Our boat glided in the predawn mist toward Philae’s sacred island, where the temple of Isis stood sentinel for millennia. Standing in the darkness within the goddess’s inner sanctum, the cool granite against my palm formed a bridge between worlds as something awakened within me—an electric recognition transcending both time and geography…
The Spiritual Journey Begins
Travel has long been intertwined with spirituality. Throughout history, people have journeyed across continents in search of enlightenment, personal growth, and deeper connections with the divine. Whether through pilgrimages, retreats, or simply immersing oneself in the unfamiliar, travel catalyzes spiritual transformation. By stepping beyond the confines of routine life, individuals encounter diverse cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and moments of profound introspection that deepen their understanding of themselves and the universe.
Travel also amplifies spiritual experience by providing a sense of perspective. We travel to experience something other than our usual routine and usual perspective. A comparison of our usual environment to any of the great wonders of the world can be humbling and reverential. The contrast gives us an appreciation for our world that is unforgettable.
Sacred Spaces: The Egyptian Pyramids
One such experience was my visit to the Egyptian pyramids. While visiting the King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid, I had not only a spiritual experience but one of deep reverence and humility, sensory stimulation, and profound wonder. When you read about the pyramids, there is information about their size, the material they are made of, and the history of those for whom they were built. However, what you remember is how you felt when you experienced them.
The King’s Chamber inside the pyramid is lined with pink granite, which creates a phenomenal acoustical environment. While in the chamber, someone started humming, and then a few of us who remained in the chamber joined in singing. The harmony and sound reverberation could be heard by others throughout the pyramid. The amazing thing was that we felt compelled to make sound. Others reported feeling vibrations in their bodies while sitting in the chamber. Considering the size of these pyramids, what would cause such vibrations? This was a spiritual, unexplainable type of experience that, if you are open to it, can be encountered on any travel journey.
Encountering Divine Diversity
My travels have exposed me to diverse belief systems and cultural practices, broadening my spiritual horizons. Visiting those amazing temples and pyramids was an education in ancient beliefs and customs that define and impact today’s Egyptian society. This same expansion of understanding happens across the world when visiting other sacred sites such as the temples of Angkor Wat, the cathedrals of Europe, or the ashrams of India.
Through these experiences, I’ve begun to see that there are many different expressions of faith and devotion. These encounters cultivate a sense of unity and interconnectedness, reinforcing the idea that spirituality transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. All of these travel experiences encourage a deeper exploration of my own faith as well as recognition of our shared humanity. We are all one.
The Kindness of Strangers
Traveling to other cultures and meeting people of different backgrounds has allowed me to witness countless acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. Whether through the hospitality of a stranger in Morocco who invited me for tea or a shared meal with a local family in Thailand, these experiences reaffirm the fundamental goodness of humanity. Such interactions have left lasting impressions on me, reinforcing the importance of love and empathy in spiritual growth.
Awakening the Traveling Spirit
My journey across a rickety bridge suspended high above the West African rainforest became a profound metaphor for spiritual growth. Each uncertain step mingled fear with wonder as the ancient canopy stretched endlessly below, challenging me to trust the path despite my racing heart. When I finally reached solid ground, the rush of overcoming what felt like my own private odyssey transformed me, expanding my consciousness in ways that made later adventures like zip-lining in Thailand feel almost effortless. With each new travel experience, both my spirit and my sense of self continue to grow in unexpected ways.
Travel is a powerful vehicle for spiritual enrichment in ways that staying home simply cannot provide. The unfamiliar surroundings strip away our habitual patterns and defense mechanisms, leaving us more receptive to new insights and deeper connections. Each time I set foot in a new place, I find myself more aware, more present, and more attuned to both the external world and my internal landscape.
I invite you to consider your own travel experiences through a spiritual lens. What moments of awe, connection, or transcendence have you experienced while away from home? How might your next journey become not just a physical adventure but a spiritual pilgrimage? Perhaps in the bustling markets of Marrakech, the silent forests of Japan, or the ancient streets of Jerusalem, you too will find that travel opens not just your eyes, but your heart and spirit as well.
About the Author
Sandra Forrest, RScP, is a Licensed Spiritual Practitioner who discovered her deepest purpose after diverse career experiences in Head Start program administration and corporate sales management. Now devoted to her spiritual practice and teaching at Philadelphia’s Center of Peace, Sandra finds joy in exploring sacred spaces worldwide through her camera lens, most recently capturing the ancient wisdom of Egypt with fellow spiritual seekers. When not teaching or traveling, she writes poetry that reflects her belief that blessings appear in life’s every dimension, if only we train our eyes to see them.