Saying yes to the Universe

(Trip to Brig Part 2) When the gentleman next to me asked why I was in Brig, I paused, looked around, then smiled. “Because I can be.”

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As many of you know, each week I keep a day open to travel or catch up on things, do whatever wants/needs doing. For sure the number one priority is travel, preferably by train. Often it turns out to be the best place to get stuff done anyway. And it happens to be my favorite office; I love the views!

Last week, I took advantage of a change in my regular schedule to travel to Brig overnight. If you’d like to read about the beginning of this trip before continuing to part 2, here you go. シ

Brig was as breathtaking as I remembered. The beauty of staying overnight was getting to be with the mountains, to take in their strength and beauty. As I walked slightly uphill from the train station to the St. Ursula Guesthouse, I felt the calm descending upon me. It got quieter as I walked away from town, the hush falling upon me like a lovely blanket of snow. I felt I had stepped back in time.

Pulling my suitcase on the cobblestones was loud so I picked it up to carry. Luckily it was light. Inside were the bare essentials, which in this case included a yoga mat and two yoga blocks, pj’s, undies, a sweater and minimal toiletries. The more I travel the more I learn that I can make due with very little. My body appreciates it, and in general I feel light. I’ve learned my travels have little to do with what I bring and everything to do with what surrounds me.

I arrived at the guesthouse early in the morning and, thanks to their generosity was able to check in immediately. My room was simple and lovely. It looked like I expected a convent guest room to look; the obligatory cross hung above a simple single bed with a feather pillow and duvet. There was a desk, a chair, a simple antique vanity and a picture of madonna and child on the other wall. The sun was streaming into the room and across the bed when I arrived, as if to bless my arrival.

I sighed, took it all in, and took a few moments to rest after my very early train. Later that morning I taught yoga from a lovely room in the convent, built in the early 1700’s. I was teaching via Zoom, which felt a bit odd there. But Zoom allows me to to do this kind of travel/teaching from wherever. I’m all for it!

This was the view.

The calmness continued to fall upon me, and hopefully through me to my yoga students. I explored a little more later in the day, finishing with a beautiful meal of pasta caramelle with truffle sauce. There are benefits to being so close to Italy!

The next morning I woke up after not sleeping so well. I was in no rush as I had a travel card that allowed me to travel all over Switzerland for the day (Ausflugs Abo or Leisure Travelcard). I went down to breakfast and looked out the windows at the view again. As I drank my coffee, and realized I was not ready to leave. Not then, not later that day. I needed one more day.

Soon I’d go to check with the office to see if that could be arranged. But first, I had people I was supposed to meet. Next to me were two men and a woman enjoying their breakfast. After a bit we began to speak and I learned they were children’s theater players from Sweden, visiting Brig to perform their play. They were so delightful! She is a mindfulness teacher like me, and studied with two of my favorite teachers. The conversation flowed easily, and I had that feeling that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I made arrangements for another night’s stay. The rest of that day I did some exploration, but mostly mountain bathing. Next morning I was back at the train station a bit before 7am to head back to Basel in time to teach yoga in person. First train was canceled, but made it in time anyway. Since I had the travel-card for the day, as soon as I finished teaching, I jumped back on a train.

Next and final stop was St. Gallen. I had watched a documentary on European history while in Brig and they showed a picture of the most beautiful library…later that day my friend in Los Angeles texted me and asked if I had ever been to this library in St. Gallen that was supposed to be amazing…universe, I hear you and I answer your call. I spent the afternoon in St. Gallen. Picture taking isn’t allowed in the library, but take a look here if you want a peek. Amazing!

It is my hope that reading about my adventures, taken on my own and without plans, will inspire you to do your own version of exploring, being present, open and curious. Remember you don’t need to go far to travel. Your own hometown is a great place to start.

Exploring without plans can be daunting, and/or incredibly freeing. When you trust your curious self to lead without expectations, you may find yourself more fully in the moment than usual. Sometimes things flow easily, sometimes not. Always though, I find that trusting myself through the experience, no matter what happens, builds my confidence and indepence, leaving me feeling capable and happy. Maybe you too. シ