Arenal - Giving Thanks

It overpowers! 

I sit to meditate and it compels me to keep my eyes open! Mesmerizing beauty in its magnificence.  

The smoke from its mouth evident of its aliveness!

Fall Equinox musings

The first day of fall is a complete switch from the day before. Temperature has dropped, the first sign that is felt in the body is this nip in the air. 

I lay on the couch, basking in the sun shining through the window.  The sun and it’s slanting rays will now cover me all through the colder months.  

Manipura or the third energy centre comes into awareness triggered by the red and gold of the flowers I see on the balcony, by the colour of my wrap, and as I get up I see the remnants of the turmeric from my morning drink. 

So yes third chakra awareness and balancing is how to begin the journey into oneself.  Taking long walks to feel grounded, nurturing oneself as the days get shorter and the night falls earlier.  The seeds of existence in ones own being go dormant.  Rest and restore for the new spring blossoms. 

Fall into blessings!

A trip to Nicaragua

Why Nicaragua? I was asked when some people heard of my upcoming trip here.  From questions like “ is it safe?” or “what are you going to do there?”  

All sincere concerns and questions!  So here I am, three weeks later, penning my thoughts.   From spending time at San Juan del Sur, to the trip to Granada, friends and new friends made along this journey.

A picture is worth a thousand words, let me begin with some

El Pacifico

Alvin - Pottery maker

Granada

Nuestra Casa, Jungle Room

Delicious Pakoras at Casa Oro

Mango Salad at Casa Oro

Breakfast at El Pacifico

Sonrisa Cafe, Granada, Nicaragua

Most of these pictures are untouched, yet touched me deeply and completely.  

Amidst the chaos of backpackers and tourists, the locals live their lives.  Wanita asked me to find her a boyfriend in Canada, so she can be close to her family living in Kitchener, Ontario.  A friendly and energetic warm person she is ready to sing and break in to a dance with a lightness and rhythm. 

All the locals that I met, are the ones employed, plus some passerby in my walks.   Each touched me with their smile and warmth. 

The plan is to return this fall, with a group of people, to share a yoga experience.  The owner Muffadal or as they refer to him Jefe, has graciously accommodated my request for space in one of his hotels, for the 200 hour yoga teacher training

Check out the hotels where I stayed: Casa Andalucia, Nuestra Casa, Casa Oro which is the hub, a meeting place setup as a piece of art.  My longest stay was at El Pacifico with a few minutes walk to a quiet beach.  This is where we will meet in October 2018 for our first Nicaragua 200 hour yoga teacher training.  For training details visit the website for Center for Natural Living