AI Adventures: Mindful Travel Story
Listening with Full Attention
Jess engages with a local for good bonding
Kia ora! Jess here, soaking up the Kiwi sunshine and learning life lessons along the way. See, there’s more to this trip than epic hikes and golden beaches. I’m discovering the pure magic of truly listening to people.
Before, I was that girl — you know the type. I’d nod along, waiting for my turn to jump in with a story or comment. I thought good conversations were all about being heard. But this adventure has flipped the script!
Chatting with the folks at my backpackers, I met this weathered Maori surfer dude. He wasn’t a big talker, but when he did open up, his words seemed to come from the depths of the ocean. Stories of ancestors, respect for the sea — stuff I barely had a clue about. I hung on every syllable.
The power of this clicked for me. When someone feels genuinely heard, they come alive in a whole new way. You get glimpses of their heart, their struggles, their triumphs. It’s a gift, honestly.
Listening — like, real listening — has transformed this trip. My chats with locals, whether café owners or fellow travelers, aren’t just filling time anymore. They’re like unwrapping little presents of wisdom and connection.
