The Place I Learned to Sit

I taught my first yoga class of the new academic year yesterday. There were returning faces and bright nervous new faces. The lessons of this summer were all fresh in my mind as I began the class. I have my wonderful yoga teachers in Bali (Meg and Made Ji) to thank for how well the class went. I learned so much from them in the few days that we had together. Also fresh in my mind was the wonderful meditation course I took in Thailand at Wat Doi Suthep. It was there that the unfurling of a calmer peaceful me happened. It was there that I learned to sit.

My meditation cushion and bolster, Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand

I know that sounds a bit silly, because sitting is something that we all do on a regular basis. However, most of us are sitting in order to do something. I have commented before about being an avid multi-tasker; I don't really feel present unless I'm doing three things at once. Being that way for so long, I lost myself in the shuffle. But sitting and following my breath, I remembered me.

Reading Poetry, Jambo Arts Exhibition, Majuro, Marshall Islands

I remembered the dancer, the poet, the artist, the yogi.  She unfurled and sat a little taller within me.



Batiking, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


As I sat in that first yoga class, guiding my students through pranayama with a children's story about a hardworking father who practices pranayama by the river, I realized that I was sitting more deeply in myself than I had in a long time. That this was how I wanted to sit from now on -- straight backed, heart open, breathing deeply, and embracing my entire self.

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"Everything will be alright in the end; and if it’s not yet alright, then it’s not the end."

  Sonny--intreprid proprieter of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

       

I just finished watching The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I knew nothing about this movie going into it. I got it from a friend, and it seemed like a fun flick to watch while I did my hair. Here’s what I can tell you about it now: 1) Dame Judi Dench definitely earned her title, 2) It is truly never too late to start again, and 3) The world is more beautiful than we can ever imagine.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Watching this movie after having traveled around South East Asia for the past two months was such an affirmation for me. I saw these characters struggling with many of the same things that I struggled with. I also saw them discovering and celebrating many of the same things that I, too, have discovered and celebrated.

MIR Restaurant, Majuro, Marshall Islands

I chose 5 years ago to leave everything that was familiar to me and move to the Marshall Islands. Occasionally I think of what my life would be like if I had not made that decision. I would have missed a lot, and I probably wouldn’t be the person I am today. It is not easy to be away from loved ones and the familiar, and I’m always aware that I am not in my own country. That said, I am also aware that this place that I chose 5 years ago, at this moment, is my home. I am aware of the love and acceptance that people have shown me, and that, I hope, I have shown in return. I am aware of the challenges that, everyday, I try to find ways to deal with. It is a journey, and it is still going.



Sharing some love! Battambang, Cambodia

And on this journey, that many of us undertake with our hearts exposed, it is never too late to find joy. It is never too late to find love. It is never too late to tell someone you love them, or, better still, to show them.

Back

Ahoi hoi folks,

I've just gotten back from an awesome summer traveling around South East Asia. I went to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. I'll be sharing some of the highlights with you through photographs. So, here goes.



Rose Garden, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

I'm convinced that one of the key things needed for traveling is love. Not that woo woo kind of teenage love, but the fundamental love for fellow man. The one the thing I noticed as I traveled this summer was that the longer and farther I went, the more I fell in love with the people around me. I loved that they gave me entrance into their countries, cultures, and personal stories. I loved that they allowed me to be curious. I loved that they allowed me to marvel at our differences. I loved that they were open to seeing our similarities. I loved that "they" became "we" in a matter of days. And we had a lot of love to spread around :)

Delayed

Ahoi hoi all,

This has been a crazy week. There are so many things I want to post, but I just can't get my mind around it. Truth be told, I've been a little down. Something very important was stolen from my house recently, and I just haven't been able to bounce back. I hope to have something new up soon. Until then, I'm trying to remember to breathe.

Source: summertime-on-my-mind.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest

Wanderlust

Source: Uploaded by user via Raychelle on Pinterest

Recently a family member asked me, "Are you ever coming back home?". It's not the first time someone who cares about me has asked me that question. I've been living abroad for almost 5 years now. During my breaks, I always travel to new places.

Sokez Ridge, Pohnepei, Micronesia



And I have had the joy of making family everywhere I go.



My tzotzil Mama Katarina, Zinacantan, Chiapas, Mexico

The beauty of the world is constantly inspiring awe and wonder in my heart.

 

Niagara Falls, New York, USA

And home is always in my heart.



Sunset, Isla Mujeres, Mexico



Someday I will move back to the States, but for now I am happy with my gypsy lifestyle. There are always new things to uncover and new connections to make. When I finally do head back, I want to come back with plenty of stories to share.

A Fresh Pair of Eyes

I have lived in the tropics for about 4 years now. When I first arrived, I marvelled regularly at my luck to live in a place so beautiful. I was up with the sunrise, having my cup of tea sitting on the seawall so I would watch the morning light burst open against the waves.

Sunrise over Dangriga, Belize

 On full moon nights, I watched the fat moon light up the beach, sometimes walking a while on the exposed reef.

Full Moon over Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

But as time passed the ocean became a background to the everyday noices of work and the day-to-day. So last night when a woman said "We're in for a beautiful sunset today", I felt myself cringing. It felt strange that someone would a) notice and b)point it out. As if there weren't more urgent things to think about.

Sunset over Salina Grande,  Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Then I caught myself, remember that I used to be that woman, and it didn't take any more of my time or energy to pay attention.

Light on Sokez Ridge, Pohnpei, Micronesia

Sometimes you need a fresh pair of eyes to show you what been in front of you all along.

Sunset at the Shoreline, Majuro, Marshall Islands



This morning I had my tea by the see, watched the crabs scurry from one hole to another, walked the reef out to a shallow pool, and let the ocean wet my feet.



Palua Kappas, Malaysia

New Year's Goal Number One: Weightloss

One of my many goals for this new year is to get healthy and fit. I've always been a pretty healthy person, but over the past few months I've gained an extra 20 pounds. I also don't feel as strong as I was in the past. In order to remedy that I've come up with a simple plan of attack that seems to be working. Here goes:

Accountability: I have always known I've had an overactive sweet tooth, but I never really made myself accountable for the extra calories I've been taking in. I've read over and over that writing down what you eat makes you a more conscious eater. Since sugar is my main concern, I've made a sweets log. I keep track of all the sweets I take in each day. With this technique, I've gone from 3 major desserts a day to 1! I've also found myself swapping my usual fair for more fruit, which is awesome.




These yummy brownies have been swapped for...

 


  



These yummy berries



Increased activity: I live in a pretty pedestrian friendly place, and I try to walk as much as possible. Unfortunately time can be an issue when walking to work or to gatherings. I've been able to use time as an excuse to hop into a taxi more than I care to admit. I've found a remedy for that though, and her name is Priscilla, my shiny new bike



Shiny new wheels!



I was skeptical about the whole bike thing at first. In fact, this is my third attempt at becoming a "bike person". The third time is definitely the charm! I am in love! I can get to places in less than half the time it takes walking. And the added bonus, my legs are getting a major workout. It's win win.

Chilling out: I am a work-a-holic, multi-tasking fool sometimes. Most nights, five hours of sleep is my norm. I have always known that stress and lack of sleep contribute to weight gain, but I was somehow convinced that the rules didn't apply to me. Well, They Do! So, I've bought a nice big white board to make daily lists of what I need to accomplish. Having my to do list in front of me in living color helps me stay on track. Well what does that have to do with sleep? I wasted a lot of time putzing around with things that I didn't actually need to do, especially on-line. My to-do list keeps me on track, so I get my tasks done more efficiently. I've had so much free time this week, that I've been able to read the newspaper, finish a book, and give myself a mani-pedi. Not to mention, I've been able to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night.



Beauty Sleep

 



 I'm proud to say that I've been on my plan for a week now, and I'm already seeing results. I have more energy, my mood is elevated, and my body feels light. I'm so excited to see how these change evolve over the course of this month. I'll be sure to check in with pertinent updates.

Do you have an great tips for dropping pounds?

 

Brownies: Source: bakingdom.com via Raychelle on Pinterest

Santa Berries: Source: Uploaded by user via Raychelle on Pinterest

Priscilla: Source: google.com via Raychelle on Pinterest
Beauty Sleep: Source: google.com via Raychelle on Pinterest

Back after a Much Needed Vacation

Happy 2012 everyone!

I took some much needed time off before ringing in the new year, and am very glad I did. I got caught up on a lot of reading and movie watching, which was nice. I didn't spend the entire time making a dent in my couch though! I've spent the past 2 weeks traveling around Micronesia. It was an adventure, indeed! The islands of Micronesia include Kosrae, Pohnepei (the capitol), Chuuk, and Yap. For my adventure I visited Kosrae, Pohnepei, and Yap. Here are some of the highlights:

Kosrae
This was my second trip to this beautiful place, known as the Sleeping Lady Island. There wasn't much sleeping going on though. My travel buddy K and I hit the ground running. We were off the plane for about 20 minutes when we were whisked away for a hike up to Menke ruins. It was so nice to be in the jungle again and smell that fresh river smell. The ruins themselves are pretty basic -- stacks of moss covered rocks shaped into rooms. The hike itself, however, is a delight, crossing the Menke river at least 5 times. We ended our hike with a dip in that same river, which was wonderful and refreshing.

Our next venture in Kosrae was a hike to the beautiful Sipyen falls. It's a short hike to this beautiful site. We splash around in the freezing water and then sunned ourselves on the surrounding rocks.

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to Yela forest, where the amazing Kah trees of Kosrae grow. These trees were traditionally used for canoes, but Yela forest is now a protected area. It has been called the redwood forest of Micronesia, and I could definitely see why.

Pohnepei

The next hop on my trip took me to Pohnepei. This is definitely the urban center of Micronesia. The swathes of green of Kosrae were replaced with a bustling downtown. Pohnepei still brings the green though. Just a few minutes drive out of town and you will see some of the most amazing views. The biggest highlight of this trip was a tour K and I took to Nan Madol. Nan Madol are the famous stone ruins of Pohnepei. The tour was an all day affair that started with a stop at a beautiful waterfall.

The big highlight of the tour, however, was seeing the amazing ruins of Nan Madol. No one really knows how these large stones were transported to the area, as they each weigh several tons. The Pohnepeians say it was wonani (magic). Elder Pohnepeians actually consider the area to be cursed, and for that reason it is not maintained by anyone. At some point it will be taken over by plants and ocean.

Our last adventure in Pohnepei was a very muddy hike up Sokez ridge. Sokez rock is one of the first things you see from the plane in Pohnepie. The view of the rock from the ridge was amazing.

  

 Yap

This was definitely the wildcard of the trip. While I had heard a lot about Pohnepei and had visited Kosrae before, I didn't know much of anything about Yap. Yap is known for it's stone money, which are large round limestone slabs with holes in the middle. They look like gigantic stone doughnuts, and they are still used as currency on the island. Yap is the most traditional island in Micronesia. People still live in villages and practice the customs of their ancestors. Unfortunately Yap is where my camera decided to go caput, but here are some the souveniers I got while there.

This a picture of a traditional Yapese lava lava. In the past these were made of banana fibers, but these days women use cotton thread. Each lava lava is hand woven on a back strap looom using thousands of threads. Only women of the outer islands are allowed to make these lava lavas and they can be used as currency.

This is a traditional Yapese neck adornment, called a lap. They are made from hibiscus fibers.

This is a re-print of a painting by a Yapese artist. It shows what a Yapese village looks like. K and I had the chance to visit one of these villages, Kedai, while in Yap. The stone path is made of uneven stones, so a person has to concentrate on walking and not look around at other people's yards and houses. In the background is the community house. Each village has a community house where people can come to rest and also where people can meet. Each village also has a men's house that looks similar, but it is just for men. The round stone is stone money. The woman is dressed in a traditional skirt made of hibiscus fibers.

 

I really enjoyed my vacation-hop, but it was also nice to be back home. I'm also really happy to be in a new year. I'm truly optimistic about 2012. Hopefully I'll be able to use this blog as a way to sound board some of the things that I hope 2012 will bring.

What adventures have you had recently?