Why Solo Travel is a Moving Meditation

Solo travel is transformative. It provides an opportunity to look within yourself and become especially mindful of how you move through the world. It’s a unique experience that offers benefits similar to a moving meditation.

What is Moving Meditation?

A moving meditation is just that- entering a meditative state through movement. While traveling by yourself, you have a higher chance of experiencing this trance-like state of zen. The similarities quickly become apparent when comparing solo travel to the 8 Limbs of Yoga.

Pratyahara

Traveling solo can feel like getting lost in a world of your own. Spending time alone presents an opportunity to draw your attention inward and focus on your journey. Without the distraction of other people, you create space to connect with yourself.

Moving Intuitively

Have you ever heard the expression- “moving to the beat of your own drum”? Essentially, it means moving through life intuitively. In yoga class, you might hear cues like “tune into your body’s natural rhythm”, “move at your own pace,” “make this practice your own,” and other similar guidances. All of these cues are to help you connect with your body during movement.

This pace, rhythm, or breath often falls wayside when caught up in everyday life. For example, when walking with other people, we find ourselves adjusting our pace to theirs. While traveling solo, you have more opportunities to make this internal connection.

Imagine visiting an art museum by yourself. How long do you spend there? How quickly do you walk from one painting to the next? How long do you look at each one? What route do you take through the gallery? Do you walk back and view anything a second time? Your intuition determines all of this.

Dharana

Have you ever been so focused on a task you become aware of every detail? What would it feel like to offer this level of mindfulness to simple, everyday tasks?

While spending time alone, you may notice it becomes easier to be mindful. While taking a walk, you might notice things you wouldn’t normally- the feeling of the sun on your face, how your body feels as you walk, a tiny flower poking out from the grass, etc. During solo travel, I’ve personally noticed that I taste and savor food more, feel more connected to my body during movement, and have an overall more mindful travel experience than I do while traveling with others.

Learning your Values

Any travel offers new perspectives simply because it’s a new environment and a change from daily habits. It’s not uncommon for people to leave a trip with new values. For example, after visiting an area with high rates of homeless dogs, someone may feel called to help in ways they previously hadn’t after experiencing it firsthand. These commonly shared values are similar to the yamas and niyamas of the 8 Limbs of Yoga.

Given the benefits described above, it’s no surprise that some experiences can feel even more impactful while traveling solo. Maybe witnessing a social injustice inspires a commitment to ahimsa, non-violence. A missed flight offers the chance to lean into aparigraha, non-attachment. These are just a few examples of how the 8 Limbs of Yoga present during travel.

Solo Travel: A Moving Meditation

Solo travel is an opportunity to connect with your highest self and reevaluate how you live your life. I hope this blog inspires you to utilize the meditative gift of traveling by yourself.