Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Traveling within the country or internationally is supposed to open the closed windows of our mind. As seekers on spiritual path we need clear mind and open heart to see, connect and understand the people different from us. 

When we travel Our vision becomes more expansive, our lives are enriched, and new connections make us realize that the divine gem in the lotus of our heart is in each and every human being—irrespective of their race, religion, color or gender. I’ve had numerous such experiences that I’ll share with you in the Month 8, “Mindfulness and Travel.” Here’s one:

I occasionally accompanied my husband on business trips. A bit nervous about walking alone around in a new city, I would stay back to write. But the thought of adventuring on foot would nibble at the back of my mind. Once I attempted to leave the room and adventure into town alone, it took me to another level of experience. 

In Nice, France, where we stayed for ten days, I learned to make my way around on my own while my husband was at meetings. I found a wonderful art gallery and had the pleasure of meeting vendors at the Saleya flower market – a florist, a baker, a craftsman. We communicated mostly in gestures and it was delightful. 

A walk from the hotel to the markets became the most pleasurable part of the day. The wet paved stones in Saleya Market, the scents wafting from variegated bundles of flowers, vendors hawking their wares, the sunshine breaking through the canopy of the makeshift stalls. I watched a man buy a bouquet and hand it to his beloved with a kiss while I was tasting homemade chocolate… all that left unforgettable impressions, nurturing my previous memories and sprouting new ones.

On my way back, from a distance I spotted my husband returning to the hotel early. It was a delightful surprise when I encountered a very familiar face in that foreign city. What a memorable moment!