Wherever You Go, There You Are

 

“Oh, the places you’ll go!” – Dr. Seuss

 

Over the last several decades, the world has been transformed into a virtual global village through advances in technology and communication. We live on what feels like a shrinking planet thanks to instantaneous digital access anywhere on Earth and in space. Without leaving the comfort of our couch, we can view wildlife in the Galapagos, experience adventure in the arctic or explore the pyramids in Egypt.

 

With the advent of increasingly realistic virtual reality and Metaverse technology, it seems that we may soon be able to effectively replicate any conceivable travel experience imaginable… or will we? As enjoyable, educational and realistic as traveling may be conveyed via any book, movie, story, video, post, reel, short, clip, search, VR or avatar—there’s a difference when we have those travel experiences ourselves in person.

 

The human experience is regulated by our nervous system, and traveling has many positive benefits for the brain, which include cognitive stimulation, neuroplasticity, multisensory engagement, enhanced learning, emotional well-being, adaptability and resilience, new experiences and memories, cultural awareness and empathy, creativity and innovation, and reduction of routine and monotony.

 

Overall, traveling offers a unique opportunity to challenge our brain, engage with diverse stimuli and create lasting memories. Travel experiences can contribute to the development of new neural pathways, improved cognitive functions and enhanced overall brain health. If planned well and executed properly, travel can be fun, challenging, rewarding and lead to lifelong memories and lasting friendships, all of which support our need and desire for social connection.

 

Our feature story about traveling with purpose highlights wonderful and sacred destinations for spiritual enlightenment that offer natural beauty and historical, mythological or religious significance. As a compassionate reminder to us all, I offer that while on a personal journey in search of answers to important questions or searching for something that seems to be missing, keep in mind the title of Jon Kabat-Zimm’s 2005 book on mindfulness, Wherever You Go, There You Are. As is often the case, our outward journey tends to lead back home toward a connection with our most authentic higher self, where many answers we seek already reside.

 

September is yoga month—there is no better time to enhance your mindfulness practice and show appreciation for your local yoga studios and teachers than to attend the Central PA Yoga Love Festival at our locally renowned sacred destination, Amethyst Retreat Center—where we gather as a community to connect, share love, feel good, live simply and laugh more.