I wrote this from a small island in Thailand where I spent months feasting on coconuts that overflowed with nourishing water while adjusting to my new chosen reality.
A trip to incredible India in the spring brought forth waves of unfamiliar trust, surrender and acceptance that completely altered my course. Certain days I felt like edging death, praying to boost the strength of my vulnerable immune system, surrounded by chaos, monkeys, cows, temples, and the great Ganga within a valley of the Himalayan foothills.
But that appreciated humility through daily bhakti and insight from fascinating Hindu deities inspired me to live more passionately and free to make as many wild choices as I want, teetering between crazy and wise. We always have a choice.
After purging/burning/donating decades of material belongings I once found important, I bought a one-way ticket to Asia then said bye to the cherished comfort and stability of home, car, clients, friends, family, country, and beloved companion and dog, which was painfully surreal.
With gratitude for divine guidance, support from loved ones, and freedom to completely shift the direction of my path, I tossed myself into the unknown with my heart leading the way. Relying on logic or practicality didn’t spark my fire.
A citizen of the world, home is now wherever I am at any given moment. I’m obligated to nothing but love, peace and happiness. But it’s not always easy or smooth.
One night an enormous spider (the size of my fist) with eight beady eyes and legs too long quickly darted around the wall of my cozy jungle bungalow. I remembered a quote from a zen master, “Enlightenment is intimacy with all things.” I still feared him landing on my face and eating my brain out through my eyes. Impractical? I didn’t want to kill him, nor would I have been comfortable knowing he crept around while I slept. So, with bravery, I’m proud to say I was able to coax him outside.
Be proud of the little things you accomplish! Celebrate them!
Permeate yourself with love for the (sometimes uncomfortable) opportunities for growth, and the ability to feel, learn, laugh, cry and observe without (too much) judgment. Easier said than done.
We can become nearly weightless when we don’t struggle against the current, but rather flow without much resistance, even if it seems risky.
Tantra doesn’t exist without awareness. With so many external daily distractions, it can be hard to focus on the pure sweetness of the present moment.
For now I’m thankful for the large, insect-eating geckos, afternoon rain that cools the humid air, plethora of vegan treats offered at nearby cafes, and quiet time to reflect within myself.
There is a whole universe inside each and every one of us. Exploring that alone can be the greatest trip!
Sun salutations, meditation and sitting still for buzzing moments of intentional gratitude set a nice foundation for each day. These free tools help relinquish the annoying pull to stress unnecessarily. Bathe in the beauty of the now.
I invite you, dear friend, to rejoice on this journey with faith and trust while listening to the heart’s guidance beyond the doubting, neurotic mind with only LOVE expanding inner joy. That is what the world needs.
How dangerous and unfair to ignore such an intelligent, vital organ.
The best advice you’ll ever get comes from your own gut. Don’t be afraid to follow it!
Be vulnerable to experience and keep exploring!
Good luck and big blessings from the jungle!
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ~Lao Tzu
