via The Boston Globe
After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, “The RESET” might be just what the doctor ordered for those seeking a calming experience and sense of renewal in the new year. Singer and sound healing artist Davin Youngs will bring his show, billed as an “immersive take on a sound bath,” to the Huntington Theatre for two shows, at noon and 4 p.m., on Jan. 25. “There are so many reasons right now to engage in a restorative healing experience, Youngs, 43, said in a recent phone interview. “With the nature of the world we live in with so much unrest … I think any sort of opportunity for people to step into spaces that promote restoration and healing is more important now than ever.” The Otsego, Mich., native, who has performed “The RESET” in a variety of spaces (from theaters to hotel rooftops to large corporate events) for a wide range of audiences, crafts each “experience” using improvisational singing, looping devices, sound healing instruments, and electronic beats to create, according to the Huntington’s website, “a sonic container for restoration, discovery, and healing.” Youngs, who hosts the “Free Your Voice, Free Your Life” podcast, said he likes to tell people that while the experience is similar to a sound bath, “it is not your grandma’s sound bath. … It’s a more amplified experience.” He said those who “go on this journey” with him “are almost guaranteed to find a deeper sense of self and a clarity with which they’re able to pursue their life.” We caught up with Youngs, who lives in Chicago with his partner, Scott Perin, who owns a specialty market, Totto’s, in Chicago, and their 9-year-old rescue pitbull, Neko, to talk about all things travel.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
I’ve been thinking a lot about Ecuador and given our current frigid winter temps, it seems like now would be a good time to go. I’d be on the lookout for a beachfront property with a few small, delicious restaurants nearby and plan to do not much: Sun, swim, read, and eat … [and] maybe a few hiking excursions. But otherwise, armor up with Vitamin D for the winter months ahead.
Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own?
I love to research and plan a trip myself. My main objective is to find hotels, restaurants, and activities that feel a bit off the beaten path — but that are not terribly inconvenient. I want to have access to the mix, but not be directly in it. And I also patronize small businesses as much as possible.
Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation?
Only 10 years ago an “unplugged” vacation just meant going to Mexico, where it cost too much to justify getting cell service. Now, this feels like such a novelty and, while I love the idea, I can’t say I’ve done it in a long time. That being said, I do try to make myself a bit hard to reach while traveling.
What has been your worst vacation experience?
I don’t think this is a cop out, but … I don’t have one. Sure, I’ve got stories of canceled flights, illness, and conflict with travel companions, but I just kind of love all of it. I learn so much about life when I travel and even the seemingly bad experiences have felt really beautiful to me.
What is your favorite childhood travel memory?
My family didn’t travel often, but if we did it was a road trip. [When I was] somewhere around the age of 10, my dad had the idea for us to drive from Michigan to the Smoky Mountains. In particular, I remember stopping by Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, as well as the horse barns located nearby. This was a time in my life where I had a lot of curiosity and wonder, and I can see myself so clearly in those caves and petting the horses.
Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all?
All of it. I absolutely love a beach vacation where the only objective is … well, beach. But I also love an urban adventure, exploring Amsterdam, London, Paris, Copenhagen, Berlin … and walking until your feet can’t take anymore. Or, take me to the mountains. I’d prefer a comfy bed to sleep in at night, but I’m happy to hike all day and catch the many profound glimpses this world has to offer. You’d be hard-pressed to propose a trip I wasn’t game for.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation?
When I travel, I love to read self-help books because there is something about the expansive nature of traveling that seems to cause the words to have greater impact. I just finished Martha Beck’s “The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self” and I would take that along to read again, because it is quite profound.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be?
OK, I need someone who can act a fool, but also go to bed early. I’m going to ask Elizabeth Gilbert of “Eat, Pray, Love” fame, because I know she would understand the assignment.
What is the best gift to give a traveler?
A portable phone charger. This is so basic, but it is easy to forget and, when you’re trying to navigate around a new place, it’s important to be able to avoid the anxiety of your phone running out of power or having to find somewhere to plug it in.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip?
Honestly, dark chocolate. You could say I am addicted to it, but I prefer to think I’m committed to eating it … after every meal. I always have it when I travel in case it isn’t readily available where I am.
What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation?
I purchased two of the most beautiful Bedouin rugs in Palestine. It was insane to try and fit them in my suitcase, but I somehow managed and still admire them daily.
What is your favorite app/website for travel?
On a recent trip to Scotland with my partner, Scott, I used ChatGPT quite a bit and found it to be incredibly helpful. In particular, I often used it to map out our day in terms of places we wanted to go and their physical proximity to each other. It helped me plan the path and saved me a lot of time.
What has travel taught you?
Travel is one of my best and favorite teachers. I actually believe riding on a train or a plane is a spiritual experience in that you are neither here nor there and, for me, that allows for more expansive thoughts. Once I’ve arrived at my destination — especially if it is somewhere I’ve not been before — just being there gives me a glimpse into new possibilities for myself. I’m so grateful that I live a life that allows me this experience somewhat routinely.
What is your best travel tip?
Wander. Don’t follow the map. Sure, have an idea of where you want to end up, but also, just go. If something calls your attention, follow it. In our everyday lives, we rarely allow ourselves the opportunity to wander and to me, this is a spiritual practice that is more easily cultivated when we travel.