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Mental peace and expansion of thought require joyful travels

Published : Sunday, 16 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 398
Khandaker Apon Hossain
Travel is a unique school of life. It is another name for the liberation of the soul, mental peace, and the expansion of thought. And the journey made for joy is called joyous travel. Mark Twain once said, "Travel is the death of arrogance and narrow-mindedness." To truly understand the depth of this statement, one must embark on a journey. Travel broadens perspectives, making the heart and mind more open. Travel is in human nature. The first humans, standing beneath a star-filled sky, asked themselves "What lies beyond those distant mountains? Who lives on the other side of the river? What mysteries are hidden in the shadows of the deep forest?" The urge to know the unknown and the passion to discover something new turned people into travellers, adventurers, and tourists. About 2.5 million years ago, the first human species, Homo habilis, set foot in the Rift Valley of East Africa.

They were hunters, gatherers, and wanderers. Leaving safe shelter, they ventured onto an uncertain path. Why? This courage has repeatedly drawn humanity to new lands. Through evolution came Homo erectus, who didn't just stay in Africa but crossed the Red Sea's dry shore to reach Europe and Asia. They took shelter in caves, learned to light fire, and covered themselves with animal skins. Then Homo sapiens, people with advanced brains, who no longer travelled just for survival but to learn, discover, and be amazed. People do not only travel in search of food. They travel in search of joy.

Visiting tourist destinations is not only a matter of joy but also a means to become acquainted with heritage and culture. In a country like Bangladesh, which is full of natural beauty, travel experiences are truly unparalleled. The sea beach of Cox's Bazar, the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, the hilly paths of Sajek Valley, and the Kaptai Lake in Rangamati are all embodiments of natural beauty. These captivating places are living witnesses to history and heritage. According to a World Bank report, "The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world." The Sundarbans of Bangladesh is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

It is famous for its unique natural beauty and is also home to tigers, deer, crocodiles, and various species of birds. Traveling abroad offers even more distinct experiences, allowing one to learn about different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. The Buddhist temples of Thailand, the Eiffel Tower of France, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Colosseum of Italy, and Mount Fuji of Japan are not just symbols of architecture or natural beauty. They are witnesses to the history of human civilization. According to UNESCO, there are 1,154 places around the world on the World Heritage list. There is something to learn from each of these places. Travel makes people more open-minded and tolerant. During travel, we meet new people and learn about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions. When one interacts with people from different cultures, one's perspective changes, and life is seen in a new light. Albert Einstein said, "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." Similarly, travel maintains the balance of life, enriching the mind and soul with new experiences.

Travel allows us to realize the small joys of life. A new road, an unknown alley, an unfamiliar flower- these things spark joy in the heart. Travel shows us how easy and beautiful life is. Travel creates a curiosity to know and learn new things. Travel makes people more creative. Research has shown that travel enhances creativity. A study at the University of Colorado in 2012 found that people who travel regularly have more creative thinking ability than others. Travel teaches us how vast the world is and how small we are. This realization makes us humble. Travel creates empathy and compassion. Seeing the way of life in other countries or regions makes us feel their pain and struggle. Our narrowness fades.

A 2016 study at Harvard University found that students who traveled abroad became comparatively more social and empathetic. Travel is also a kind of therapy. Psychologists say that travel reduces stress, decreases anxiety, and improves mood. A 2018 study by the American Psychological Association proved that regular travel reduces depression and boredom. Every trip is a story. The people met on the way, the unknown cities, the experiences of new cultures bring about a unique change within us. Travel teaches us to see life in a new way. Thérèse Gautier once said, "Travel never ends, it only marks the beginning of new horizons." Indeed, there is no end to travel.

When we go to different environments, our thoughts change. Sitting by the Seine in France, it feels as if time has stopped. Walking in the Sahara desert of Morocco, one understands that even silence speaks. Standing at the top of a mountain, one realizes how small human beings are! The climbers who reach the peak of the Himalayas say, "Even after reaching the summit, it feels like there is still more to go." This feeling comes from travel. Seeing the waves of the Pacific Ocean, one feels the infinite vastness of the world!

After conquering Everest in 1953, Edmund Hillary said, "We did not conquer the mountain, we conquered ourselves." The lessons of travel are eternal. When one goes to Rome in Italy, one touches history. The ruins of Mesopotamia remind us that civilization is not permanent. Travel is not just joy; it is the path of self-discovery. Sitting on the banks of the Ganges in India, one may find religion. Seeing a temple in Greece, someone may seek the meaning of philosophy. Changing the environment also changes the mind. Research says that people who travel at least twice a year have less mental stress. A report from Nature Journal says that spending time in nature increases brain creativity by 50%. Travel expands the human heart.

The writer is a teacher, Cantonment Board High School, Shahid Salahuddin Cantonment, Ghatail, Tangail


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