Traveling has always been a window into my soul. Whether I share that experience with someone or travel solo, stepping out of the ordinary brings a new perspective on who I am, how I am, and the changes that have occurred.
I started traveling when I was 19. At the time, it was an escape, but over time, it transformed into exploration. Exploration of the outer and the inner world. I’ve always enjoyed traveling for a longer periods of time, and often such situations spontaneously presented themselves. As I write this, I’ve already been traveling for eight weeks (56 days). This journey is a true adventure towards my inner self.
I stayed long enough to look forward to returning to Belgrade, but also long enough to see and feel the changes that have occurred. From a deep feeling of gratitude in the first part of the journey to a strong sense of being grounded in the second, I feel that I am arriving to a new version of myself.
Maybe someday I’ll write more about personal experiences, but today I want to explore with you what it means to journey through the depths of one’s self.
Escaping the Familiar
While using travel as a means of escape, I noticed how much I enjoy going somewhere where no one knows me. I first experienced this when, at the age of 20, I went to Berlin without a plan, without organized accommodation, carrying my camera and intense enthusiasm.
I realized then, that moving away from the familiar creates space for rediscovering oneself. Who am I when I am alone in an entirely new environment? When no one knows you, they meet the version of you that exists at that moment – without previous prejudices about who you are, what you are, and why you are there.
Thailand – Exploring Myself
The first part of my journey was just that – exploring the current version of myself.
Traveling to Asia always and inevitably change my life. I don’t know if this is just my experience, but every time I went there, changes that happened were very positive. Although some of the transformation processes were challenging, spending a month in Thailand completely changed my perception of the entire year. As a final act and culmination, approaching a happily ever after.
I felt that I had come to the end of a cycle. With that, it was the end of the year and my 35th birthday. Without going into details, the general feeling was one of flowing and accepting life and life’s changes with an open heart.
Madeira – Exploring Relationships
Traveling with others brings different insights. Group dynamics allow me to explore my relationship with the other people. How do I react to others? How flexible am I? How well do I set boundaries and preserve my energy? Can I say no and isolate myself if needed? How codependent am I on the group or person I am traveling with?
I believe that the people we encounter are a true treasure of self-knowledge. They mirror our shadows and our most beautiful qualities. Immediately after Thailand, I traveled to MultiMadeira art residency. Without knowing how that experience would affect me. From complete Zen, diving into my depths and plenty of space for introspection, I found myself with 19 artists in a house where something was always happening. This experience grounded me and inspired me to creatively encapsulate my journey. The result is a series of collages called “Working On Yourself,” a gentle representation of the transformation I’ve gone through in my 35 years.
Where to next?
Common thread throughout my trip is the curiosity about what the new cycle brings. The end inevitably brings new beginnings. After two intense months, it’s time for integration. What awaits me in Belgrade is my space, my dog, and a calmer energy. I hope 🙂
Soon, a new module of my education for body psychotherapy begins, which will open the doors to new cycles. What will it be, I have absolutely no idea, but the excitement is here, and I am ready.