The Practice of Wandering
One way to travel with "one eye on the world and the other eye on Jesus"
To Wander
to walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or aimless way (in curiosity)
Assumes a person will not get back on track; gone astray
to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal
to go idly about
to walk around slowly in a relaxed way or without any clear purpose or direction
I always challenge Big Story Living travelers that one of the best ways to travel with one eye on the world and the other eye on Jesus is to embrace the practice of wandering in wonder and curiosity.
The Big Story Living Way of Wandering
Incorporate this intention into your next travel adventure if you want to open up opportunity for your adventure and faith to collide, offering a fuller travel experience than you ever expected. It’s not difficult. You just have to step onto any street with intentionality and space, both in your schedule and in your self.
Recently I wrote a newsletter about the practice of lingering. Lingering and wandering go hand in hand. It all has to do with being present to the moment happening right in front of you, and present to the Presence while intentionally cutting out the distractions.
To spend intentional moments simply wandering with all your senses aware is one of the most valuable travel experiences for the soul that I have ever participated. I encourage everyone who travels with Big Story Living to make this an intentional practice at least once in every city we find ourselves as we explore the world.
How do we do it?
Here Are the Key Elements of Wandering With Big Story Living
Choose the time of day that you are most aware, present and rested with nothing pressing to participate in for at least two to three hours.
Go ALONE.
Share your tracking with your travel partners via an app like “Find My,” and text the group to let them know you will be off the grid for a few hours.
Make note of your lodging name and address.
Turn off your phone completely. NO notifications. Absolutely NO Map Navigation. If you need it for taking photos, make your phone settings where you can’t go onto any apps. The phone is ONLY for photos and emergencies and to get you home in the end.
Do some type of prayer and centering that works for you before exiting your lodging front doors. (I provide guides that travelers can take or leave that offer prompts towards centering intentionality)
With the supplies you need (purse, jacket, journal, money, whatever)…chin up and set off wandering. The city is yours! Go explore.
Listen, see, smell, hear, taste.
The key intention of this time is to be open-handed and curious with zero agenda except to be captured in wonder as you listen to the Spirit…always asking, “which way should I go next?” “Left.” Okay. “Down that street?” Yes. “Stop there for a treat.” No problem. “Linger at that park bench.” Will do.
We move with the belief that the Spirit within us knows best what our souls need to experience in every city. Jesus alone is the best tour guide, and we want to attune our hours to him.
Wonder for as long as feels good, and linger at what is in front of you longer than often feels comfortable. There’s no place to be except right here. Breathe. Savor. ENJOY!
When our time feels complete, phones can come back on and check-ins with the group can happen.
“I have lived too long where I am reachable.” -Rumi
Up Next?
The Practice of Courage
Happy Travels,
Amy