I LOVE traveling light. This philosophy appeals to many people and for good reason. Energy is a valuable commodity. You’re wise not to waste it. Conserve where you can and spend it on things that really matter. Don’t waste your energy carrying around weight and bulk. Better to spend it on creativity and inspiration.
I enjoy traveling light for the challenge of being efficient. To do much with very little.
I’ve developed this preference because of experiences that I’ve had that inspired me to go light.
I remember the first few times I tried backpacking. I made the typical mistake of over-packing. I learned, the hard way, that bringing more than you need, will wear you down on the trail. With each mile, with each step, I soon wished that I left the non-essential items behind. I ended up just giving them a ride “there and back again” while they served no purpose for me.
I remember that over time, I learned how to pack lighter, how to manage with less. It made a profound difference in my hiking experience. I was enLIGHTened.
Once I reach camp, I’m always eager to set down my full size backpack, lighten my load even more and explore the surrounding area. I’d take a much lighter daypack with mnml supplies: 10 essentials, a small camera, water, food, a multi-tool, my hiking stick and I’d be off. I loved how light on my feet I felt going from a big hiking pack to a small daypack. It was a joy to move quickly and easily, no longer encumbered by the heavy burden.
The same minimalism, simplification and reduction can be said about many things in life. By having or carrying only what you REALLY need, you free up your energy for things that REALLY matter.
With photography, the lighter and smaller your load, the more energy you can devote to creativity or getting to that choice location.
Lighten your load. Simplify. Reduce. Minimize. Your improved images will reflect that you did. Be enLIGHTened!
No comments yet.