Instagram story viewer> @sethwatsonquigg> Posts

Seth Quigg M.A. 🌍

@sethwatsonquigg

3.9K

followers

8295

following

Travel Culture Humanity Adventure Philanthropy
🏆Award Winning Photographer @worldinfocuscreative
🌍Adventure Travel @karunaexpeditions @planet5media

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Revisiting our @karunaexpeditions, Zanskar River Expedition in Ladakh, Northern India!

Come with Karuna Expeditions on a white water river expedition into the heart of the Kingdom of Zanskar in 2027 and prepare to get your chakras blown wide open!

Om Mani Padme Hum 🙏 ❤️ 🙏
.
.
.
.
.
#zanskarriverexpedition @karunaexpeditions #zanskarriver #teamkaruna #whitewaterrafting #whitewaterkayaking taken in Zanskar - ज़न्सकार, Ladakh by @sethwatsonquigg

66

3

3 months ago

Twenty years ago, when I first stepped into the world of adventure travel, life looked very different. I had no phone, no house, no Instagram account, only a $200 Sony DSLR (the old 240 model with its nine megapixels) and a restless spirit.

At 24, I was determined to slip into the nooks and crannies of the world, to meet the people who called those places home.

My purpose was simple: to document connection. Connection to self, to place, and to lives that seemed a million miles away from my own.

Today, connection feels closer, more immediate. I know myself deeply, what brings me peace, what stirs me, what anchors me. I feel the thread of belonging in mountains, rivers, lakes, and vibrant cities, and most of all in the people I encounter.

My heart remains open, searching for that common thread that makes life precious, wild, and free.

Growth and development are values I hold at the core. Yet, in a world racing forward, sometimes at an unsustainable pace, I return to the grounding of heart and soul.

It reminds me that as we evolve, we must also root ourselves in purpose, in presence, in the deeper meaning of being human.

For me, that journey has always been about connection: to self, to place, to spirit, and to people.

This summer, upon returning to the United States, I’ll begin weaving photographs into my finished manuscript, CONNECTION: The Heart of Being Human.

Grateful for the journey. Grateful for the thread.
.
.
.
.
#connectiontheheartofbeinghuman #author #selfiecito #tajikistan #centralasia taken in Tajikistan by @sethwatsonquigg

164

15

4 months ago

Today, I had the indescribable honor of meeting and receiving a blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama—a moment so filled with emotion, grace and compassion it felt like time stood still.

Since leading my first Himalayan expedition through Tibet in 2010, I’ve walked the winding paths of these mountains--16 expeditions deep—and every step has been a lesson in connection, humility, and service.

Love and Compassion, the essence of Tibetan Buddhism, has always seemed like an easy fit, guiding me, not only across rugged terrain, but inward, to a place where Seva—selfless service—becomes the highest offering.

This sacred meeting reaffirmed everything I’ve come to believe: that in a fast-changing and often fearful world, love and compassion are not luxuries—they’re the way forward. ❤️

May we all strive to be like the Dalai Lama Ji, and to be the light we wish to see in this world.

Grateful and Blessed beyond measure 🙏 🙏 🙏

#karunaproject @karuna_project
#DalaiLama #Seva #TibetanBuddhism #karuna #leh #ladakh #zanskar #zanskarriverrafting #Compassion #Himalayas #hisholinessdalailama #hisholinessthe14thdalailama #savetibet #savetibetorg #savetibetanculture taken in Choglamsar by @sethwatsonquigg

2k

139

a year ago

Back in 1998, when we were 17 years old, a group of childhood friends made our way to Walnut Creek in Raleigh, NC for our very first Widespread Panic show.

None of us knew then that it would become more than just a concert, it would become a tradition, a brotherhood, and a lifelong excuse to keep finding our way back to each other, the music and the past.

Since that night, we've made it a priority to get the crew back together at least once a year for a couple of shows, no matter where life takes us.

Careers, families, miles, and time may separate us, but the music always brings us home.

Feeling especially grateful for the literal Home Team, the boys from the homeland of the ol North State, North Carolina.

Decades later, the laughs are the same, the memories keep growing, and the bond is stronger than ever.

Love you, brothers.

Here's to the next show, the next adventure, and many more years of doing what we've always done best, showing up. The music never stopped. 👊 🎸
.
.
.
.
.
#WidespreadPanic #HomeTeam #WalnutCreek1998 #WilmingtonNC #wilmingtonpanicweekend @rickysplace, @calyliston @robyamc207 McNugs @sr_victorio @axvacho taken in Wilmington, North Carolina by @sethwatsonquigg

200

29

5 days ago

🙏 NEPAL EMERGENCY RELIEF ** 60% OF OUR GOAL REACHED **

We are deeply grateful to share this message directly from Lama Karma Tsultrim in Nepal, together with images from the communities and monastery members who are helping bring food and essential supplies to families affected by the recent disaster.

Through the generosity of our extended Paititi community, we have now reached 60% of our $10,800 goal.

To give a sense of how far this support can reach: based on current relief efforts in Nepal, approximately $100 can provide essential food for one family for about two months. What may seem like a relatively small contribution from afar can become something very immediate on the ground: rice, lentils, oil and other necessities reaching a family during a time of profound uncertainty.

We are working directly with Lama Karma Tsultrim and the Manang Society Monastery. As the funds are transferred and the next supplies are purchased and transported into the disaster-affected areas, we will continue documenting the process and sharing it with everyone who has made this effort possible.

108 is a sacred number across the Himalayan traditions, and our goal of $10,800 carries that prayer with it. May what we gather together become practical compassion in the hands of those who need it.

Every contribution matters. Every sharing of this appeal helps.

🙏 Fundraiser link in our bio.
All donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. as permitted by law.

#NepalRelief #NepalFloodRelief #EmergencyRelief #PaititiInstitute #Nepal #Rasuwa #HumanitarianRelief #CompassionInAction #Himalayas by @sethwatsonquigg

163

8

5 days ago

A well-designed cultural experience is at the heart of every Karuna Expedition @karunaexpeditions

We believe in the transformative power of learning from one another, from the wisdom of the old world to the innovation of the new.

As humanity stands on the precipice of profound change, we are called to ask deeper questions:

What does it mean to be human?

What does it mean to be truly alive?

What does it mean to worship the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits, or honor Pachamama, Mother Earth, as a living presence woven into everyday life?

While technology continues to reshape our lives and redefine our future, we believe our path forward requires a deeper understanding of the ancient knowledge systems that many Indigenous cultures have carefully preserved for generations.

These traditions invite us to see ourselves not as separate from nature, but as participants in a larger web of life, one built on reciprocity, respect, stewardship, and community.

As the old world and the new world merge, our mission remains unwavering: to reconnect humans with humanity.

Through immersive experiences that broaden perspectives, foster meaningful cultural exchange, and support communities around the world, we create opportunities to listen, learn, and engage with wisdom that has endured for centuries.

Not to observe from a distance, but to experience these teachings with humility and respect.

The future may evolve at an unprecedented pace, but our commitment remains steadfast: honoring ancient wisdom, cultivating human connection, and exploring together what it truly means to be alive.
.
.
.
.
.
#KarunaExpeditions #CulturalImmersion #Pachamama #Apus #IndigenousWisdom taken in Peru by @sethwatsonquigg

34

2

6 days ago

ARUNACHAL PRADESH, you ask?

Find it on Google Maps!

Tucked away in the far reaches of Northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as one of the world’s most compelling destinations for adventure travelers seeking authenticity, rich cultural traditions, and a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

As technology, automation, and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the modern world, more people are venturing off the beaten path in search of meaningful human connection, ancient wisdom, and cultures whose traditions have endured for centuries.

This is where the journey begins.

Expeditions launching soon for 2027!

Follow @karunaexpeditions and stay tuned for what’s ahead.
.
.
.
.
#india #himalayanadventure #hornbillfestival2027 #karunaexpeditions #karunaproject taken in Arunachal Pradesh by @sethwatsonquigg

58

1

6 days ago

With the floods and ongoing disasters in Nepal, a lot of people have written to ask about the communities affected and how they can help. If you were one of them, thank you.

Nepal is close to our hearts. We’ve traveled there on many expeditions, our coffee is grown in Nuwakot, and we're fortunate to work with partners across the country.

There are two ways to help. One meets the immediate need. One supports Nepal's long-term success. Both matter.

For the immediate need: give to the Nepal Flood Recovery Fund.

Through the Mountain Preservation Foundation, we founded a separate philanthropic fund to support relief and rebuilding through trusted partners on the ground.

https://mountainpreservation.org/nepal

For the long term: support farming families and local commerce through Everest Coffee and Guardian memberships. Our coffee is grown at Nuwa Estate by local farming families. Purchasing Everest Coffee is not disaster relief. It supports livelihoods, creates economic opportunity, and builds the kind of local economy that matters long after the recovery ends.

https://planet5media.com/coffee

Our Guardian memberships do the same thing year round, supporting our partners in these communities while giving you exclusive benefits on coffee, art, and expeditions.

http://planet5media.com/guardians

Our commitment is to the urgent needs the current situation is creating, and to Nepal's long-term success.

Give to the recovery. Drink the coffee. Do both. And if you know someone who would want to help, please send this their way.

#nepalrecovery #planet5 #nepal #mountainpreservationfoundation #dirkcollins by @sethwatsonquigg

21

0

8 days ago

What if the most powerful force shaping humanity isn't technology, politics, or economics—but authentic human connection?

Across cultures, continents, and generations, our stories are intertwined.

The choices made in one corner of the world ripple through communities thousands of miles away.

Our economies are interconnected, our cultures influence one another, and our personal journeys of self-discovery are often sparked by the people we meet along the way.

In my upcoming book, Connection: The Heart of Being Human (releasing in the first half of 2027), I share stories from around the world that reveal just how deeply woven together we truly are.

These experiences demonstrate that connection is more than a social act, it's the bridge between humanity, culture, individual growth, and global prosperity.

When we better understand one another, we create opportunities for collaboration.

When we embrace diverse perspectives, we strengthen communities.

And when we recognize our shared humanity, we unlock the potential for a more connected world.

The future belongs not to those who divide, but to those who connect.
.
.
.
.
.
#ConnectionTheHeartOfBeingHuman #Humanity #Culture #fineartphotography #globaleconomy taken in Planet Earth by @sethwatsonquigg

46

2

11 days ago

Humanity is not a concept we learn in books, it’s something we witness in motion.

It’s in the way a stranger in a mountain village offers tea without asking your name.

It’s in the laughter of children who don’t speak your language but understand joy perfectly.

It’s in the quiet dignity of people who carry their lives with grace you can feel but never fully describe.

Travel exposes us to these moments: the ones that rearrange our inner furniture.

Suddenly, the world becomes less divided.

Less abstract.

Less “us and them.” We are all one.

Perspective shifts because we finally see how deeply connected we are.

And once you’ve seen that, you can’t unsee it.

Your reality expands.

Your empathy deepens.

Your understanding of humanity becomes something lived, not imagined.

We are Connected!

Getting closer to the release of my book, "Connection: The Heart of Being Human", and very excited to share my journey with you.

Shanti todos 🙏 🙏 🙏

📸 Kham-Tibet-2010 (16 years ago 🤯) taken in Tibet by @sethwatsonquigg

84

12

22 days ago

Beyond grateful to have ample time with these two amazing people.

Love you 😘 mucho taken in Harrisburg, North Carolina by @sethwatsonquigg

77

1

23 days ago

EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR FAMILIES IN RASUWA, NEPAL

Dear friends, Paititi Institute has launched an emergency fundraising campaign for communities in the Rasuwa region of Nepal most affected by the recent disaster.

We are coordinating directly with Lama Karma Tsultrim Sangpo and the Manang Society Monastery through long-standing relationships within our Kagyu lineage. Lama Karma served as a close assistant to the late Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, whose guidance helped inspire the establishment of Paititi Institute in 2010.

Through this trusted local network, we are directing support toward the elders, women, children, and families facing the greatest hardship. Donations will help purchase and distribute essential supplies identified by the communities, including food, blankets, cooking equipment, emergency solar power, and other immediate necessities.

Every contribution can provide practical assistance, and sharing this campaign will help it reach people who may be able to participate.

🙏 The donation link is available in our bio.

👁️All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law in the US under 501c3 non profit status

We will continue sharing updates as supplies are purchased and distributed.

With much love and gratitude,
Roman Hanis
Paititi Institute

#NepalRelief #Rasuwa #NepalDisasterRelief #EmergencyRelief #HumanitarianAid #PaititiInstitute #LivingReciprocity by @sethwatsonquigg

81

15

a month ago