A few years ago, someone decided to skip the best part of the month on an Unsettled Bali trip. It was a hike to a secret beach, us and nature. Instead of joining the hike, she decided to stay back at our villa in Ubud. At first, her decision puzzled me, but soon, I realized she had made a wise choice. She was embracing slow travel. It’s like how some travelers savor placing a thoughtful bet at 20Bet. They take their time with quick wagers. She was finding joy in being present and appreciating the moment.
The Wisdom in Choosing Presence
Initially puzzled by her decision not to join us on the hike, I soon realized that she had made a wise choice.
She protested the world’s fast pace. She refused to rush or buy something faster, newer, or more productive. She wanted to wait to move on to the next thing before finishing the present.
She was finding joy in being present at our villa in Ubud.
The Shift in Travelers’ Mentality
On Unsettled’s 30-day trips, I’ve saw an exciting shift between weeks 3 and 4.
Travelers start to put aside their work to-do lists. Even more surprising, they don’t replace it with a list of things to do before leaving places like Bali.
They are entirely doing away with this “go, go, go” mindset.
Finding Meaning in Middle Moments
In these “middle moments,” we find travel’s proper lessons. This is when someone goes to a café with a notebook and no computer. Or they start a conversation with a stranger. They find as much meaning in that short chat as in a book of prayers. Instead of taking a motorbike taxi, they opt to travel on foot.
Real change starts in these quiet places. They are far from noise and distractions.
Slowing Down as Resistance
Recently, I’ve seen this slowing become a form of resistance. It’s a way to reclaim our humanity in a world that values speed above all.
Capitalism doesn’t want us to slow down. It’s not investing in slow travel, ads, or news anytime soon. A few big corporations want our attention on their products or media. They want us to see many ads.
Embracing Uncertainty and Ambiguity
Slowing down is about breaking free from routine and expectation. It’s about embracing uncertainty and ambiguity. These are integral parts of the human experience.
It’s about putting our phones away and letting our attention wander to the nature, culture, and wonders around us.
The Power of Stillness and Solitude
In these moments of quiet and solitude, amid a busy world, we find ourselves.
Solitude from our devices: something so rare these days. When did you last go 48 hours without social media, email, and the news?
Reconnecting with Each Other
Are we, as a human race, forging stronger bonds with Apple, Meta, and TikTok while neglecting to connect? And at what cost?
The Hero’s Journey in Slow Travel
I’m reminded of that when I see someone embrace the “slow travel” phase on Unsettled retreats. This might be today’s ultimate Hero’s Journey.
Joseph Campbell said a Hero’s Journey means escaping life’s rush and capitalism. It is to be reborn as a better person. This modern adventure often means stepping away from our screens and slowing down.
We pay attention to the natural pace of life. We watch lizards on the walls, feel our breath in yoga, and turn the pages of a book in a café. This way, we can absorb the experience. Let’s avoid traveling as we do our work.
Learning from Unsettled Participants
When we return home, let us travel to find new ways to live and work. A little slower and more present. Like Unsettled, participants have taught me about their choices.
