Benefits of Travelling

Travel and Dr Itami

Dr. Jinroh Itami, who developed Meaningful Life Therapy, for cancer patients, used travel as one of his non-medical tools. He famously took a group of Japanese cancer patients to climb Mt Blanc almost four decades ago, long before exercise of any kind was encouraged in cancer circles. He also took another group to Yellowknife to experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis at New Year’s and the opportunity to be part of an Indigenous Healing Circle. Both trips involved a change of scene, customs and new experiences. Showing up with an open mind and open heart was the only criterion.

Travelling to foreign lands often opens our eyes and causes us to pay attention in ways that do not predict the predictability of life at home. The sights, sounds, and tastes of a new place, which differ from our own, awaken our senses. Reports from travellers indicate that despite the challenges that travelling brings, they often feel stronger, more alive, and more hopeful, especially when they stretch themselves and engage in mental and physical challenges. (we are not talking of recklessness)

Cabot Trail

Some of my readers know that one of my most powerful experiences came from cycling the Cabot Trail. Yes, it was in my own country but in a very different venue. After completing the 300 KM ride, mostly hills (minus 20 KM that I didn’t do), I felt so filled with exuberance and confidence that I was certain I could take on the world. This trip was the most challenging activity I had ever exposed myself to and I stayed in the flow, to my complete surprise, for about six more weeks.

I experienced the benefits that Dr. Itami had suggested would happen to his patients when they challenged themselves. He was convinced that challenges such as this helped us become tougher,  more resilient and confident as we went through cancer treatment and other difficulties.

I suppose the crux of the matter when we do something new and challenging is that we take ourselves out of our comfort zone and expose ourselves to learning new things, where there is always an element of risk—if not physical, it could be psychological. When we learn new things, we are beginners and often feel vulnerable. Best to remind ourselves that as beginners, we are not expected to know how to do it, and the upside is we can ask lots of questions. So when we are trying out something new, let’s not waste the opportunity to learn by pretending we already know how to do it. Or avoid an opportunity simply because we might look foolish. What do we really have to lose? We are all on our way out, so let’s sing while there’s voice left.

Ten years ago

I travelled to Japan with friends for one month—an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. This year, in October, I am returning with my daughter to hike the Kumano Kodo accompanied by eight Japanese friends. This will also challenge me in every possible way, and I am determined and dedicated to doing so.

Many people are unable to travel, still, they can create the activity of travelling at home. There are many variations on this theme, but one example comes from a determined woman wanting to walk the Camino for a second time and a health condition that prevented her from doing so. She worked out the mileage and created a local walking trip, based on that mileage. She organized some friends to join her, and they created passports and mapped out specific and significant locations within their city where they would walk to. With each walk recorded, they made it across the city and surrounding areas, covering the mileage they would have walked on the Camino. They celebrated every milestone and it was a meaningful trip for them all.

What made an Option B trip special?

Purpose, companionship, laughter and activity. They all looked forward to their purposeful walks and experienced a greater sense of camaraderie, significance and, hence, well-being. Evidence based? Maybe/maybe not? Anecdotal evidence. You bet.

What can we do locally and abroad? Zooming around a curvy trail on your motorbike (not for me), zip lining at Whistler (nope) walking from town to town in England (sounds good)… cycling, singing or reciting poetry in Ireland, strolling in a park at the other end of your town; sitting on a park bench people-watching; visiting an arboretum in your town; short or long hikes…perhaps explore with a magnifying glass a one-metre square patch of grass in your own backyard to see what enters and exits your field of vision.

If you think about something you would love to do and can do it – I suggest you don’t wait.  If, on the other hand, you are not able to do Option A, then don’t give up on other options. We have no idea what we might discover about our world, each other and ourselves. New adventures, both home and abroad, await you and me.

Notes

1:) A few small joys this week – early morning walks with Rowan, my grandson; local strawberries on vanilla icecream; a delicious raspberry gelato in Aylmer at Cassis with my granddaughter; a monthly visit with a friend; my Wellspring Webinar on health benefits of humour; the joy of having a 55-year-old son and celebrating his birthday from afar.

2:) As of yesterday, I received an unexpected gift—a portable air conditioner for my study—a gift from my Ottawa family and installed meticulously by Rowan. It lets me sit at my computer typing away, as cool as a cucumber. In all seriousness, it is life-changing. Deeply grateful.

3:) The banner photo is of the Victoria waterfront at night, courtesy of Rob. The bikes are my daughter and son-in-law’s, taken during their recent trip to the aforementioned Cabot Trail.

4:) Treasure once-in-a-lifetime chances – this moment will never happen again. The Japanese concept of ichigo ichie.

5:) Thank you for reading my blog. I am deeply honoured by your kindness and perseverance, sticking with me, week by week. And never hesitate to take a break, either. We all have so much to read and only so much time. A deep bow to you all. Warmly, Trudy