The Journey That Changed Me: Andy Puddicombe

The Journey That Changed Me: Andy Puddicombe

Headspace founder Andy Puddicombe tells us about a trip to India and how it changed his life forever

Andy Puddicombe has the unlikely title of an English student turned Buddhist monk. In 1994, in the middle of his studies, Andy made the surprising decision to travel to the Himalayas and study meditation. So began an epic journey that took him around the world and culminated in his ordination as a Tibetan Buddhist.

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Today he is a renowned meditation and mindfulness expert and co-founder of theaward-winning digital health platformHeadspace. Here he tells us about the journey that changed him.

Which region or trip impressed you the most?

The journey that changed me was leaving the UK to become a Buddhist monk in Asia. I started in northern India, but my training took me to Burma, Thailand, Russia and many other places before returning to the Indian Himalayas where I was ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk.

I was 22 when I left London and 32 when I left the monastery to return. I went alone, but along the way I made wonderful friends from all different backgrounds and cultures, many of whom remain dear friends to this day.

How has it changed you?

Becoming a monk is a life-changing experience; the journey of intensive meditation training even more. The emphasis is on becoming less self-centered, more compassionate, clearer, calmer, and kinder. It's obviously still a work in progress and a journey of a lifetime, so I'm still learning every day.

I take some time every day to meditate. I have a greater appreciation for this precious human life and remember to be grateful daily. I spend more time thinking about the happiness of others and less time thinking about myself. Funnily enough, that makes me happy too!

Have you been back?

Nowadays, with a great wife and a beautiful baby, I don't want to become a monk again! This time was incredibly special, but this time is also incredibly special. Still, I can see myself returning for a long-term retreat at some point in the future.

Do you still have a big dream goal that you haven't achieved?

Japan is probably the only big dream destination that I haven't reached - the only one that somehow comes to mind. Both my wife and I have dreamed of going there and hopefully we will get there one day. But I also love surfing, and there are still so many great surf spots to check out, so that might factor in too.

alt="Japan tops list of most powerful passports in the world">Travel Madness/ShutterstockJapan is one of Puddicombe's dream destinations

Travel guide or not travel guide?

I'm a little bit of both. I think a guidebook is a great way to get an idea of ​​the area you are staying in, both in terms of cultural identity and the physical structure of the village, town or city. The key is not to use it too much.

A guide is great, but it's nice to move with the city and explore it in a natural way. I have a busy life, so when I'm on vacation I often like my feet to make my decisions for me.

Are you a planner or a spectator?

It is important to find a happy medium. If there are certain restaurants that friends have suggested, I'll definitely make an effort to reserve a table, but equally, no one wants to feel like they're on a military schedule, and I'm pretty spontaneous in those situations.

Hotel or hostel (or camping)?

There's nothing like the freedom to set up camp under the stars and feel completely self-sufficient (even if it's just for 48 hours!).

Especially in the last few years, I've been lucky enough to be able to travel a lot and stay in different hotels. But now we have a new baby and I'm excited to be able to stay in LA for a while!

What was your most important travel experience?

I once flew 10 hours east from Moscow and was still in Russia! Kamchatka is part of the Pacific Ring, a hidden land of snow-capped volcanoes, geothermal springs and brown bears. We boarded an ex-military Mi8 helicopter to fly to a base in the mountains for some backcountry heliboarding. It was an incredible experience and a magical land.

After all, why travel?

Traveling is a brilliant way to learn to step outside of ourselves and see what the world has to offer. It teaches us to listen, to let go of entrenched opinions, to be more compassionate and understanding. It allows us to build trust and relationships and to discover how others live, think and feel. This stuff is invaluable to living a good life.

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Andy Puddicombe's Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness demystifies meditation for the modern world and is an accessible and practical path to greater health, happiness and wellbeing in just 10 minutes.

Cover image: Chris Piason/Shutterstock

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