The Power of Traveling
It was back in 2011 when a great friend of mine came to visit my home in Northern California for a few weeks. During this trip my buddy Aaron brought along his brand new camera and showed me pictures and videos from his most recent trip. This was the first time my mind opened to the incredible culture of Roatan, Honduras.
Aaron and his girlfriend had just returned from visiting one of our mutual friends who we created music with in the Seattle area (Bala Shine) who had got deported a few years back.
The moment I saw the images, the people and the environment, I knew I had to visit.
Fast forward 4 years and I’ve been to Honduras five times, spending over 6 months in total on the island of Roatan.
Each venture has brought with it numerous insights such as the first time I was there and was in constant awe at how people lived with the land and sea. Or the second trip where we brought all the young men together and began a small farm as well as sailed to a small key where we camped and fished for days. Or the third trip where I saw the sea rise and waves fill the streets. Or the fourth trip where I was invited to perform musically at the local school in the village. And now my most recent trip where we’ve helped empower small businesses, conducted self-empowerment workshops, spoke in the schools and was centered in the present moment.
You see, when you travel and connect with people across our globe the insights and inspiration gained are carried with you throughout your entire life.
Leaving the Nest
Watch any animal, especially young birds and you will see there comes a time when we have to find the confidence and courage to leave the comfort of the nest.
This is how I view traveling. While there are innumerable insights we can discover right where we are there is something magical about venturing to a remote part of our planet, connecting with people you’ve never met and witnessing how other people live.
I was 18 when I first decided to leave my nest in Salt Lake City, Utah and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Everywhere I’ve been has opened my mind to see the world in a new light. Each trip has exposed me to a new understanding of life, our bond with one another and helped me find me.
Connecting With Our Fellow Brothers and Sisters
One powerful insight to traveling is it helps you connect with our fellow brothers and sisters we share this planet with.
Don’t let language become a barrier either, despite my lack of Spanish speaking, the connections I’ve made with the people in Honduras will last a lifetime.
It is as if there is an unspoken language that doesn’t need words, an inner communication that speaks from spirit to spirit. I’ve found by moving with a spirit of peace, appreciation, compassion and respect, I can enter new environments and connect with people deeper than words can express.
In addition to the unspoken language there is something so empowering about seeing how others live. One huge insight from my travels throughout Honduras is witnessing how many people in this area of our world have little in a material sense.
Houses are build with materials found in the forest, old boards, palm leaves and stand on stilts that seem like they may fall with the breeze. Witnessing how people venture to the river to wash clothes, to the well to collect water with a 5 gallon bucket or how tedious washing clothes by hand is.
While many people in Honduras don’t have what we here in America call a successful life, they have something many people I see throughout the USA have forgotten about, things like the love they have for one another, the happiness they communicate through their handshake and the joy they share with their smile.
This is more powerful than a $100 dollar bill and it is this insight that helped me see the beauty of life right where I am.
3 Powerful Keys From Traveling
#1 – Puts Things In Perspective – When we travel throughout our world seeing the way others live we can get a fresh perspective, realizing things aren’t as difficult as they may seem. In addition to this fresh perspective, we see there are billions of people on our planet, each of them valuable and unique. Every trip expands your mind.
#2 – Empowered and Uplifted – One of my favorite reasons to travel is that I am empowered and uplifted by so many things. Whether it is the young kids playing marbles, the elders sharing their wisdom, or the setting sun, inspiration is found in abundance each trip. While I am empowered and uplifted I also realize how I can be the source of empowerment and inspiration to others. Everywhere you go, shine your light.
#3 – Refreshed and Recharged – As I was walking through the airport yesterday after returning from Honduras I felt refreshed and recharged. With a fresh perspective, feeling empowered and uplifted, it is as if I am ready to move with swiftness, faith and courage towards my dreams.
Travel Challenge
I’d like to challenge you to take one trip in the next 2 months. Go to a website like Kayak or Southwest and search for a getaway you can plan in the near future.
I’ve already planned my next trip to Honduras and Guatemala. Join the adventure, explore our planet and be inspired.
Peace
Happiness
Compassion
Respect
Jeffon Seely