Going almost anywhere for the very first time is Exciting…Fresh…Hopeful. We’re stepping out of everyday life into the unknown of our own choosing. Whatever it is, the “adventure” is decided. Plans curated and time set aside. “Explorer” is our upcoming title. Anticipation is high.
Extra effort is required to “get out of Dodge”, covering responsibilities at work and home while away. Suddenly it’s the night before departure. We’re up late packing. If only we had started earlier. Throw in our toothbrush and other true necessities. It’s time to go.
But, wait! We’re about to embark on a trip: How do we maximize the unique opportunity of experiencing a place for The Very First Time? What might an open demeanor bring?Here are suggestions to augment the unique opportunity of visiting a place for The Very First Time:
Fully arrive at the start. You’ve made it to your airline seat. It’s tiny and legs are already cramped. Take a breath (or two). Settle into your place, bring your mind to being on that plane, starting the trip. Feel the excitement in your body. Close your eyes and thank the universe and whomever else deserves gratitude.
Disconnect from work and life as much as possible. Resist the urge to check email. Hopefully you’ve set an automated “out of the office” responder. If not, do so. If you have to stay in touch, set the same time every day to check in. Nothing worse than obligation hanging over you.
Deliberately slow down. Reduce the list of “Must Do’s”, no more that one tourist site a day. Less is often more, especially if you’ve chosen extra special accommodations. Spend some time there, too.
Take out your “tools” to relax: a good book, a journal and favorite writing utensil, music or podcasts. Read about where you are and read as you go. What a pleasure to relish and digest words on the page.
Commune with your travel partners. What’s most important to them about this trip? What are they noticing? How are they feeling?
Mindfully eat. In other words, whenever you sit down to a meal, really experience the first three bites and frankly the whole meal. Relish the tastes and smells. Allow lots of time for food and drink.
Sit. Whether you have a formal meditation practice or sit “on the fly”, sit, observe and quiet your mind each day. Our brains need to rest anyway. Remind yourself what it feels like not to have incessant thinking (so rare most days).
Be the discerning photographer. Whether you brought an actual camera or are 
using your phone, notice shapes, views, textures and spaces. “See” what you normally don’t notice.
using your phone, notice shapes, views, textures and spaces. “See” what you normally don’t notice.Living as travelers, we grab snippets of “first time” sojourns everyday even in our busy lives.Yet when we have the opportunity to travel away, our senses are primed for enjoying the many Very First Time experiences. Heed the opportunity!
Wishing you a wide-angle lens, a full spectrum, the joys, the challenges, the nourishment of experiencing a new place The Very First Time.
