It’s Sunday morning in Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s not just fun and games out here as I’m preparing to go to my last day of a course to update my Wilderness First Responder certification. We have been on the road for close to a month now and the realities of that are just starting to settle in. First and foremost of these is this: when engaged in long term travel, it’s no longer a vacation, it’s a life.
Vacation is easy, or at least it should be. There is a set amount of time during which a person’s only purpose is to engage in activities they find fulfilling or give them joy. When traveling long-term, the things we do during vacation are a part of the equation, but there is also the aspects of daily living that must also be figured in. For me, these include figuring out how to maintain the habits and rituals that I know provide me with an internal stability, a sense of home I can feel no matter where I am, things like a daily practice of meditation, time to write, and regular intervals of exercise. When living out of a tent, a car, or staying with friends, finding the space, time, and motivation to fit in these activities can be challenging. For example since the Bryce 100, already 2 weeks in my rearview mirror, I’ve only gotten it 3 short runs. My personal journal is also woefully short on entries during a time period when it should have been full of them.
How will I figure out how to fit in the daily activities that make up a rewarding life for me? I don’t have any answers yet. All I know is I’ve got to keep trying and this morning is a good start. The habits and rituals that enrich my life are so important to me and maintaining them no matter where I end up laying my head down each night will go a long way in making this adventure we are on be more sustainable.
What about you?
What are the daily habits, routines, and activities that help you feel grounded?
What do you do about these things when you are traveling or in unfamiliar situations?
Thanks for this reminder, John. I’m on a little vacation break right now, in transition and a guest at a friends after several months of travel. I always think it will be so spacious- and it is, yet it is so easy to forget to do that which is most fulfilling. A daily paddle, meditation, or yoga can bring me back to center. When I forget this… a little stretch, eating greens, lemon water, walk, or talk with a good friend can bring me back home to true self. As I prepare to step back into more full time work, I want to bring these intentions and practices into my daily life. Cheers to living our best lives.
I enjoyed your reflection about the importance and difficulties of maintaining these rituals when living the Dirtbag Way.
Your questions inspired me to write a post about what I’m going to try in order to keep my important routines and rituals, regardless of where I am. I’m eager to experiment with these ideas and hear what works for you in the coming weeks and months as you continue the adventure!