“An open and vulnerable account of how journeys shape us.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS
overview
What begins as a reluctant holiday—tagging along on her boyfriend’s trip to the untamed wilderness of Venezuela—quickly turns into an unpredictable journey, evoking fears, challenging perceptions, and questioning long-held beliefs. Amidst jungle rivers, towering waterfalls, and Pemón guides, a woman finds herself navigating not only unfamiliar terrains but also the hidden depths of her doubts and desires.
Becoming Still is a captivating and poetic tale of adventure, loss, and inner awakening, an invitation to surrender control, embrace the unknown, and discover the healing power of nature. Interwoven with vivid storytelling, cultural insight, and moments of quiet revelation, this story explores how travel can simultaneously unravel and restore us, and how stillness, even in the wildest places, can guide us home.
author
Sej Saraiya is an ethnographic photographer, filmmaker, and writer whose work explores indigenous traditions and wisdom. A USC MFA alumna, she has exhibited her photography globally and spoken on the topics of non-duality, indigenous ecology, and coexistence in academic and cultural settings across the United States and internationally, including USC, the Pacific Asia Museum, CSUF, Athens and Paris. Becoming Still draws from her earliest travel experiences, marking the start of her lifelong journey into storytelling and self-discovery.
Dear Reader,
Set against the wild landscapes of Venezuela, this is short travel memoir about fear and the transformations that occur when we stop trying to master unfamiliar places and allow ourselves to be changed by them. As danger, beauty, and discomfort heighten perception, the journey focuses on mindfulness rather than reaching a destination. Rivers, forests, and remote pathways are portrayed as spaces resisting possession, not just scenic backgrounds for conquest. What unfolds is not mastery but a loosening, and a realization that stillness can reside even on unstable ground, and that not every experience needs to yield a lesson to be worth holding.
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“Captivating… a visceral exploration of vulnerability and loss of control.”
— Shreyareadss
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“Travel becomes a path to self-discovery… perfect for readers who love quiet introspection.”
— Anandarupa Chakrabarti
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“An amazing book… I absolutely loved this.”
— Sanjana Preetham
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“Simple, honest, and deeply immersive… it quietly draws you into the author’s inner world.”
— Sheetal Sahu
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“A reflective and compelling read… one that leads to profound self-awareness and inner peace.”
— Dalyn Miller
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“Immersive, vulnerable, and quietly transformative… travel that reshapes you.”
— Elena Jones
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“Intense yet impactful… a journey that opens doors to lives we didn’t know existed.”
— Tanushri
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“Hauntingly beautiful and deeply evocative… a powerful reminder of why we explore.”
— Riddhi Kishnadwala
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“Raw, real, and unforgettable… it feels like watching a life unfold in real time.”
— Mrudula Shinde
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“Impossible to put down… it made me pause, reflect, and truly absorb its meaning.”
— Anshu
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“A beautiful travel story, a deep personal reckoning, and a visual experience… all in one.”
— Anoop Puthumana
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“A thought-provoking journey into inner peace and self-discovery.”
— Nischal Narayan
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“Raw, vulnerable, and deeply self-aware… the greatest journey is the one within.”
— Lona
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“It didn’t feel like reading… it felt like living the journey.”
— Dipti
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“Discomfort, fear, and reflection… stillness found in the middle of uncertainty.”
— Souvik Paul
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“So cinematic… I felt like I was standing in those vast landscapes.”
— Saakshi
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“A memoir that opens up the heart… an adventure that challenges comfort and courage.”
— Shivani Singh
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“Less like a book, more like a conversation… slow, reflective, and honest.”
— Siddharth
