Travellers Mind
Travel is stimulating because you perceive things from an open perspective. Like a six year old who engorged his Daddy’s magic mushroom stash, everything is fresh, exciting, absurd and foreign. Aspiring Casanovas often feel judged, “What if they see/hear me?” and that’s not full gangster, not at all. Travellers are aware that if their actions are frowned upon, they simply move on and never see those people again.
One of the more ridiculous questions I get from students is, “How do I approach a girl on the bus?”
“You just approach a girl on the bus.” I’d like to say. It’s too simple. But there isn’t enough thought involved. Newbies want algorithims, answers, keys. I haven’t taken into account that there may be repercussions. I mean, there are people around her, and they can hear me!
Let’s roleplay; Imagine you are in a new city. There are new smells, tastes and experiences. You spot another traveller and since you could use the company, you approach them and ask where they are from. Most travellers are more than happy to swap stories, share knowledge and sometimes, bump genitals. So why is this so difficult in your home city? Most people do not walk about in a state of wanderlust. They’re thinking about work, bills, and when next to cut their toe nails. They aren’t open to the possibilities around them and they’re afraid of repercussions–so new realities rarely manifest. If you could leave your present situation at any time for a better one, would you worry about repercussion, or take a chance?
When I was learning to pickup girls I would sometimes face tricky situations. Maybe there was a mixed set and imagined they might give me shit for approaching them. Even though I was only a few blocks from my apartment I would imagine I was in a foreign city, and none of these people would ever see me again. I know it sounds cheesy, but it actually works. Learning cold approach is learning to control your own mind, to direct your thoughts. Reality is perceived and interpreted by your brain, and you can control this with practice. Use it to your advantage.
Try to see the world through traveller’s eyes. How would you act if you could change your situation any time you wished? How would it feel if nothing you did mattered, or had long lasting repercussions?
(Skip to around 5:00 for travellers mind)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OJ656kQa1M
How would it feel to be a living god like Neo in The Matrix (How long has it been since you read a Matrix metaphor?)
If you’re struggling with something like approach anxiety, just pretend you’re on vacation. Trick that brain into submission. Approach some women and overcome your social conditioning. Then, after you’ve done the work, sit back on your couch, poor a Gin n Pineapple juice and pretend you’re in on a long trip.
Even though I was only a few blocks from my apartment I would imagine I was in a foreign city, and none of these people would ever see me again.
Very good advice.
I’m imagining that Thailand smells like Vietnam and I know for a fact Vietnam smells like a sewer.