What Really Changes Your Life (It’s Not the Van)
Wherever You Go, There You Are
The idea of trying to run away from your life is very common. I’ve tried this numerous times myself, but alas, no matter where you go, your problems follow. The only way to be rid of whatever is haunting you is to turn around and face it head on. It’s not easy, and it’s often painful, but it’s the only way out.
Thinking we’ll be happy if we have a different job, live in a different place, or move into a van is false thinking. I receive a lot of comments and questions from people asking how living in a van has changed me. The truth is, living in a van hasn’t changed me — I changed myself. Living in a van and being able to greatly reduce my work hours gave me the time to work on myself and make changes. Van life isn’t an option for everyone, so I want to offer a few suggestions that anyone can use to find inner peace and face what haunts them.
Getting out in nature
My style of van life involves being in nature as much as possible. I can safely say this has been the number one thing that has brought me peace. There is something about nature that helps me connect with my true self, brings me back to my essential being, and helps me feel connected to the universe. I found it easier to face my reality and feel suppressed pain while surrounded by the magic of the Australian bush.
Meditation
I had been meditating for several years before moving into a van, and even five minutes in the morning can help me manage my thoughts throughout the day. I choose guided meditations because the words of wisdom resonate with me long after the session ends. There is research showing that meditation can improve emotional regulation, enhance cognitive ability, and counteract age-related changes. Meditation actually makes physical changes in your brain. This has to be one of the simplest ways to create the changes you want to see in your life.
Questioning my thoughts and reactions
Through meditation, I noticed increased awareness of my thoughts and reactions. The book I have written — and hope to publish before the year ends — takes you through eight months of my thought process as I began questioning everything and making lasting changes in my behaviour. Just because you think something doesn’t mean it’s true. Start questioning your beliefs. Question how society has conditioned you to behave a certain way. Question your thoughts — are they really yours, or has someone else put them there?
This blog is a little different to what I normally write, but I try to write what I feel needs to be written. I hope this helps you on your own journey toward inner peace and joy. I wish everyone could feel what I feel — a calmness I never knew was possible. A knowing that everything is as it should be.
Peace be with you.
Are there moments in your life where you’ve tried to “outrun” something?
What small step could you take this week to turn toward — rather than away from — what needs attention?
