Kintsugi

When you travel you experience, in a very practical way, the act of rebirth. - Rolf Potts

The practice of Kintsugi is a Japanese technique used to repair broken pottery through the process of mixing precious metals such as silver and gold with lacquer. The amalgamation of these components serves to not only restore the utilitarian function of the piece, but also to elevate it to a higher aesthetic. What used to be cracks of that once broken object are now scars of beauty for the world to see. It provides character and meaning to the history behind that object. On a philosophical level, people can also be like those broken pieces of pottery. Travel can serve as a catalyst for such a change. It is not uncommon to find backpackers searching within themselves for a cure of their maladies and internal struggles. This search inward has almost become a stereotypical trope associated with backpacking culture. Of course, not everyone that travels falls within this situation. Only the individual knows if he or she is on this path. Some of the great novelists write that travel for them can sometimes serve as a rebirth for the soul. Whether or not they were seeking to heal something deep within, they no doubt return home a different person. Tragic, though, is when the individual fails to notice the changes within themselves or the perception that any personal growth obtained on the trip was only temporary. That once they return home, a regression back to how things were will inevitably occur. The return back to the void in which they were seeking to escape; a reopening of figurative wounds. What is important to note is that regressing back to this state of mind, this mental construct, is not an immutable law of nature. It can be fought against; rebelled against. The same energy and courage utilized in taking that journey of self-healing can also be harnessed towards future forward progression. A profound change has already occurred. Evolution has taken place. The metaphorical gold and lacquer lining the scars of the soul have set, transmuting with it beauty and strength.

Reflections

A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it's not open. - Frank Zappa

The backpacker lifestyle can often times move at a frenetic pace. Early morning sunrise hikes, meetups for lunch with recently made friends and late night motorcycle rides fill up one’s itinerary rather quickly. Experiences come and go and the emotions associated with those moments are fleeting. That’s why I have always made it a priority to sit down and journal on all of my trips. I find the transposition of heart and soul onto paper by pen to be greatly meditative. This practice serves a twofold purpose. First, taking a break every now and then will help prevent travellers burnout. This lifestyle will take its toll physically and mentally on even hardened veterans. A mandatory reprieve is necessary to recharge the mind and body. Second, this is also a time to reflect on what has transpired throughout your trip thus far. Where you have been, who you have met and all the emotions that have been attached to those moments. More importantly, this could also be an opportunity to ruminate on things at a much deeper level. This will mainly apply to individuals that are travelling for some form of personal development, but I wholeheartedly think that every traveller is on some form of an intrinsic journey. You just need to be open to the teachings that being on the road can provide for you. Lessons are constantly present, albeit abstract at times. You just have to go and seek them out. They are hidden in the conversations you have with the locals, the setbacks that may arise on the journey, or bartering at the local market. It can come from profound conversations during late night sessions by the fire or from moments of quiet introspection on solo motorcycle rides. The world is a classroom and the teachers can come in many forms. Take the time to reflect and contemplate about what travelling has taught you.The knowledge and wisdom imparted unto you may prove invaluable in the future growth of your inner self.

Till We Meet Again

The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained - Bilal Nasir Khan

Meeting new people on the road is by far the best aspect of travel in my opinion. The beauty in connecting with another human being from a completely different walk of life. The magic in being able to identify with someone of a similar mindset. There is just something remarkable about the transition from stranger to friend, as if you have found someone from your metaphorical tribe. Consequently, connections will feel more intense compared to a similar situation outside of traveling. Misconceptions of having known this person for decades are common when in actuality you have only just met a few days ago. The time you have together will seem infinite, but that is a facade. A result of being fully caught in the flow of the moment. There will come a point where you will eventually part ways. This separation will surprisingly be a lot harder than it would seem. Additionally, these goodbyes will come at a higher frequency than it would be back home due to the nomadic nature of traveling. This constant emotional push and pull may be too difficult for some people to a point where they may start to withdraw from approaching new people. A little bit more reserved when meeting someone; a little more emotionally distant. Some may be aware that their perception is slowly changing, while others will be completely unaware as if an insidious seed has been planted in their mind. There is no doubt that saying goodbye is painful, especially if there is a very real chance that you may never see this person again. But it’s worth the pain; worth the emotional anguish. Don’t let the perceived conclusion be the only obstacle that prevents you from opening up your heart and soul. Understandably, this concept is often difficult to delineate. Why go through repeated and purposeful emotional distress? It is all about what is possible. The possibility of creating a new friend, lover or significant other. The potential moments you get to experience with one another that you will get to cherish in the present and reminisce about in the future. The hope of, if fate allows, another crossing of paths on this journey called life. Pain inevitably fades. Memories last forever.