This week we were instructed to read the article “The Mindful Traveler.” The article urged the reader to stray away from being your average traveler and become mindful travelers, people who leave only good impacts on the places they travel to. Mindful travelers are able to appreciate and celebrate the cultures of others. They don’t prematurely judge what they don’t understand. They are willing to learn and interact with different people from different cultures, and leave as better and enlightened people. They leave places better than they found it.
The author lists some major parts of what it means to be mindful. For example, he tells us we have to be mindful ecologically, culturally, economically, spiritually, etc. The author goes on to list other things, but one of the things he listed really caught my attention. When the author talked about being ecologically mindful, I realized that it may be a challenge for me. I’m am an accepting person, and as long as people are not harming, killing, or are innately evil I believe that everyone should have the freedom to pick the path they want to take in life. However, being ecologically mindful is tough because, the way the world is today, it is nearly impossible not to leave a negative mark on the Earth. Simply taking a plane to travel will leave another scar on the planet we call home. Though it is difficult and sometimes unavoidable, I believe that if I really put in a sincere effort I can reduce my carbon footprint. For instance, I could walk more, cut off lights that are not in use, recycle, or try to convince my mom to invest in solar panels.
Another piece of the article that I thought was very important were the parts that talked about engaging with the places that you visit. The article mentions the traveler that goes to a location and doesn’t connect with the place and the people. I want my travel to New York for the SUMMIT trip to be more than just selfies and pictures of Times Square. I don’t want there to be a situation where the only way I can remember my trip is by looking at the pictures I’ve taken. I want to fully connect with the city and the people. I’m going on this trip to learn more about New York, the world, and, most importantly, myself. I want to be a mindful traveler and embrace this experience fully. I realize that there are more perspectives in the world besides mine and I’m very excited to try to see through a new set of eyes.
– January 24, 2016
