When this travel began, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time a deep sense of happiness and calm rising from within. Not excitement driven by plans or destinations, but a quiet, steady joy that flowed from the inside out. It felt as if my mind finally exhaled.
This trip to Mudgee and Dubbo became more than a holiday. It became a reminder of who I am when I slow down, when I let go of constant doing, and when I allow myself to simply be.
A Shift Before the Journey Even Began
Even before reaching our destination, I noticed a change within myself. The usual mental noise softened. My body felt lighter, my breath deeper, and my heart calmer. I realised how long it had been since I truly felt relaxed without guilt, without rushing, without expectations.
Mindfulness doesn’t always arrive through discipline. Sometimes it arrives through permission permission to pause, to rest, and to feel good again.
Living Slowly, Feeling Deeply
Our stay was peaceful and comfortable, allowing us to enjoy life at an unhurried pace. There was no rush to check off places or follow strict schedules. Instead, we chose presence.
One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Dubbo Zoo. Watching the children’s excitement, observing animals in their natural rhythm, and walking through open spaces reminded me of something very simple yet powerful:
Nature never rushes, yet everything gets done.
It was grounding. Healing. Refreshing.
The Beauty of Small Moments
On the way, we stopped at a charming café. Warm drinks, good food, and unfiltered conversations made the moment special. These simple pauses often unplanned became the most meaningful memories.
I realised that joy often hides in ordinary moments:
sitting together without checking the time sharing laughter over meals listening without needing to respond enjoying silence without discomfort
This is mindfulness in its truest form.
Redefining My Practice
During these three days, my regular mindfulness routines shifted. There wasn’t a fixed meditation time or detailed journaling session and that was okay.
Instead, mindfulness showed up as:
choosing rest without guilt being emotionally present with family allowing joy without questioning it observing my thoughts without attachment
I learned that mindfulness is not about perfection or consistency in form it’s about consistency in awareness.
Family Time as a Sacred Practice
Spending uninterrupted time with family and friends felt deeply nourishing. Laughter flowed easily. Conversations felt lighter. There was warmth, connection, and shared presence.
I realised that family time itself is a powerful form of meditation. It grounds you in love, reminds you of what truly matters, and fills emotional spaces that routines alone cannot reach.
Coming Back, Carrying Calm
Last day was about returning home.. but not returning to the same mindset.
As the travel ended, I noticed something beautiful: the calm stayed with me. I didn’t feel the usual heaviness of “getting back to routine.” Instead, I felt grounded, grateful, and more centred.
This day was about gently settling back, unpacking not just bags but experiences, emotions, and learnings. I took moments of silence, reflected on how peaceful my mind felt, and promised myself to carry this softness forward.
Gratitude That Feels Rooted
I am deeply thankful for:
feeling happy and relaxed after a long time safe travels and meaningful memories moments of deep presence and connection the reminder that life can be simple and fulfilling
These days taught me something powerful:
Happiness doesn’t come from doing more.
It comes from slowing down and allowing life to meet you.
Moving Ahead with Awareness
As I step into the next phase of my 90-day journey, I do so with a lighter heart. I am not chasing peace anymore I am learning to choose it, moment by moment.
Life feels gentler.
My thoughts feel kinder.
And my journey continues one mindful breath at a time.
Grateful. Grounded. Present. 🤍
Thank you, universe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Unfiltered thoughts by Anu 