Cultivating A New Lifestyle

With a new work schedule, weekends are each Monday and Tuesday, every week. The new consistency is appreciated. On these two days, there is opportunity to explore the city or do activities with other expats. Thus far, only the former has been exercised, while the later will happen later today. Something most desired when making this move was an increased capacity to wander, explore, walk/hike and spend time alone. Exploring thoughts, listening to audiobooks (currently on The Tao Of Seneca, see Resources page for more), seeing new things and just having down time is very relaxing, and provides opportunity for much personal growth.

This nomadic action has been taken a step further. The routine starts with taking a taxi somewhere random within the city, usually with the intent to do yoga. Sometimes it's done immediately upon arrival, if the spot is appropriate, other times, not so. The mat is always brought along given it has multiple uses: yoga, something to lay on for a sleep mid-afternoon or to sit on while eating lunch. During these days off exploration is the focus, both personal and geographical. There is no worry, or consideration, for time or location. Why should there be? How many of you can say you've wandered around, even within your own city; without checking your phone, worrying about time, being mindful of your location, or secluding yourself from the outside world while in the midst of it? It is something everyone should at least attempt. Too many people are oblivious to their distraction because they do not know who they are or what they want in life.

These actions (not keeping time, nor location, and regular exploration) are being practiced so such "skills" may be adequately rehearsed once the upcoming journey to SE Asia next summer commences. This will be alongside rigorous physical training for hiking long distances, weight endurance (carrying backpack over long distances), and mental stamina.

Take some time in your life for planned relaxation and self-reflection, without access to Internet, social media etc. Observe who you are, what you enjoy, what you think about and allow your mind to wander freely, not in judgement of thought but simple observance. Journaling these thoughts will come in handy. Make these notes on paper, with a pen, and not in your phone. The physical aspect of this makes it more meaningful. See the upcoming post on journaling, due out tomorrow.

Cheers