The concept of spiritual tourism covers a wide range of options. We can say that it is a branch of tourism that has had increasing development in recent years. This article is intended to serve as an introduction and guide for those seeking to integrate tourism, travel and spirituality Kambo Training. I invite you to continue reading and discover why spiritual tourism is a journey into the interior of the being!
Spiritual tourism – a brief introduction to the context
Currently more than 50% of the world’s population lives in urban centers. Cities are characterized by an intense pace of life that has increased over the years. City dwellers continually experience high levels of environmental and noise pollution.
In addition to facing crowded urban transportation systems, intense advertising stimuli and exhausting work days. Citing just some of the elements present in modern metropolises.
The contemporary urban landscape that seems to bring us so many benefits and comforts has become the cause of various physical and psychological illnesses .
In parallel with technological advances and comforts, a growing demand for “alternative” activities has emerged . Which responds to the also progressive need for solutions to the problems of the modern world.
Spiritual tourism as an alternative to modern chaos
In this area of alternative proposals the concept of spiritual tourism arises . It is considered an option to approach the long- awaited well-being that the contemporary city does not provide.
Spiritual tourism – a journey into the interior of the being does not refer to a purely religious trip. Identify those activities that guide us towards self-knowledge. In an essential sense, we can say that the human being is in a constant search for himself and it is from that base that spiritual tourism originates: like a journey into the interior.
History of spiritual tourism
From 1960 onwards, an intense need to re-appropriate oriental and pre-Hispanic traditions began to emerge among young hippies . During this period the negative results of industrialization began to become increasingly visible. At the same time, the consequences of world wars and ecological predation were experienced.
This panorama led the most inquisitive to look for answers and solutions in ancestral cultures. Thus, the aboriginal towns of Central and South America began to become important travel destinations. India and other places in the East also became places of visit for spiritual seekers.
Over time, the World Tourism Organization developed a forum called “spiritual tourism for sustainable development . ” Thus generating an increase in the spiritual tourism market.
Types of spiritual tourism
Until now I wanted to present a short historical summary of the concept of “spiritual tourism.” In particular, I feel closer to the term spiritual journey , which represents the services we offer at Narasimha.yoga : an individual journey of reconnection and self-knowledge .
I would like to share with you an interesting categorization of spiritual tourism made by Doctor Alex Norman from Western Sydney University.
Dr. Norman identifies 5 types of spiritual tourism according to the traveler’s inclinations or interests. Although (as he himself points out) these variants tend to intersect with each other.
I share with you Dr Norman’s classification, in order to chart the various tendencies and needs when planning a spiritual journey. This will help us to clearly recognize the objective of our trip and to look for alternatives that best satisfy said objective.
Spiritual tourism classification
Spiritual healing tourism: The traveler seeks to analyze himself in a context other than everyday life . Meditation retreats and stays in an ashram are the alternatives in this case.
Experimental spiritual tourism: The profile of the traveler is that of a seeker. India is one of the favorite locations for this type of trip, especially for backpackers or low-budget globetrotters. One of the characteristics of this type of spiritual tourism is the search for interaction with local cultures.
Spiritual tourism of personal discovery: In this variant, the trip itself is not the objective, but rather the tool for reconnection. The experience of self-knowledge becomes more important than the place to visit.
Spiritual tourism retreats: Defined as “time for oneself” retreats, getting away from the problems of today’s world . The traveler seeks a sanctuary to distance himself from external difficulties.
Collective spiritual tourism: The traveler of this type of spiritual tourism seeks to follow a fashion or behavior approved by others (example: “I visit such a place because it is good to do so” or “because my friend did it” ) The selection of destinations will vary depending on the popularity of the place.
Spiritual tourism What can it offer us?
The categories of spiritual tourism set out above become useful during the planning of a trip . They help us analyze what the purpose of the trip is . Based on this analysis, we will be able to define the most appropriate place to visit and the calendar of activities that we would like to carry out there. It will then be a type of trip for those looking for a healing retreat. A different style for those who want to take an experimental trip. What can we say about a trip to a destination that is simply fashionable.
Once the purpose of the spiritual journey has been clarified, we can find a wide variety of offers according to the budget and interests we have. In addition, a spiritual trip or retreat is a great opportunity to meet people with inclinations and concerns similar to ours .
Benefits of spiritual tourism
Some of the benefits that spiritual journeys bring:
Have a break and distance from the busy daily routine.
Improve health , eating habits, etc.
Know, learn and/or delve into philosophies and spiritual traditions of self-knowledge.
Connect internally with personal mental and emotional states.
Discover different lifestyles , mainly of people who live in spiritual places.
Expand the cultural experience .
Begin an internal journey towards reconnection.
Heal physically and mentally from the problems that afflict us.
Spiritual tourism: A journey into the interior of the being
I mention again that my personal inclination is focused on spiritual trips rather than tourism itself. My experience of traveling and living in foreign countries, sharing with people of different nationalities and customs, has been totally enriching . A curious journey that became a journey of self-knowledge that continues to this day (and I hope never ends).
There are times when it is essential to move away from the established routine to reconnect internally. Thus being able to better face the situations that each of us has to experience. A spiritual journey is a very good opportunity for this.
A friend (who has been dedicated to spiritual journeys in India for years) shared with me a beautiful Aboriginal quote that illustrates very well the concept of spiritual journey: “The longest journey a person makes is the journey from the brain to the heart.” That has been the motivation behind our team to organize retreats and trips that allow participants to meet and get to know each other.