Having just returned from holiday, it struck me that other people might find it useful to know how I used mindfulness when travelling abroad.
Mindfulness doesn’t mean we live without fear. Instead, it gives us a set of tools and techniques we can apply when anxiety strikes and show ourselves compassion.
As I get older – and maybe post menopause – I find that I carry an underlying sense of anxiety when I am away. At these times, I trust in the science of mindfulness and reassure myself that any time I spend focussing on my breath or body – or the sensations of walking slowly barefoot on the different coarse grass or sand at the beach – will calm my mind and keep those tigers at bay.
I hope that you find this list helpful too. Please message me if you would like the scripts or guidance for any of these practices. They’re great for kids too.
Anxiety around the Airport
Flying
General busy-ness, crowds, noise
5 4 3 2 1
Breathing exercise
Unsettled
Homesick, away from home
Health worries
Concerns about safety
Body scan
Breath
Grounding
Walking meditation - especially barefoot if grass is different (beware of thorns though) or at the beach
5 4 3 2 1
RAIN
Good days
Happy experiences
Taking in the good
Linger with the positive
Allow emotions to bubble and fizz. Notice and absorb these feelings
Allow yourself to feel satiated
Daily gratitude journal
Trouble sleeping
Body scan
Breath – focusing especially on the abdomen or at the back
Coming Home
Transition
Body scan
Self-compassion:
Pace yourself, accept it is difficult, give yourself time.
Notice and allow any feelings of sadness or disappointment. It’s ok. Coming back to usual routines is hard.
The apps I use for guided meditations are Insight Timer and SoundCloud. Download these beforehand. Teachers I follow include Vidyamala Burch and Mark Williams. They both have a straightforward and compassionate approach which makes their meditations easily accessible.