Travel changes us in ways large and small. These stories explore how intentional planning, mindful traveling, and meaningful reflection can evolve a trip from a checklist into a transformational experience. Read more stories of mindful travel.
Planning Intentionally
My call to adventure was an invite from my dad and stepmom to join them in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on Portuguese territories I’d never visited: Azores and Madeira. The natural beauty of those two places was also calling me, appealing to nostalgia for my peaceful and awe-inspiring years as a part-timer on Hawaii Island—I wished to reconnect with that old version of myself.
My intentions while planning were to spend quality time with family reconnecting outside usual responsibilities—unplugging from work for me—and to restart healthy practices such as meditation, physical therapy, and gratitude journaling that I dropped during “real life” of my isolating job hunched over a laptop. It was obvious even to myself that I was ready to replace anxiety, tension, and ingratitude with calm, ease, and appreciation.
A feeling of doubt loomed the week before the trip. Thoughts of cancellation abounded with serious health, weather, and airline issues. I thought about not-proud travel moments in the past in which setbacks greatly upset me enough to shut down or experience physical maladies driven by anxiety. I realized that I wasn’t stressing. What was I doing instead? I was able to reframe any arrival as a win considering the obstacles. It kept me calm to remember that I can only control my actions, not sickness, blizzards, or airplanes.
Traveling Mindfully
The lush landscape and raw nature of Sao Miguel Island soothed me. Strong feelings of peace, relaxation, and awe came to me at Sete Cidades’ crater lakes or Parque Terra Nostra’s geothermal pools. At Mosteiros’ black sand beach, the rhythm of big rocks washing in and out with the waves was meditative, bringing back feelings that I treasured daily in Hawaii.
I enjoyed family chats over picnic lunches amongst trees, over dinners in cobblestone alleys, or over the coffee table in our AirBnB living room. We talked about topics big and small. One of my favorites was asking Dad his opinion (and perception of his mother’s opinion) of moving in 1958 to unimproved land where basics like running water and sewer needed to be established. Summary: They weren’t huge fans of that part.
Our group grew when my daughter joined the adventure in-progress. Among our highlights was a wonderful visit to the beautiful Madeira Botanical Garden. I loved sharing a super delicious tea service as a family at Reid’s Palace. Watching my daughter interact with her grandparents reinforced for me what a great relationship they have across generations and what a blessing that is for them.
Outside my normal context of home and work, I found it easy to make the few minutes of time to reset my daily practices of meditation, physical therapy, and gratitude. It felt like a big accomplishment—the benefits of these actions made the unplugging more powerful.
Reflecting Meaningfully
With obligations of work set aside on vacation, it was easy to spend quality time with family I care deeply about. We shared old stories and had deep discussions, things that time crunches don’t allow. We even discussed future trips together, something time away from home often allows.
Time spent staring at gorgeous natural landscapes further unplugged my brain from the grind. This sense of awe is something that I seek anytime I walk out my door. (I have been known to shed a tear at every visit to the Grand Canyon.) Including the wonders of nature elevated this trip as expected.
I was proud to approach 100% on my daily self-care practices that I know bring ease to my life. I acknowledge that my dedication could be much better at home. My biggest takeaway from this trip was remembering how to take care of myself and remembering that I am capable of doing it.