Seekers and explorers have always pushed the frontiers of the human spirit. Wayfarers, who long for the unknown seas (or nowadays, for other planets) feed the imagination of generations that come after them. We celebrate them as heroes (Magellan, Marco Polo, Neil Armstrong, Elon Musk etc).
But there’s another type of exploration that should be celebrated equally. That should be encouraged and cherished. And that is the exploration of the inner self.
The adventure of self discovery and mind expansion is equally tough and maybe more rewarding, and we don’t have enough heroes and role models to look up to. The old and the venerated inner explorers seem too unapproachable, the young are dismissed as too naive. We were never taught how to go deep into ourselves, a critical skill that would’ve given the world less narcissism and more self reflection, less self doubt and more self awareness / self confidence, less aggressiveness and more empathy.
It is never too late; learn how to go on a journey within. Learn how to become more aware of your thoughts and actions via mindfulness, meditation, writing and better listening. Learn how to be more kind to yourself. Learn how to calm the voice in your head. Learn what true peace feels like. Learn what makes you tick, and what makes you flow. Learn how you can help others with your experience.
Find any method of self reflection that works for you and practice every day. This ‘Fantastic Voyage’ will make you a better, more wholesome human than any external adventure.