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Lion
Decadent Flower Magnate


Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 8,775
Last seen: 17 hours, 33 minutes
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Some reflections after long travels 4
#18954146 - 10/09/13 12:32 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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I have been traveling for a fair bit of time. I've been in almost twenty countries in twelve months - countless flights, airports, buses, land border crossings, hotels, hostels, apartments, taxis, visas acquired, queues stood in, awkward interlingual communications attempted, friendships developed. I've been in some of the biggest and oldest cities in the world, in the desert, in the jungle, in the mountains, on the beach, and everywhere in between. And this was far from the first year of traveling I've done. For the better part of four years I've had little stability in location, job, social group, etc.
I am getting pretty weary of traveling, and trying to find a place to settle into a comfortable, creative, and active life. It's difficult, because I have connections all over the place, but there is no one place where I have such a strong friend group that I feel totally at home there - far from it: I feel like an outsider practically everywhere.
Sometimes I go to places and really like them, and feel that I could develop a strong connection with them and with their culture and lifestyle. At the same time, I feel weary at the thought of trying to adapt to a new place, new language, customs, bureaucracies, etc. And often, I am acutely aware of the fact that my skill set and my circumstances make the dream of living in those places, in the kind of lifestyle I would want, a practical impossibility.
From traveling, I have pretty fully realized that I want to be a writer, of fiction and on history, politics, and my own reflections on life. I also want to engage in some other career or pursuit that allows me to be of some benefit to my fellow beings and to feel involved in a community and organization, and in the goings on of the world at large. I have also realized that I don't really know what kind of place I want to live in: I tend toward urban and hectic, but I think as I grow older I will want organization, calm, and natural beauty in greater quantities.
I've also better understood the profound verity of the old maxim that who you are with is more important than where you are. It really is much more important, all other things being equal. No place is so great in and of itself that it cannot become a hell if you are lonely and alienated there. And most places are all right if you have a good group of friends, and, almost as importantly, some pursuit, goal, or passion that is driving you.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I'm curious to hear your thoughts about the topics I've attempted to bring up.
-------------------- “Strengthened by contemplation and study, I will not fear my passions like a coward. My body I will give to pleasures, to diversions that I’ve dreamed of, to the most daring erotic desires, to the lustful impulses of my blood, without any fear at all, for whenever I will— and I will have the will, strengthened as I’ll be with contemplation and study— at the crucial moments I’ll recover my spirit as was before: ascetic.”
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BlindEye
Pro Recreational Cyclist



Registered: 10/09/13
Posts: 1,603
Loc: Tx
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion]
#18954157 - 10/09/13 12:35 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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What were(are) the Pros and Cons of your travels thus far? Would you do anything different? Have you Started writing anything besides a few notes or poems? Just curious! I envy your expediting!
-------------------- "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."-Henry David Thoreau MY ART Skip Divided What I See
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Lion
Decadent Flower Magnate


Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 8,775
Last seen: 17 hours, 33 minutes
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: BlindEye]
#18954188 - 10/09/13 12:43 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
BlindEye said: What were(are) the Pros and Cons of your travels thus far? Would you do anything different? Have you Started writing anything besides a few notes or poems? Just curious! I envy your expediting!
Pros: - meeting great people - learning and practicing new languages - expanding my understanding of the present state of the world / long hours spent reflecting on the human condition - feeling adventurous - spending time on some of the best beaches, most beautiful natural settings, and most exciting cities in the world
Cons: - loneliness / anomie - spending a lot of money - often feeling like I was not working toward anything - all of the damn airport security lines, and just the general physical and mental drain of the actual process of traveling
I write pretty frequently, but not nearly as frequently as I'd like. I am trying to gear myself up for some serious production even as we speak!
-------------------- “Strengthened by contemplation and study, I will not fear my passions like a coward. My body I will give to pleasures, to diversions that I’ve dreamed of, to the most daring erotic desires, to the lustful impulses of my blood, without any fear at all, for whenever I will— and I will have the will, strengthened as I’ll be with contemplation and study— at the crucial moments I’ll recover my spirit as was before: ascetic.”
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BlindEye
Pro Recreational Cyclist



Registered: 10/09/13
Posts: 1,603
Loc: Tx
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion]
#18954210 - 10/09/13 12:46 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Is there anything you would differently?
-------------------- "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."-Henry David Thoreau MY ART Skip Divided What I See
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Lion
Decadent Flower Magnate


Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 8,775
Last seen: 17 hours, 33 minutes
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: BlindEye]
#18954216 - 10/09/13 12:48 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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A couple of things, yes:
A) I would be more organized about writing and setting aside time to do it. (Much easier said than done where I'm concerned.) B) I spent foolishly in a lot of instances, and I would be more careful with my money. C) I had a couple of "the one that got away" instances that I will probably (however irrationally) regret for a while.
-------------------- “Strengthened by contemplation and study, I will not fear my passions like a coward. My body I will give to pleasures, to diversions that I’ve dreamed of, to the most daring erotic desires, to the lustful impulses of my blood, without any fear at all, for whenever I will— and I will have the will, strengthened as I’ll be with contemplation and study— at the crucial moments I’ll recover my spirit as was before: ascetic.”
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BlindEye
Pro Recreational Cyclist



Registered: 10/09/13
Posts: 1,603
Loc: Tx
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion]
#18954232 - 10/09/13 12:51 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
Lion said: C) I had a couple of "the one that got away" instances that I will probably (however irrationally) regret for a while.
Some times they do, But with traveling its almost a kind of go with the flow, enjoy that moment and capture it with every essence of your soul.
Good read my friend
-------------------- "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."-Henry David Thoreau MY ART Skip Divided What I See
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Legend
RIP Sasha



Registered: 03/29/10
Posts: 28,336
Loc: TX
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion]
#18954272 - 10/09/13 01:00 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
Lion said:
I've also better understood the profound verity of the old maxim that who you are with is more important than where you are. It really is much more important, all other things being equal. No place is so great in and of itself that it cannot become a hell if you are lonely and alienated there. And most places are all right if you have a good group of friends, and, almost as importantly, some pursuit, goal, or passion that is driving you.
i enjoyed reading this post, i really hope that, no matter where you end up, you end up with people that make it worth it.
--------------------
No sympathy for the devil, keep that in mind. [url=]Buy the ticket, take the ride. [/url]Are you lost?
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The Vapor
Lost In A Tea Daze


Registered: 03/22/10
Posts: 8,433
Loc: Misty Mountains, B.C.
Last seen: 2 years, 7 hours
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Legend] 1
#18954283 - 10/09/13 01:03 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
Legend said:
Quote:
Lion said:
I've also better understood the profound verity of the old maxim that who you are with is more important than where you are. It really is much more important, all other things being equal. No place is so great in and of itself that it cannot become a hell if you are lonely and alienated there. And most places are all right if you have a good group of friends, and, almost as importantly, some pursuit, goal, or passion that is driving you.
i enjoyed reading this post, i really hope that, no matter where you end up, you end up with people that make it worth it.
Your posts have been really good lately man, you've been saying lots of really nice things. It's always good to have more of that around and less of the bullshit the pub seems to get clogged with.
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greenspectral
Gutter Monk


Registered: 10/27/09
Posts: 1,992
Loc: Chonyid
Last seen: 6 years, 5 months
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion] 2
#18954302 - 10/09/13 01:09 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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seeking outwardly, looking to the world for answers will always leave one with a sense of lacking. this is what i gather about you from what you've written.
turn inward more. develop your inner being, make where you are the place to be, wherever that is.
-------------------- http://soundcloud.com/greenspectral ; <---original electrik muziq
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Legend
RIP Sasha



Registered: 03/29/10
Posts: 28,336
Loc: TX
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: The Vapor] 1
#18954347 - 10/09/13 01:18 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
The Vapor said:
Quote:
Legend said:
Quote:
Lion said:
I've also better understood the profound verity of the old maxim that who you are with is more important than where you are. It really is much more important, all other things being equal. No place is so great in and of itself that it cannot become a hell if you are lonely and alienated there. And most places are all right if you have a good group of friends, and, almost as importantly, some pursuit, goal, or passion that is driving you.
i enjoyed reading this post, i really hope that, no matter where you end up, you end up with people that make it worth it.
Your posts have been really good lately man, you've been saying lots of really nice things. It's always good to have more of that around and less of the bullshit the pub seems to get clogged with.

Thank you, that means a lot to me. i had some life changing epiphanies while tripping on al-lad, and since i've been feeling a lot of negative feelings towards the hate that seems to be growing in todays society. so just been trying to spread some love. i hadn't thought anyone noticed..
have a great day man.
--------------------
No sympathy for the devil, keep that in mind. [url=]Buy the ticket, take the ride. [/url]Are you lost?
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The Vapor
Lost In A Tea Daze


Registered: 03/22/10
Posts: 8,433
Loc: Misty Mountains, B.C.
Last seen: 2 years, 7 hours
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Legend]
#18954393 - 10/09/13 01:27 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
Legend said:
Quote:
The Vapor said:
Quote:
Legend said:
Quote:
Lion said:
I've also better understood the profound verity of the old maxim that who you are with is more important than where you are. It really is much more important, all other things being equal. No place is so great in and of itself that it cannot become a hell if you are lonely and alienated there. And most places are all right if you have a good group of friends, and, almost as importantly, some pursuit, goal, or passion that is driving you.
i enjoyed reading this post, i really hope that, no matter where you end up, you end up with people that make it worth it.
Your posts have been really good lately man, you've been saying lots of really nice things. It's always good to have more of that around and less of the bullshit the pub seems to get clogged with.

Thank you, that means a lot to me. i had some life changing epiphanies while tripping on al-lad, and since i've been feeling a lot of negative feelings towards the hate that seems to be growing in todays society. so just been trying to spread some love. i hadn't thought anyone noticed..
have a great day man.

I noticed and it was refreshing to see. You have a good day too man.
--------------------

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Lion
Decadent Flower Magnate


Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 8,775
Last seen: 17 hours, 33 minutes
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: greenspectral]
#18954505 - 10/09/13 01:59 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
greenspectral said: seeking outwardly, looking to the world for answers will always leave one with a sense of lacking. this is what i gather about you from what you've written.
turn inward more. develop your inner being, make where you are the place to be, wherever that is.
I think that's generally good advice. Indeed, I admit that much of my travel has had a strong element of searching in it - searching for new adventures and excitement, for belonging, for love, for opportunity.
I do turn inward often, for sustenance and reflection. I try to live in the present and not constantly turn my life into an abstraction - always difficult for me. Meditation, introspection, self-exploration, is all absolutely invaluable. At the same time, I need to have passions and pursuits that bring me outward, as it were, "into the world". I'm introverted by nature, and often depressive. And I need to have friendships and relationships. There is the story of the Buddha and his disciple (I forget which!) who asked, "Is not spiritual friendship part of the spiritual life?" to which Buddha responded, "Don't be silly! It is the WHOLE of the spiritual life!" I don't claim to lead a particularly spiritual life, but I see the wisdom in investing attention, responsibility, and energy into social relationships, more and more as I get older.
-------------------- “Strengthened by contemplation and study, I will not fear my passions like a coward. My body I will give to pleasures, to diversions that I’ve dreamed of, to the most daring erotic desires, to the lustful impulses of my blood, without any fear at all, for whenever I will— and I will have the will, strengthened as I’ll be with contemplation and study— at the crucial moments I’ll recover my spirit as was before: ascetic.”
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Sheekle
FREE BURKE



Registered: 01/11/10
Posts: 53,153
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion]
#18954722 - 10/09/13 02:40 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Dude OP that's awesome as fuck man having a lot of different life experiences is a good way to be a well rounded individual nd stuff heart love peace
-------------------- "Ur cat died because he hated u" - Koods "I hope JSB kicks your ass one day." - Vandago "you are the biggest 'internet guy' I have ever come across"- Jokeshopbeard "The more I see you post the more I realize you're just this fuckin tie dye loser who trolls the Shroomery 24/7." - Herbologist "Sheekle you cannot vile the dice of bullshit you have posted on this forum over the years, I like databases" - thelastoneleft "or maybe i just come from a blood line of superior intelligence" - trees R.I.P Kelsy, ?/?/?? - 6/11/16
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g00ru
lit pants tit licker



Registered: 08/09/07
Posts: 21,088
Loc: georgia, us
Last seen: 5 years, 2 months
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion]
#18955000 - 10/09/13 03:44 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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good read Lion. Friends are indeed invaluable in life...but so is the capacity to be on your own 
we all depend on each other for sure. Even a survival expert needs human contact at some point.
Edited by g00ru (10/09/13 03:46 PM)
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Gilgamesh18
Herbivore Man

Registered: 03/01/12
Posts: 11,671
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: g00ru]
#18955031 - 10/09/13 03:51 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Lion if you don't mind me asking how were you able to afford traveling the world for an entire year?
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akira_akuma
Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι ὕψιστος φιλεῖ


Registered: 08/28/09
Posts: 82,455
Loc: Onypeirophóros
Last seen: 4 years, 1 month
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: BlindEye]
#18955039 - 10/09/13 03:53 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
BlindEye said: What were(are) the Pros and Cons of your travels thus far? Would you do anything different? Have you Started writing anything besides a few notes or poems? Just curious! I envy your expediting!
he just told you.
Quote:
greenspectral said: seeking outwardly, looking to the world for answers will always leave one with a sense of lacking. this is what i gather about you from what you've written.
turn inward more. develop your inner being, make where you are the place to be, wherever that is.
right.
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Lion
Decadent Flower Magnate


Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 8,775
Last seen: 17 hours, 33 minutes
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Gilgamesh18]
#18955171 - 10/09/13 04:26 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
Gilgamesh18 said: Lion if you don't mind me asking how were you able to afford traveling the world for an entire year?
I was working abroad for much of that time, at a job with a lot of vacation time. The rest of the travel was from savings.
-------------------- “Strengthened by contemplation and study, I will not fear my passions like a coward. My body I will give to pleasures, to diversions that I’ve dreamed of, to the most daring erotic desires, to the lustful impulses of my blood, without any fear at all, for whenever I will— and I will have the will, strengthened as I’ll be with contemplation and study— at the crucial moments I’ll recover my spirit as was before: ascetic.”
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Global_Roaming
purity of essence



Registered: 06/06/13
Posts: 300
Loc: over the fucking rainbow....
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Lion]
#18955213 - 10/09/13 04:35 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Hey Lion - I think we have a lot in common, what you've described resonates with me.
Kind of like my handle implies, I travel a lot, have been doing so for the past 14 years including a lot of solo backpacking like you've described. It can get tough and lonely and I know exactly what you mean about having friends everywhere, but nothing deep enough to feel a lasting connection.
There is a way and a career path that I think would give you what you're looking for. PM me if you're interested (and yes, it is completely legal and legitimate).
-------------------- /peace out brothers and sisters

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dfoolz
Stranger
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: Global_Roaming]
#18958794 - 10/10/13 11:07 AM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Epigallo
Stranger
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Re: Some reflections after long travels [Re: dfoolz]
#18969776 - 10/12/13 08:25 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Lion, I know exactly what you mean. It really hit me that what I need in my life is a great circle of friends, a noble pursuit, and well, I guess that's it. I got hammered in with a few MDMA sessions. I need to participate in the world more. There is some line from the Tao Te Ching that says something like "Why should the wise one flit about the world like a fool?" I see what that means now. Not that travel is stupid, but we all need to express ourselves through some continued and cumulative action, call it a career or a mission or whatever, but I think we all need that. And we need community and intimacy.
I'm trying to move in this direction, but I guess so far I suck at it. I'm gonna keep trying though. I feel like I need to ask someone for help, but I'm not sure who to ask. That's exactly how I feel every time after I take MDMA, and DMT sometimes.
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