Greetings from Rebecca, I am so excited to say, Costa Rica here we come! We have gathered a full group of amazing, diverse travelers for 2023’s Holistic Journey to the NW Provinces of Costa Rica.
Our first Q/A get together was a wonderful blend of new and seasoned International travelers, and all were filled with excitement, wonder and fabulous ideas and questions. It is such an honor to share my love of Central America with genuine and interested travelers. Blending soft eco/adventure experiences with culture, history and plenty of time for Ah Ha moments and wellness breaks (gentle yoga, stretching, nature meditation, forest bathing, quiet walking, writing and/or art) is what Holistic Journeys does best. We excel at setting the stage to ensure the experience touches the core of each traveler in some small way and to provide adventure options that folks can choose from. We are truly blessed if we can manage or plan to include travel in our lives. It is a rare gift if you look at resources world wide. Most of us budget, plan and set goals to be able to add these experiences to our lives, they are a gift and they have an impact on who we are, how we perceive the world and perhaps more important, how the world perceives us.
I am often asked, why do I travel and work to offer these trips annually? My answer I suppose is to find and experience myself where ever I am. And for the joy of sharing it and experiencing it through and with others. It is subtly powerful and I love it.
In preparation for our trips or to just bring a little wellness wonder into your daily life I suggest your add the following practices of perspective and peace to your daily life. I invite your to start a practice today, the benefits are amazing and I’d love for you to share your experiences. Pick a spot to just sit it for 5-15 minutes, (work up to 30 if you can plan the time) get comfortable, stretch, breath, let go and just gaze at your surrounding, hopefully in nature, but through a beautiful window, from a porch, along a trail or in your canoe,/kayak/paddle board all work, just spend the time taking it in.
Try to be just there, look at colors, take in smells, see the shapes, light, feel the texture of leaves, moss, water, stones in your space. Experience the feeling of air, wind, water on your skin. Slow your breath to long deep inhalations and exhalations and just let go into your space.
Set a timer if it helps and after your designated time, pull out your water bottle, a cup of warm tea and treat you might have brought with you in your pack. Sip it slowly, taste, smell, experience the sensation or nourishing yourself, pour a gift to the earth when you’re done, thanking her for all the bounty she offers us daily.
You might want to take a few moments to sketch, paint (with paints or with materials gathered around you, moss, leaves, grass, flowers, soil, all create delightful colors), press a few leaves or flowers, do a rubbing and then jot a few words, paragraphs, a poem to capture the moment, your mind, your experience.
It’s amazing the impact on our resiliency when we take the time to integrate these small but powerful practices into our lives. Try it and see how your perspective and perception opens up, softens, accepts and clarifies your surroundings, challenges and opportunities.
Be it at home, on the road or on an International eco-wellness tour with Holistic Journeys these practices can enhance and brighten your life and the people who share it. It creates a true feeling or ‘sense of place’, where ever you are.
For now, be present, February 27-March 10 will be here before you know it, then be there, and be ready to have a fabulous adventure!
Rebecca