Three Ways To Become a Compassionate Traveler
And, no, it’s not taking selfies beside your S/O while they are sleeping! x
Traveling can be stressful. With that stress, frazzled nerves and impatience may easily follow. Spending half a year on a plane last year (and traveling to and from LA, Chicago and Europe this year), I’ve come to learn what helps to make for a (mostly!) drama-free traveling experience. Of course, we don’t have the power to control other people (or many times, our circumstances), but we can certainly determine how we choose to show up that day. So, in its simplest form, here are three easy ways I’ve learned to become a compassionate traveler (and ease travel woes)!
1.) Arrive to the airport Early.
As someone who was chronically tardy (and still has to work to stay on top of it), this is from good ol’ hard-headed experience. I’ve learned that it’s not just about boarding on time, but that it’s also about preserving my mental state and being purposeful about the way that my energy can positively or negatively shift an atmosphere.
Arriving early aids tremendously in this goal.
Most times, in order to successfully be a person of last-minute travel, it takes a substantial amount of work to be able keep your patience high and negative reactions low, particularly in time-sensitive situations. But, there’s something about coming to an airport early that allows you to move at a pace that isn’t dependent on everyone else around you. Even if others are oblivious, slow or inconsiderate, all of this matters less somehow, when you’re on top of your schedule and not pulling your hair out to board the plane on time.
This kind of compassion is lovely for other travelers/employees of the airport, but the results are the most significant for you. In the end, you’ll reap the benefits of added time to use the bathroom, grab a snack or assemble your belongings without feeling pushed or stressed. Not to mention, you’ll also get to board early in your zone and settle in the way you need to.
2.) Lower the window shades.
here’s why:
When you’re thousands of miles above the ground, you are also now thousands of miles closer to the sun. It’s the closest that you’ll ever physically be to the sun and this is when the rays are most harmful. I understand that looking outside may be peaceful - and sure, take a peek or two! - but leaving the shade up the entire flight does not just display a huge lack of compassion (cue everyone else on the other side of the plane squinting and being blinded by the piercing rays) but it can also, over time, be very dangerous for your skin.
This is more than just an anti-aging strategy; this is about skin health and the plethora of complications that overexposure to the sun can absolutely lead to (take it from this island girl). The great news is, even if the person sitting next you wants to read, they have their overhead concentrated light that illuminates them perfectly. Health first. That’s compassion.
3.) Say Thank You.
Over time, I’ve developed the habit of thanking anyone who carries me in a vehicle anywhere; whether it’s a bus, an uber/taxi or even a plane, it doesn’t matter. I can’t ignore the fact that you’ve carried and delivered me safely to my final destination. That means something to me.
This also includes service people: flight attendants, counter employees and even people who help me with my luggage. Not only does this make for a compassionate exchange, but it also creates a connection where we, as human beings existing in the same space, can acknowledge the common thread that ties us all together; love.
So, next time while traveling, share a smile and a simple ‘thank you’ with people that you think might normally assume your gratitude (like a pilot, a luggage handler or even a bathroom attendant). Let them know that their service is appreciated and you’re thankful for their hard work. It makes a difference in their day - and, especially, yours!
Wishing you compassion-filled journeys. x