The hard thing about altering behavioral patterns is that the mind adheres to a consistent daily sequence.  When most everything stays the same, the normal system resists when just a few patterns change.  It’s slow hard work that most recommend you need many repeated days before change crystallizes.  However, if everything changes then the resistance to change is weakened.  This is the theory behind intensive meditation retreats and lengthy personal empowerment seminars.  I apply it to travel.

When I travel I find all my patterns disrupted.  When I’m in a foreign environment, eating different foods, and sleeping and waking at odd hours there are few of my typical patterns in action.  My focus changes and I start preoccupying myself with new thoughts which soon after turn to new patterns emerge.

This gives nothing but room for growth.  If conscious observation is allowed, then new behavior will be easily created .  I use this as opportunity to create a new and better me. It is the perfect time for me to start a new flossing habit, eat a fruit serving everyday, or drink two glasses of water first thing in the morning.

Preparing myself for a journey to Lousiana, I’m now pondering how my life will be better as a result.