The journey that has changed me: Andy Puddicomb

The journey that has changed me: Andy Puddicomb

Headspace founder Andy Puddicomb tells us of a trip to India and how she has changed his life forever

Andy Puddicomb bears the unlikely title of an English student who became a Buddhist monk. In 1994, in the middle of his studies, Andy made the surprising decision to travel to the Himalayas and study meditation. So an epic journey began that led 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 the award-winning digital health platform head space. Here he tells us about the journey that has changed him.

Which region or trip did it impress the most?

The journey that changed me was to leave Great Britain 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 I returned to the Indian Himalayas, where I was ordained a Tibetan-Buddhist monk.

I was 22 when I left London and 32 when I left the monastery to return. I went alone, but I found wonderful friends from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures on the way, many of whom are still dear friends.

How did it change you?

monk is a life -changing experience; The journey of intensive meditation training even more. The emphasis is to become less self -related, compassionate, clearer, calmer and friendlier. It is of course still in progress and a journey of my life, so I still learn 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 every day. I spend more time thinking about the happiness of others and less time to think of myself. Strangely, I'm happy too!

were you back?

Nowadays, with a great woman and a beautiful baby, I don't want to be a monk again! This time was incredibly special, but this time is also incredibly special. Nevertheless, I can imagine returning to a long-term retreat at some point in the future.

Do you still have a big dream destination that you have not achieved?

Japan is probably the only big dream destination that I have not reached - the only thing that somehow comes to mind. Both my wife and I dreamed of going there, and hopefully we will make it one day. But I also love to surf, and there are still so many great surf spots that you can see, so they could also flow in.

alt = “Japan leads the list of the most powerful passports in the world”> Travel madness/Shutterstock Japan is one of the dream goals of puddicomb

travel guide or not travel guide?

I'm a bit of both. I think a travel guide is a great way to get a picture of the area in which you are, both in terms of cultural identity and the physical structure of the village, the city or the 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 naturally. I have a busy life, so I often like it on vacation that my feet make my decisions for me.

Are you a planner or onlookers?

It is important to find a golden middle ground. If there are certain restaurants that have suggested friends, I will definitely try to reserve a table, but nobody wants to have the feeling that they have a military schedule, and I am pretty spontaneous in such situations.

hotel or hostel (or camping)?

There is nothing better than freedom to open a camp under the stars and feel completely self -sufficient (even if it is only for 48 hours!).

Especially in recent years I was lucky enough to be able to travel a lot and to stay in various hotels. But now we have a new baby and I'm looking forward to staying in LA for a while!

What was your most important travel experience?

I flew east from Moscow for 10 hours and was still in Russia! Kamchatka is part of the Pacific Ring, a hidden country with snow -covered volcanoes, geothermal sources and brown bears. We got into a MI8 helicopter of the former military to fly to a base in the mountains to make helicboard in the hinterland. It was an incredible experience and a magical country.

Finally, why travel?

travel is a brilliant way to learn from ourselves and see what the world has to offer. It teaches us to listen to leave stuck opinions, to be more compassionate and understanding. It enables us to build up trust and relationships and to discover how others live, think and feel. This stuff is invaluable for a good life.

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The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness of Andy Puddicomb demystified meditation for the modern world and is an accessible and practical way to more health, happiness and well -being in just 10 minutes.

cover picture: Chris Piason/Shutterstock

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