In today’s world, the constant buzz of social media and politics can often prove overwhelming. It can seem impossible to get away from the workday grind, and the constant news alerts and Facebook comments can be tiring.
Read on to discover why Jordan is the perfect place to get away from it all and take a media fast.
Wadi Rum and Bedouin hospitality: mindfulness and genuine connection
You need only take one look at the red cliffs and dunes of Wadi Rum to realize that Jordan is unlike any other place in the world.
If you are someone who finds it difficult to relax and let go of work and social media, Wadi Rum is the place to go. Even if you can’t resist the urge to check your email, it may prove useless to try to do so. The wide expanse of the desert means that the wifi can be spotty, leaving you with the opportunity to relax and take in the beauty around you. You will experience the kind of silence that makes you appreciate how huge the world really is. This is mindfulness at its most pure.
Converse with the Bedouins and your fellow travelers and build strong and meaningful connections around the bonfire as you watch the stars above, their brilliance fully evident in the absence of city lights.
A slower pace of life with more meaningful priorities
In Jordan, it is commonly accepted that family and holidays take precedence over work obligations. For many Americans, accustomed to the rush of the 9-5 life and the constant stress that accompanies it, this may prove to be a refreshing change of pace. These priorities reflect a strong, family-oriented society that values social events over work obligations.
The genuine, direct nature of Jordanian locals
In the West, social norms tend to dictate a certain level of false politeness. Westerners are so accustomed to this that it may surprise them to learn that if someone in Jordan invites you over for coffee, they actually hope you will accept. Invitations are never disingenuous, and this kind of hospitality is one of the most welcome aspects of visiting Jordan.
It’s worth noting that most Jordanians are almost always straightforward and direct, a characteristic that may surprise many Westerners. There is a refreshing level of honesty present, honesty rarely seen in today’s age of rose-colored Instagram filters. You will be sure that your Jordanian friends are always telling it like it is — whether it is about your outfit, your new haircut, or about their feelings of friendship for you.
Leave behind political tension
We live in a time when it is inevitable to avoid the constant political headlines that grace our newsfeeds and televisions. Although political issues exist everywhere, including in Jordan, it is arguable that they take on a smaller role in Jordanian social circles.
It is also true that it is easier to ignore the headlines and appreciate the smaller things in life when surrounded by the beauty of Jordan and its people. Because as we’ve all heard, it is the smaller things in life that make it meaningful in the long run. These smaller things are essential to happiness in that they evoke the bigger things that really matter — things such as natural wonders, human connection, and new and exciting experiences.
Are you in search of a vacation destination that will rejuvenate you mentally and physically? We hope you’ll download A Guide to Leisure and Wellness in Jordan, a free resource for travelers thinking of visiting Jordan to unplug and relax.
