Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of fear that, as they explained to me, their little girls would be raised to be sex
toys), any traveler can bring back valuable insights. And, just like those truths
were needed in the Middle Ages, this understanding is needed in our age.
Choosing to Travel on Purpose
Ideally, travel broadens our perspectives personally, culturally, and politically.
Suddenly, the palette with which we paint the story of our lives has more
colors. We realize there are exciting alternatives to the social and community
norms that our less-traveled neighbors may never consider. Imagine not
knowing you could eat “ethnic.” Imagine suddenly realizing there were dif erent
genres of music. Imag-
ine you loved topics and
one day the librarian
mentioned there was
an upstairs.
But you can only
reap these rewards of
travel if you're open
to them. Watching a
dervish whirl can be a
cruise-ship entertain-
ment option...or a spiri-
tual awakening. You can
travel to relax and have
fun. You can travel to
learn and broaden your
perspective. Or, best of
all, you can do both at once. Make a decision that on any trip you take, you'll
make a point to be open to new experiences, seek options that get you out
of your comfort zone, and be a cultural chameleon—trying on new ways of
looking at things and striving to become a “temporary local.”
Assuming they want to learn, both monks and hedonists can stretch
their perspectives through travel. While your choice of destination has a huge
impact on the potential for learning, you don't need to visit refugee camps
to gain political insight. With the right approach, meeting people—whether
over beer in an Irish pub, while hiking Himalayan ridges, or sharing fashion
tips in Iran—can connect you more thoughtfully with our world.
Whether you travel as a monk, a hedonist, or somewhere in
between, you can come home better friends with our world.
