Mind matters: Go out and explore the world to enjoy its real beauty

 Travel literally opens a window to the world and facilitates a very different kind of education. So, this New year make an effort to go to places you’ve never been to.

Many people have this impression that it is only travelling outside the country that is prestigious and of significance. But trust me any place in your own neighbourhood or city or country that you have never been to is worth visiting. It can teach you  about history ,the people, their lives,  the local culture or  sub culture  , arts , crafts , food habits ,the traditions, the language/dialect and much more  .All of which you probably never will have  a clue about unless you get to  immerse yourself in it and gain  first- hand experience.

Seeing is believing. When you visit a monument that you have only read about in a newspaper article or a travel mag or in textbooks it is an entirely different experience. You get to time travel as you are transported to a different moment in time. You can touch and feel the walls, the stone, the sculptures (some things are hands- off remember), take in the sights and sounds of the place, allow your imagination to soars and register it all in your mind’s eye.

It isn’t always about the destination alone .The journey to the place , the distance and geographies you traverse , the  getting there can also be a valuable teacher .Think about the memorable experiences you have had while  getting to somewhere even if it is only to your ancestral village or your native place  .Which we are all usually so reticent to showcase simply because we feel it isn’t as modern or as equipped with all the trappings of a city .Nowadays even people from the West are in search for such off- beat  travel experiences that give them an entirely different flavour .

We gain very little by being  frogs-in – the-well .When we step out of the comfort of our homes and  travel  , we learn to manage with less , we are forced to travel light for a variety of reasons- physical and environmental ( you can’t lug your whole wardrobe around can you ? Also, excess baggage on all modes of travel costs more to transport) you learn to be flexible and adapt and be more accepting and open minded. And what’s even more you shed some of the baggage in your head and you gain perspective and clarity.

Here is a little exercise you can try. Make a list of the places you have seen and those you haven’t -under various   categories - your neighbourhood, city, country and outside of it. Aim to tick off at least a few boxes by the end of 2020.

I can guarantee you that the change of scene will be so worth it.