You Plan, God Laughs
How to travel without baggage
Written with love from Trudi:
Hi Friend,
I’ve been meditating for over 10 years now, and for the longest time, I wrestled with this essential paradox: if the present moment is all we have, how the hell do we plan anything?
From big things like a trip to a foreign country to little things like a dentist appointment—all of that is happening in the future. So, does that mean if you really are going with the flow in consciousness, plans are worthless? And if so, what do we do about summer vacation?
I found a great answer on an episode of Bondi Meditation Centre founder Matt Ringrose’s podcast, Very Vedic. Matt says go ahead and plan. But at the same time, hold those plans loosely by practicing non-attachment in the Vedic sense: detaching from the outcome. Don’t try to predict what’s going to happen in real-time. Leave space for all possibilities.
I got to test drive this advice last summer when I returned to my happy place after many years away: Portland, Maine. Best of all, I was traveling with my childhood BFF. But from the minute we arrived, the weather turned and, in typical New England fashion, it oscillated between torrential downpours, gusty, biting winds, and occasional sunshine.
We couldn’t do much of what we’d scheduled, but, much to my delight, I quickly realized that the inclement weather made everything around us somehow even more dramatically beautiful and spectacular.
Plus, I got this iconic shot of my BFF on a boat:
The lousy weather also meant we left Maine early, and we were able to sneak in a visit with my BFF’s mom at her retirement home outside of Boston, near where we grew up. We had a lot of laughs over a rousing game of Rummikub, and the time flew. As I reflected on my trip on the plane ride home, I realized that the last stop on my hometown tour was a true highlight.
As it turns out, that was also the last time I saw my BFF’s mom. She passed away a few months later (which I wrote about here). I couldn’t have planned that last visit if I tried.
Go With the Flow
Matt also advised not planning too far in advance if you can help it. That golden nugget has worked out amazingly well for me. Perfect example: a few weeks ago, I realized a couple of big projects I’m working on should wrap up by the end of this month. I thought to myself: I’d really like to take some time off in early July. Then I let that thought go. I couldn’t imagine what trip I’d take that would be doable around then, since July 4th tends to be an expensive and crowded time to travel.
Cut to a few days later: a dear friend called out of the blue and invited my family to her beach house. Normally, we do something together in August, but we hadn’t made that plan yet.
As we discussed possible dates, she realized that, weirdly, the only weekend that she wasn’t overbooked for a change was July 4th. Bingo! Within a day, our plans were made.
I’m looking forward to our getaway, and yes, I’m holding those plans loosely.
Bonus Tip
Finally, a little trip from a Masshole driver like me for when you’re stuck in traffic: Stop cursing! Don’t lean on your horn. Whatever you do, do NOT roll down your window and flip off the driver next to you (no matter how good that might feel). Take a deep breath and remember: you are the traffic.
And, if traffic is your worst problem, you’re doing pretty well. If you have any vacation plans at all, you’re ahead of the game.
So, don’t trip—you’re going to have the summer you desire and deserve if you travel lightly and consciously.
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