The Power of Now Journal as reviewed by Travel to Wellness contributor Lisa Truesdale
When I travel, I’m always very concerned with getting the most beautiful photos possible of the amazing sights I’m seeing. But on a recent wellness vacation, I found that I was much too distracted trying to snap the perfect picture. In fact, right before sunset yoga on the beach, I missed the instructor’s announcement saying it was time to begin.
There I was, still standing there pointing my camera at the water, while the rest of the class was already on their mats. I felt a little silly, and it made me realize that, although travel photos are nice to have, it’s much more important to be fully present in the moment—especially when embracing wellness.
That’s why I was so pleased when a friend gave me The Power of Now Journal, featuring insightful passages from Eckhart Tolle’s bestselling book, The Power of Now. It’s compact (6” x 7.5”) and lightweight, and perfect for tucking into my inflight travel tote. I had several upcoming trips planned, and I intended to use it as a travel journal, to remind myself to slow down and savor every sight, sound and feeling of every destination.
But then the pandemic hit, and all of my trips were cancelled or postponed. My lovely new journal sat untouched… until the other day, when I realized that I could instead use it to try and record my feelings during this very strange time that we’re all experiencing. Even though I’m not traveling, I’m still working hard to live in the “now.” Because if I weren’t living in the “now,” I would be stressing about what the future holds, and I’m trying to focus on self-care and wellness so that I don’t get too anxious.
When normal traveling resumes—and we all hope it does soon—I might need a second journal to take with me. But for now, as I’m writing in this one, I’m enjoying the Tolle quotes, including: “Stay present, stay conscious. Be the ever-alert guardian of your inner space.”
And: “Use your senses fully: Be where you are. Look around—just look, don’t interpret. See the light, shapes, colors, textures. Be aware of the silent presence of each thing.”
Every full-color spread (with plenty of room for writing) has a different passage from the book. I also appreciate how the pages also feature landscape and nature scenes, such as palm trees, ocean waves, and even a lighthouse. They remind me that I will get to see such gorgeous sights again someday—and that when I do, I will relax and enjoy them, rather than trying to simply capture them on film.
The Power of Now Journal is available through the New World Library
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Lisa Truesdale is a Colorado-based writer and regular contributor to Travel to Wellness. You may enjoy reading some of her other articles:
Wellness Things to Do in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Wellness Things to Do in Colorado’s Pike’s Peak Region
Vila del Palmar on Mexico’s Gulf Coast
Mud Baths: Nine Things to Know and Five Places to Go