Richal Miller Being in the middle of a busy terminal and having only a backpack and a slightly folded boarding pass, I noticed that this time, no one was looking at me to provide the plan. I generally organize group calls or carry on, but this trip was my own. It was like a silent request to finally make acquaintances with the person that I tend to avoid.
The Quiet Power Of Silence
The fact that I was alone in a new city compelled me to listen to myself. Not being surrounded by the gossiping of friends or relatives, I realized how noisy I tend to be. Apparently, silence may be even a reflection of the soul.
Trusting My Internal Compass
Using a subway system, which was not in my native language, was a huge challenge to my instincts. I also got to know that I am much more competent in finding my way than I had thought before. Self-reliance seems to be a muscle that can only be developed when it is really exercised.
Making Small Talk Easy
Lacking someone to lean on, I turned to talking with baristas and librarians in order to feel connected. This short exchange made me remember that the majority are generally good. It could be one of the most effective methods to be less alone: opening up to strangers.
Embracing The Unexpected Detour
At one time, when a train was late or a museum shut down, I had no one to complain to, and I simply went on. I have learned that flexibility can be more of a reward in itself than going by the book. The spontaneity appears to make the most interesting stories.
Tasting Food More Deeply
Dining at a table alone seemed a bit intimidating initially; however, it became my favorite tradition. I paid all my attention to the flavors and the ambiance rather than acting in front of a food companion. It may be more convenient to mindfully eat without talking.
The Joy Of Pacing
I would walk miles or spend three hours on a park bench and never feel guilty that I was wasting the time of another person. Having my time was a feeling of freedom that is hardly experienced in everyday life. It seems that time passes at a different pace on its own.
Observing Life Like Art
Seating in a busy square would enable me to observe the world without any distractions. I observed little things, such as the play of sunlight on old brick or the manner in which people meet. People-watching may be termed as a meditation for the inquisitive.
Budgeting Without Any Pressure
I would decide to spend or save cash by either going to a fancy gallery entrance or having a simple sandwich in the park. My spending decisions were my own, and this eliminated the common pressure of spending money with others. Traveling is very liberating with financial independence.
Packing Only The Essentials
Lugging my bags myself helped me understand that I am really not much of a materialist to be happy and comfortable. Loss of the physical mass of the additional outfits was like losing mental baggage. Minimalism appears to be an inherent consequence of drifting in the world alone.
Building Internal Confidence
Whenever I was able to successfully room in a hotel or locate a secret landmark, my self-esteem was boosted silently. I was not waiting to be verified by someone that I was successful. It appears that being genuinely confident may be through demonstrating to yourself rather than others.
The Person I Became
Coming home, I noticed that I was not the person who had come home a few weeks before. I was more comfortable and more at home in my own skin. Solo traveling may be the quickest means of finding out who you are when no one is looking.
