The way we wander and seek adventure has dramatically changed in the 21st century, time and money which conventionally were the affecting factors aren’t the sole influence anymore.

As this too evolved over the years, we need to frequently remind ourselves of the ultimate reasons that drive us outdoors. Microadventures is a way to relax and explore our beautiful world – and reminds us to do just that.

Long and awaited.

Until a few decades back, travel and adventure require a lot of time and money which a majority of us cannot always afford. So these holidays were taken once a year or two and the rest of the time we are caught up in a routine until the next big break (it if even comes).

Rushed and boxed.

Thanks to low-cost airlines, the issue of pricey travel eased enabling us to travel far, fast, and more often. This transition was liberating. Finally, everyone has a chance to take breaks without waiting too long and breaking the bank.

Not until…

It became too rushed. 

Social media influencers played a huge role in putting everyone in a quest for travel and adventure. We now tend to spend ticket money for quick weekend getaways with hours of waiting in airports and flying only to spend less than 48 hours at our destination. With half of the time spent on replicating and posting popular Instagram photos in Instagram-popularized spots. We then go home exhausted before starting another week at work.

There is nothing wrong with quick weekend getaways. However, the social media standards of these getaways influence us to go for grander, rushed trips that perfectly fit in the social media/ Instagram box.

Photo by: Leosprspctive

Microadventures

The pandemic has reintroduced us to the simplicity of it all. Forced to stay put, many of us had to explore near home or be creative within our homes in order to break routine.

What are Microadventures?

“A microadventure is an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding.” (Alastair Humphreys)

Popularized by Alastair Humphreys, a British adventurer aptly says stated that adventure is a state of mind; “accessible to normal people, in normal places, in short segments of time and without having to spend much money.”

Here, you can read and find more resources on Alastair’s mission to encourage everyone to go on microadventures.

Ideas for Microadventures

We are into our third year into the covid 19 pandemic and by this time, we pretty much have ideas on what we can do and where we can go in and around our homes and neighborhoods. Here are some more ideas that might help.

• Head out with a sleeping bag and a mat or hammock before sunset and spend the night in the nearest forest
  • Experience a night outside
  • Try and make a campfire
  • Wake up in nature
  • Don’t forget to clean before going back home
• Go to the nearest forest and forage for your next meal. Depending on the season, you can find wild berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), nuts, wild garlic, mushrooms. This foraging article has tips on how to start foraging.
• Bike ride around a lake.
• Put a hammock on your terrace or garden and spend the night in it.
• Hike to the peak of the nearest hill and have a picnic at the top.
• Get a paper map of your surroundings, get out with a compass and practice your navigation skills.
• Get a map, draw a route in the shape of an animal, a flower, or an object that you like, and hike, ride or run it!

Plan microadventures around your hobbies and interests. Create a routine with things that make you feel good and craft daily microadventures with this routine such as yoga, meditation, journaling, or going for a walk.

Alastair’s goal is to encourage everyone to adventure even with a 9 to 5 job. The idea is not to focus on the 9 to 5, rather on the freedom of the hours in between 5 to 9. Hike to a nearby hill with close friends, watch the sunset, sleep under the stars, and wake up at sunrise grateful to have done something different, memorable, and adventurous. Then, jump in the lake for a swim, catch a ride and be behind your desk at 9 am.

Simple and Mindful.

A microadventure while too, is rushed and condensed, is a concentrated form of adventure, aiming for maximum effect. And because it is planned within your proximity, interest, and around your normal schedule, these adventures are customized for you.

Even an unrushed commute to and from work, instead of driving, is a microadventure. While out, be mindful of the small things: the small patch of greens on the sidewalk, the cold morning breeze, the expressions and behaviors of other commuters, and each step you take to your ride. There is a whole lot of small but significant stuff to be discovered within and beyond ourselves through mindfulness. 

When on a microadventure or any other adventure, try not to box the experience. Feel and live it. Limit adventuring or travelling under the social influence because there is always, always, something and somewhere new to be seen.