There is the perception that gay spirituality travel is not fun. When we take a vacation we want to have fun and relax. A vacation is supposed to be a time away from the responsibilities of life. We think of spiritual travel as something we should do because it is good for us. With this idea as a back drop, of course we will think that this kind of travel is not fun. When we vacation, we wish to leave behind this kind of responsibility. What would happen if we didn't think like this?
My experience is that spiritual gay travel is a joy. You meet people with the same mindset and really can connect with them. This level of connection really adds to the enjoyment of being on vacation. The chance to have an honest, heart to heart conversation with someone brings adds tremendously to my vacation experience and I come to value these conversations very much.
Also, we have learned being "spiritual" requires acting seriously or even solemn. We seem to think that laughter is the antithesis of being spiritual. This couldn't be further from the truth. We connect more deeply to spirit when we laugh. After all, it is said that laughter is the best medicine.
When we connect spiritually with others and the world, our vacation is greatly enhanced. Conscious awareness of our surroundings makes a gay vacation more exciting and we can get more out of our travel experience. We become very aware of everything we experience while travelling and as such, we are more fulfilled.
Children are a great example. The world is their playground and everything is a wonder. Joy is found in everything for a child because it is all new and everything is to be played with. To see as though you were a child is a great gift.
And last, but certainly not least, sometimes people confuse the experience of being awestruck as being serious or solemn. When you travel with conscious awareness there can be times when you will be "deeply moved" (awestruck) by something you encounter. It could be the hospitality of a family you meet; a genuine smile; the grandeur of a sunrise or simply the revelation that you are blessed to be alive. Personally, even after countless visits to Monument Valley, I am still moved tears while I am there. But these are tears of joy, humility and gratitude.
My experience is that spiritual gay travel is a joy. You meet people with the same mindset and really can connect with them. This level of connection really adds to the enjoyment of being on vacation. The chance to have an honest, heart to heart conversation with someone brings adds tremendously to my vacation experience and I come to value these conversations very much.
Also, we have learned being "spiritual" requires acting seriously or even solemn. We seem to think that laughter is the antithesis of being spiritual. This couldn't be further from the truth. We connect more deeply to spirit when we laugh. After all, it is said that laughter is the best medicine.
When we connect spiritually with others and the world, our vacation is greatly enhanced. Conscious awareness of our surroundings makes a gay vacation more exciting and we can get more out of our travel experience. We become very aware of everything we experience while travelling and as such, we are more fulfilled.
Children are a great example. The world is their playground and everything is a wonder. Joy is found in everything for a child because it is all new and everything is to be played with. To see as though you were a child is a great gift.
And last, but certainly not least, sometimes people confuse the experience of being awestruck as being serious or solemn. When you travel with conscious awareness there can be times when you will be "deeply moved" (awestruck) by something you encounter. It could be the hospitality of a family you meet; a genuine smile; the grandeur of a sunrise or simply the revelation that you are blessed to be alive. Personally, even after countless visits to Monument Valley, I am still moved tears while I am there. But these are tears of joy, humility and gratitude.
About the Author:
The author, Howie Holben, is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations group that specializes in spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can find more about Howie, his work and gay travel with spirituality at Spirit Journeys website.
No comments:
Post a Comment