#039 — The power of silent travel
Explore the transformative trend that's redefining how we experience the world.
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What’s new? Well, there’s a fascinating trend emerging in the world of travel – one that promises to transform not just how we explore the world, but how we connect with ourselves. We’re talking about silent travel, a movement that’s gaining momentum as more of us seek refuge not only from everyday responsibilities, but also from the constant noise of our daily lives.
So in this issue, we’ll dive deeper into this trend, exploring everything from silent retreats nestled in remote mountains to digital detox cabins just a stone’s throw from bustling cities. We’ll also uncover the science behind silence’s powerful effects on our brains, and share practical tips on how you can incorporate elements of silent travel into your next adventure.
So, whether you’re a seasoned meditation practitioner or someone who’s never tried to sit in silence for more than a few minutes, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery. Who knows, you might just find that the most profound travel experiences await in the quietest of places.
But of course that’s not all we’ve prepared for you in this edition! There’s so much more content waiting inside to make you curious and inspired.
Allow yourself to get inspired, and enjoy!
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Food for thought
✻ Could changing your life be as simple as counting backwards from 5? Maybe not, but it’s a good start! Check out this intriguing article which explores a deceptively simple technique for overcoming procrastination and taking action.
✻ In a fascinating discovery, scientists have found “dark” oxygen being produced more than 4000 meters below the ocean surface. Read more about the implications of this unexpected phenomenon, reminding us how much we still have to learn about our planet’s oceans.
✻ As we encourage mindful travel, it’s important to address a growing concern: selfie-related fatalities at tourist sites. This thought-provoking piece from Slate examines this issue as a public health concern, offering insights on how we might balance our desire to capture memories with the need for safety.
✻ Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California developed the technology allowing for the recording from 1860 to be heard for the first time. Listen to the oldest known recording of a human voice here.
✻ “If, if, if... doesn’t exist.“
“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.”
– Mario Quintana
GET INSPIRED
The sound of silence
In a world that never seems to stop talking, silence is becoming a precious commodity. As Tasha Kleeman points out in her enlightening article for Condé Nast Traveler:
We live in a noisy world with diminishing space for a wandering mind. With so much content vying for our attention and providing a constant soundtrack to our always-on lives, opportunities to sit quietly with ourselves are rare.
So it’s no coincidence that the silent travel trend has emerged. And its’s a movement that’s rapidly gaining more traction as we collectively seek ways to disconnect from the constant chatter of our both digital and real lives.
But what exactly is silent travel? At its core, it’s about creating space for stillness and reflection in our journeys. It’s not just about the absence of noise, but about cultivating a state of inner quiet that allows us to more fully experience the world around us.
According to a recent BBC Travel article, the global wellness retreat market, which includes mindfulness retreats, is set to double by 2032, reaching $364 billion (!). This growth is driven by increased stress, a growing consciousness surrounding wellness, and a desire for “digital detoxification”. No wonder that silent travel was specifically named as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top trends for 2024, noting its promising implications for wellbeing.
Ideas for embracing silent travel
Silent travel can take many forms, each offering a unique way to experience the world:
Silent retreats: These range from weekend getaways to intense 10-day experiences, often rooted in Buddhist practices like Vipassana meditation. Places like the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California offer a variety of silent retreat options, from beginner-friendly weekends to more advanced, longer stays. The Blue Cliff Monastery in New York’s Catskill Mountains, founded by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, is another popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Digital detox cabins: Companies like Unplugged are tapping into our need to disconnect. Their off-grid cabins, located just a few hours from major cities, offer a chance to trade your smartphone for an old-school Nokia (complete with Snake game!) and rediscover the joy of being present. Imagine waking up to birdsong instead of email notifications, or watching a sunset without the urge to Instagram it…
Silent walking tours: For those who find sitting meditation challenging, silent walks offer a more active approach to mindfulness. Tours like Silent Koli in Finland guide participants through nature in complete silence, allowing for a deep connection with the environment. The National Park Service in the U.S. has also begun offering silent hikes in various locations, recognizing the growing demand for such experiences.
Quiet parks: The non-profit organization Quiet Parks International is on a mission to preserve natural quiet spaces around the world. Their certified Quiet Parks offer rare sanctuaries of peace, free from human-made noise pollution. One such park is Zabalo River Wilderness Quiet Park in Ecuador, where visitors can experience the Amazon rainforest in its pristine, quiet state.
For the more adventurous souls, companies like Black Tomato have created experiences that take silent travel to the extreme. Their “Get Lost” service drops participants in remote, unknown locations with basic survival gear and navigation tools. It’s a rather radical way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with oneself, pushing personal boundaries in the process, but in the end, there might be method in this madness…
Silent travel benefits
The science behind silence is compelling. Research has shown that spending time in quiet can have profound effects on our wellbeing. A study published in the journal “Brain Structure and Function” found that two hours of silence daily led to the development of new cells in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with learning, memory, and emotion. Another study, published in the journal “Heart”, discovered that two minutes of silence can be more relaxing than listening to “relaxing” music, based on changes in blood pressure and blood circulation in the brain. This regulation of stress hormones and increased self-awareness can be particularly beneficial in our hyper-connected world.
While the benefits of silent travel are numerous, it’s important to approach these practices with cultural sensitivity and respect. Many retreat centers now offer educational components that provide context for the practices, helping participants engage more meaningfully with the experience. This approach allows travelers to not only reap the personal benefits of silent travel but also to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures and traditions that have preserved these practices for centuries.
Beyond personal benefits, silent travel can also be a boon for the planet. Gordon Hempton, co-founder of Quiet Parks International, points out that “for wildlife, natural silence is critically important. There is no indoors for wildlife”. By choosing quiet destinations, we’re often supporting conservation efforts in some of the most ecologically vital areas of the world.
“Quiet is a resource. And if we don’t do something to protect it now, it will be much harder in future to regain what we have lost.”
– Matt Mikkelsen, Quiet Parks International
Tips for getting started
Incorporating elements of silent travel into your journeys doesn’t necessarily mean committing to a 10-day silent retreat. Here are some simple ways to bring more quiet into your travels:
Start your day in silence: Wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual and spend that time in quiet reflection or meditation.
Take a tech break: Designate certain hours of the day as “phone-free” time, allowing yourself to fully immerse in your surroundings.
Seek out quiet spaces: Research parks, libraries, or places of worship in your destination that offer quiet refuges from the bustle of tourist areas.
Practice mindful observation: Spend 10 minutes each day simply observing your environment without commentary or judgment.
Journal in silence: End your day with a period of silent reflection and journaling, processing your experiences without external input.
Try a “silent” meal: Eat one meal a day in complete silence, focusing on the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food.
Explore sound baths: Many wellness centers and retreat spaces offer sound bath experiences, where you can immerse yourself in healing vibrations while maintaining silence.
As we navigate an increasingly noisy world, the allure of silent travel becomes ever more potent. It offers not just a break from the cacophony of daily life, but a chance to tune into the subtle frequencies of our inner worlds and the natural environment around us.
Sofiah Thom, owner of Danyasa Eco-Retreat in Dominical, Costa Rica, has also noted a shift in traveler preferences.
“People don’t just want to sit on the beach with a margarita anymore, they want to be in a beautiful setting and learn tools to help them in everyday life”.
This sentiment encapsulates the essence of silent travel – it’s not just about escaping, but about gaining valuable skills and insights that we can carry with us long after the journey ends.
So as you plan your travels for 2024 and beyond, consider carving out some time for silence. Whether it’s a dedicated silent retreat or simply a day of your trip spent in quiet reflection, you might be surprised at the profound impact it can have.
May your journeys be filled with moments of peaceful reflection and joyful discovery.
Safe and silent travels!
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