Jeff Greenwald
Jeff Greenwald
Jeff Greenwaldis a best-selling author, photographer, and monologist. He now resides in Oakland, CA...
available challenge immerse lifestyles open people talent themselves travel variety wrong
Some people travel to escape. There's nothing wrong with that. But those who want to challenge themselves, to immerse themselves in the variety of talent and lifestyles available on this planet, must open themselves up.
afraid asked challenge compassion developing found seeing tested travel
TRAVEL to the developing world is a challenge for many people. They are often afraid of seeing the poor. They are afraid that something will be asked of them they can't provide, that their compassion will be tested and found wanting.
travel mind trying
All the above is, of course, a gross simplification. There are deeper reasons to travel - itches and tickles on the underbelly of the unconscious mind. We go where we need to go, and then try to figure out what we're doing there.
world window opening
Sharing a bit of yourself, opening a window into your own world, is a good place to begin.
morning writing cat
In Nepal, the phenomenon is reversed. Time is a stick of incense that burns without being consumed. One day can seem like a week; a week, like months. Mornings stretch out and crack their spines with the yogic impassivity of house cats. Afternoons bulge with a succulent ripeness, like fat peaches. There is time enough to do everything - write a letter, eat breakfast, read the paper, visit a shrine or two, listen to the birds, bicycle downtown to change money, buy postcards, shop for Buddhas - and arrive home in time for lunch.
trying needs figures
We go where we need to go, and then try to figure out what we're doing there.