How I Turned Travel Anxiety into a Soul Ritual
I just got back from a really nourishing and fun trip to CDMX and Puerto Vallarta. I always love visiting these places because travel opens up my perspective on life. It brings me back to my gratitude, and it helps me confront one of my biggest fears: death.
Since my early twenties, I’ve dealt with anxiety. It shows up in many ways, but one place it always makes an appearance is when I travel. I’ve had flights where I nearly had to knock myself out just to get through them, which is wild because I love to travel. My body would go through all the emotions and physical symptoms of a panic attack, sometimes mildly, sometimes intensely. I used to numb myself completely. I didn’t know how to handle it other than thinking, “I just need to get rid of this feeling.”
About six years ago, I decided to try something different. What if I stopped numbing, just a little, and paid attention to what was underneath?
That shift happened around the same time I began deepening my Kundalini Yoga practice. My awareness was expanding. Through my own spiritual practices and support from a therapist, I started to understand that my anxiety was rooted in something deeper—a fear of dying and losing everything I love. I remember flying to the Dominican Republic shortly after getting my puppy. I had a full-blown panic attack in my seat and nearly got off the plane before takeoff. Looking back, I realize it was because I didn’t want to leave my pup, who had become such a source of healing after the loss of two longtime pets.
I’m sharing this because I want to normalize anxiety. I want to normalize the journey of choosing not to numb ourselves, but instead excavating our souls to understand why the anxiety is there.
Once I started to make peace with the fear, rather than fight it, I was able to work with it. I created rituals that helped me feel safe. And I’m so happy to share that on this last trip, I experienced maybe 5 percent anxiety, and only tears of gratitude were shed.
If you’re a nervous flier too, here are my non-negotiables for travel that help me feel grounded and safe:
✈️ PRE-FLIGHT:
Comfort pouch: I pack a small kit with face mist, abundance oil roller, gua sha or red light wand, jetset face mask cream, lip gloss, emergency anxiety meds (haven’t used these in years but it’s comforting to have them), vitamins, and snacks.
Best seat possible: If I can, I book the most comfortable seat. Being near the front or able to see flight attendants during takeoff and landing helps me feel safer.
Mindset work: I start reframing intrusive thoughts as they arise. For example, “Flying is the safest form of transportation.”
🎧 IN-FLIGHT:
I touch the outside of the plane before entering and silently bless it.
Noise-canceling headphones go on immediately, playing anti-anxiety frequencies.
As we take off, I visualize the plane going through a tunnel of golden protective light, spiraling and connecting every soul onboard.
I chant the Kundalini protection mantra on repeat until we’re cruising or I feel calm.
☁️ DURING TURBULENCE:
Mantra on repeat, deep grounding breaths.
Remind myself of the safety stats of flying.
Sour candy trick: Discovered this recently. It helps your brain focus on something physically stimulating, which reduces spiraling. (Not here to promote candy, but if it helps, it helps.)
Travel has become one of my greatest teachers. It reminds me that fear doesn’t have to dictate my experience. It can be a doorway to deeper trust, awareness, and healing.
If you’re working through anxiety too, know that you’re not alone. There are so many tools and rituals that can help you move through it with compassion. Your soul is worthy of feeling safe, wherever you go. 🌍✨