Travel as Therapy | Kerry Schmoock
There is something that stirs deep within our soul when we begin to think about travel. Beyond explanation, it’s a sense we innately feel; an unexplained knowing that washes over us in such a way it cannot be ignored. Travel is a time to ignite our inner being with something new, something inspiring and something that offers the seeds of possibility to change our life.
“I did not want to leave; I was in love and it took three changes for my boat to eventually take me away.”
We are naturally curious beings, and it is completely normal to want to step away from our everyday life, to explore, to travel, to go to a place that will provide us with a meaningful experience to enrich our soul. Travel is extremely diverse, exciting, humbling and rewarding. It will take us on extraordinary and unexpected journeys that will have a profound effect on our lives.
To escape the norm, to find that magical place where we truly connect is like finding a lost treasure, a long-lost friend. I believe there are places that resonate with your inner core, places where you feel at home where you can embrace a slower rhythm with a mindful balance of doing and being and where your hearts and bodies become renewed. To spend time in these places will provide the mysterious missing piece to the puzzle that will help guide us through the next chapter of life.
Travel in the pure form has a far greater impact than anyone can imagine. Our life learnings are presented in many ways, and I can honestly say we have not even begun to realise the power of travel, the value, the freedom, the wisdom and healing that a carefully curated travel experience offers.
As we journey through life, we encounter unforeseen situations, and it is these times that will most likely determine where you need to travel. These places will be different for every single person every single time. The question is not where will I go, but – Why am I going? How do I want to spend my day? How do I want to feel? Where in the world is right for me right now? Where does my heart sing? It is about your purpose and passion every time you decide to go somewhere.
I have been to places that I just knew I needed to go. There was an undeniably strong pull to a destination I had no choice but to pursue. I knew of an incredible island I had longed to visit in a faraway land. It was all about timing, meeting the right person at the right time and before I could believe it, I was transported to naturally stunning, truly extraordinary destination called North Island in the Seychelles. Natural beauty and the luxury of time and space were the secret elements of this place. Time spent amid vital energies of nature and sharing stories with beautiful souls who live and breathe the essence of island life was both inspiring and empowering. It was nothing to sit and chat for hours or just meander the day away from one beach to the next taking in all the sights and sounds of nature. I did not want to leave; I was in love, and it took three changes for my boat to eventually take me away.
Another encounter was equally remarkable. My life had changed dramatically and I was seeking something profoundly different. After a chance meeting, I found myself in the heart of the Himalayas, waking up to the most incredible sunrise gazing at Mt Everest in absolute awe of her power and glory. The moment I opened my eyes, I knew I was in the presence of something truly magnificent. To this day, I still cannot believe I went to such lengths to follow a whim, particularly when my first love is pristine beaches and remote islands. However, for me it was to get away from the norm and I needed the strength of the mountains to get me through. I did not know it at the time, but once I returned home, I realised the valuable teachings that had infused into my every cell. I developed an unexplainable connection and returned to the Himalayas three times that same year.
“Travel opens the eyes, touches the heart & enriches the soul.”
Throughout my travelling life, I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to explore the magic of our world and the beautiful souls who open our eyes and hearts and bring us such special gifts without even knowing. Every day I find myself wandering virtually through these cherished memories and continue to live and breathe the essential spirit of these places and the beautiful people who care for you whilst with them. Travel is a therapy unknown to us in real terms, but a therapy that ingrains into our very being and helps us every day thereafter.
Words & Photography: Kerry Schmoock
Luxury Life Travel
