Why Travel Nourishes the Soul

August 21, 2019

I'm not sure I remember the first time the sight of an airplane made me feel hopeful, but I know now how important travel has come to be in my life. Though I love my home, when I've been in California for too long, I feel a visceral need to visit a far-flung place. Travel has given me the touch and access to culture, people, and destinations that are so distinct. International travel has given me a balance in my life. 

Travel offers balance to the traveler

At times, daily life pressures even the most organized, productive person. I find myself mired in the details of crafting jewelry and the logistics of building a business, and I fall into a trap of thinking about what I can be doing better. Even a short trip can help me re-balance my thoughts and priorities. Spending time and immersing myself in a beautiful place that doesn't represent my everyday life is a privilege for which I'm truly grateful. 

Extended travel enhances life in different ways

When I'm lucky enough to travel for extended periods, I feel the way travel nourishes my soul even more fully. Walking through markets frequented by locals, feeling the rhythm of a new place as I learn where to find the best midday meals, those are the moments when I feel tension fall from my shoulders. Waking up, day after day, in a place where the light streams through the windows in an unfamiliar way gives me new perspective on my worries, my plans, and my dreams. 

Travel provides better understanding of global issues

Travel doesn't only allow me a glimpse into the beauty found across the globe. Issues like lack of access to clean water always seem important, but spending time with the people who lack a nearby clean water source turns a theoretical issue into a practical one. Bringing awareness to a cause helps, but digging a well in an underserved village makes a tangible difference. I wouldn't have the opportunity to experience that without the grace of travel.

My travel experiences enhance my life and my soul in a way few things can. The access to cultures offers a way to enrich my daily life, and I wouldn't be the person I am without it. 

In what ways does travel enhance your life? 

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