Here at the LUXE HQ we’re always switched on: staunch in our search for the absolute best bits of the world we live in; eager in our mission to uncover the most treasured experiences in each destination we cover – and even some that we don’t (yet!).
But in such a fast-paced environment, it can be hard to find zen (except, of course, when face down in the spa bed in Bali). So when we got the chance to sit down with Andy Puddicombe, the founder of meditation app Headspace, we prodded him with questions about his 10 years living in Asia as a Buddhist monk, and more importantly, his advice on how to be a busy but mindful traveller…
What’s your first memory of meditation? How did you discover it?
I was introduced to meditation at the age of 11 by my mum, and practiced a fair bit throughout my teens. However, it wasn’t until I was at university that it really clicked. At the time I was going out with a girl who read a lot of books about Buddhism. I wasn’t listening too intently but some of it must have gone in, because one day I just turned around and said, “You know what? That stuff you’ve been talking about? That’s a brilliant idea. I’m going to go away and be a monk”.
How did you get to where you are now?
I initially went away because I wanted to better understand how to stop the endless chatter inside my head, and I felt I wasn’t getting that through normal education. Having then trained as a monk, I began teaching meditation to others. Through that process, I was keen to find a way to demystify meditation and make it available to a wider audience.
I set up my meditation practice in 2006, working at an integrative GP clinic and I met (business partner) Rich soon after in 2008. He was keen to learn meditation, because he was feeling burnt out by his work in advertising, and wanted to find a way to relax. I was keen to find a way to make meditation accessible. So we did a skill swap, and Headspace was born.
Three words to describe the Headspace approach to meditation?
Accessible, quick and down-to-earth.
Headspace is based in Venice Beach now – 24 hours in LA, what are the must-dos?
1. Have a surf lesson
2. Grab a freshly-baked bialy from Gjusta bakery, just by our office.
3. Go on a hike, Los Leones is convenient, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Manhattan Beach.
4. Have a vegan lunch at Cafe? Gratitude and stop off for a juice at Moon Juice right opposite.
What are some of your tips for meditating while travelling/on the go?
My top tips would be:
1. Be flexible – Whatever your day looks like, make sure you stake a place and a time for meditation. Even if you’ve missed your normal time to meditate, don’t use that as excuse to skip a session. Simply work around your holiday schedule.
2. Buddy up – The app allows you to connect with other meditators you know. So if you’re on holiday you can connect with someone at home. Better still, if you’re on holiday with friends or family, see if they’d be interested in joining you. You might find they are more receptive than they would be at home.
3. Reframe your practice – if you’ve started to think of meditation as part of your work routine, try to remember that it’s really so much more than that. It’s about letting go of baggage, lightening up, experiencing a clearer mind and perhaps even some relaxation. So, even if you spend all day lying in a hammock, it still can’t match meditation when it comes to peace of mind.
4. Remember the benefits – there are so many benefits to living mindfully that it would almost be a shame to miss out on them when you’re away
What’s always in your carry-on when you travel?
An eye mask is always handy on the plane and a really good book helps.
Five places on your travel wish list?
I am always on the hunt for great new surfing and skiing destinations, so for surfing it would be Mentawai Islands (Indonesia) and Hawaii. For skiing: Andes in Chile, Are in Sweden and Coastal Mountains in British Columbia.
Download the app at headspace.com!
