I'm currently on the plane and have officially just left the Philippines. I am somewhere over the ocean between The Philippines and Taiwan. I'm very lucky to be off on another adventure, and am so thankful that I had the opportunity (and I allowed myself) to go on this journey in the first place. It doesn't feel like I've been gone for 3 months, but I feel like I've learned and experienced quite a bit. Too much to really get into here, but some things I am bringing back with me:
- I am really suited for tropical weather. A few conversations came up about how Vata types (in Ayurvedic medicine) really thrive in this environment. I can attest to this! I'll have to see how I can spend more time in it : )
- the importance of the breath. Yes, it's stressed in yoga, but I haven't been exposed to it in my practice like I was in this program. Deep breathing in an environment with fresh, clean air really brings up a lot of "stuff", but helps to clear you out.
- different perspectives on many different things
- seeing people living different lifestyles and realizing you don't have to fit with the norm if you don't want to
- the knowledge that I don't have everything figured out, I don't have to, and it's ok (B-Rod has been trying to get me to learn this lesson for years!!)
- it's all about the experience!
- yoga is a lot more than just doing poses - If anyone wants to chat about chakras or quantum theory & it's affect on health, have a reiki session, learn breathing techniques, mind/focus techniques, yoga poses, or yoga chiketsa (spinal therapy), I am now qualified or have some knowledge or basic understanding!
On this New Year's Eve my theme for the upcoming year (I gave up New Year's resolutions last year) is "Closure & New Beginnings" (this actually came up during one of my practices). My theme for last year was "Trust" - I'm just realizing now these themes could relate to the 1st & 2nd chakras!! So, goodbye Philippines, I will see you again soon. Hello Hawaii, B-Rod and a different adventure/experience. I'm so excited!!