Hello Sojourners! Happy 2021!

This year we are launching a new look for 8 Good Things. We would love to read what you think. Ultimately, we are here for YOU! We value your feedback.

While many of us are happy to dropkick 2020 and leave it far behind, I would like to offer another perspective — a perspective that embraces the positive that did come out of this past year. Only when we welcome the past and present lessons can we make for a better and brighter future.

Overall, I do believe that our collective consciousness rose by quite a bit this past year. We learned to be kinder, more gracious, and open toward one another. We realized that we do not have to continue working as we have been, opening the door to being productive wherever we have an internet connection instead of being chained to a desk inside four white walls. We learned to be better stewards of our planet. We learned about social justice and the value of treating each other as brothers and sisters. We made more effort to connect with those we love and those we have forgotten about in our daily busyness. We found ways to spend more time in nature, spend more time with family and friends, spend more time breaking bread and having drinks, albeit most often virtually. So, all in all, I think there were many blessings to count in 2020. The hope and the prayer are not to experience another pandemic, or crisis of any sort, to appreciate the good we have now and can create in the future. So, I raise a glass to a happier, healthier, and more conscious 2021.

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8 Good Things is a curated newsletter of inspirational and informational articles, videos, and quotes. If my thoughts about an article or video interest you, please click the ‘source’ button (e.g., NEW YORKER) to learn more. If you come across a story you would like me to consider sharing, please send it to explorer@sojourn-intl.com. This newsletter comes out once every three weeks.

5 Ways to Make 2021 Your Reset Year

It is that time of year. However, to state the obvious, this year, that annual reset is even more vital. Suggestions in this article: stay centered, find and give support, value inner peace and quiet, raise your spiritual I.Q., and practice detachment. Learn more from Dr. Deepak Chopra.

How to Work EFT Into Your Well-Being Routine – Morning, Noon, & Night

If you were wondering about EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) or wanting to incorporate them into your 2021 wellbeing regime, this is a good article to get you started. EFT is an easy way to help remove emotional blocks and reduce stress. However, the key and brilliance of these techniques, like meditation and exercise, is found in consistency.

The Top 10 Insights from the “Science of a Meaningful Life” in 2020

The Greater Good team names the most provocative and influential findings published during the past year. Top of the list: rich and varied experiences may be an overlooked key to a good life. My recommendation for 2021 is to seek psychologically rich experiences. The ones that pique your curiosity, give you a sense of awe, somehow transform you. Life is not the number of moments you live in. It is the number of moments you live in that count. Also, check out Some of the Most Inspiring Moments from 2020.

21 Best Places to Go in 2021: Because We’re Ready to Plan Again

In the last edition of 8GT, we highlighted National Geographic’s best destinations for 2021. In this edition, here are the picks from one of our fav travel magazines. For those in the U.S. who are not quite ready to get on an international flight, several places in our country are featured, including the quaint wine country town of Healdsburg in my California home state.

How to Plan a Safari in the Time of COVID-19, According to an Expert

Africa is “my heart” place in the world. I have been to that continent more than anywhere else. Each and every time I go there, it stirs a profound connection to our earth and all its beings. If the land of the Big 5 (most of them are endangered!) is on your travel hit list, and you are comfortable to travel, now is an excellent time. After all, safaris are inherently social distancing friendly. More than that, everyone I know who spent time in the African bush is forever transformed. It is genuinely a life-changing experience that you will ALWAYS treasure.

The Important Places

As we begin a new year, a beautiful poetic reminder on living life is told through a son’s reflection about his father as they journey down the Colorado River. “May you always remember the path that leads back, back to the important places.” (9:44 minutes video)

The 50 Best TV Show on Netflix

If you stayed up a little too late last night, drank a bit too much, or just want to curl up and binge watch TV, here are some suggestions. My favs are The Crown and The Queen’s Gambit. Also, the best movies on Amazon Prime, TV shows and movies on Disney+ and Hulu.

Paul McCartney's ‘Find My Way’ is the First Music Video Off His New Album Recorded in Quarantine

This article is for you Beatles fans. I love that McCartney is seventy-eight years and still “rocking on” in his eighteenth solo album, literally. He plays all the instruments and sings all the vocals. Use this as inspiration to keep it going, regardless of age, in 2021.

Sojourn Programs

At the end of last year, I began doing LIVE meditations on Insight Timer. Come sit with me! You can also join my Insight Timer Circle. Meditation is our wellbeing silver bullet.

Also, last year, I started writing video content for a new mindfulness productivity app, Centered. The app is designed to help you reach a Flow State while you work. You can use the app to organize your day’s tasks. They play music to keep you focused as you work, or tune into your own playlist. At the start of each day, the app offers videos with productivity tips, inspiring quotes, and mindfulness techniques to help you work smarter. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Sojourn Getaways

Camino De Santiago | Spain

September 19th – 28th, 2021

Taste what it is like to carry the pilgrim’s symbol pointing you toward Santiago, a scalloped shell, on your backpack, and wish others who are also following The Way, a Buen Camino. We have thoughtfully curated a transformative journey covering the last 100 kilometers of the Camino’s most popular route, The French Way. We chose this route because it is doable for almost anyone, no matter their age.

Picture Perfect Holistic Safari | Zambia + Malawi

November 8th – 19th, 2021

We have partnered with our Zambia + Malawi specialist to curate and guide a photographic safari that combines everything you want in an African adventure through a mindfulness lens. Please join me for this unique small group sojourn. It will give you something to look forward to this year!

Arctic Quest | North Pole

Launches 2023

This pioneer’s adventure to the North Pole in a modern airship is getting a lot of attention. It is one of the most extraordinary and unique travel experiences you will ever have in your life. Some travel dates are already selling out! The airship has eight cabins and can accommodate up to sixteen passengers. Prices will go up the closer we get to the launch in 2023. If you are interested, book now.

Mpingo Ridge Lodge | Tarangire National Park | Tanzania

I love this lodge. It sits on a ridge overlooking the bush. Watching the sun setting from your balcony as you hear sounds of elephants trumpeting in the distance is a slice of heaven. Tarangire National Park is where you come to see large herds of elephants and weirdly stunning baobab trees.

Special Guest Invitations | Through March 2022

Twenty-five percent discount for stays of four nights or more.

Fifty percent discount on the second night for stays of two or three nights.

First child (5-15yrs) sharing a room with one or more adults is complimentary.

Honeymoon Special

Groom’s first night is complimentary. The bride enjoys a fifty percent discount with a minimum five-night stay.

The Great Elephant Adventure | Kenya

Amboseli National Park + Laikipia Plateau + Maasai Mara

12 Days | You Choose Your Dates

The Kenyan bush is an awe-inspiring sensory landscape that is humbling to experience. The most iconic way to do it is to move every few days and set camp like the old explorers, except with more creature comforts. We are offering an extraordinary photographic mobile safari camp experience that can be curated to your desires. This adventure is perfect for families and small groups.

Sojourn Cares

Between May 17th and Thanksgiving, 2020, I walked 1000 Charity Miles for Stand Up To Cancer. I took to the foothills in my Los Angeles backyard and walked almost every day to support patients and caregivers with COVID-19. Since I began keeping track of my walking a few years ago, I have logged over 4560 Charity Miles for cancer awareness. In December, I became a spokesperson for Stand Up To Cancer. On Christmas Day, I pledged to walk another 1000 Charity Miles. We still have cancer. We still have COVID. I still can walk, thank God.

My fundraising page from the last 1000 miles is still open. Every donation is meaningful to those in need. Bless you, for caring.

Funny

They say, “laughter is the best medicine,” and we needed a good dose of it last year. Here is a reprise of 2020 in cartoons.

Picture Perfect

Great Conjunction Dazzles Stargazers Around the World

In case you missed seeing it for yourself or want to relive the moment, check out these photos.

Art & Science of Happiness

in Action

Best Possible Self

One, take a moment to imagine your life this year. What is the best possible version of yourself imaginable? Consider your relationships, health, career, academics, hobbies. What would have to happen in these areas of your

life to make it the best year ever?

Two, for fifteen minutes, write non-stop about how you imagine your best 2021 going. Focus on your brightest future, be specific about what happens, and let your imagination soar.

Three (optional), do this writing activity every day for two weeks.

Why This Works: Thinking this way helps you see what is possible and restructure your priorities toward the goals you want to reach. It increases awareness of yourself and the control you have over your life.

Time Required: 15 minutes | Frequency: As much as you want

Thoughtful

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

~ C.S. Lewis

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”

~ David Bowie

Stay safe. Stay well.

ABOUT

Every three weeks, we bring you eight big ideas to help you live better.

Each edition selects topics that reflect The Sojourn Experience’s desire to serve the greater good, both inwardly and outwardly. We are a conscious-centered company with three portfolio brands. The first is Picture Happiness: Take a Shot, which focuses on the art and science of happiness and mindfulness. The second is Sojourn Explorers, which curates transformational travel experiences to extraordinary places around the globe. Part of the money for each trip goes to nonprofit organizations we support. The Sojourn Media Group looks to create partnerships with writers, producers, and directors to get their projects sold to production companies and various platforms.

Special thanks to Astrid Martin, article and video content research, and Michael Tobias, editorial review and formatting, for their ongoing contributions to 8 Good Things.

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