i mean nomad here in the sense of one who travels for food, or to make a living, and one who is home in the journey. i am noticing the things which help me stay healthy and grounded while spending the majority of my life traveling.

leave no trace behind – beyond joy.

…unless i find a place i want to return to. mark it with a pair of sweatpants or a beloved book.

then, let go of attachment to materials and plans. i am this journey.

remember the sacred space is inside – it is my body, and it is worn on my face.

that said, a little bag of items that feel grounding can’t hurt. currently mine holds a bunch of gifts including a tiny ganesha statue for removing obstacles, zen tarot cards, a stick of palo santo to clear bad energy when i am in a new space, and a print up of my favorite sutra, which i am making into a song to remember. i add my mala when they come off my wrists each night, like they are getting recharged.

the most important resource i carry is water. keep water carrier full and flowing. immerse myself in water wherever i find it, remember its all of one place, one system.

pack based on weather, such that i can layer up and down and still look fly. know exactly where along the journey i will clean my clothing. fabulous minimalism = happy style. very few people look cute with too much baggage.

the right piece of cloth can be blanket, scarf, coat, hair wrap, baby carrier and decoration. it should be beautiful.

learn practices to center and strengthen myself. practices to do anytime, anywhere. meditation, prayer, yoga, aikido, etc have all persisted for a reason.

gather up instances of kindness, always notice when a human is being with me.

cultivate compassion, there are so many mysteries.

eat what i am given enthusiastically, with gratitude. carry fruit to avoid desperation.

articulate what i need shamelessly, with self-love.

a walk tunes me into the pace of the place where i have landed.

delays are opportunities to create and reflect. or write. or meditate. or discover new music. or catch up with my loves angelina and beyonce. or chat with my many collaborators in the life. or call my mama.

and if in all of this i feel homesick, if i feel lost, if i am exhausted, ear plugs and a good book can still transport me wherever and whenever i need to go.

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p.s. my homey leah wrote a piece on travel tips for folks who are chronically ill – check it here!