A Mindful Journey

There are many reasons to travel; family, pleasure, business, to be closer to someone or perhaps to escape. There are also therapeutic forms of travel, for educational or even spiritual reasons.

Sometimes the goal is not the destination, it is the Mindful Journey.

How many times have you traveled just focusing on what you have left behind, or on your expectations of what is going to happen? I believe that we are all connecting, meeting, and moving in different ways, even if we are all together, right here, right now. We experience the law of attraction when we travel, which can bring beautiful connections und new relationships in our lives.

Learn how to travel mindfully according to the Five Elements

ETHER Element: Intention

If your intention is relaxation, then remember that during the process of organizing your travel. Remember to relax when you are in the taxi on the way to the airport. Remember to reflect a state of relaxation in the way you move and speak with the people around you.

Be mindful of the intention of your travel and honor every step along the journey.

It may sound simple, yet it is not. If your intention is mindfulness, then remember to be mindful in the way you walk; to be mindful of the smells, tastes, sounds and the actions you take along the journey. If your intention is harmony, then remember that there is no need to rush, to resist, to push. Learn to release attachments, expectations and move with the flow of the experience.

Whatever your intention may be, the key aspect in this Element is to have a positive intention and to honor the land and the culture you visit.

AIR Element:  Mindfulness, Observance

Every now and then, bring your attention back to your breath and to the present moment. Observe who is on either side, in front and behind you. Observe the environment that surrounds you. Be attentive to the different smells and tastes that appear along the way.

Open your mind! This is a beautiful opportunity to learn and to grow.

Can you interpret meaningful signs along the way? An encounter, an experience, even a sensation can be an opportunity to reveal a new direction in your life. To facilitate your travel experience, and support mindfulness, it is best to learn the basics about the culture and the place you visit.

A key aspect in this Element is to open your mind to the culture and to the experience of being mindful of your intention along the journey.

FIRE Element: Motivation, Interaction

What is your motivation and purpose to travel to this specific destination? Are you still moving in the familiar rhythm, even when you are visiting a country that is moving at another pace? It may take a few days, even months sometimes, to observe and to adapt to certain behaviors that are unique to the culture and environment you are visiting. There are people who stick to their own habits and patterns as they travel, wherever they may go. There are a few people who will be flexible, and will adapt and surrender fully to the experience of the moment without any direction, or purpose.

When we travel with mindfulness we become more aware of the law of attraction.

Wherever we may go, wherever we may be, we can awaken clarity of this aspect by observing the people and our surroundings. With life experiences and throughout my profession, I have observed that there is a grid that clearly defines the frequency of people and places. It is not only about which country or community you visit, but rather about in which frequency you are, that will define your experience and encounters.

A key aspect in this Element is to be sincere in your interactions and to take leadership towards your inspirations.

WATER Element: Emotional Connections, Relationships

When you release attachments or expectations, you are opening the flow and the door to get out of your comfort zone. It will move you emotionally and can trigger some emotions that you easily repress in different circumstances.

You can choose to stay in your comfort zone or choose to become involved with your surroundings and the people of the land you visit. Whichever way you choose is perfect, as long as it is aligned with your intention.

Flow in harmony with yourself as a visitor, and with others who are receiving you.

Some people may push their limits to a point that can be emotionally traumatizing, while others will resist everything and become very nervous about anything that will take them out of comfort. They will choose to travel to locations that are familiar, safe, or travel everywhere while staying in the same chain of hotel, so they have the comfort of that familiarity. Everyone has their own way to be and to travel.

A key aspect in this Element is to have compassion with yourself and those around you.

EARTH Elements: Organization, Discipline, Manifestation

Traveling requires clear organization of your resources, your time, and your space. The clearer your intention is, the clearer the process of organization will be.

With life experiences, I have observed that freedom comes at a cost. This is not only evident in the cost of traveling, but also in the creative process of your self-experiences, your visions, and your inspirations. I see freedom not only as the possibility to travel, but also as a way to be fully aware of who you are in your expression and realizations.

It can be challenging to maintain healthy discipline when we are on the move.

It is a fundamental aspect to stay healthy and strong. We have to adapt, yet, a clear discipline and honoring basic principles will help us to stay balanced along the mindful journey.

Following a healthy diet based on local, organic products will support your integration and keep your immune system strong. It will also be the opportunity to support the community of the place you visit. Some exercises such as a daily practice of the five Tibetan Rites, yoga, Transcendental Meditation and a weekly practice of the Vortex of Energy Meditation will be highly beneficial.

A key aspect in this Element is to respect your space and resources as well as the ones of those around you.

A Mindful Journey at The Retreat Costa Rica

The integration of all Five Elements brings more mindfulness and integrity in your travel experiences.

I went to Costa Rica to share DHARMI® Teachings and Experiences with people in Guanacaste and at Ecovilla. Along the journey, I visited and stayed at The Retreat Costa Rica. My experience has been wonderful. Diana Stobo, the owner and her team are so welcoming and sincere. The meals are delightful, colorful, healthy and prepared with mindfulness.

The SPA and Yoga Space are peaceful and the walk around the garden helped me to ground myself during my busy times in the country. It is a perfect location for retreats, seminars or trainings, and I am looking forward to lead a DHARMI Journey at The Retreat Costa Rica in a near future. I highly recommend this location to everyone who is looking for a harmonious healing space in a natural luxurious environment, as well as to professionals who are leading retreats.

May your journey be beautiful!