This same time last year I sat in the same barstool at our same kitchen island and wrote about my new found love for the Pacific ocean and my struggle in leaving it behind saying: "Although my distance from Her [the Pacific] has left me feeling strangely empty - as though I have lost something that never really belonged to me - I will carry Her with me. I'll cling to the moments and memories that made me feel truly at peace."
Last week I revisited Her, this time along the coast of Central America. What I found this past week far exceeded last year's sense of loss.
I departed Liberia on Friday and although I was dreadfully sad to leave I didn't feel at a loss, instead I felt quite the opposite. Found.
***
Upon taking my first steps into the Pacific Ocean along the Papagyo peninsula last week - I admit - I entered as half of myself. Although I consider myself to be a genuinely happy person, I had been lost in my own mind, lost in my self presence and wandering further from my desired path due to life and its everyday first world distractions.
Today I am writing from a place of self-realization with a full heart and expanding mind - rejuvenated and whole. I can once again feel the keys on my keyboard - they've never felt so good. Even the usual agonizing backspacing sound of a perfectionist writer is welcome...somewhat ;). This post will be whatever it becomes and I am perfectly content with that. This journey is mine to nurture.
I attribute this warm (for lack of a better description) wholeness to a number of things: a week of pure rest and relaxation, laughter, new friends, the opportunity to immerse myself in the ever cleansing salt water of the ocean, a willingness to consciously open myself to a new land, it's culture and energy, but mostly I attribute my finding of self to one main event...
On Tuesday we ventured to Gaunacaste to walk La Senda (more info here - with very soothing background music I might add), the largest Labyrinth in the world.
We entered with the intention to align mind, body and soul. What I discovered isn't necessarily entirely profound, it's quite simple really. After walking the Labyrinth, practicing yoga in one of the energy vortexes, and spending the evening dining and chatting with the founder of La Senda, Griet Depypere, I was instilled with a burning awareness of the tremendous importance of presence, positive energy and natures role in such.
I hugely struggled in trying to adequately capture how I felt in my short time in the Labyrinth. But I've been longing to share. So below is an understated insight into my personal experience. (Feel free to skip and scroll through photos instead if you're not into the mushy gushy stuff..) ;)
As I began walking through the labyrinth my mind was busy with thoughts of matter in all shapes and sizes. With each step deeper into the first energy centre I released my fingers from the fists that I didn't realize I had formed. How long have I been approaching life with clenched fists? How long have I been closed off to life's positive energy? Too long. I began to cry - strange for me - I rarely cry. I continued to allow many foreign emotions manifest and became increasingly aware of the connection of my feet to the earth below me. It wasn't until I opened my palms to the earth and allowed my hands to be antennas to the earths energy that I begin to breathe. With each forward step and newly filled with oxygen (for what felt like the first time in a long time) the negativity within my mind fell away. It was replaced with nothing. No immediate unrealistic positivity. No self created limitations, thoughts of what I should be doing or who I am. Instead, my mind was open and without negativity.
In that moment I made a promise to myself (the Self at the centre of my being), to nature, and to Griet to continue being fully present in my life, to be open to the positive energy all around me and just...be.
Griet Depypere, owner of La Senda, teaching us about the Labyrinth, explaining the design. Notice the presence of animals throughout her home
I was entirely mesmerized by these dogs and their focused gaze, their calmness.
Griet's home, akin to the Labyrinth, was designed based on the energy vortexes on the land it was developed on. It was without a doubt the most calming place I've ever been.
Thank you Griet, for opening your home and your dreams to us, for teaching us and sharing the beautiful energy of the land that you have found and poured your entire being into. We are infinitely grateful.
***
Now, in a few less words, here's a look into how we spent the remaining 7 days of our trip.
The Four Seasons, Costa Rica - breathtaking in every way
Similar to the way my lens gravitated towards pretzels in New York city last year, my focus this trip was seemingly on showers. I didn't realize until I started going through my photos.
I love the symbolism of cleansing.
Nothing like a waterfall shower
Ying & Yang ;)
His idea of yoga on the beach...
Right: My idea of yoga on the beach... ;)
Coconut water and rum. Best invention ever. And on the right, believe it or not, is a cashew apple. The green shell produces a cashew which most think is a nut... it's actually a seed and the outer shell is toxic. You can eat the fruit. Very neat. Nerd moment ;)
I spent a lot of time with my nose pressed up against the window of the buses that took us from place to place, imagining what life would be like behind the fences of these colourfully painted Costa Rican homes.
Our riverboat guide, zip lining guide and surfing instructor. All amazingly kind.
The end of our trip marked the start of rain season in Costa Rica. Even the rain was beautiful.
Riverboat tour through the peninsula to admire the wildlife
These little white faced monkey's were so cute I considered bringing one home in my carry on!
That curly little tail! :)
This dude.. not so much with wanting him in my carry on! Crocs everywhere in this river!
With love and wholeness, Pura Vida,
J.
