Most people have more than one passion. Some people love to dance and read, others to hike and write. One of the most interesting and, quite frankly, exciting combinations is religion and travel. Who doesn’t love a good vacation that also embodies spirituality?There are many benefits of spiritual tourism it can be a great thing for you, here is a list of three benefits that can have for your health.
Combining your passions is something that can be greatly satisfying and completely enjoyable. Travel and faith is something that can be explored in so many ways. There are benefits to it too! You’re not just having a good time, but you’re broadening your experiences and allowing yourself to become open to alternative ideas and beliefs that may alter or deepen your existing faith.
Benefits of Spiritual Tourism
1. Embrace yourself
Spiritual tourism is an opportunity to devote a period of time entirely to yourself. Visiting a place of sacred importance can bring you closer to your own beliefs and allows you to have a greater understanding of what it is you believe. A word of advice, if you are planning to take an adventure of the spiritual variety, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is inspiring and will set you up for your own experience. Focusing on yourself is something that can be difficult during everyday life so taking time off and devoting it can provide the opportunity to embrace yourself fully.
2. Explore the world
There are so many places that are of spiritual significance that it can get overwhelming when it comes to planning. Finding places that you want to visit is one of the best parts of spiritual tourism as you will find that there are places that you hadn’t even heard of that inspire your curiosity. Once you have determined the general area you are going to visit, for example, Washington DC, you will need to find churches and sacred sites in the area that you’d like to pay a visit. Simply search ‘find churches near me,’ which will bring up a notable place that is worth a visit.
3. Experience more
Going to your regular service at your local church is a routine way to feel close to God and affirm your faith. Spiritual tourism allows you to dive headfirst into your faith and get a much deeper understanding of what your belief means. Surrounding yourself with culture and history will open up your mind to religion and what it means to you. Meditation is a great way to access the inner workings of your mind and help you experience a faith that you may have only scratched the surface of previously. You can go to a Monastery in the middle of the Bhutan mountains and meditate amongst the sounds of the forest below you. Sounds pretty idyllic, right?
Engage your faith
Exploring the world on a spiritual journey can give you a firm and tangible belief in your faith as you have created experiences and memories of the spiritual experience. Traveling in search of a more engaged faith also gives you a story to share and inspire others with; ignite a pilgrimage of your very own!
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