From FOMO to JOMO: Finding Joy in the Present Moment
How many of you recently came from a vacation?
How many of you planning your next trip?
How many of you still remembering your last trip as the best trip you ever had?
The Importance of Mindful Travel: Moving Beyond Checklists and Social Media
In today’s world, we all lead busy lives, always running behind schedules and trying to keep up with the fast pace of life. We plan our vacations and trips to the last detail, trying to make sure that we don’t miss out on anything and that everything goes according to plan. We ask for recommendations from our friends, read reviews and check out the facilities of hotels and resorts that we plan to stay in. We make a list of places to visit, people to meet, and things to do.
However, in the process of doing all of this, we forget to live in the moment and enjoy the experience. We become so focused on finishing the planned activities that we forget to appreciate the little things that make the experience special. We choose to stick to our routine food choices instead of exploring the local cuisine and culture, and we get obsessed with capturing the perfect picture to post on social media.
We have become addicted to instant gratification and pleasure and worry that if we don’t capture the moment, we will lose it forever. We forget that some of the best moments in life are the ones that happen spontaneously and without any planning. We have become so obsessed with social media and getting likes and comments that we forget to live in the present and enjoy the journey.
In short, we have become so busy in our lives that we forget to appreciate the little things and live in the moment. We need to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the journey instead of focusing on the destination. We need to take the time to appreciate the beauty of life and the people around us, and not just the perfect picture that we capture.
“Moments matter. And what an opportunity we miss when we leave them to chance!”
Discovering the Significance of the Places We Visit: Why Learning About History Matters
When I travel to popular tourist destinations like Paris, Coorg, or Manali, I often take pictures without fully appreciating the history and significance of these places. For instance, when I visited Paris, I took countless photos of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, but it wasn’t until I learned about their cultural and historical significance that I truly appreciated their beauty and importance. I discovered that the Eiffel Tower is not only a symbol of French engineering and innovation but also played an important role in the development of radio communication, while the Louvre Museum houses some of the most valuable and iconic art pieces in the world.
Similarly, when I visited Coorg in India, I was mesmerized by its lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, but it wasn’t until I learned about its history as a coffee-growing region and the cultural significance of its traditional Kodava community that I realized how much more there was to this place.
Similarly, when I visited Manali, I took pictures of the breathtaking landscapes and adventure activities, but it wasn’t until I learned about its history as a trading post on the ancient Silk Road and the traditional Himachali culture that I fully appreciated its unique charm and appeal.
By taking the time to learn about the history and significance of the places I visit and photograph, I now have a deeper appreciation for their cultural and historical legacy. It has also helped me develop a more informed and respectful approach to travel and tourism, and I now strive to learn about the places I visit as much as I capture them in photographs.
“We can be more present when we see our experiences through the lens of moment design. We can be more alive to the opportunities for creating moments of elevation, insight, pride, and connection. And if we neglect our moments, we neglect our lives.” — Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath
Creating Meaningful Moments: Balancing Technology and Human Connection
When I go to meet my parents or relatives, I notice that my kids often spend their time glued to their mobile phones instead of interacting with the people around them. Even when there are grandparents or other family members present, my kids seem more interested in texting or messaging people who are not even present there. It can be frustrating to see them miss out on the opportunity to connect with their loved ones and create meaningful memories.
I understand that technology has become an integral part of our lives, and it’s hard to disconnect from it completely. However, I believe that it’s important to strike a balance and encourage my kids to spend quality time with their family and friends, especially when we meet them in person. These moments can be precious and fleeting, and it’s important to make the most of them.
As a parent, I try to set an example by limiting my own screen time and actively engaging with the people around me. I also encourage my kids to participate in family activities, share stories, and learn from the experiences and wisdom of their elders. By doing so, I hope to instill in them a sense of gratitude, respect, and appreciation for their family and community.
“We all have defining moments in our lives — meaningful experiences that stand out in our memory. Many of these moments are created by chance, circumstances beyond our control. But what if we could create such moments deliberately, and what if we could learn to be better at creating them?”
Embracing Flexibility and Openness: Transforming Disappointments into Delightful Moments
During a recent tour to a popular tourist spot, my family and I decided to stay at a resort that looked promising. We had a great time exploring the local attractions and enjoying the amenities provided by the resort, such as the swimming pool and the outdoor activities.
However, when it was time to check out and leave, we had a quarrel with the resort management that completely spoiled our experience. The staff had charged us an exorbitant amount for some services that we hadn’t even used, and when we tried to dispute the charges, they became defensive and uncooperative.
The situation escalated quickly, and we ended up wasting several hours arguing and negotiating with the staff. Our mood was completely ruined, and we left the resort feeling frustrated and disappointed.
Looking back, I realize that this incident could have been avoided if we had been more careful and vigilant in reviewing the terms and conditions of the resort and verifying the charges before checking out. It’s also a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go awry, and it’s important to stay calm and focused in such situations.
Despite the unpleasant experience, I try to focus on the positive moments of the tour, such as the beautiful sights we saw and the fun activities we enjoyed as a family. It’s a lesson that even when things don’t go as planned, we can still find joy and meaning in the moments that matter.
The power of moments lies in their ability to shape our memories and create meaningful experiences. By paying attention to and intentionally creating moments, we can improve our overall satisfaction and happiness in life. It’s important to recognize the value of moments and to make the most of them, as we can never get them back once they’re gone. Unfortunately, we often miss out on precious moments due to distraction, busyness, or simply not being fully present. By being more mindful and intentional with our time, we can capture more of these important moments and create lasting memories.
“Defining moments shape our lives, but we don’t have to wait for them to happen. We can be the authors of them.”
Inspired from my personal experience and from “The power of Moments” by Chip and Dan Heath
