Get Away with God

Don't Hit the Floor Running

Reserve a little time each morning for prayer, meditation, or deep reflection. Maybe set aside the entire morning, at least some days, for an extended connection with God. My husband, Bob, and I pray together each morning during our vacations, and then we talk about whatever wells up within us. We have plenty of time left in the afternoon and evening to do and see everything we've come for. If full days feel essential to take in all the sights, try setting aside one or two mornings, or move the God-time to the evening. Your vacation agenda might include visiting a famous garden or waterfall or park; if so, draw away for 10 minutes, close your eyes, and bask in the beauty that reflects the Divine. A guided tour usually includes free time and if you pass a place of worship, slip inside for a few quiet, personal moments.

Visit a Different Place of Prayer

Many religious buildings remain open to the public and if you visit one, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your spiritual journey. If a city reflects a particular religion, you often see that religion at its finest and most sincere. I'm 100 percent devoted to my Jewish faith, but I've had both learning and meditative experiences in churches in Italy, mosques in Turkey, as well as temples and prayer houses for Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and and many other religions during my travels. Try and make time over the weekend to attend a service related to your own religion. Praying with different people, in what will almost certainly be a little different custom, is a lovely way to begin and/or end a vacation. The locals will understand if you come in tattered blue jeans because that's the only thing you brought on vacation.

Release Your Tension and Impatience

Try and remember that you don't (or shouldn't) have to rush. At dinner, if your server is running behind, smile and joke with him to relieve his tension (he's the one who has to work!). Buy a meal for the homeless person sitting outside the restaurant and savor what it feels like to not always be rushing past these unfortunate, often mentally challenged, people. Ask her name and use it when you bring her the meal. Be aware of tension triggers (the internet is so slow!, pull out of that parking space already!, hello this is an express lane!) and just avoid all of it. Shut your iphone off, walk whenever possible. Go to bed at 10 and get up at 8 or 9. Breathe. See. Smell. Taste. Store those feeling-memories in your body and recall them frequently when you get home.

Find Activities with Covert Spirituality

Once, during a whale-watching tour in British Columbia, as we coasted, a seal paddled out to our boat, then strained up to look deeply into my eyes for several seconds. It was one of the most spiritual moments I've ever had. Safely encountering animals in the wild evokes the wonder of the Divine. Snorkel, scuba dive, hike, or just stop to gaze at a little creature that's unique to the environment you're in. Of course, there's always the option to take a vacation that's centered upon spirituality. I've traveled to Israel with my synagogue, to Turkey with a group of Sufis, and I've headed out many weeks – alone – to journal, pray and hike in the mountains. There's always space during these trips to work in fun and adventure, but there is no better way to come home refreshed on every level.