The same dear friend who precipitated my love of travel shared this wonderful book with me a long time back titled, Miles to Cross,. Mike Howerton shares his wonderful physical and spiritual journey around much of the world. As a college student he set out to find out what life was really all about. This entailed Europe by train, USA by motorcycle, Britain by hitchhiking and Central America by jungle bus or any other possible means of transportation. During this amazing time of carpe diam he realized his physical journey is much like his spiritual one. In addition to endless travel inspiration, my favorite part of the book is Mike's Wanderlust Tenants.
Wanderlust Tenant #1: Notice things.
- Mike writes that wherever you are is a gift and you don't even have to travel somewhere to practice this tenant. If your eyes are not open you will never be able to live a life of appreciation regardless of where you go. Notice things. The trees budding out. The smell of freshly cut grass. Sunsets. A gentle breeze. By doing this you remain open to wonder.
sunset, Honolulu, HI
Tenant #2: Know yourself.
- Mike encourages us to believe that who we are is a gift. In order to get to know ourselves we must spend time listening to our restlessness, our dissatisfaction, and to our emptiness which will tell us about our heart's deep longing. By spending time doing this we learn to be comfortable with who we are and stop projecting our issues on those around us. Then, we can truly appreciate the beauty of life that surrounds. Notice things and never complain.
quite time in the Garden of Turia, Valencia, Spain
Tenant #3: Never complain.
- Life is a gift therefore there is no room for complaints. Complaining only incites anxiety, selfishness, and misery. Gratitude on the other hand combats all of these things. Mike encourages us to be thankful for where we are, who we are, and what we are experiencing. This frame of mind results in a type of peace that follows regardless of the circumstance. Notice things, know yourself, and never complain.
- Mike concludes that you will see others and their needs when you notice things. You will be able to draw near to others and allow them to draw near to you when you know yourself and drop your defenses. You will become selfless when you embrace a no complaints attitude. By doing these things you are able to serve and ultimately love others. Notice things, know yourself, never complain, and love.
Warhol exhibit, Valencia, Spain
during Las Fallas, Valencia, Spain
* image found here
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(tenants pay rent)
Love this, thanks for sharing and hope you're well!!
ReplyDeleteDanielle