your heart
Read or Journal to get out of your head
Stuck
Give yourself a deadline to make a decision
There is no right or wrong way, only the way I choose
What's your immediate next step? K. Do it.
Out of Ideas
Ask for help. From new buddies, strangers, your angels, Goddess. They want to help you
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”― The Alchemist
Bored
Sit with that
Remind yourself what a luxury it is to feel boredom
Overly Busy
Reevaluate your priorities
Unapologetically remove energy vampires
Feeling Behind
Effe that. There is no such thing as a life template. Everything in perfect order and in perfect timing
Clenching to something/someplace
Remember the yogic principle of “Aparigraha.” Non- attachment to outcomes
Remove expectations. Simply be. Simply allow
You can't see all possibilities if you are holding onto one
Prolonged Chill Mode
Write down one mission for the day. Just one. Something that will move the needle forward. Now do it- no excuses. Tomorrow, complete the magic number, three.
Bonus: Lyrics Mood Boosters
“Refer to me as a goddess, I'm tired of being modest”
“…I am being pulled by something greater than me. And I intend to walk until my vision's clear and mind is still. Following that subtle voice within.”
“Cause I, I'm in love with my future. Can't wait to meet her”
“Woo, look up in the mirror, oh my God, it's me…I'm a prodigy. I'ma do my thing, no apologies”
"You must always know how long to stay and when to go.”
“I am divinity defined. I am the God on the inside. I am a star, a piece of it all. I am…”