last day of 2009 - in time and space - Rancho Margot -CR

the theme of the yoga practice on dec 31st was surrender and letting go of 2009 and all that is not required to be rolled over into 2010...........all negativity, labels, judgements, toxins of the mind, body and heart,  against oneself and others.

the day unfolded with an exciting and breathtaking horseback ride..............a ride through the rainforest, where every turn took your breath away...............7 of us on the ride, each in our own space of timelessness..........and then we were at the top of the crest, with the view of lake arenal stretching out in the far distance..............continueing our ride, as a herd of cows joined us, leading the way.............we came to a clearing, dismounted and continued the hike on foot, slipping and slidding, holding the tree limbs and reaching hands for support.........we reached a point and suddenly we were in full view of the magnificent 35 meter waterfall.............as Frederick looked at us and said: now we hike down towards the bottom of the fall and walk behind the water.............more slipping and slidding and soon we were at the bottom of the fall............great control, and precise guidance by Frederick, over the slippery rocks, away from the dangerous drop.............we gasped for breath as the cold water hit our bodies and souls...........eyes closed against the volume and impact of the water, we hugged the rocks and soon the impact of the water sound, made me realized that i was right behind the waterfall.................the water was right over the crown of the head, the sound of the water combined with the sound of OM  and the shrieks from the other riders.......
any other words to describe this experience would take away from the feeling............

lailo, my horse and i were well connected in our energy, in the downhill ride, he would actually turn his head to look toward me and when i acknowleged, yes go for it, he would trot down, slipping and slidding yet keeping control, our energy in complete harmony............the me in me, never realizing that how much i would enjoy horseriding..............maybe that is when the ego took over...........as we completed our descent, the open firelds looked so serene, the i disconnected with lailo, in a split second, as he turned, and decided to gallop, i knew that was it..............the rest was in slow motion......Frederick, heard the gallop, looked back and saw me slididng off the seat, as he started to come towards me, thinking i would be able to slide back on,  meanwhile in that split second i had sensed that a struggle was no use............so in slow motion i was flying off the saddle, on to my right side, heard the helmet hit the ground, someone behind me saw the hoof hit my head, I think the opposite, lailo in his way reached with his hoof, and broke the fall........... the glasses went flying, in a moment it was over, and soon Frederick was bending over me, i got up faster than i fell, the other riders seemed more stunned, as they had watched the whole thing happen.............i gave lailo a hug, reassuring him that all was okay, it was not his fault..........i was helped back on the horse and we walked back.......many hugs, shared with the other riders, reassuring myself and them, as i was reminded that every moment is a milagro.........
the evening gathering included...........much food, dancing, and the ritual of eating 12 grapes at midnite, making a wish for each month.  Daniel, celebrating his 5th birthday, and the blue moon, showing its splendor when the clouds moved away, with each firework we lit up and cheered....... some of us sat in a personal moment of quiet silence..............happy new year.

reflecting back on the day, surrender had taken on a new meaning...........leaving one open to receive and give, abundance of love and gratitude.