My Radical Sabbatical - A Personal Adventure Into Unknown Territory
Hey there! I am Kirsti Out Wandering, and let me tell you, I am absolutely crazy about traveling! I crave the rush of adventure, the thrill of exploring new places, and the pure freedom that comes with wandering! Whether it’s conquering a new challenge or just soaking up the local culture, I’m always ready for whatever journey comes my way!
The following is a story about a wanderer who dreams of travel experiences, exploring, making connections—and enjoying life with passion and curiosity. Living full-time in a converted van, wandering around the world, hopeful her positive actions will make the world a better place.
Travel has the power to make us more engaging and open up new possibilities in life. All that we desire is achievable if we dare to pursue it, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone and trying something new.
fewer people, only way, natural beauty, ironic struggles, to-go food, only thing, good news, rest of my time, entire drive, last time, good opportunity, long time, own time
Wanderlust
We can wander around the world or right in our backyard. Each time, the journey will give us a healthy way to disconnect from everyday life. Travel increases our knowledge. It opens our minds, giving us a new perspective about life in other places. Roaming builds connections and creates better social skills.
To grow and thrive, we must break out of our old routines and embrace the unfamiliar.
Wanderlust can change or create new habits and ways to traverse life, too. We need to visit new places to discover what’s lovely in the world, creating long-lasting memories. And, if you travel with others, it will build a heart-to-heart connection between you.
My Radical Sabbatical
Part One
Faith Over Fear: Often, the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of achieving our goals is our own fear and self-doubt. But I believe everything we desire is possible if we are willing to put in the effort. Still, the fear of failure or the unfamiliarity of a new experience can hold us back from taking action.
Fear of failure is something I have to overcome every day. The expectations I set for myself are high. And truth be told, I am not a fan of rejection. There are times when letting my desires slide seems more manageable than facing them head-on.
We need to visit new places to discover what's lovely in the world.
However, I know it’s essential, and growth and progress require stepping out of my comfort zone by embracing new challenges. By doing so, I expand my horizons by learning new things; I also gain a sense of empowerment and fulfillment that comes from pushing myself beyond my perceived limitations.
I’ve learned to approach change and challenges with an open mind. One way is to forge a true connection with others. It’s the most awesome way to have meaningful experiences that life has to offer.
Dreaming
June & July 2019
In late May of 2019, a fantastic desire was starting to form: I wanted to travel at least six months out of the year! However, as this story unfolded, a month was all I could manage at the time.
The intention was to take a month away from work to regroup, rest and see if I would like the “Van Life” lifestyle. During this time, I wanted to make beautiful photos and explore places I’d never been to before. I wanted to practice Yoga and meditate in many different places (maybe even on a beach).
My mind would wander as I thought about all of the possibilites.
As I dreamed about how a trip like this would look, my mind wandered off to the possibilities of my radical sabbatical. Initially, the idea was to spend a month in the vicinity of the ocean. Still, as I delved deeper, the plan expanded into a thrilling 10,000-mile van adventure around the entire perimeter of the United States – all of this to be accomplished in just a little over a month!
The excitement of the journey and the sense of accomplishment that I would derive from it was enough to convince me that it was something I could pull off with ease.
Continuing to dream, I would embark on this road trip in my birthday month, October 2019. I planned to leave Dubuque, Iowa, on October 1st and travel east toward Niagra Falls.
From there, I’ll head to Rockport, MA and then follow HWY 1 towards the southernmost point of the United States, Key West. After that, I’ll travel up the Gulf of Mexico through Texas and Arizona before heading to HWY 1 at San Deigo to continue north to Washington state.
I'd celebrate my birthday with dinner atop the Space Needle in Seattle.
I’d reach Seattle for a birthday dinner atop the Space Needle before heading back across the northern plains to Minneapolis and then south, arriving home around November 1st.
What a great plan. I couldn’t wait to embark on this grand adventure! It was then my left brain chimed in, screaming, “You want to do WHAT!?!”
Left Brain VS. Right Brain
My analytical left brain is always trying to scare me into a safe, submissive state. This time, while I made plans to take a month off to pursue my dream of living a minimalist lifestyle and traveling full-time in a van, it used loud, persistent questions. Most of the time, waking me up in the middle of the night.
“A month off!?!” It shrieked. “How will you support yourself? You will surely run out of money!” Continuing, “And then there’s Nick. Did you forget about him? How will your son survive without you for 30 days?” And, of course, the dreaded, “Oh, wait! What if you break down or get sick? That would be horrible!” But the pièce de résistance was, “Oh. My. Gosh! WHAT IF YOU CAN’T DO THIS??”
Have the courage to stand firmly in the present moment.
In that practice, what kept coming from my right brain was, “Give this trip purpose.” It was then, as I stood in one of my favorite yoga poses, Warrior II, I thought of this narrative:
Standing in Warrior II, the front hand reaches forward and represents the future; the back hand reaches behind and represents the past.
In life, as we strive to grasp onto the past and future, our head and body remain rooted in the present. While our hands may be outstretched, our focus remains centered on the here and now.
This “warrior” pose may be named after conflict, but its essence is one of serenity. Amidst the chaos, it encourages us to strive for inner calm and maintain composure during challenging times.
I would right a book called, "Yoga Warriors."
So, in this practice, yet another creative idea was born from my right brain. Along the way, I would meet with Yogis, document their story, create some photos of their favorite poses, including Warrior II and then write a book called Yoga Warriors at the end of my trip.
Listening To My Heart
One day, a few weeks from departure, I sat at the computer in planning mode. Tallying up how much time each day I would need to make this trip, my left brain woke up.
My simmering fear of not having enough money had gotten the best of me by this time. To keep inner peace, I had agreed to work three hours per day remotely for my day job.
All in all, in order to do everything I wanted to do, sleeping a maximum of six hours per night, I would still need each day to last between 31 to 34 hours. Sheesh!
It was at that moment my heart kindly asked, “But what about the Sabbatical?”
Planning
August & September 2019
Making Plans: Now, my right, creative brain wouldn’t give up easily. It settled on the idea of needing purpose and quickly started creatively over-planning. Looking back, the time spent planning did help manifest my best experience, but it could also seem like madness to an outsider looking in.
I spent hours researching how to write a book because, of course, I’d never written one before. Many more hours went into planning the trip’s trajectory, where I would stop, and what I would see along the 10,000-mile trek around the United States.
I wanted to practice at all of the studios along the way.
I planned which lighthouses to visit and researched the beaches I wanted to walk on. And I also needed to know the best places to capture the sunrise and sunset. I spent more hours still Google exploring every small town and big city that looked interesting to trek through.
Then there were the Yoga studios. A big decision because I wanted to look at all of them to plan the ones I would approach about Yoga Warriors to help me get the word out. Additionally, I’d wanted to post on social media all of these experiences plus what I was eating, so I needed to find the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants, too. Finally, I calculated the number of miles I needed to drive every day to make this trip in a month.
It wasn’t until a few weeks before I was to depart time would come into focus. Very early on, as this trip was unfolding, I shared what I was planning with a fellow travel lover and friend, Toni.
She thought the trip was a great idea but concerned it was a lot. Suggesting it might be better to go slower, staying longer at each place, and allowing for more exploring would be more in alignment with my wandering philosophy.
In hindsight, she was spot on. As you will learn, I didn’t listen.
This journey would be filled with many wonderful connections.
Yoga Warriors: I teamed up with my friend Angela to plan a cross-country trip centered around the dynamic yoga pose, Warrior II. With Angela’s vast network of yoga pals from the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, we crafted an epic pilgrimage of yogic proportions.
The journey would be filled with beautiful connections and unforgettable experiences at every stop. From the serene shores of California to the bustling streets of New York, I would explore the nuances of the Warrior II pose and our connection to each other through Yoga.
This would be a thrilling adventure that would leave a lasting impression on my mind, body, and soul!
Take a slow, deep breath in and then exhale gently. Imagine golden sunlight shining down through your body and revitalizing every part of it. This pure and radiant energy from the sun activates every cell in your body. Let every cell glow at its best, and allow yourself to shine from the inside out.
The Name: As Warrior II and Yoga quickly turned into the theme for the trip, a proper name was in order. The name ‘Yoga Warriors & The Radical Sabbatical – A Thirty-Day Sojourn Around The United States Exploring What Connects Us’ came into being.
The Press Release: Get ready to be amazed! Kirsti Out Wandering is embarking on a journey like no other in October 2019 – a Radical Sabbatical! She’s leaving behind her everyday life and hitting the road to travel full-time in a converted van.
Her mission? To visit yoga studios, ashrams and meditation centers across the country, capturing stunning photographs and interviewing yoga teachers and students along the way. She’s on a quest to discover what connects us all, and her findings are sure to blow your mind!
Don't miss this adventure!
But that’s not all – Kirsti Out Wandering will also be capturing images of more than twenty-five lighthouses, the scenic shores of two oceans, thirty breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and various mountain ranges on this epic 10,000-mile solo trek around the United States. Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime – follow Kirsti’s journey and be inspired!
I Am Curious
The following are some thought-provoking questions that inspire introspection and self-discovery. They ignited my curiosity and encouraged me to explore different aspects of this trip and life.
- How do we maintain our authenticity amidst the pressures of modern society?
- Could practicing the Warrior II pose help us cultivate courage, focus, and determination?
- How can we learn to live in a state of unconditional love?
- Are we using our unique talents and abilities to spread positivity and make a difference in the world?
- How can we break free from our limiting beliefs and pursue our aspirations fearlessly?
- What steps can we take to attain balance and harmony in our busy lives?
- Finally, how do we foster meaningful connections with others and build a supportive community?
Wandering the road less traveled.
I will be embarking on a journey to discover the road less traveled and practice in the many yoga studios of vibrant American cities around the United States. Among them, Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Stockbridge, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Virginia Beach, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Key West, New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego, San Jose, Portland, Seattle, Billings, Minneapolis.
Throughout my expedition, I will be exploring the diverse cultures, fascinating history, mouth-watering cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes of these magnificent cities. From the towering skyscrapers of New York to the serene beaches of Virginia, from the bustling streets of San Deigo to the tranquil forests near Portland, I will be capturing every moment of this unforgettable journey.
Finally, I will be concluding my expedition in the charming city of Dubuque, where my yoga and meditation practice began in 2014. This journey promises to be an adventure of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to experience everything that these incredible cities have to offer!
Warrior II is a beautiful pose filled with potential and self-love.
Yoga Warriors: By meeting and photographing yogis and teachers from across the country, my intent is to create and publish a book called Yoga Warriors. In this first book, the common thread is the Warrior II pose (Virabhadrasana II).
Yoga is seen as a nonviolent practice, so a focus on the Warrior II may sound counterintuitive. I believe this pose teaches us how to bring more compassion, wisdom, courage and focus into life. It’s a beautiful pose full of potential and self-love. It centers us and aids in expanding our capacity to feel, providing a way to be in a place where our energy can be evenly distributed without judgment to ourselves and others.
Standing in Warrior II, the right hand stretches into the past, and the left hand reaches into the future. As our gaze looks forward to the end, it's up to us to have the courage to stand firmly in each present moment, centered and rooted in our connection and purpose with what's happening right HERE.
June & July 2019
Join me on this epic journey to meet Yoga Warriors from across the United States. Follow along as I look for that common thread that connects us to discover if Yoga & meditation do indeed bring more love and peace into life.
The Van: During the planning phases of this trip, I was still car camping in my Toyota 4Runner. It was how I’d been doing for the last year, and I fully intended to continue.
Developing a comfortable and efficient system had a nice bed area and space for the bare necessities. The success of traveling this way on two big trips in 2019 had me confident that I would do great on my Radical Sabbatical as well. The only parts missing were an on-site bathroom and a little more room to work.
I manifested my van!
At that time, what I was dreaming about was a converted van. What fun it would be to travel with a real bed, a toilet and maybe even a refrigerator!
Three weeks before I was to leave, that wish came true. The stars aligned, and I was the proud owner of a 2019 Winnebago Travato 59G Class B Sprinter Van.
Hindsight: The four months of planning were exciting, challenging and exhausting. In retrospect, a light bulb moment was, instead of getting down on myself for overplanning the details, I should have instead observed it was through these details a fantastic trip was born.
It just didn’t need to get done in 30 days. Realizing too much pressure and focus was placed on each day’s outcomes, my expectations were too high.
I am proud of my work.
I put a lot of effort and energy into planning my trip. Looking back, I placed too much emphasis on the details and outcomes rather than enjoying the journey itself.
Understandably, I felt disappointed. However, when things don’t go as planned, it’s more important to remember that sometimes the best moments happen spontaneously. That was the ultimate lesson and takeaway.
I am proud of myself for all the hard work I put in. I am ever grateful for the encouragement of friends along the way. And the good news? It’s always okay to be flexible and adjust our route as needed.
Final Thoughts
Travel, or the act of moving from one place to another, will always be a vital aspect of our lives, leading us on a journey of discovery and growth.
There is no doubt that the future will bring its own surprises. As a wanderer and Yoga Warrior, I am always eager to explore new terrains, discover hidden treasures, and immerse myself in diverse cultures.
Don't let fear hold you back from greatness.
Although it may be uncomfortable, embracing new challenges is crucial for growth and progress. Stepping out of our comfort zone expands our horizons and teaches us new skills. It also empowers us by proving that we can overcome our perceived limitations.
Don’t let fear hold you back from achieving greatness. Embrace the good ideas and new challenges and reap the rewards of personal fulfillment and growth.
Continue to read about how my epic road trip unfolded here: My Radical Sabbatical, Day One
Continue reading about my Radical Sabbatical. In the next post, I will share what it was like to spend my first night in a truck stop parking lot and how it felt the next morning, waking up for the first time on the road.
Hey there! I am Kirsti Out Wandering, and let me tell you, I am absolutely crazy about traveling!
I crave the rush of adventure, the thrill of exploring new places, and the pure freedom that comes with wandering! Whether it’s conquering a new challenge or just soaking up the local culture, I’m always ready for whatever journey comes my way!
On these pages, you will find resources and stories primarily focused on travel, van living, exploration, yoga, and photography.
By pursuing my dreams and sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire you to say YES to living your happiest and best life.
I hope you will wander along!
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