When I was 4, my family moved to Germany for three years. Some might say that's too young to remember anything, but believe me, it is not. I still have very vivid memories of those years, and they instilled a deep sense of curiosity and wonder about other people and places that still shapes who I am today.

When we moved back, it was to the Pacific Northwest for two years, before moving back to the east coast to be near family. Although I didn't always fully appreciate it as an 8–9 year old, as an adult, spending time in nature is a deeply grounding experience for me. It's something J.R. and I find ourselves seeking out more and more, the longer we live in Seattle.

Perhaps it was those early life experiences, but I believe travel and time in nature are powerful catalysts for gaining new insight and perspective. Many of you may use them intuitively: that study abroad trip in college, or the reset that happens when you listen to the rhythm of the waves on your beach vacation.

What happens when you come home?

Sometimes travel and nature are just an escape. And that's OKAY.

But what about when you come home from your vacation? How do you bring those stolen moments of peace back into the chaos of everyday life?

That's exactly what I asked myself before my last big trip, and it's part of what led me to create Wild Insights.

Four actions behind an insight

I've found that the curiosity and wonder that arise in travel and time in nature are two of the most powerful feelings we have for reconnecting with our natural loving-kindness, which is the first step in true insight. I've found the other ingredients of truly "wild" insights, whether in travel or nature, are intention, listening and diligence, or patient practice.

So that's how I'm designing this experience: around reconnecting to:

• WONDER. Sparking your natural sense of curiosity, joy and awe.
• INTENTION. Connecting with meaning and direction, without grasping at outcomes.
• LISTENING. Reconnecting to your body, intuition, shadow, and sense of "what's needed next."
• DILIGENCE. Patient practice of small actions, with humor and self-compassion. Not discipline. Falling off the wagon is okay. 😜

Whether or not you're going on a big trip, I believe you can practice weaving these into day-to-day life. And I believe that when you do, you'll be much more likely to experience things like real joy and unexpected aha moments, and to navigate uncertainty with calmer confidence.

5 ways to travel with intention (even to the grocery store)

So here are my 5 Intentional Travel Commitments. Try them on your next trip, whether that's a business trip, a visit to family, or a run to the grocery store. Think of your trip - big or small- as a chance to practice five simple ways of bringing wonder, openness and curiosity into your daily life. And that as a little stepping stone to joy and insight, even in chaos. :)

1. Savor the little things. Be fully present. Notice the sounds, smells and tastes around you, and remember to look up and around for unexpected details. Set your phone aside whenever you can.
2. Trust and let go. Notice your hidden expectations and loosen your grip on them. When things don't go to plan, trust that something good can come from it.
3. Smile and connect. Greet strangers, strike up conversations, and stay curious about the people around you.
4. Slow down. Notice the urge to rush and do the opposite. Take breaks. Nap if you want.
5. Show respect. Be mindful of how your words, attire and manners affect others, and honor local customs and cultural differences.

An exciting update

As you might have heard (from me), seven of us head to Nepal in just a few weeks, which feels nuts.

We're nearly at this Wild Insight pilot's halfway point: two group coaching sessions down, an 11-day trip with an 8-day trek to a sacred lake high in the Himalayas, and two more sessions to go. I've already learned so much bringing this idea to life, and there's more to come.

One piece of feedback I keep hearing from this first group has surprised me. Having more time to prepare has had unexpected ripple effects. More than one person has told me they feeling stronger and more confident from the months training accountability, and it's showing up in their relationships, work and wellbeing before we've even left. It's warming my heart, and it's why I'm sharing this now.

A preview of next year's trip

I just finished an updated brochure for the 2027 Wild Insights experience (traveling April 24–May 5), and I'd love to share it with you.

But since I'm still just getting started, and you, my dear reader, are part of my small but mighty group of friends and connections, please let me know if:

1. You'd like to consider joining (even if it's just a big fat maybe)
2. You'd be willing to join my referral network (it comes with a referral discount or gift)
3. You'd rather NOT get more emails about it (no hard feelings, for real!)

I want to be respectful wherever you're at. :)

In the meantime, I wish you lots of wonder, in all your travel, big and small, in the coming weeks.

Warmly,
Allie

P.S. Here's a link to the travel brochure!

PPS. Here's a one-page flyer for the trek part ​

Tell me what you think & pass either along!