Thanks
http://www.travelcostarica360.com/quetzal-national-park-and-wildlife-costa-rica.html

I think you're absolutely right about that. Travel is the best education. Nobody comes back without having their mind opened at least a little bit.

I think at a fundamental level, we're all very similar, as human beings–and those are the similarities that I think need to be played up, because so often we separate and divide ourselves as “different,” when in reality, those are just superficial differences.  However, on an individual level, there should absolutely be variety–those are the ones that society tries to play down, that should be emphasized.  You know, since we aren't robots and all.

On another note, I won't even go to a place anymore if I can't fully immerse myself for a period of time–tourism is similar to looking at a people and a place behind a glass wall, but traveling and LIVING like a local is a completely different beast.  That's where the real value comes in.

Watching children play in less fortunate countries has always been very inspiring for me, because you see their smiles, their laughter and their genuine happiness just to be alive, and it reminds you that sometimes, we really don't need as much as we imagine we do. 

As for the retreat, it's something I'd like to do on a regular basis.  Also, I AM accepting payment plans as well–just FYI.  Though, I know very well what it's like to be on a student budget! 

Thanks for the wonderful comment, Michelle.  xo.

I hope you do this retreat again someday because I really can't afford it now and I still have another year of school…it sounds awesome.

It's especially true for kids. Everywhere I've been, kids play and laugh and misbehave in the exact same ways.

And, to sum up the post: as human beings, we have more similarities than differences. Since we're already so damn similar, why is society pushing us to become even MORE similar?! Variety is good, and we've gotta accentuate our differences more, not hide them. At the core, this is just the basic human fear of the unknown, and, yes, differences count as the unknown. Removing that fear gives yourself – and others – the permission to let go and be themselves.

I'm not quite proud to say that I haven't done any real traveling so far in my (young) life, but I'm looking forward to going as an adventurer rather than a generic tourist. Life's too short to be on the outside looking in – I want to live like a local, wherever I go.

You're absolutely right on that front–many people travel as tourists, rather than travelers.  It's the difference between going to a place and looking at it from behind the glass, or going to a place and really getting to KNOW it.  The benefits of coming to understand a new place and its people are so profound, but unfortunately it requires a lot of extra work, time and usually the GUTS to put yourself out there and not be afraid of difference. 

Having the opportunity to form lifelong friendships with people from other cultures has given me one of the greatest gifts I've ever received–to have felt that interconnectedness is like nothing else.  When you can share a smile and an inside joke with someone who you don't even share a language with–it's powerful. 

Thank YOU, Shawna, for the lovely comment!  Your thoughts are always insightful, and I appreciate it.  Cheers!

We can travel to Costa Rica or just a spur of the moment trip to Montana (like we did!) – it doesn't matter where. It's the “being there”, experiencing, observing, FEELING that makes it!

And I agree with your thoughts on that seeing ourselves in others gives us PERMISSION to be ourselves. Doesn't it, though?! That's what I love about the blogging world and the world “out there” that I've finally let myself be in. I have realized that I'm not alone. That I can be that someone special! That I am enough!

Sorry! I'm rambling! You are such an inspiration Ash! Thank you for this post and for this project!