Mindfulness can be learned and practiced anywhere. Children are masters, suspending disbelief to immerse themselves in whatever game or adventure of the imagination is at hand.
I learned mindfulness through artistic expression as a child. When I pick up a pencil or a paintbrush, all of my attention is focused on each stroke. There are no distractions, worries, or fears. The act of creation sometimes seems to take on a life of its own. Often the most beautiful elements of my work occur when things don’t go as planned. As a young artist, I learned that in these cases, I could either give up or go with the flow and find a way to incorporate the ‘flaw’ into the design.
That’s what mindfulness is. It’s about setting aside distractions in order to be aware of the current moment. It’s about letting go of the need to control a situation, and instead allowing it to be what it is. It’s about suspending judgment, and savoring the good while acknowledging and learning from the not-so-good.
Practicing mindfulness, both before and during our travels, can help us to choose our destinations well, explore those sites to the fullest, enjoy each moment of our trips, and learn lessons that will help us grow.
Welcome to mindful travel.
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