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Lynray Barends • February 22, 2024

Travel With Intention: An Introduction

Journey with Intention

In the constant buzz of everyday life, travel emerges not only as a break from the routine but as a profound journey towards freedom and self-discovery. It invites us to venture beyond the familiar, to uncover the mysteries of the unknown, and to reconnect with the essence of who we are.


What if we viewed travel not merely as an escape but as a purposeful journey of the soul? Embarking on a journey with intention means traveling mindfully, with a desire to deeply and authentically connect with both the world around us and the worlds within us.


Disconnected


In 2016, while sitting in my Airbnb in Buenos Aires, Argentina, amidst the excitement of new sights and sounds, a feeling of disconnect washed over me. I was three days into my December holiday trip, and to be honest, I felt as if I had gotten it wrong. I remember asking myself:


Am I enjoying this ?

Do I even want to be here ?

Do I still enjoy travelling ??? (the drama…)


Hearing that final question left me breathless. I was caught off guard. But the truth was, this feeling didn't just pop up out of nowhere; it had been building up from my last two trips, feelings I had tried to ignore.



Travel, for me, had up until that point been a sacred time for self-discovery—a solo venture into the unknown, where I could find communities in which I could express myself authentically. It was a time of being festive and, honestly, indulging in excessive partying. But what once brought me joy and release was now causing me anxiety. I was going through a period where I was disconnected to what I actually wanted and needed. I felt lonely on my travels. The parties no longer brought me joy. I was longing for something else. But what exactly?

The Heart wants what it wants

Just two years later, as I began my journey on the Camino, it felt like I had found my answer. What I was searching for was deeper connection - to nature, to myself, and to others. With every step on this 800km walk, my body and soul awakened to the vast possibilities of exploration that truly resonated with my evolving needs.


This shows a key idea of The Travellyn Heart—our needs are personal and they can change. What excites me might not excite you, and what excites me today might not do the same tomorrow.


Embracing Intentional Travel

Intentional travel is about moving through the world with purpose and awareness, choosing experiences that enrich our lives and the lives of others. It’s a commitment to travel with open eyes and an open heart, asking ourselves what we seek to gain and what we hope to contribute.


The Travellyn Heart, believes in setting intentions that align with our deepest desires and aspirations. When we give the heart what it needs it results in further expansion and connection. Whether it's seeking liberation in community, finding solace in nature, or embarking on a journey of self-discovery, intentional travel is about using our journeys as a canvas for personal and collective growth.


Crafting Journeys with Intentions

Setting intentions allows us to curate our travels with focus and flexibility, inspiring our choices and inviting the universe to align with our desires. These intentions can range from seeking joy and connection to embracing solitude and reflection. They guide our paths, influence our destinations, and infuse our experiences with meaning.


Yet, it’s crucial to hold these intentions lightly, allowing space for the unexpected and the spontaneous. It's in this balance that we find the true essence of intentional travel—creating journeys that reflect our changing needs and desires, but also remaining open to what the universe wants to show us.


A World Transformed

Traveling with intention has reshaped my understanding of the world and myself. It has turned each journey, whether abroad or right here in my own country, into a chapter of growth, filled with lessons, connections, and unforgettable moments. This approach to travel has the power not only to create more value in our travels and transform us, but also to make a positive impact on the communities and environments we visit. You will always return a better and more enlightened version of yourself.

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