Sometimes life becomes busy and we are unable to travel. Sometimes it’s so busy that we struggle to find time for ourselves. Yes, the time came to get things accomplished efficiently. And then it became a routine—under normal circumstances, we all eat, work (in some capacity of the word), go outside, and interact with other people every day. But who says your routine can’t be interesting? Bring a fresh perspective to your day and watch as this mental shift ripples into your mood, your relationships, and your future experiences. Start where you are and create the shift.
EXPLORE THE FAMILIAR
- Food—Everyone eats and we like it! Fun! Try as many restaurants with global influences as you can find. If you feel like you have already done that, order items you have never tried on the menu. Don’t let your sense of adventure fade, even with the small choices.
- Work—OK, this one is not the most exciting. Or maybe it is? Here’s the truth: we spend a majority of our day devoting our precious life energy to some sort of work endeavor. Whether you are sitting in an office or you are a stay-at-home parent, think of a way you can incorporate wanderlust back into your life. If you’re a parent, teach your child about a different country. Use props or video. Make it fun. Let them ask the wild questions. A child’s curiosity is enough to reignite the wonder of life in anyone. At the office, maybe bring a travel-inspired dish to the work potluck? It might stir up some interesting conversation and travel stories from people. Or you could take on a new role or task—learning about some previously unknown aspect of your job. You are still cultivating a sense of adventure, change, curiosity, and wonder.
- Nature—You likely have not canvassed every single park and trail around the area you live. Look at a map, pick one, and go for a nature hike. Not only are you exploring a new place, but you are outside. Just the action of placing yourself outside in nature and quietly taking it in is so invigorating to the human spirit. Breathe it in and enjoy.
- People—Everyone has a story. Human beings are infinitely interesting if you take the time to know and understand them. You might find yourself on a mini adventure with your grandmother as she tells you about her life growing up. Pose some new questions to the people you see every day. Re-establish stillness and listening within your relationships. Experience the depth of another human being’s life experience. We run around focusing on our own so much, we sometimes forget all the life experiences floating around in other people’s lives. Listen to their stories.
If you want to satiate your wanderlust further, check out how to Move Your Body and Treat Yourself. If you loved the idea of exploring the depth of the people in your life, we’ll expand on that concept with Connect with People.
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Outer truth-seeking journalist turned inner truth-seeking yogi, Nicole Harris now writes freelance and teaches yoga. Her practice on the mat began in Minnesota in 2011 and eventually led her to teaching in Florida. Her true passion is to cultivate awareness and live from that honest, real space as much as possible. She finds her quickest ways to get there are through nature, adventure, and travel. The deepest way is through a meditative yoga practice.