Curiosity and a search for wilder people
“This planet has – or rather had – a problem, which was this: most of the people living on it were unhappy for pretty much of the time. Many solutions were suggested for this problem, but most of these were largely concerned with the movement of small green pieces of paper, which was odd because on the whole it wasn’t the small green pieces of paper that were unhappy.” ― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
When I started travelling, I was asked why. As I got older, it became how. Priorities and perspectives changed, and while some set roots, I planted seeds so that home wouldn’t be a single place. Ironically, I’d mirror the head tilts and confused looks I received. Unsure how ‘normalcy’ became what opposed nature. I started travelling to unlearn and to forget myself to find myself.
Amidst my circadian rhythm reset, I learned more in months than in the 19 years of life before; the kind of lessons that grow a better, more empathetic, and aware person. And I met others doing the same, the humans in humanity. Yoga Trade forges like-minded connections in the travel and teaching community, making people feel seen and supported in pursuing their path.
I travel for balance, to feel small while knowing I can make big, positive changes. And to learn externally, from places and people, for internal growth.
“If you have attempted to fit whatever mold and have failed to do so, you are probably lucky. You may be an exile of some sort, but you have sheltered your soul.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With the Wolves
Breathing space
Since I was young, I kept journals and cataloged feelings and ideas. I wrote about how we had infinite terrain to explore and brainstormed how to fit it into one life. I mapped all the national parks, and visiting each became a definitive goal. Yoga teaching was a plausible route combining mental and physical fortitude. Mindfulness and exploration. And a travelling trade for funds and fulfillment.
Despite origins, I think community and genuine connection are collectively sought. To feel understood and loved. Travelling builds a symbolic bridge to self and others that transcends borders. It teaches us to trust intuitively and tread lightly, adding value and gaining experience.
Room to grow
“Skiing and rock climbing led me to Canada, yoga called me to India, and surfing eventually guided me back home to Australia. Each place taught me to embrace change with fluidity and grace.”
‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’ applies to places and people. Distance develops connection and clarity; I always appreciate where I’m from when I spend time away. My friend and fellow yoga teacher, Imogen, is an outdoorswoman by nature, nurtured by exploration.
@imogen_elsie by @harrystamatov
“I was born in South Australia and raised harmoniously by the expansive surrounding natural environment, coastline, rolling hills and red dirt, bushwalking and surfing with my family. The Adelaide Hills region has a small-town feel, where neighbours know each other and value slow living, art and the outdoors.
Yoga balanced growth and grounding – teaching and practicing along the way introduced me to like-minded friends who became ‘home’ while I was without a solid base. At the time, I wasn’t sure what path to take; I just knew I wanted to experience the world wholly. Uncertainty and all.”
Basic nature
“Since graduating from teacher’s college, I knew my path would be different from those around me. For as long as I can remember, I contested societal norms and chased an insatiable curiosity for the wild.”
Valerie is an educator by trade and travels full-time as an experiential trip leader and conservation diver.
“At 22, I felt too young and inexperienced to teach high schoolers and questioned the rigid curriculum. I wanted more global experience and traded my full-time teaching job for a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia. Backpacking from country to country, I fell in love with life’s simplicities, and my path became clearer. I wasn’t raised by water, but Mother Ocean kept calling.
As a global teacher, the ‘curriculum’ looks slightly different. Through travel, students learn about culture, diversity and inclusion, ancestral practices, holistic mindsets, climate change impact, wilderness skills, ethical tourism, sustainability and how to be responsible global citizens.
The world is our greatest classroom.”
“It is never a mistake to search for what one requires. Never.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With the Wolves
An experimental life always leads to where you must go.
What’s your why?
