Transformative Travel

Elements of Transformative Travel

How can we create a traveling experience that intensifies our personal growth? How can we empower ourselves to reach beyond our comfort zone and travel to unknown regions? How can we help those we meet along the way? Ultimately, how can we transform our lives? To do all this and more we must first detach ourselves from ethnocentrism, which is our limited view of the world based only upon our upbringing and cultural values.

According to the master therapist, Jeffrey Kottler Ph.D, there are many elements needed to make transformative travel possible. Here are some:

·There are tests and challenges that will push you to discover new capabilities.

·There are situations that allow you to experience alternative roles and ways of being.

§There are forced opportunities to interact with people in intimate ways.

§There is a balance between time with self and time with others.

§There is a commitment not only to look outward at new exotic scenes, but also to look inward at how everything is affecting you.

§There are situations that engage not only your body and mind, but also heart and soul.

§There are experiences that shake your core, that run your world upside down in such a way things will never look the same again.

§There are opportunities to reflect on and process your experiences constructively, to create meaning from what you have lived.

§There are ways that you can apply what you learned to your life back home and actually follow through with your intentions.

Kottler, J. (1997) Travel that can change your life: How to create a transformative experience. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

This is your time on Earth to explore, learn, grow, challenge yourself, adapt, empower yourself, seek adventure, discover, and make an impact on the world. So perceive deeply the Elements of Transformative Travel and find what will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and into the abyss of the unknown. It’s empowering to experience other cultures and ways of life than to stay afraid (and it shows more character for those who decide to experience it).

Personal Lessons

I went through my first and only day/night in Guatemala City without concern. I interacted with the locals a lot and my Spanish vocabulary is slowly coming back. I learned that being friendly with local men is perceived as an open ticket. Although the exchange of conversation was very nice and I witnessed parts of the historical city that I would not have found on my own, I must cut off compliments and not accept coffee.  Also, I seem to have misplaced an expensive product I use for my hair - either it fell out of my backpack while stored underneath the plane or someone that works at the airport stole it. This has forced me to contemplate why I find myself attached to these Americanized items that could easily be replaced with natural elements. Losing things is really not that important – most of it is replaceable. I don’t find any of these experiences as disheartening, I find them as a challenge to adapt, and I’ve adapted!

Donate to Educate

I’m very happy to announce that we raised $745 for the children and community members of Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama. I would like to thank everyone who was inspired to donate to this cause. Without you, this would not have been possible! Thank you.

Travel Route

I am heading toward the Caribbean coastline of Guatemala and Belize. Due to the stitches on my foot I cannot swim so unfortunately snorkeling in Belize is out of the question. But I sure am look forward to meeting the Garifuna locals, eating seafood and seeing the ocean again.

Quote

“Think of whatever you are doing as an adventure and watch your life change for the better”.  Wilferd A. Peterson

*Photos taken at my hostel in Rio Dulce (Hotel Kangaroo & Restaurante). It's a beautiful spot. Such solitude. (Vegetable soup, seafood tacos and salad).