Welcome back! It’s been quite some time since we last connected — over a year, to be exact. As we revisit the realm of personal growth and mental well-being, I’m thrilled to share deeper insights, particularly through the lens of my recent journey across Southeast Asia and reflective glances at the past.
Southeast Asia: A New Chapter
In the past six months, my life has been a whirlwind of new experiences in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. Each place, with its distinct culture, lifestyle, and people, has provided me with invaluable lessons and insights. Living in Vietnam reminded me of the simplicity and richness of life beyond material possessions. Thailand illustrated the beauty of connecting with others, even without speaking the same language. Japan, with its meticulous attention to detail and respect for tradition, underscored the importance of mindfulness and respect in daily life.
This journey was more than a change of geography; it was an extension of a lesson I learned in my early 20s. At that time, I delved into Buddhism and other religions to cultivate my spirituality and reinforce the values I believed made a good person. This process of reshaping my surroundings, discarding various material things, cutting ties, and setting clear boundaries was my way of committing to and sanctifying my values.
The Psychological Foundation
The field of environmental psychology emphasizes the impact of our surroundings on our mental state. Theories like Roger Ulrich’s Stress Reduction Theory and Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory suggest that environments significantly influence our stress levels and attention capacity. My travels and changes in living conditions resonate with these theories, illustrating how new environments can act as catalysts for mental health improvements and personal growth.
Connecting Past and Present
The shift in environment abroad brought back memories of how impactful it was to change my environment when I was younger. These experiences were pivotal, not only in navigating external challenges but also in facing internal ones. This reflection aligns with the concept of exposure therapy, commonly utilized in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), where confronting and adapting to new environments helps overcome psychological challenges. Additionally, while living abroad, I observed parallels with clients I’ve assisted who entered rehabilitation or experienced transformations when removed from negative environments and introduced to new ones. However, the reality is that most people don’t have the luxury of living abroad. Travel provides a glimpse into environmental change, but it’s often short-lived, leading back to unsupportive environments.
The Impermanence of Travel and the Need for Integration
Travel offers a temporary taste of environmental change, which, while enriching, is fleeting. When we temporarily change our environment through travel, planning to return to our original settings, we need to be acutely aware of the need for integration. The essence lies in incorporating the insights and lessons learned back into our daily lives. For instance, the mindfulness and respect admired in Japan can be integrated into my daily routine, anywhere in the world. The simplicity cherished in Vietnam can inspire decluttering of space and mind, focusing on what truly matters. The connections made in Thailand underscore the value of humility and learning from others, even in routine interactions.
Making Sustainable Changes
The challenge is not just to change our environment but to allow our environment to profoundly change us for the better, permanently. It’s about retaining a piece of each place not just as souvenirs but as lessons learned and changes implemented. As we navigate our journeys, let’s remember that changing our scenery is about seeking new landscapes and perspectives, integrating them into our lives to create an environment that reflects our values, supports our growth, and positively influences our mental health. Whether jet-setting across continents or exploring new corners of our neighborhood, the most profound journeys often occur within. Let’s ensure every change counts, not merely as an escape but as a step toward a more fulfilling life.
Let’s open our hearts to the experiences new external environments offer, illuminating uncharted or forgotten landscapes of our minds.
About the Author
Albert Nguyen is a seasoned psychotherapist dedicated to enhancing mental wellness through Optimind Counseling. Specializing in anxiety, depression, and peak performance, Albert offers an eclectic and integrative approach tailored for children, teens, and adults. Discover transformative mental health care and start your journey to well-being. Connect with Albert for a personalized path to mental wellness here.
