The journey as defragging – the spirituality of travel
Posted by Rosemary on Thursday, December 18, 2008 · 5 Comments
I have just had to defrag my computer, and think it is a pretty good description of what has happened for and to me during my travels – I have been defragged.
My understanding of what defragging is on a PC, (or rebuilding the desktop with an Apple Mac) is that under normal working conditions we create a lot of ‘mess’ on a computer – files are disordered, temporary files are created, we jump from one thing to another, leaving a messy trail behind.
I am staying at St Pete’s Beach in Florida with my sister Diana and her family – the last stage of my four month sojourn, heading home, and reflecting on the time away and what it has meant for me.
Defragging is like a spring clean of your system and its files – putting them back in order, getting rid of unnecessary clutter.
That is what this journey has done for me. After my partner Ngaire died, I felt that my life was barely under control – I did not have coherent sense of myself or my direction, I felt fragmented.
An extended time away has (I hope) enabled me to find myself again as a separate entity and focus on a sense of purpose and direction. I feel less anxious more open to the future and, yes, less fragmented.
I am sure travel is not the only way of achieving this – it is what we are offered in meditation and contemplation, or in simply taking time for ourselves.
Though I am sure re-entry into life in Waipu, my home village, will bring fresh challenges, I feel I am ready for them and have some inner resources to respond.
I talked about this when I had lunch yesterday with Susan Collins, someone who had wwoofed (what is wwoofing?) with me at my Waihoihoi Women’s lodge in New Zealand. I met her when she was also taking ‘time out’ to consider what next in her life.
Read some of Susan’s blogs here
Another reflection that emerged in our conversation was that often we need to get outside of our comfort zone – a different context, a different language, a physical challenge – before we are challenged to reflect or change. When we are out of our comfort zone the only place we can go is into our own space and reality and that is where we can grow.
So here’s to regular and intentional personal defragging!
More Adventures with Rosemary Articles
- Saigon and the End of our Road - December 3rd, 2011
- Cycling in the Mekong Delta - December 3rd, 2011
- Hoi An is more than clothes - December 3rd, 2011
- A new wardrobe and a massage - what more can a girl want? - November 22nd, 2011
- Moto tour of Hue, Vietnam - November 22nd, 2011
Hi Rosemary. i like your blog for you see tharelling not only like seeing and making photos of yourself in diferent places but as a continuous process of self development. i love travelling though i have no possibility to do it quite often. nevetheless it makes my journeys even more amusing. thank you for taking time and sharing your stories.
Hi Rosemary, I am new to your post. WOW its seems that you are indeed traveling a lot here.
Will its Good that you cherish each moment and as much as possible you ENJOY LIFE while its LAST!!!
Have a happy, exciting and unforgettable Journey!
WE CAN DO IT WOMEN!
Hi Rosemary it has been great reading with great interest your stories. I have been in Taiwan for six weeks and started work this Tuesday very hard I need to do some defragmenting!!! I am wondering when you will return to New Zealand I hope we could meet up sometime Jacquie
Defragging is a good description of what we do every few weeks when we take a few days off travelling! We have just had 3 days in Istanbul , going for small jaunts but mostly resting after an intensive week of touring.It gave me time to write up my blog and organise the photos,to go to the nearest cafe a couple of times and revisit some favourite places, likethe Blue Mosque.It is sorting out and regathering the energy time.
I enjoyed reading your latest few blogs, while wespend a night in Munich before our Imperial Europe Tour. It is snowing outside. I am so excited as it looks like christmas will really be white. Much love C&D
Thanks, Roseberry. Will have to defrag my Mac some time – and maybe defrag my life too! Things are hotting up for Christmas here in little ole Waipu. The street decorations are up and there are whispers as to who is taking part in the Christmas Parade. Perhaps Hildegarde will be there in her usual reindeer antlers – she’ll be looking forward to your return. Plans are well under way for the Celtic Music Festival but you will miss that too as you’ll be at camp. Oh well… see you at the Deli Cafe soon. Florida… how fantastic! Safe journey home!
Sue