EarthWise Travel: 9 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Journey

Bringing together the wisdom of the Earth found in nature, science, mythology and spirituality

Introduction

It is very likely at some point on your EarthWise exploration that you will seek out new locations. These may be sacred or spiritual sites. Or you might be drawn to an historical place. The destination could be a tourist landmark or a locale that draws in a combination of visitors. Visiting new sites can be a wonderful addition to your EarthWise experience. But you want to ensure your visit is respectful and mindful of the site itself and others who are there. Regardless of the attractions of the site and your reasons for making an EarthWise visit, there are 9 mistakes to avoid.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that you will get the most out of your visit. Being EarthWise is also about respecting others and their experience. Avoiding these mistakes also ensures your presence and activity is not a detraction or distraction to others.

Do not disturb a person or group conducting a ceremony or ritual

You may see a person or a group involved in a ceremony or ritual. Indeed there could be several of these going on simultaneously. Approach the area with respect and in such a way that you do not interfere with the activity. For instance, do not ask the group if you can join in. Avoid commenting on the activity to your travel companions or those nearby who are also watching.

Do not forget to be spatially aware

Whether you are simply observing or involved in a ceremony, do not forget to be aware of the people around you. If you are walking down the sidewalk in a group, be aware of the amount of space you occupy and of others trying to use it. Do not place backpacks or handbags on benches or seats. You do not want to obstruct access to the space in such a way that others are blocked or prevented from enjoying it.

Do not join a ceremony without invitation or permission

This may seem like a given but it bears mentioning. You should not join into a ceremony or ritual unless it has been made clear that this is permissible or welcomed. This might mean that you do not join in dancing, singing, or chanting. It also means that children should not try to join in without a clear indication of welcome.

Do not conduct a ceremony that prevents others from enjoying the site

Be aware of the space and the other people that are there. If it is permissible to hold a ceremony or ritual on the location, keep others that are there to enjoy the location in mind. Do not block entrances and exits. Avoid putting handbags and backpacks on seating areas. There may be people who want or need to sit on those! Chant, dance, sing– but do so in a way that others can enjoy the site as well. Keep ceremonies and rituals to one side. Limit the duration of drumming or singing. In this way, the location is available for all to enjoy whatever the purpose of their visit.

Do not be unaware of the significance that a site may hold to others

A particular site may hold a specific spiritual or symbolic meaning to you. This may be unique to you. On the other hand, it may be a place that holds a very different importance to others. Be aware of the history and meaning of a locale, and bear that in mind as you conduct your own visit.

I remember being shocked and offended watching children kick a soccer ball off a remaining tomb in the site of a ruined abbey. This seemed very disrespectful but no parent stepped in to stop the behaviour. Remember that others may experience the site in a way different to yourself. Keep that in mind as you visit the site so you do not do things which may disrupt the experience of other visitors. Certainly you want to avoid doing things that seem to disrespect the significance of the site even if those are not things that you subscribe to.

Do not leave behind offerings that disrupt the site or are not environmentally friendly

Think twice before you tie that cloth around a tree or leave seeds or plants behind. Leaving an offering can feel like an important aspect of being EarthWise, and deepening your connection with a locale. You may see evidence of offerings being left and assume that it is okay to leave something similar. But is what you would like to leave likely to be harmful or distracting? Is that cloth biodegradable? And if so, how long does this take? Is it likely to be harmful to birds or wildlife in the meantime? Are the seeds or plants you would like to leave potentially harmful to birds or other wildlife? To children or pets?

Will what you leave behind disrupt the site or locale for others? Think about an offering that you can make and then take with you– leave no trace. Or leave something simple, straightforward and unobtrusive. Keep in mind the significance that the site may have for others and leave something that does not disturb or disrespect that.

Do not ask about meanings of rituals or ceremonies if these are not freely offered

You may be intensely curious or intrigued by what you see or hear. But avoid asking participants what they are doing and why they are doing it. Certainly avoid asking while the ceremony or ritual is ongoing. I have been quietly sitting and meditating in a garden space that is clearly signposted as a quiet and reflective space only to have someone approach me and ask me what I am doing. Ceremonies, rituals, and observances can be deeply personal and private. If someone wants you to know about what they are doing, wait for them to offer rather than ask them as to the meaning.

Do not disrupt the atmosphere

This one may seem like common sense and logic but it also is worth keeping in mind. If it is an area where people engage in quiet contemplation, keep your own noise down so it does not interrupt them. If you want to conduct a ritual or ceremony with singing or instruments, do it to one side of the site so allow others to continue their own reflection. Even if it is a public area with no posted restrictions, be aware of what other people are doing and the space in which they are doing it. Do your best to not interfere with that, even as you enjoy your own experience. By all means, adhere to any posted restrictions, such as observing quiet hours or limitations on time spent drumming or chanting.

Do not assume it is appropriate or permitted to touch objects

Objects may hold a special spiritual, historic or religious significance. Even if there are no signs saying that you should not touch, do not assume that it is okay to do so. Constant handling of objects can degrade them. Or handling them may disrespect in some way the significance of the locale or site. Some places will have signs that say it is ok to touch a particular object. In that case, by all means, do so. But it is best to refrain from touching objects unless it is clearly indicated that you can.

EarthWise Travel and Visiting

Following these simple rules on mistakes to avoid will go a long way in making your visit meaningful–wherever you are going and with whatever purpose. It will help you respect the meaning and importance of a site. You will be able to appreciate it and experience it in the way that you want, alongside others who are able to do the same in their own way. This is all part of the connectedness that is a key to becoming EarthWise. It will make your travels pleasant and memorable and help you achieve the purpose of your visit. Enjoy your EarthWise journey!