by Michael Reeves

Japan“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” ~Lao Tzu

In March 2009, I purchased a return ticket from Melbourne, Australia, to Osaka, Japan—my first overseas adventure. My first solo adventure. For the five months prior, I was completely stressed. I’d never been alone like this before, and wasn’t sure how I’d handle it. The outcome surprised me: I grew far wiser and more spiritual than I could have possibly anticipated.

As a 22 year old Buddhist, I see myself as very calm and relaxed. I seldom stress or worry. But this trip was one thing that threatened my calm. I found solace in reading A New Earth—a magnificently written book—as well as reading the numerous Tiny Buddha quotes. When it was time to board my flight, I was mildly panicky, and even made myself sick. I didn’t want to fly, but I forced myself, for there was no turning back.

The flight was long, and I constantly checked the time. Nine hours later, I had arrived in Japan.

At first, I was thrilled. However, my exceedingly cheap hotel was located in the homeless district. It was late evening, so I couldn’t tell which direction was which. I had to find my hotel before the curfew, or else I’d be spending the night on the streets with countless other homeless people. I eventually found someone who pointed me in the right direction, and I was saved for the evening.

Over the course of the next few days, I explored the area. Despite being on the biggest adventure of my life, I felt little depressed and homesick. I was desperate to meet some fellow Westerners, but I couldn’t find anyone. I was in a sad mental state—complaining, and ruining my adventure.

Until I found myself.

I found that beautiful Lao Tzu quote, and it inspired much introspection. That, coupled with the fact I’d finally begun adapting to my surroundings, initiated a series of changes within me. I was such a peaceful person. So calm. Completely at ease. Instead of being homesick, I didn’t want to leave this new, foreign land.

I traversed the plains of Japan. I meditated. I spoke to monks. I visited temples. I paid tribute to the deceased. I interacted with this nation in so many ways. I had so much time to think and to reflect. I went from a mental wreck to a spiritual being.  That quote played a pivotal role. I played it in my head, again and again. I am patient. I am simple. I am compassionate.

I had dozens of goals while overseas, but my greatest was to eliminate all comfort zones. And that is exactly what I did, from using the mandatory public baths in my hotel to communicating with non-English speaking citizens.

I could be anywhere in the country, alone, and I would feel completely content. I would gaze up at the moon, and know that wherever I may go, I will always be fine. As Eckhart Tolle suggests, I would simply be. I would be present in every moment.

I was gone for three weeks but it felt like three months. I was so calm and present, that my sense of time became very disjointed. Time became completely irrelevant. The only thing that mattered was that I live in this moment and love it. When I thought like that, I would feel so safe, so free, so liberated.

I’ve been back in Australia for a week. I’ve changed in so many ways. I have found so much inner peace. I’m more open minded. I’m ready for constant adventure. My partner has commenced studying ‘Teaching English Overseas.’ I have told her that wherever she goes, I will join her. Before my trip, I refused to leave my home country. But now, like a cloud, I will go anywhere the wind my take me.

If you need advice for travelling, or life in general, I offer you this thought: don’t hold yourself back.

The world is a large, beautiful place. Sometimes, a risk can pay off. Go out there. See this planet. Live your life to the best of your ability. You only have one. You have nothing to lose. You can never make a mistake in life. You can only learn and gain wisdom.

Years from now, I don’t want to look back on my life and see myself living in a black and white world, working a repetitive corporate job. I want to look back, and see a colorful life, filled with unlimited knowledge, countless adventures, and infinite wisdom.

Live your life. Live this moment. Now.

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