What is “Mindful Travel?”

Have you ever considered the impacts that tourism can have on a community and its people? 

What about how travel can impact your own wellbeing?

And in today’s society, is travel even sustainable anymore, or is it just excessive? 

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When traveling, it is so easy to get caught up in logistical matters, to only think about our next moves and to miss out on what is happening around us. 

Practicing mindfulness as you travel helps you to slow down and maximize your experience of being somewhere else, while also minimizing harm to others and the environment. Whether it’s to the park down the road or to your dream destination halfway across the globe.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Cut the New Age crap and tell me what the hell “Mindful Travel” even means.

Mindful travel (or responsible travel) simply means being aware of the decisions you make while traveling, as they most likely will have an impact on the environment and local communities.

Some of the ways that mindful travel can be acknowledged during your adventures includes deep cultural immersions, meaningful connections, purposeful experiences, cultivating community, intentional choices, humility, respect, learning, and un-learning. 

When all is said and done, mindful travel is all about being fully immersed in the present moment and into experiences by giving meaning to your existence and the existence of others. 

One of my yoga instructors recently introduced me to the term Asteya and how important the virtue of ‘non-stealing’ is in order to lead an intentional life. This goes beyond the literal act of stealing or taking something that does not belong to you. It encompasses a broader concept of refraining from any form of dishonesty or greed in order to cultivate a mindset of contentment, gratitude, and integrity.

In each moment, especially when traveling, we have the opportunity to experience a vast array of emotions and sensations – yet we tend to cling only to those which seem pleasant and enjoyable. By latching onto a seemingly positive experience and avoiding a seemingly negative one, we are unconsciously stealing the experience of the present moment from ourselves. 

Do not rob yourself of experiencing life as it is. 

When our focus is unbalanced and outward, it can lead us to compare ourselves with others. For example, if someone is telling us about an upcoming trip they have planned, we may feel the need to tell them about a more exciting trip we have been planning or we may simply let them know we have already been where they are going. Either way, we turn the focus of the conversation to us and steal the energy from the other person. 

In addition to its application in the context of personal conduct, Asteya can also be extended to societal and environmental dimensions. It encourages individuals and communities to work towards creating a just and equitable society, where resources are distributed fairly and the environment is preserved for future generations.

While traveling, not only do we unconsciously steal from ourselves and from others, but we steal from the Earth. We forget that we are merely just visitors in this world by taking ownership of everything that surrounds us. We have created a world in which the bounty of the Earth is for the individual and not the community. 

Asteya asks us to practice the inherent gift of life… take only what we need and give something back in return. 

It asks us to turn the focus away from others and instead, to turn toward ourselves in a way that allows us to grow. From this place of fullness of our own talents and skills, we are serving the world and not stealing from it.

When traveling, what are some ways that we can practice the concept of Asteya? What does this non-stealing look like while we’re on vacation?

Maybe we experiment with the idea of surrender. Letting go of your travel habits and expectations is an excellent way to be a more mindful traveler. It offers you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and allow the trip to unfold at its natural pace.

Minimizing your environmental impact is a phenomenal way to ensure that you are not stealing from Mother Earth. Some examples of this include being mindful of your energy and water consumption, reducing waste, respecting protected areas, following designated trails, and not disturbing natural habitats/ wildlife.

Lastly, consider engaging in activities that benefit the local community or environment. This could involve volunteering for local organizations, participating in community projects, or supporting conservation efforts. Contribute positively to the places you visit, leaving them better than you found them.

To wrap everything up, mindful travel offers us an opportunity to embark on transformative journeys that go beyond sightseeing and leisure. It is a conscious and intentional approach to exploring the world, guided by principles of respect, empathy, and sustainability. 

By practicing Asteya while traveling, we can foster a deeper connection with the places we visit and leave a positive impact on the communities and environments we encounter. 

So, let us embark on our future travels with mindfulness, embracing Asteya as our compass. Let us tread lightly, respect wholeheartedly, and give back generously. By doing so, we can become conscious global citizens, contributing to a more harmonious and sustainable world. 

Together, we can create a future where travel becomes a catalyst for positive change, both within ourselves and in the places we explore.

Happy and mindful travels!