Travel into the Unknown

Researchers say that almost 90 percent of the fear we experience is imaginary. 

“Men, believing in myths, will always fear something terrible, everlasting punishment as certain or probable. Men base all these fears not on mature opinions, but on irrational fancies, that they are more disturbed by fear of the unknown than by facing facts. Peace of mind lies in being delivered from all these fears.”

Epicurus

The beginning of all fear starts with a feeling or sense that harm may befall us. It's a simple thought that stirs a nervous reaction from the uncertainty that lies ahead. This uncertainty fosters a state of imagination which can spiral into panic and anxiety, a fear that can ultimately paralyze an individual.

During my recent travels, while I was in Cambodia staying at a hostel, a group of us were engaged in conversation. The topic shifted to why some people travel while others don't. I proposed that perhaps the main reason people avoid traveling is the fear of the unknown. We all experience this fear to varying degrees, but what I've noticed in those who travel is a stronger emotion that outweighs the fear—it's a compelling need to explore. I can't fully articulate this need or why it is felt, but when it strikes, nothing can deter the individual.

Fear of the unknown confines us to the safety of our familiar surroundings, binding us to the little box life has created. We must, at all costs, break free from this box and try to live outside the daily norms that have enslaved us, promoting a type of psychological sleep. What helps free ourselves from these chains is travel. Traveling broadens our minds and awakens our true nature. It facilitates a connection with a higher consciousness that lies dormant within us, buried beneath layers of the subconscious. This consciousness is the seat of empathy, compassion, and the foundation of 'Love thy neighbor.'

Most, if not all, esoteric traditions endeavor to help us tap into this higher consciousness, which binds all living things into a harmonious whole.

If we contemplate why we don't travel more often, we might discover that no insurmountable barriers are preventing us from achieving this goal. I believe two distinct factors create roadblocks in pursuing this course of action: imagination and a need for more thoughtful consideration.

We could ask: Why should we travel? Why should we venture beyond our daily routines, encountering challenges and possible suffering? These are great questions to ponder. I truly believe that there are times in our lives when we need to look at ourselves, stop, and think about exactly what we want in life. What would truly give us the feeling of fulfillment and true satisfaction? If in these moments we find ourselves lacking a meaningful purpose or we feel stagnation, why not embark on a journey?

Traveling cures; it has a mystical quality. It opens up a part of the human brain that is more attuned to its surroundings. In spiritual practice, one could say it helps individuals become more self-aware of their existence. Also, by traveling, we shed a layer of our psychological skin and when returning find new perspectives that help us navigate our daily routines.

Another aspect of traveling is that when we travel, we engage the intentional side of our thinking. This, in turn, facilitates the transformation of emotions into higher forms of empathy and genuine love. I've observed that most people who travel are more compassionate and understanding. They encounter aspects of life that are unfamiliar and cultures that reflect different sets of values and morals. In a way, it expands our consciousness.

For those who are considering traveling and feel a bit apprehensive, all you need to do is think about it. Consider a destination that you are interested in, envision what you could see and experience there. As you cultivate this desire, it will evolve into a yearning, a feeling that you must visit this place. Nurture this desire, and before you know it, you'll find yourself on a plane, speeding toward your destination.

From my experience, one of the most powerful tools we possess in overcoming the fear of the unknown is cultivating a strong desire, a higher emotion that can effectively displace fear. It's about identifying what we truly want, embracing it wholeheartedly, and believing in ourselves. When we align our aspirations with our deepest desires and commit ourselves to pursuing them, we harness an incredible force that propels us forward despite the uncertainties that may lie ahead. This assurance in our goals and belief in our capabilities serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path through the unknown.

Don't fear the unknown. Happy travels!"