In a recent post that appeared on one of the social media sites for slow travel, someone asked:
“How do you “fill your time” with everyday life? What fills your days, weeks, etc? I read about “enjoy the adventures”, but am not sure how to make everyday life staying in an area adventurous?”
For me, it’s not about filling time. It’s about going slow, meandering, allowing experiences to unfold, following your intuition. No lists, no busyness, no boxes to tick.
Just be
It can be about watching the world go by… you might say just be and savour what’s happening now, the sweet moments. However, it’s more, it’s also about being a participant, not just an observer.
Do something new
To be adventurous, that’s about letting go of the everyday habits we’ve been attached to and going out and trying different things… discovering new places, meeting different people, talking to locals, enjoying the cuisine. Don’t be shy – put yourself out there! Yes, it can feel uncomfortable striking up a conversation with a stranger, you may just make a new friend.
What do you enjoy?
Let your interests lead the way. What is important to you, what is meaningful, what do you really enjoy? If you love walking and being in nature, there are walks to enjoy wherever you go…by the beach, through a forest, in a garden, even around the city. If you have an interest in history or art or architecture, explore that in each place you visit. Talk to people, ask questions, listen to their stories – connect. Take a train journey to experience the beauty of landscapes that may be inaccessible by other forms of transport – it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the energy of the country you’re exploring.
Volunteering
You might consider volunteering. What could you offer based on who you are rather than what you’ve always done? Find the local community centre and discover what’s happening, what might be needed. Through volunteering, you make a contribution and connect more deeply with local people. It will also give some structure to your day!
Pack a Journal
A journal can be a source of inspiration and reflection, so consider having some time each day to write about your experiences. Travelling is full of awe-inspiring moments, however its easy to forget the little things.