Creativity is a source of inspiration; it allows us to develop our ideas based on our experiences and how we perceive the world around us. So, in this article, I want to share with you the ideas, people, projects, and experiences that have inspired me to create sustainable travel experiences in Thailand.
Why is inspiration a source of creativity?
Inspiration often comes from observation, experience, and a connection with our surroundings. Drawing inspiration from something or someone is a way of admiring and recognizing the value we find in the world around us and with which we identify.
When we do this, we don’t feel like we lack that value—quite the opposite. It’s when we see it reflected in the outside world that we feel connected to it, and from there we can create our own versions. It’s not about copying; it’s about using it as inspiration for our own creation.
The inspiration we draw from others is so powerful that it makes us believe in and envision endless possibilities for turning our ideas into reality. Creative processes begin by making connections between who we are and our surroundings; we possess a rich sensory memory that makes us deeply creative.
Everyone expresses themselves and creates in different ways, and all of them are valid and possible. In fact, those who are freest in their creativity are the ones who are able to do so most authentically and connect with their true purpose.
Who has inspired me?
Identifying who inspires us is essential; through them, we can discover new perspectives, styles, and approaches that we may not have considered before. This broadens our creative vision and helps us explore ideas we otherwise would never have imagined.
I want to tell you about three women who have been my main sources of inspiration in my commitment to sustainable travel in Thailand:
Mariana Matija: founder of Ser tierra, an online community and gathering place for those of us who want to regenerate our relationship with the wonderful planet of which we are a part. Through her writing, workshops, online meetings, Patreon community, and books, Mariana has deeply inspired me regarding the importance of caring for the Earth, understanding it as a living system, and recognizing that we are part of it. Her interest, attention, and love for the living world have challenged me and motivated me to take action and become more conscious of my actions in caring for the earth and the practical application of sustainability.
Amanda Ho: an expert in travel, tourism, and hospitality, she promotes independent hotels that add value for guests and the communities they serve through a regenerative approach; she is committed to being an agent of change and telling stories. She is the co-founder of Regenerative Travel.I deeply admire her work and her vision for travel and the hospitality industry.
Sylvia Earle: a woman out of this world who loves the ocean and was named a “Hero of the Planet” by TIME magazine. She is a scientist, explorer, and marine biologist who has logged more than 7,000 hours underwater on dives to explore the depths of the ocean. In addition, she has spearheaded global initiatives aimed at restoring the health and productivity of the ocean. Earle has led more than 100 expeditions and is the author of over 190 scientific, technical, and popular science articles. She is an intelligent woman, passionate about the world’s waters and its species, and is incredibly inspiring.
What inspired me?
Travel, without a doubt. Travel has been my main source of inspiration because it powerfully stimulates my senses and creativity. Places and people tell stories, and I’m fascinated by discovering them. I’m curious about and interested in nature, textiles, crafts, food, and the rituals and practices of communities ( I now realize that anthropology would have been the perfect career for me). Traveling to work with rural communities has given me many opportunities to appreciate diversity and contribute as I explore these places.
Earning my master’s degree in sustainability enhanced my skills and strengthened my desire to apply my knowledge in the real world. I met people passionate about caring for the earth, with ideas and projects that were a huge source of inspiration and that still resonate with me today. Furthermore, my desire to “translate” that complex academic knowledge into simple, easily applicable language has been a driving force behind the creation and development of Viajera en Tailandia.
The experiences that inspire me to travel and learn are the ones I like to invest my time and money in. Traveling to India for yoga training, going on a meditation retreat in Myanmar, learning about permaculture in southern Thailand, trying a pottery course in northern Thailand, exploring the Amazon rainforest in Colombia, hiking through snow-capped mountains in Colombia, weaving with ethnic communities in Laos, trekking for days in the mountains of Nepal, and learning to cook in Vietnam. These experiences have filled my soul and reaffirm why I believe in sustainable travel and meaningful experiences.
And what and who inspires you in your life?
Want to take a sustainable trip through Thailand? Draw inspiration from Thailand, its people, its traditions, its food, and its natural beauty, and discover the country through unique experiences with Viajera en Tailandia. Check out my Instagram or Facebook pages.
