Soul Searchers: Travel This Summer for Inner Growth.

Feeding Your Soul Through Travel

In todays' climate, many of us are privileged enough to be packing up our SUVs for a vacation. enfants included. It's important to remember that travel isn't just about the destination, it's about feeding your soul. Yes, your soul!

"The soul is something that contains the body. The body doesn’t contain the soul.” — Alan Watts, Philosopher

It's time to reverse our colonialist, capitalist mindset and realize that our souls are crying out for nourishment, and travel is one way to do that.

Let's look at Jesus, a radical figure who walked [yes, walked, not drove or flew] and spread his radical message. He was a traveler, a wanderer, and a soul searcher. Paul, his buddy, walked over 30,000 miles, imagine the carbon footprint if he'd flown!

Pilgrimages are a prime example of spiritual travel. Hiking Croagh Patrick in Ireland, for instance, is a tough, gravelly trail believed to be hiked by St. Patrick himself. It's a challenge many take on to connect with their spirituality.

All religions have their sacred journeys: Hajj for Muslims, various sites in India for Hindus, and Jerusalem for Jews. But you don't have to follow an organized religion to find your sacred space.

The Celts believed in "thin places," where the veil between this world and the eternal world is thin. These places can be found at sunrise and sunset, by the water, or in ancient ruins. They are sacred spaces where your soul can thrive, and they are accessible to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.

So, as you plan your vacations, remember it's not just about the 'Gram-worthy pics or the temporary escape. It's about feeding your soul:

• Accessing the beauty of creation: God's Earth is hella beautiful, and nature nourishes our souls, whether it's the mountains or the sea.
• Unique experiences and connections: Travel exposes us to new cultures, and when we open ourselves to these experiences, we learn that we are all one, despite our differences.
• Connecting with ancient souls: Visiting ancient sites or cemeteries reminds us of our mortality and connects us to our ancestors. We are part of a long line of souls on this planet.
• Rest and relaxation: Taking a break from the demands of everyday life gives our souls much-needed rest.

So, this season, remember to feed your soul, not just your body. Your SUV-riding, beach-tanning, mountain-conquering soul.

Diane Owens Prettyman is a woke AF Episcopalian who's all about that thin place life. Her novel, Thin Places , will open your third eye.