Amanda Lynn Barker

Travel for an Expansive Self

Nomad Star Travel, LLC offers pre-planned group excursions with scheduled outdoor immersion activities, interpersonal learning and development opportunities, and guided individual reflection. Challenge yourself to meet new people in a supportive and growth-oriented environment! We also offer private journey planning options for individuals who prefer a solo quest. The connection between personal growth and travelContinue reading “Travel for an Expansive Self”

Traveler’s Power Stones for an Intentional Adventure

When we charge stones, we set powerful intentions for what we will seek and explore next along our Earth journey. Whether it is the stones themselves that create this reality, or simply that they are conscious reminders of what we want to find, they serve as guides directing along our path. These are five powerfulContinue reading “Traveler’s Power Stones for an Intentional Adventure”

Visiting Europe’s Second Highest Waterfall

Anela and I had already made plans through the Couchsurfing website to meet up before I even arrived in Sarajevo. When she met me at the bus station to show me to my guest house, we confirmed that the next day, we would hike to Skakavac Falls. At 321 feet, it is Europe’s second highestContinue reading “Visiting Europe’s Second Highest Waterfall”

Indigenous Ohio

The land of Ohio has a powerful relationship to the Indigenous People who lived in this area for many thousands of years before the European people arrived. The word “Ohio” is itself derived from a word in the Iroquois language for “good river.” That is fitting as Ohio is home to several networks of riversContinue reading “Indigenous Ohio”

Finding Center

Stillness and silence nurtures a connection with transiency that is a familiar feeling for those among us who travel. We are always shifting and adjusting to fill the spaces around and within us. Through centering, I feel the space within me unfold into an acceptance of impermanence and walking meditations in a labyrinth is oneContinue reading “Finding Center”

Forest Bathing with Danish Giants

Forest bathing is the hot new breed of nature therapy to hit the US. It’s not as risque as it sounds; chances are many of us forest bath on a regular basis. Forest bathing is a Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku. Shinrin-yoku emerged in the 1980s as a psychological and physical exercise to counter the negativeContinue reading “Forest Bathing with Danish Giants”

Four Reasons to Refresh Your Spirit at a Waterfall this Spring

Turkish playwright and novelist Mehmet Murat Ildan can hear the waterfalls speak. He shares his knowledge with us, describing how, “there is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you are flexible falling will not hurt you.” Waterfalls symbolize the continuous flow of life and energy, and fill the air with beneficial negativeContinue reading “Four Reasons to Refresh Your Spirit at a Waterfall this Spring”