Daphne's journey of personal growth and neuroscientific development

Neuroscience Meets Travel: In this interview, we explore with Daphne how combining neuroscience with transformational travel can lead to personal growth and deeper self-awareness.

1. Can you start by telling a bit about your journey and what inspired you to become a facilitator for Kaer?

Throughout my career in the corporate sector, as well as through my studies in neuroscience, positive psychology, and behavioral science, I've come to realize the profound impact that understanding our brain can have on our lives. The way we think and feel forms the cornerstone of our behavior, influencing both our work and personal lives.

Creating time to step out of your routine is not a luxury; it's a necessity.

It is my strong belief that sometimes you need time—time to gain new insights, have moments of reflection, and increase focus. This can lead not only to a calmer state of mind but also to stronger cognitive abilities and new steps forward. Inspired by this belief, I began facilitating retreats focused on transformational travel, journeys that encompass both the world around us and the landscapes within our minds.

2. How do you think your personal experiences have shaped your approach in guiding others?

My approach to guiding others is deeply influenced by neuroscience - understanding how our brain functions helps break old patterns and form new, positive habits. We all have the ability to improve some aspects of our lives: this is the perfect retreat to do this.

3. How would you describe 'transformational travel' to someone who's never experienced it?

Transformational travel, from a neurological perspective, goes beyond simple relaxation. It stimulates the brain, engaging both the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making, and the limbic system, which manages emotions. This holistic engagement can lead to profound personal insights and long-lasting emotional and mental shifts.

4. What do you think makes a travel experience truly life-changing

For me, there are a few neuroscientific insights that explain why a travel experience is truly life-changing:

It stimulates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for planning, decision-making, and reflecting on one’s life. When you’re exposed to new environments and cultures, your prefrontal cortex is activated, leading to enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.

This travel experience will also tap into your limbic system, which is crucial for emotional processing. When you form deep connections with people, immerse yourself in different cultures, or engage in activities that move you, you stimulate the limbic system, which can lead to lasting emotional growth and increased empathy.

Third, with reflection you stimulate neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This can lead to shifts in your sense of self and your perspective on the world, making the travel experience not just a physical journey, but a transformative mental and emotional one.

Lastly, perhaps most importantly, when you break out of your daily routine and expose yourself to new stimuli, you disrupt habitual patterns of thinking, allowing for new perspectives and ideas to emerge.

5. Why should people consider investing in a transformational travel experience?

Imagine how great it would be to experience enhanced focus and cognitive functions, all while having a blast doing it. And, imagine getting the techniques to manage your emotions and stress more effectively, leading to increased self-awareness and a greater sense of inner balance. Sounds great, right? All possible in 4 days, and I'm feeling forward to guide you on this journey.