As we seek balance and rejuvenation in our lives, the path to wellness often leads us to the enriching experiences of travel. Recently, a solo trip to Bir, Himachal Pradesh, offered profound insights into the intersection of travel and well-being. Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas, a stay at the Deer Park Institute (formerly a Buddhist Monastic Institute) provided a sanctuary for reflection, growth and emotional wellbeing. One of the most enlightening aspects of this journey was the opportunity to engage in conscious travel writing through a short course facilitated by the renowned Shivya Nath, a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, solo traveller, environmentalist, and above all, a wonderful human being. This unique offering underscored the transformative power of mindful exploration.
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Here are several wellness benefits gleaned from this solo adventure:
Connection with Nature:
Nature has this amazing therapeutic effect on human beings. Being surrounded by the towering mountains of the Himalayas made me feel peaceful and connected to nature. Walking around and taking time to think quietly helped me relax, feel better and gave me a sense of emotional well-being. Whether through serene hikes or moments of quiet contemplation, each interaction with the natural world was rejuvenating and empowering.
Quick Summary
A solo journey to Bir, Himachal Pradesh, helped the writer discover a profound connection between travel and well-being. Amidst the Himalayan beauty, the Deerpark Institute offered a space for personal growth and emotional well-being. Engaging in mindful exploration led to discovering wellness benefits like nature connection, cultural immersion, personal growth, meaningful connections, and sensory engagement, fostering fulfilment.
Cultural Immersion:
It’s fascinating how cultural and social differences seem to fade away when you travel. As I participated in local rituals and conversed with the residents, it fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for diverse perspectives. I realized how deeply we are connected with each other as human beings despite coming from different cultural backgrounds, speaking different languages, and following diverse faiths and traditions.
Personal Growth:
It goes without a doubt that solo travel serves as a catalyst for personal development, challenging individuals to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. Traveling alone makes you feel stronger and more confident. It pushes you to try new things and go to new places. Navigating those unfamiliar terrains instilled an immense sense of well-being, resilience and self-reliance that was liberating and empowering at the same time.
Meaningful Connections:
It amazes me how traveling brings people together. This trip was no different. Talking to fellow travellers, sharing experiences, eating, and hanging around together highlighted the importance of meaningful connections as we forged ahead. Whether through chance encounters with fellow travellers or heartfelt conversations with locals, these interactions enriched the experience and reaffirmed the universal desire for human connection.
Engaging the Senses:
One of the exercises of the course was the practice of engaging all five senses during travel, which emerged as a transformative tool for enhancing experiences. From savouring local cuisine to relishing the sights and sounds of unfamiliar surroundings, each sensory encounter deepened our appreciation for the present moment. In the flavours of far-off lands and exotic spices, I discovered the gastronomic delights that tantalized the taste buds and stirred the soul. Each meal was a journey of culinary exploration, a feast for the senses that transcended language and culture, contributing greatly to our overall well-being.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the pursuit of wellness remains an ongoing journey. Whether through solo adventures to distant lands or mindful exploration of familiar surroundings, travel offers a pathway to self-discovery, emotional well-being and fulfilment. May we all embark on journeys of exploration and growth, finding solace and inspiration in the beauty of the world around us. Have you had any such travel experiences?
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Kavita Mathur
Kavita Mathur is the Founder and Director of Wellness Associates, a company that offers cutting-edge employee wellness solutions to industry giants like Unilever, Standard Chartered Bank, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Verizon Data, and others. In 2018, Wellness Associates was recognized as one of the Top 50 Wellness Companies by the World Health & Wellness Congress at World HRD. Today, under the leadership of Kavita, Wellness Associates has expanded with two additional business verticals, Acefit and KRS Associates, and continues to thrive.
An accomplished businesswoman, Kavita has dedicated over two decades to the pursuit of wellness and fitness, both personally and for the corporate world. Her passion for fitness and wellness has been a driving force throughout her life, from her early training as a classical and folk dancer to her role as the head of Mumbai’s largest Talwalkar’s Fitness Club branch. Currently, she leads her team at Wellness Associates while exploring the country’s most captivating corners, discovering holistic well-being and spirituality through her travels.
