Intermission

You have to return eventually
To see everything differently
To see what you see differently
And how you see it differently
Due to having gone away

Old points of reference
Faded through absence
Return to conscience
And highlights the essence
Of what you have transcendended
Compared with if you had stayed

This place is not the same
But its from where you came
Similar, but only in name
Or is it rather who you became?
Will what you have gained
Not fade, not be difficult to retain
Unless you go again?
–
by Jean-Jacques M
© 2009

Obtaining Clarity

From a bleak Pskov city we were transported by bus into the rural Russian countryside. On the way we were asked not to consume liquids for it may be detrimental to the activity we were soon to engage in. Miles of winding forest roads decorated with occasional rustic homes finally led us to our isolated destination. Temperatures were submerged and a small frozen lake could be glimpsed through the trees.

On entering the log cabin style building we were given clear instructions on how to proceed. Within minutes we left the changing rooms in bathing suits as if a well coordinated group. We lined up on small wooden benches in the entrance room adjacent to a big wooden door. Each of us received a sheet meant to be used as a towel later on which we wrapped firmly around our shoulders for perceived warmth. Our attention was directed to shiver control while our guide slipped into the hot chamber to make preparations.

Moments later fourteen of us were packed in like sardines on terraced plank benches, desperately trying to adapt to temperatures that had instantaneously skyrocketed beyond calculation. Lightheadedness from dehydration briefly made it difficult for me to distinguish between steam and stars. I recovered somewhat when I suddenly felt the cool and soothing sensation on my skin of being whipped with birch leaves from behind. I passed on the favor by using a wet birch branch with lots of leaves to hit the person in front of me on her neck, shoulders, back and arms.

As the scorching minutes ticked by I sensed my extreme apprehension of the upcoming challenge dissipating. Relief though, was indefinitely delayed by the unspoken iron will of the beautiful Nadya, guarding the door and pouring more water on the rocks. A time period indicated by her would determine when our pores were suitably opened to leave the steaming inferno, even if only momentarily.

It was a short sprint around the building in groups of three, with first a cold air shock just outside the steam chamber and then a second shock outside the banya’s front door. With bare feet we ran on a sandy and stony path down to the lake’s edge. The jetty was short of reaching the hole in the ice big enough for a human body to voluntarily fit through. A precarious walk on the surface had to be made up to the edge. Then a heart stopping plunge into the deep icy liquid. The initial sharp freeze-burn-sensation turned into a freezing-numb-anesthesia off sorts. I achieved clarity. Total clarity. For several seconds. The feeling continued to last until I pulled myself up and out over the edge again.

I had blood trickling from my knees and hands where the sharp ice edges caused small cuts when I climbed out. Without delay we hotfooted it back to banya salvation.

An hour and a half later we found ourselves upstairs above the steam room. By this time, some of the braver amongst us had experienced clarity more than once. We were exhausted, but I felt clean in more ways than I could describe and the contented faces of my travel partners told a similar tale. Our hosts had barbecued outside while we were cleansing and now we had an impressive feast laid out on the beautifully decorated long table in front of us. Barbecued chicken, bottles of vodka and wine, plates of traditional Russian snacks and bowls of salad were all prepared and ready, but first many toasts had to be made.

Folk tales, humorous with wise words were told and translated. We toasted  to friendships and friends. We toasted to good relations amongst nations. We toasted to excellent health and beautiful women. We toasted to the hope for world peace.

Based on an event in 2006

Article and photo by Jean-Jacques M

© 2009

Beyond Borders

We all have our own personal journey, yet I would like to propose that evolving is part of everyone’s path. Going beyond geographical borders is as easy as buying travel tickets, but not everybody is affected by the process in the same way. We don’t all travel for the same reasons and we are not all here for the same reasons. Or are we? Unlike other species our self awareness, consciousness and a certain sense of being part of something much bigger out there, might prompt us to probe these questions further. To do so we have to tear ourselves away from a multitude of modern distractions. We are bogged down with modern conveniences, appliances, games and applications and we have more forms of entertainment than time. We are highly advanced and at the same time  stagnant. Despite everything we have or have achieved we may occasionally become aware that our current environment might not readily allow the type of further individual growth we sometimes crave for. There are many ways of going beyond personal borders, but travelling purposefully is arguably the ideal method.

To travel is to evolve when travelling is consciously used as the vehicle to go beyond personal borders.

To evolve is to always attempt to shift the borders of our own limitations beyond their current borders.

To evolve is to expand our life experiences in order to learn more from life beyond the borders of the conventional.

To evolve is to continue facing our fears and to overcome them beyond the borders of the limitations they have imposed on us.

To evolve is to become autonomous in our thoughts beyond the borders of collective thinking and conditioning.

As an individual, going beyond the borders of what we think is personally possible will shape and enhance the person uniquely on his or her own path.

To travel is to open the mind. The “risk” with opening the mind is that you could possibly open the sluices and temporarily “flood the dam”, because you might have to reconsider treasured reference points. This can initially be quite an unsettling, unnerving, exciting experience. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t have it any other way…

Article and photo by Jean-Jacques M

© 2008

Safer than Houses

The long term traveler makes short term investments in short to medium term experiences. During the investment period short term loss of income may occur, but the long term profits are immeasurable  and immense. Even the shortest experiences yield high returns of knowledge and continuously pay out  dividends in the form of memories. The traveler’s assets are of a non-tangible nature, deposited safely within his mind and soul. His or her assets of experience cannot be eroded, diminished, transferred or misappropriated. The traveler can unobtrusively leverage these assets in order to navigate choppy waters and to identify new safe havens where he can continue to invest in more experiences. Because of their non fixed-term nature, medium and short term travel experiences can  easily be interrupted  when exit strategies or early withdrawals are called for. One appealing aspect of gained experience is that investors do not visibly stand out from the crowd, providing a sense of anonymity to the traveler. Unlike other assets, experience cannot be bought, won or inherited.  As any experienced traveler will tell you,  even though investing in this market can be hard work and requires ample amounts of energy,  its by far the  safest personal investment you could ever make.

by Jean-Jacques M

© 2008

Nelson Mandela on Ubuntu

© grapevinepostcards.com

Last week saw the birthday of Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the former president of South Africa . He  reached the impressive age of 90 years and is still healthy enough to travel internationally. I spent my youth in South Africa and as a child I lived in a town close to the area where he grew up. As a celebration of his wisdom and leadership, and in acknowledgement of the positive influence he has had on my life, I have selected a few relevant quotes by the great Freedom Walker himself.

“A traveller through our country would stop at a village, and he didn’t have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food, entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu but Ubuntu has various aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?”

“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”

“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

“As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

“When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.”

“It always seems impossible until its done.”

–

Ubuntu is an African philosophy and is a Zulu word which means Humanity.

Ubuntu is also the name of an open source Linux operating system, spearheaded by Mark Shuttleworth, a South African entrepreneur.

–

Bill Clinton on Ubuntu

Equality

I have met some of the wealthy and well educated who could not see past their own status, class or ego.

I have met poor or humble intellectuals who self-educated to high levels of knowledge and experience, but who would never be given equal recognition in the work place without proof of a formal education.

I have met some religious folk from various religions who seemed to not show all that much compassion for those outside of their own religious community.

I have met some non-religious folk or agnostics or those who consider themselves to be atheists or who did not believe in any god or wasn’t sure, but who still had compassion and natural empathy for others, regardless of their religious or spiritual affiliation.

I have been to a country where all people were regarded as equal in relation to race and gender, but not in relation to religion.

I have lived in a country where all religions were regarded as equal, but ethnicity and race were used to categorize people into a hierarchy of haves and have-nots in relation to rights, jobs, education and assets.

I have lived in a country where a transformation process towards equity requires re-integration in all spheres of life, yet many of the previously advantaged choose emigration.

I have been to a country where every person is equal and every person is working class, according to the political system. Every person has access to free education and health care but they are unable to reach their full potential in terms of business and entrepreneurship and are barred from emigration to seek out better lives for themselves elsewhere.

I have worked in countries where foreigners are often treated as outsiders and where they will always find it harder to get good jobs which pay as well as those for citizens.

I know of countries where foreigners from affluent countries are elevated to higher positions in society, and earn more respect and better salaries than those who were born there.

I know of countries where people are born into caste and class systems which would determine their entire lives and futures.

I have lived in countries where you are born free, but where you are “enslaved” by the economic system and where only a few will rise out of working class into affluence.

I know of families treating their own members as outsiders or outcasts and I know about how friendships can sometimes become stronger than family ties.

I have met those to whom these paradoxes are obvious and those who are oblivious by choice. I know that some believe it has always been this way and can never change.

I’ve also met some who believe that humans are currently in the process of entering a new phase of consciousness and that we are definitely moving forward.

I believe that although we can see inequalities in every sphere of daily life, much of it has to do with our egos and perceptions about ourselves and misconceptions about others. In the social, economic and political sphere we can see that local, regional and continental systems are not at the same point at the same time, but are slowly converging in terms of knowledge and awareness. I believe there will always be cultural differences, but there will be more equality in terms of human rights in the future.

I know that massive historical strides have been made towards ethnic, gender, language, racial and religious equalities and I believe that’s all part of a slow, but systematic, positive process, linked to our progressiveness as a species. I am aware that the path is not without major upheaval and that the human race will be facing major obstacles in the near future, but I believe it is all part of the convulsions of transformation.

I believe that becoming aware of in-equality is one step closer towards Equality.

Article and photo by Jean-Jacques M

© 2008

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Travelosophy

Early in 2004 I was about to start my first blog. I had already been on the road for a few years and I was trying come up with an appropriate name. It had to describe quite closely what traveling really meant to me. I knew that I was getting from it much more than just visiting places, seeing things or meeting people. At the time I was practicing a “work-your-way-around-the-world” style of backpacking, which meant that I was prepared to do virtually any type of work in order to get to almost any destination, as long as it was away from home and it would lead to more destinations – an approach very far removed from a city-break, a 10 day tour, or a three week seaside vacation. “Work-your-way” is also not quite the same as doing projects or youth programs such as a gap year or volunteering. Neither is it pure economic migration or permanent immigration. It’s ongoing backpacking which might over time incorporate many, if not all of the above, as the hybrid process of extending the journey systematically continues.

I was starting to think of myself as a “modern day gypsy”. Something had happened along the way which provided me with a deeper purpose, but trying to define what it was remained elusive. After playing with words for a couple of weeks I came up with “travelosophy” which sounded a bit like my favorite on-line flight booking centre, but it was original with a very different meaning. A few months later I posted “Practicing Travelosophy” and I would now like to expand a bit more on that theme.

Introduction:

Nomadic tendencies are often instinctive and have been around for as long as humanity itself. Travelosophy has been around for as long as people have been thinking about nomadic tendencies. After all, for some, to travel is to be. The word Travelosophy is not in the dictionary. Should it be? What is a synonym for Travelosophy?

What is Travelosophy?

The search for balance and understanding through movement and knowledge

The quest for wisdom through the process of travel

The art of long term travel and reflection

Insight gained through extensive travel and applied in understanding everyday life and the world we live in

A physical journey lived as an essential part of an individual’s life journey and spiritual journey

Practicing Travelosophy

Travelosophy is an educational approach to travel through immersion. The travelosopher experiences a destination by spending an extended period of time there. He or she lives among and works with the people. He remains informed about current affairs and has a keen eye for observing all aspects of the culture he temporarily resides in. She possesses a natural balance of respect, tact and sensitivity towards local customs and practices. He is a stereo-type-breaking investigative reporter of sorts who explores beyond the obvious to break the mould of common knowledge. She is independent and is usually not affiliated with any ideology, group or cause. He works for him self and therefore takes the time to observe, to understand and to reflect. Travelosophy is an art form which will often leave the artist broke and exhausted, but always fulfilled. It is usually an incurable addiction.

Is there a spiritual side to Travelosophy?

The process of moving and having to constantly adapt and learn leads to a higher sense of self and world awareness. This may promote an appreciation of the mundane, the norm and the usual, on a higher level, which culminates in a fundamental understanding of how the process of growth is facilitated by energy, exposure, survival, experience and motion. In essence a state of enlightenment can be achieved, through the gritty struggles and knocks of live, multiplied and enhanced by the process of continuously changing physical and social environments. By displacing the self from comfort zones, fixed abodes and the hording of material possessions the travelosopher is freed from excess baggage.

Q&A:

Who might become Travelosophers?

What does Travelosophy mean to you?

What is your Travelosophy?

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Text and Photo by Jean-Jacques M

© 2008

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Also see:  The Road to Travelosophy

A Man on a Bicycle

It’s a wind-blown Saturday afternoon in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A new restaurant called Ratz, with an international theme has opened on Bradbury Place. The display menu boasts a wide variety of exotic dishes from around the globe. The exterior has an attractive sand blown, glass fascia, with a world map etched large onto it. Above the door, a sign reads in bold italics: “Intercontinental Brasserie“.

I’m peering through the gap between Africa and Asia to have a look at the décor, when a voice next to me suddenly says: “Anything good on the menu?”

I turn to my left and stare into the crystal blue, inquisitive eyes of an unknown stranger. They belong to a man; who is middle aged and slightly disheveled with longish, unkempt blonde hair and an unshaven, tanned and slightly wrinkled face. He’s wearing a two piece, dark blue rain suit and he’s pushing an over-used, blue bicycle. Over the handlebars hang an array of white, crinkled plastic bags, the contents unidentifiable.

“Oh, it looks pretty good” I decide to answer cautiously. “Not too sure about their prices though…”

“So where are you from”, he asks, with that familiar thick Belfast accent, the emphasis being on a slightly drawn out “you”.

“Southern Africa, originally.”

“From far away then” the man replies slowly and pensively. “Do you read much?”

It’s an out-of-blue question and I respond somewhat evasively, not too sure what to make of it. “Some. When I have the time”.

The man persists: “What is it that you like to read?”

After a flash mental scan I recall one or two books which I had recently more or less worked my way through. I decide to mention a philosophical novel and a popular psychology title – the type of reading you could find at any local charity store or high street book seller.

He listens attentively and I notice what seems to be a kind of perceiving, analysing quality to his gaze. Then, with a smile he says: “My name is Clarence, and what is yours“,

“They call me Jack around here.”

“Well, you sound quite well-read, Jack.”

“Clarence’s bicycle is blocking the way slightly and a well dressed, elderly couple steps around us, while carefully glancing him up and down. “Reading is just a hobby of mine, I guess,” I say.

“Oh, there are worse hobbies to have” says Clarence matter-of-factly. Have you ever heard of a book called “Time Journeys, a Search for Cosmic Destiny and Meaning?” It’s a good start to get you interested in physics and the possibilities of time travel. It’s by a man called Paul Halpern. Or, alternatively you could try “The Arrow of Time” by Peter Coveney and Roger Highfield. The tag line reads: “A voyage through science, in search of Time’s Greatest Mystery!”

Clarence becomes animated as he continues. “Think about this: Why is it that time moves forward, but not backwards? A slight pause. Did you know that Einstein once remarked: “The distinction between past, present and future is an illusion?” If so, Jack, should we consider time-reversibility a possibility?” Raised eye brows. “So, subjectively we interpret time as uni-directional, right? But, if the concept of chaos shows us that the future is open, it also points to the past being open, which means it would not result in an arrow of time.” Short pause. “So in theory we should be able to go back in time. Or maybe, we should ponder the possibility of a safety-mechanism having been built into the universe, to deny us from doing exactly that!”. Expectant look.

Slightly stumped, I say: “Erm, well, I couldn’t say, Clarence, but those are certainly very interesting points to ponder. I’ve always enjoyed a good read and a good think, but don’t really get much time for it these days.”

“Ah, a modern conundrum Jack, but life experience and reading are the keys to wisdom, and unlike experience, reading is free.” Clarence reaches into one of his plastic bags and brings out a pack of booklets with yellowish and blue covers, banded together. He removes one, returns the rest, turns the booklet over and starts scribbling something on the back with a blue ball point pen. “Now, if that’s down your alley, you might also want to seek out a book called “The Frontiers of Complexity” by Roger Highfield. It deals with how complexity relates to evolution, ecology and cosmology and even touches on artificial intelligence. Very insightful.

While speaking, Clarence jots down the titles and authors as he continues: “Another title worth mentioning is “Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey through parallel universes, time warps and the 10th dimension.” It’s all in the name. You can find it right here in the city library – in fact all of these books are there – this one is in the science category on the second floor, in the back aisle, it should be on the 3rd or 4th shelf, on the left – I think. It’s written by Michio Kaku, a Japanese writer”.

More people walk around us and Clarence moves his bike out of the way to prop it up against the wall, while using the seat to press on, as he continues. “But those are all very scientific, Jack. Equally interesting and depending on whether you have the time…” broad smile. “Aye, more on the human side of things, I could recommend “The Quark and the Jaguar.” It’s about human adaptive systems, like language, culture, creativity, consciousness… aspects of human learning systems which are constantly in a state of flux. There’s even a section on our world ecological dilemmas with questions about sustaining a future for the human race and the biosphere. For instance: Can man naturally re-adapt to a more harmonious balance with our planet? Considering how modernized and industrialized we have become? Quite topical wouldn’t you say.”

I’m about to respond to Clarence’s question, but our voices are drowned out by loud engine noises as a bus draws up. The now more blustery wind tugs at the hair and clothes of the disembarking passengers and causes leaves to roll and skid audibly along the pavement. A disposable paper cup lid, with a straw through it, lifts off, spirals upwards, gains altitude, and floats past us, then changes course to head up and away across the road. A couple of shops down from where we stand, in our direct line of sight, is a popular greasy spoon with heavenly smells of fried fish and chips. This and the gnawing hollowness in my stomach confirm my decision to cross the five meter divide to fast food gratification after our conversation. The Intercontinental Brassiere would have to wait for another day.

Some of the bus’ passengers enter The Plaice, the double-decker pulls off and Clarence’s voice becomes audible again: “…you ever heard of electro-acupuncture, bio-resonance and scenar, Jack?”

I shrug a definite no.

“Okay, now this is real ground breaking stuff. You can read about it in “Virtual Medicine.” Its an overview of how ancient practices such as Chinese acupuncture and others are now being harnessed and integrated with electronic technologies. So, these new devices are in effect cutting edge, virtual, and holistic healing systems – the perfect marriage of the traditional and the modern! Amazing, really. Here’s some background -Scenar was originally developed for the Russian space program and what it does is it teaches the body to heal itself by using what they call biofeedback. What’s astounding is that it can actually read the body’s energy and then help to predict or determine and also cure diseases. Now, until recently this might have been considered quite alternative or new age, but it’s all becoming mainstream. The researcher and author is a doctor by the name of Keith Scott-Mumby”

Clarence has filled an entire page by now and he turns the booklet over. “Here Jack, let me pose another question: Might there possibly be a link between quantum theory and consciousness? I mean, would you say that consciousness could possibly be scientifically explained or interpreted?”

I must be looking very perplexed, because Clarence says: “Oh aye – if you’re ready for a real paradigm shift, then read a book called “The Quantum Self.” The writer makes a case for quantum processes being directly responsible for our subjective awareness.” A long pause. “That one certainly got me thinking too. Well worth a read. Also, keep an eye out for her other book, “SQ: Connecting With Our Spiritual Intelligence.” She proposes that we all have a natural higher consciousness which may be laying dormant and unexplored within ourselves, and that the first steps towards activating it is to become much more self-aware of our place in the universe and our necessary interaction with nature.

“Could you please make a note of the author, Clarence?” I ask.

“Certainly, it’s by Danah Zohar.”

“I was thinking of getting dinner soon, Clarence. Would join me? We could continue our conversation over a meal and a mug of tea.”

Big smile. “Oh no, Jack. Thank you. I’m well looked after and had something just before I left. I’m not going to keep you too long. I have a few more people to meet today, but let me jot a few more titles down.”

Moments pass as Clarence continues to make notes in the empty spaces on the third page of the booklet. “Before I forget, Jack. Since we’re on the subject of food, sea-food for that matter, I’ve got to mention “The Omega 3 Connection” by Andrew Stoll. I’m sure you’ve heard how fish oil is considered to be excellent brain food, but there’s much more to it. Omega 3 is the ticket to mental health, for anybody and everybody. It should be part of our regular staple diet and the research in this book proves it. Keeping in mind, that amongst other near magical traits, it has the ability to restrict Alzheimer’s from developing and has proven very effective in treating depression”.

“How long will you be in Ireland for, Jack?”

“Oh, it’s indefinite for the moment, Clarence. I haven’t decided yet.”

“Okay, there’s a book here in the library you simply shouldn’t miss out on. It’s called “Ingenious Ireland.” Mary Mulvihill took six years to put it together. It’s a fascinating county-by-county tour of the island of Ireland. It covers everything from history to inventions, mysteries and myths, fossils and discoveries and science! You’ll need to spend time with it though as it has about 500 pages.

Short pause. “Well, there you go Jack! So now you know exactly what to read on your travels. When we meet again, maybe you can suggest some reading material for me… and when you’re in a far-off destination next time, send me a post card, will ye? I’ll put my address down here for you.”

Realizing that our impromptu meeting is soon coming to an end, I say: “I definitely will Clarence and thanks a million for this, I mean it. It’s been absolutely fascinating.”

“No, no need to thank me Jack; this is just what I do – for the community, you know.  I was diagnosed with a condition a long time ago, which would have affected my ability to lead a normal life. But, I was advised by my doctors to read as much as I could, all the time, to help me focus my mind and it worked, Jack! It was my salvation and we don’t need to suffer from an ailment to read,  now do we? Besides, what we choose to focus on is what we become aware of…”

“Well, that’s me Jack! I’m off.” Clarence hands the booklet over and climbs on his bike. “All the best! Browse through the rest of that when you get a chance. Everything you need to know about British Bonds is in there. The best returns for your money – and you stand a good chance of winning a prize every month too. I’ve won a few times!” he says looking back, as he cycles off on his way up University Avenue.

I turn the booklet over and see: “N&SI Premium Bonds, 50th anniversary. Pick up your Anniversary Prize Draw leaflets to find out more.”

As I turn to enter The Plaice I look at my watch and realize that almost an hour and a half have passed. Inside I find a table close to the window and while watching passers-by, questions of random chaos and chance meetings dance on my mind.

–

Loosely based on events in 2005.

(Names have been changed)

By Jean-Jacques M

© 2008

The Road to Travelosopy

This article was previously titled as: “Going the Distance?”

The word traveler covers a broad spectrum of people on the move. Most people associate the word with short term travellers, as in tourists or backpackers. Certain types of travellers would fall into a more long term category. They would practice travel as a lifestyle or as a necessity or possibly for a combination of complex reasons. Some would be members of the Traveller or “Gypsy” communities and are often from Roma or Irish decent. Their families would have been practising the Traveller culture for decades, if not generations. Others fall into a group which I like to refer to as Modern Gypsies. They would have taken up travel as a lifestyle, along the way of having a perfectly “normal” life. This would have happened due to circumstances, influences or events which altered the course of their lives. Alternatively their original short term journey might have been prolonged indefinitely, not necessarily out of personal choice or of their own making. Some of these individual journey-makers may have lost their way in the often harsh and difficult world which we call reality and would consider their personal journey nothing less than a struggle. Yet, other’s may have been influenced by a calling of a spiritual nature and have over time become pilgrims of life.

They may very well have started off as natural seekers, searchers and pathfinders driven by an insatiable desire to learn. Not all travellers on this path are at first consciously aware of the process they are participating in and will not always, eventually seek out the deeper meaning of their journey. They will be satisfied enough to simply experience “what they do” as an instinct, which drives them and prompts them to keep on moving, to keep on going, occasionally or frequently. Due to the escapist nature of the process of travel, it serves it’s purpose quite effectively and there would be no reason for further questioning. Regardless of the finer details of people’s traveller-lifestyles, it may not be entirely compatible with the conventional, survival-of-the-fittest, rat race, status orientated, materialistic, consumer driven, modern ways of thinking: Society does not always look kindly on such roaming and restless mountaineers and pioneers, which in turn could make it hard for said travellers to acknowledge to themselves completely, or yield entirely, to their own destiny, which was in the first place prompted by deeper inner forces.

It will not happen for everyone and indeed it will not need to. For some it will take longer than for others, but when it does, they will throw off the shackles of uncertainty; they will see themselves confidently and clearly and fully embrace their style of life, for the realization will be that it is simply who they are, who they have been, all along. There is the potential for any person, engaged in a personal struggle, to be naturally liberated through the course of his or her personal life-journey or while on the road, whether that journey may be spiritual or actual. Once they come onto their own, their lives and life-styles could reach an amazing sense of fulfilment as they gradually lose their sense of “being lost” and develop an understanding of their natural path. As they start looking forward by looking back, they start realising how their eventful life history, was part of their natural and unique route, written in the sands of time.

Often, people who have become “Modern Gypsies”, experienced some form of adverse event or events – sometimes during childhood and sometimes later on. They may have been forced off the tracks, unwillingly or unwittingly. When such events happen, those events could hold the potential key for a person’s spiritual awakening. That is not to diminish, at least in the short term, the painful effects of life’s greatest challenges. Due to its painful nature, the positivism of a negative event, may take time to filter through into consciousness. Therefore, inevitably, in life it is almost always a struggle first and a journey later.

(Written in late 2006, while in Northern Ireland)

By Jean-Jacques M

© 2006

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