Heading for the life of the solo-van-woman – by Tyler Dawn

Greetings Fellow Travelers and Happy November!

November may very well be my favorite month of the year, and not just because I was born in November. Living in Texas for most of my life, the weather is usually feeling like Fall most days and there is a crisp in the air. There is also a southern version of colorful Fall foliage; there is my birthday and also Thanksgiving! All of these things bring delight and a sense of renewal and reflection to my life.

This year has been no different except that I’m celebrating a milestone birthday this month (Tyler, version 6.0.). So, I feel extra grateful and extra reflective this year.

The Big Transition: Planning for a Year on the Road

I’m also preparing for another big transition! I’m in the process of selling most of my personal belongings, renting my home and planning a year long journey in my camper van for next year! This has been a lifelong dream of mine and the stars seemed to have aligned this year to bring that dream to fruition.

How did that happen?

Deepening Practices: The Backbone of My Journey

As a practicing daily meditator, a yogi, and also involved with various other spiritual practices, I have explored the idea of setting intentions. My experience with this practice has evolved over the years from naysayer to believer. And, my definition of an intention has also evolved. My intentions today seem quite broad as opposed to my earlier intentions which were very specific (and appears more like requests!). I have come to trust in The Flow, Energy, Divine etc…in guiding me on my way. I trust that I am loved, protected and guided daily. And today’s intentions sound more like, “May I be Honest, Open-minded and Willing.” (This is the H.O.W of the 12 steps)

Connecting the Four Bodies: A Holistic Approach

As an ongoing life practice, I also try staying connected to the “four bodies”:  mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. They are my wisdom guides.

• the physical practice of yoga exercises keeps me connected to the wisdom of the body,
• the meditation practice helps me be present and recognize when I have drifted into unhelpful thinking.
• The practice of prayer keeps me connected to a higher power
• connection to close friends, family, groups and communities that support me help maintain an emotional balance

I also rely on my close friends and spiritual advisors to keep me honest, accountable and vulnerable.

Through that perspective of the 4 bodies, I have come to realize that when I am regulated and healthy in all 4 bodies, my life is guided and the path becomes clear. People, events and experiences seem to appear that lead /point in the direction I’m called to go. Signs/synchronicities and confirmations appear that I’m able to intuitively trust.

AND NOW, EVERYTHING IS FALLING INTO PLACE (as well as, falling away…)

In the past few months, all of the following things have taken place one by one.

• the perfect conversion camper van appeared in my life,
• other full time van life folks appeared,
• a realtor to handle the rental/management of my home,
• financial freedom to live this lifestyle
• and many other outward signs.

Community and Support: Embracing Van Life

I have been enamored with van life living since I was a young girl. I used to take Barbie and Ken in all sorts of amazing adventures in Barbie’s Malibu Camper!  I’ve been following many van lifers on YouTube and social media for many years as well. There is something very soothing and familiar in these videos and photos that resonates deeply for me.

It was very surprising for me to realize that there are approximately 30,000 women in the USA living in their cars/vans/campers full time! There are services, organizations and companies that support this sub culture and it’s quite beautiful. Perhaps the thing that I noticed most in viewing FB posts is the sense of community. It seems that there is a real fellowship of help and support within this community.

There seems to be a kindred spirit of adventure, non-conformity and courage in all the full-timers of the van/RV life. Encouragement, helpful advice and technical support are abundant!! This is the type of community I have grown to love and rely on in the recovery world. And, like those of us in recovery, each van lifer has a unique and interesting story. Whether they are living this lifestyle by choice or otherwise, there’s a compelling reason why they are living it. And, one thing I truly love and appreciate is a good story!

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Adventures

As for me, my fears and thoughts are content with this somewhat unconventional idea of being a solo van-life woman for a year. Inwardly, things started falling away. Purging myself of most of my personal belongings has been liberating and freeing as well. There has been a peace and “a knowing” that I’m able to trust despite what some of my more conservative friends and society may have to say to the contrary.

So, just for today and each day, I continue to maintain the practices that keep me honest, open-minded and willing. I am so grateful for the past decade that has brought so much healing, understanding and compassion. And trusting that when I am physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy, I will feel guided, protected, and held on my path. I’m excited for what the next decade will hold.

Many blessings to you all and yours this Thankful November!

 

Peace and Joy,

Tyler Dawn