The essayist Pico Iyer writes that the most satisfying travel is attentive, as if we were in love. We are moving in a a heightened state of awareness, sensitivity, spontaneity when we travel passionately, and in this state we are saved from what he calls abstraction and ideology. Currie is aware of the danger of being over-prepared and so reminds the reader that his suggestions are all simple touchstones for staying clear about the purpose of the journey. The metaphor is similar to that of crossroad stones that encouraged travelers to stop and reflect on the reasons why they accepted the great challenge of the journey in the first place. After reading these pages, it will soon be time for your own journey.
Mindful travel awakens the senses.
Breathe out vexation and anxiety and inhale the clean, untainted air. Allow it to work its way through the blood stream. It will find the hidden pathways and revitalize them. Like holy water passing down a stream, it will cleanse and renew, second by second finding its way to the deep pools where Buddha as Mystic is ready to create his magic. When we are on the road, this often seems easier.