Little Woo on Sabbatical!
A System Re-set…
My last big trip was in Jan-March 2008 when I traveled to Thailand (Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan) and Bali (Kuta and Ubud), Indonesia. The trip was a sabbatical – a period of quiet rejuvenation and a chance to explore Balinese art forms.
Four years later, my body, mind and heart are ready for another sabbatical or what I’ve been describing as a “System Reset”. Though I do take some time to relax and chill out every day (a basic reboot), I really enjoy unplugging completely for a significant period in order to fully rejuvenate (a system reset). Due to the work that I do (and love), I am usually keeping a high level of focus, commitment and scheduling. During a system reset, I am not connected to my normal tasks thus I can be more diffused in focus, awareness of time and responsibilities. Having a period of play nearly each day is like having a school recess while having an extended play period is like being on summer vacation…
Mother India Calls
Drum roll… In the decision between India or Hawaii, I have chosen India since I am now able to do 4 months of travel. (Hawaii was a contender because i was possibly only traveling for 1 month) Leaving January 9, 2012, I will fly to Thailand and buy my ticket to India there. (thanks Andrew for that tip!) I will likely spend 3 months in India and then spend April in Thailand.
Based on my friends’ recommendations, the top 6 areas I am considering are: Rajasthan, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Dharamsala, Goa and Kerala. These are just ideas and I will see what will flow for me at the time. I prefer to be a “slow” traveler – staying longer at select locations that I really enjoy (rather than seeing many places in a short time)… This way, I have a chance to connect with the community, plant some roots, relax and discover favorite spots to enjoy for a while before moving on…
3 Intentions of My System Reset:
- to allow my body to rest & rejuvenate (including massage, ayurvedic treatments, time outdoors)
- to indulge my travel bug with some of India’s culture and history, sights and sounds (and smells)
- to spend quiet, leisurely time in writing mode
2 Questions to Ask Yourself:
1) How do you reboot every day? What is your form of daily recess? (beside eating/sleeping)
2) When was your last system reset? What is your ideal form of “vacation”?
For ideas and inspiration, here are some photos of my 2008 Balinese cultural studies:
http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/index.htm
http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/gamelan.htm
http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/leather.htm
http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/shadowpuppets.htm
http://www.littlewoo.org/bali/silversmithing.htm