It is the era of Transformational Travel. You travel intentionally to stretch, learn and grow into new ways of engaging with the world, finding new opportunities to improve, every step of the way. Sri Lanka, with her azure seas, dense forests, teeming wildlife, impressive history, vibrant culture, age-old traditions, and diverse society is an amazing place to connect and cultivate your truest version of yourself.
Keep reading to learn what it means to have “H.E.A.R.T”, as you embark on a wildlife journey in this mesmerizing island paradise, and transform into your most authentic self.
H- Humble
The first step of having H.E.A.R.T in your travels, is to stay humble. Maintain an “empty cup” mentality, and fill your cup up with every bit of information, connection, and feeling you pick up on your journey. Foster an approach of learning, equality, understanding and humility. Listen to your guide with an open mind and an eager attitude, and let nature impart her lessons, as well. Visit local villages on the borders of the wildlife park to learn about Sri Lankan culture, and immerse yourself in it. See yourself transform into your best version, right before your eyes.
E- Engaged
Safari rides are all about engaging with nature, in its most real state. To be a transformational traveler on your wildlife safari trip, it requires you to be an active participant in the experience. Be pro-active, and take responsibility for your role in the journey. This does not mean that you should interact with the animals, and cause chaos. It simply means that, you should understand that you are not a mere spectator. You are a contributor to a greater phenomenon than yourself. Adapt a growth-mindset and reap the benefits of the transformation. The easiest way to ensure this is to be responsible, stay in awe of nature and make donations to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
A- Awake
Pay attention. When you’re in the middle of nature that is as raw and untouched as it is in the Sri Lankan wilderness, it is important to stay awake. Everything happens in the blink of an eye, and these moments will not come back. While it is essential to pay acute attention to your surroundings, and be mesmerized by wilderness unraveling around you, another key skill to develop is how to be actively attuned to the power and complexity of internal and external circumstances and our own choices. Simply put, open your mind up to things that go beyond the naked eye. Everything you see before you, is a direct or indirect result of thousands of years of history, civilization and transformation. For example, wildlife parks such as Yala have been through tsunamis, wars, deforestation and have risen like a Phoenix. Stay awake and aware to experience your safari journey, with newfound respect.
R- Resilient
Safari rides in Sri Lanka are not for the fainthearted. The sun is harsh, the weather is caustic, and the high levels of humidity could prove to be difficult to even the most experienced of travelers. However, transformational traveling teaches you to be resilient. You have to be willing and ready to embrace challenges, and disorientation on your journey. Accept difficulty and take it in your stride, to have better experiences, and to grow into your dream version of you. Take time, educate yourself, and identify growth opportunities along the way. Face the problems head on, and go on that guided walk, or a trek to explore nature. Stay overnight at a safari camp and be one with environment. To prepare for your Sri Lankan safari better, pack first-aid, bug repellent, cotton clothes, comfortable shoes, and stay up-to-date with vaccinations.
T – Thankful
Adopt a gratitude mindset. To be a transformational traveler is to be grateful for everything you encounter and embark on, during your journey, and using those experiences to better oneself. You are a guest in the animal kingdom: be thankful to the animals, to nature, to authorities that made this journey possible, to local communities. Then, take a step inward, and thank your choices, and the circumstances that helped you make the decision. Be thankful, to life.
Photos sourced from Amila Tennakoon and Travel Local.
