Embracing Discomfort and Cultivating Understanding With Travel
In our increasingly interconnected world, travel has become more than just a luxury; it has become a transformative experience that can broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. Stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring new cultures, customs and environments can ignite a sense of curiosity and compassion within us.
I remember when I was 18 from a small town and heading to Sydney Australia as a Rotary Exchange student for a year, an entire year. I was scared out of my mind very shy and had low self-esteem/confidence. By the end of the year, I was a different more confident, and larger person ha. The food was awesome and every place seemed to think I needed a second helping of dessert which I gladly ate. Eating was one of my coping skills for loneliness which was not effective and not a great self-care skill. Over the years my self-care tools do not include over eating. I wanted to share why we need to travel, how getting out of our comfort zone contributes to personal growth, and the profound impact it has on fostering understanding and empathy for others.
- Embracing Discomfort:
Coming from a small town and living in a city with 3.5 million people was a shock and traveling on the bus or train was confusing. I don’t know how many times I took the wrong bus or train. There was lots of fun in this challenging adventure. One of the most significant benefits of traveling is the opportunity to embrace discomfort. When we venture beyond the familiar, we expose ourselves to new challenges, unfamiliar languages, different cuisines and contrasting perspectives.
I had to get used to different families and their unique ways of home life. Yes, it was very different from my home life. For example one family, the mother insisted I get her husband breakfast before I ate. Like what? In my house, it was everyone gets their own breakfast and no one waits on the men. This discomfort pushes us to adapt, learn and develop resilience. By willingly stepping into the unknown, we cultivate a sense of adventure and openness that can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. My Australian adventure was great in helping me see other perspectives and cultures. As a result, becoming more compassionate.
- Expanding Our Perspective:
Traveling immerses us in diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Yes, I could see how the women (back then in the 80’s) had to cater to the men in the home which was not in my experience at all and never has been. It shatters preconceived notions and broadens our perspective, enabling us to see the world through a fresh lens. In visiting Israel, Egypt, and Jordan I saw a completely different culture and religious influence. Not only with food but with dress and public social interactions. A huge eye-opener and well worth the experience.
We learn to appreciate the beauty of diversity and understand that there is no single “right” way to live. If we learn to look at others with a curious and compassionate lens it is amazing the things we experience and learn. Engaging with people from different backgrounds sparks dialogue, encourages empathy and fosters a greater appreciation for the shared human experience.
- Cultivating Understanding and Compassion:
As we interact with individuals from various walks of life, we gain a deeper understanding of their challenges, triumphs and aspirations. This firsthand experience cultivates empathy and compassion within us, breaking down barriers and bridging cultural divides. In fact, travel enables us to transcend stereotypes, embrace diversity and recognize our common humanity.
Visiting Israel and then Bethlehem I noticed the stark difference in social equality and poverty. The people in Bethlehem were kind and welcoming as we crossed the border from Israel. The fear from the media was overblown and not the reality from my experiences in 201o. Upon speaking to one of the children who only wanted to sell me a wooden whistle, he wanted to go to school and become a teacher. Had I not travelled I never would have had this opportunity to interact with this cute little fella. I often wonder what his life looks like today. Traveling can foster a sense of connection that promotes harmony and unity in an increasingly globalized world. In brief, if we don’t travel or see other parts of the world we are not able to learn from each other.
- Challenging Our Assumptions:
Travel challenges our assumptions and confronts our biases. It allows us to confront our own cultural conditioning and question the beliefs and values we have held unquestioningly. In the first place, there is no one way to live. We have to get over our own egos and be willing to see another side to life. Of course, any culture that promotes violence, hate, intolerance, and misogyny is NOT something I want anything to do with. However, it is okay to be willing to travel and see for ourselves. This process of self-reflection opens doors to personal growth, enabling us to become more open-minded, adaptable and accepting individuals.
- Creating Lifelong Memories:
There is nothing in my travel life that I regret other than the odd time I got glutenized. Indeed, traveling provides us unforgettable experiences and memories that stay with us for a lifetime. I learned so much about the places, people and also my own perspective. From witnessing breathtaking landscapes to engaging in meaningful conversations with locals, these moments shape our understanding of the world and leave an indelible mark on our souls. Then, these memories become stories to share, connecting us with others and inspiring a sense of wanderlust and exploration in those around us.
Certainly, travel has the power to transform us from within … Taking us on a journey of self-discovery, empathy and personal growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown fosters understanding, compassion and a greater appreciation for the diversity of the human experience. As we explore new lands, engage with different cultures and challenge our assumptions, we cultivate a global mindset that transcends borders and builds bridges of connection.
I live by the motto ‘Get on as many planes, trains and automobiles as you can during your lifetime and embrace diversity and the uniqueness of others’. We learn as we grow.