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It’s been a busy, busy year, but here we GO again!

I’m so very grateful and happy that last years Finding the Jewels of Costa Rica was such a success. We had bumps along the way, folks had to cancel, Covid, but it all turned out simply wonderful and everyone (as usual) was a delight to travel with added to the amazing richness, beauty and Pura Vida of Costa Rica! Here’s a few photos and comments from the group!

“Rebecca hit it out of the ballpark over and over. We visited one gem after another. The people of Costa Rica are kind and patient. It was an experience I’ll never forget” .M Merrill

“I loved the bird songs and howler’s call, learning the herbs and smelling them all. The beauty of Costa Rica fills my soul as did the grace of the people, young and old. I got to kayak, hike and play! I’d go back any day! with gratitude“. M. Moynen-Smith

“Rebecca really has a feel for what’s special and selected some unique and fabulous experiences for us . We also had plenty of opportunities to rest, relax and take it all in. PERFECT” N Schafer

I can’t thank each and every participant enough. It was a joyous group to travel with, Rebecca Wood, Holistic Journeys/Hopewood Holisitc Health.

Next up! Rendezvous with the Resplendent Quetzal & Mountain Trekking! Get ready, Get set! February 20th-March 4th, 2023!

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2023 Holistic Journeys is full!

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

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UnBelizable-Holistic Journey’s Back to Belize 2022 trip is just over one month away! February 26-March 7.

I am so grateful as I sit and enjoy the cool mountain breezes of Tinamaste, Costa Rica listening to the many birds and watching the sun set over the distant pacific. I am, and I am grateful and fortunate! It has been a good and challenging winter trip to Costa Rica this year, yes Covid is still among us, but most folks are considerate and cautious, the country has sound policies in place, we are mostly out of doors and in open spaces…. I choose to live, travel, and to be respectful and cautious. It’s worth it to see old friends, experience the beauty of this country and to open the hearts and minds of those who choose to join in an herbwalk, yoga class or travel with Holistic Journeys. It really is true, whether we break bread or fold tortillas; we all sit at the Table of Life. Lets more mindfully share in that experience.

I am putting the last few touches on Holistic Journey’s Back to Belize eco-wellness adventure and excited to share some of my favorite Belizean places with new and old friends. There is still room for 2 more lucky travelers and I’ve extended Early Bird savings to entice you. Come on, join in.

Rest assured, Belize has done an admirable job in creating The Gold Standard Travel Corridor and all three amazing venues, The Birdseye View, Lamanai Outpost lodge and The Crimson Orchid Inn are all members!
The tours are set and we will embrace the incredible people, diverse cultures, beauty and Nature of this jewel of a country.

I hope YOU will be one of the last few to sign up for this UnBelizable Adventure! .

Checkout Belize facts & venues here. Take a virtual tour of activities and amazing Natural and Cultural sites you can explore Feb. 26th to March 7th if you sign up and join in our Back to Belize!

“Life is meant for spectacular adventures. Let your feet wander, your eyes marvel, and your soul ignite!” slvcwriter

Enjoy this photo preview of the sites and sounds of Belize but remember, you can only get the smells, taste and true feel for the culture, life and history, if you join in!

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2022 You Betta Belize it, Holistic Journeys is heading South to this tropical paradise.

 

Stroll through the sites and sounds of Belize. Listen, feel, open your mind, heart and hope of being a part of Holistic Journeys’ 2022 Back to Belzie Adventure!

Holistic Journeys will once again be hosting an Eco-travel Adventure to this tropical paradise where culture, food, tradition is as diverse as its’ natural wonders!

Three venues, 9 nights, 10 days, Birds, Botany, Culture, Tradition, History, Food, Yoga, Fun and blessed relaxation.

Come find yourself in the world, A goal this year is to hone our sense of place where ever we are, I think you will enjoy delving into you in this tiny country at the tip of Central America and the southeastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula!

Bacalar: The Yucatan Peninsula's Best Kept SecretBelize District photo gallery of a satellite image of the ...Ecological Regions Of Belize - WorldAtlas.com

 

 

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Autumn Wonders in Your Woods; Nature’s Bounty

Autumn in the Deciduous forest is a time of plenty, transition,  beauty and expectations for what’s to come next spring.  In the diverse hardwood forests of southeastern Ohio you never know if you need to bundle up or strip down, aside from our current climate controversy, its always been that way! Skies can be shockingly blue, the angle of the sun steep, shadows are long and more often than not its many shades of grey, brown with hits of green and maroon.

If you are lucky and walking in  low moist habitats the brilliant yellow flowers (bracts actually) of American witch hazel Hamamelis virginiana might unexpectedly  take your breath away.  What a autumn show and what a useful plant.  You can tincture the new twigs, or better yet make a hydrosol from them for a fresh, skin soothing, astringent topical. It’s cooling, relieves itchy skin, heals bites, rashes and tightens skin as an after shower splash.  I always add 1/2 to my Queen of Hungry Water (a favorite skin formula  of Rosemary Galdstar), it cuts the vinegar base a bit and is sooo soothing.

Snapping hazel is a common name of the mesic shrub.  The little wooden capsules snap open to throw their seeds out and away from the mother plant as its’ seed  dispersal mechanism.  Such an interesting and useful autumn treasure.

So yes, its time to take time and head outside to see what you might find. I love the late summer and fall mushrooms.  What a year this was for hen and chicken-of -woods. It was everywhere. It made up for the few summer chanterelles  and giant puff balls, though Nature graced us with a few of each.

Maitake Grifola frondosa is a mushroom that traditionally has been used in Japan and China as part of the diet and to treat diabetes and hypertension. Like other medicinal mushrooms, the fruiting body contains a complex sugar (polysaccharides) called beta-glucans.  It is reported to stimulate and modulate the immune system and helps fight tumors, and lower blood sugar and lipid levels. Multiple clinical trials have been conducted on Maitake extracts for support of immune function, healthy blood sugar metabolism, a healthy inflammatory response and antioxidant properties.* Several species, long used in traditional herbalism, have been the subject of modern research for their ability to support the immune system.

One of my favorite herbal mentors, Dr. Christopher Hobbs tells the story of how miatake or hen-of-the-woods got its name ‘Dancing Butterflies’, because people in Japan danced with joy, when they found them!  Chris is an amazing teacher of so many things herbal and mushroom and a great author of many easy to read and use books.

Paul Stamets, another well known mushroom grower, researcher and educator.  Paul is another incredible speaker and author, he is a reliable source on the research into medicinal mushroom, particularly Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor.  Yes this is yet another another easy to find, easy to ID, prepare and enjoy.  According to Stamets, the turkey tail mushroom suppresses inflammatory response, enhances the microbiome, and may be a powerful adjunct cancer therapy. “We think it decloaks cancers for discovery by the immune system”, he stated in one article.  This lovely little mushroom is quite common shelf fungus growing on trees and can be identified by its fuzzy bands of colors such as orange, blue, white, and tan and white small pores on the bottom side.

So there you are, just a few of the many tasty and medicinal treasures for your to explore.  And as an ethical wildcrafter,  I know you will always be mindful of the  harvesting standards of Nature’s bounty;  make a positive ID, never take everything or the biggest, take what you need and know you can process or share and be grateful for the richness and beauty around you.   Until the next foray, Namaste, Rebecca…

  auntumn bounty 2

References:

https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/maitake

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-560/maitake-mushroom

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Reflections of Staying Mindfully Well in a time of Change

mindfulness printed paper near windowAs I ponder all that’s going on right now,  I recall a saying by Heraclitus of Ephesus “the only thing that is constant is change” and  present circumstances is an example of how true that is.  Yes, change is certainly all around us, the impetus for many reactions and emotions.   We all seem to be up, down, challenged, scared, angry and well just over loaded.

Covid-19, climate craziness, politics, inequity, racism, every ‘ism’, to much Mindfulness and meditation quotes to keep you motivated ...news and to few facts.  While it’s important to me to stay informed, to try to ‘fact check’, to try and listen without bias, I find it incredible that both sides are in such opposition.  Often, I wonder if they are even talking about the same issues.  When these feelings bubble up as anger, stress and even physical ailments, I know its time to put down my phone, limit my social media, turn off the radio or TV news  and take to the woods or my mat.  A walk in the woods, along a source of water or a slow mindful yoga practice helps bring me back to now.

It calms my soul, centers me,  allows me to breath and reflect and to come back into balance.  Just letting my eyes soften as I walk down a trail, gaze at a forest pond, lake, stream or beach eases my soul. I take in the colors, shades, scents and sounds around me allowing me to find my Ahhh and my Ahhh ha.  It reminds me, I am resilient, I am able, I do cope and I do have things to offer in my community and in  keeping my own countenance.  So Hum-I am.

Foraging for my medicine plants, cleaning and preparing tinctures, oils, hydrosols, flower essences, teas, tending wild garden as well as my food garden also keeps me rooted and present in these changing times.  These are my happy places; be it forest, field, wetland or my kitchen preparing what I know will ease symptoms and soften emotions.   Often I find my self near forest ponds or streams and taking a moment to just gaze, listen, think and then write spontaneously.

I also find birding brings me into the moment.  I laugh as they dart away but as I sit, wait, watch, breathe, I finally catch a glimpse of something that truly is resilient, so beautiful. Getting to know each song, check and call note is like chatting with neighbors on daily strolls  or getting excited to have a seasonal visitor come a stay for a while.  A simple solution for mindfulness and resiliency is to find your happiness… What?  That’s right, what is it. Define it, write it, post it all around and then sit with it,

In contemplating wellness, I guess Nature, yoga, walking and paddling are my go to meditation.  I find myself relieved and focused once I roll out the mat or push off from the kitchen counter for an impromptu balance and stretch session.  Why not try it, when you are waiting for coffee to brew. or water to boil.   Just being present and in tune with my body, noticing how it moves, how it aches, how it stretches and releases and yes, how it seems to stay ‘stuck’ in those old familiar places can be a lesson in being present without judgement.

woman sitting on sand beside of This is My Happy Place signage

Those who know me know travel and new horizons are a passion and along with that come all the waits, planning, responsibility and worry,  so its a perfect place to practice, stepping back, holding my tongue, taking a few slow cleansing breaths.  I guess that’s why Holistic Journeys, though packed with adventure, vistas, culture, food, always makes sure there is time to reflect, to do what you want to do, to just pause and be present. What a gift when you are traveling. I know that’s what makes these international eco-wellness adventures so successful. We have time to just BE!

There are so many resources on Mindfulness, here  is an article I wrote for one of my journey in Slow Integrated Mindful Yoga.  Benefits of MindfulYoga  There are so many resources for mindfulness, I encourage you to research them slowly and pick one to try.  Here are 7 helpful strategies and exercises that I like, perhaps one or two will resonate with you.

7 mindfulness strategies that can be effective in managing negative thoughts and emotions:  (http://www.fulfillmentdaily.com/7-mindfulness-strategies/) 

1. Turn towards, and not away from your negative thoughts or emotions with acceptance. Once you are aware of the negative thought or emotion, notice where you felt it in your body, and what emotion arises with the physical feeling. Just sit with the emotion (eg: anxiety, fear, anger, guilt) and don’t ignore it or try to block it or push it away. Become the observer of your experience.

2. Identify and label the thought or emotion you are feeling. This involves two parts. The first is correctly labeling it, and the second is how you express it. Using language of that of an observer, is more powerful than personalizing it. For example, saying, “Oh, this is fear arising in me right now,” is preferable to “ I am afraid.”

3. See your thought or emotion as being temporary or transitory. They will pass unless you want to hold onto them and get some kind of reward for doing so. Seeing the thought or emotion as a cloud floating by or asking yourself repeatedly, “What is this thought/emotion now?” helps.

4. Let go of the need to control your thoughts or emotions. Emotional regulation is not the same as stifling, blocking or avoiding thoughts and emotions in an effort to maintain control. Again, having a healthy detachment is being mindful.

5. Learn how to recognize cognitive distortions; in other words, recognizing the thought processes that distort reality. Examples of cognitive distortions are confirmation bias, catastrophizing, personalization, control fallacy, blaming, and the dreaded “tyranny of shoulds.” Being knowledgeable about these distortions and if you are in the moment being a victim of them, is practicing mindfulness. Of course, taking appropriate action thereafter, is critical.

6. Have a daily or weekly regime for negative thought or emotion time. This is giving yourself permission to temporarily think or feel the negative thought or emotion, but stick to a reasonable short time limit. And writing them down also helps.

7. Remember to breathe, pause and deliberately respond rather than react. When negative thoughts or emotions occur, we can either excessively ruminate over them, or react impulsively. Mindfulness teaches us to focus on our breathing, pause and wait until we’ve practiced the strategies, and then intentionally respond with appropriate action.

Perhaps you need movement or a focused activity like breath or slow actions to help you let go and just be.  Let these following ideas from Yoga International help you on your way to being mindful.  There are many, many free worksheets and activities for you, your groups and kids in how to be mindful and increase stress resiliency. (https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/mindfulness-exercises).

1-Minute Mindfulness Exercises
  • Yawn and stretch for 10 seconds every hour. Do a fake yawn if you have to. …
  • Three hugs, three big breaths exercise. …
  • Stroke your hands. …
  • Mindfully eat a raisin. …
  • Clench your fist and breathe into your fingers. …
  • STOP. …
  • Mindful breathing for one minute. …
  • Loving-kindness meditation.

If you have a few extra minutes check out this trailer and then the full movie on mindfulness, there is so much at your fingertips, the goal is just to start, mindfully.

https://youtu.be/upmYqk5LftI.

So enjoy, Be and Be Well, stay tuned for next weeks blog, hummm what might it be; breath and yoga, the magic of medicinal mushrooms, Chakras and balance or the sacred sounds of Chakras and organ systems, who knows it all might change.

Namaste, Be and Be Well, Rebecca

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Wow, we traveled, we experienced, we thrived and made it home again!

As always, I am so grateful each year for the people who trust me, sign up, resign up and take the risk of group travel here and abroad.  You just never know, but Holistic Journeys has some pretty good insights about selecting participants, providing exciting, uniquely special yet relaxing opportunities in adventure culture and personal growth and wellness.  We have a great track record of selecting amazing sites that meet everyone’s dreams and goals; as you can tell by our list of  returning customers, stories,  photographs and smiles!

2020 Birds, Botanicals and Tropical Adventures was another grand success.  11 amazing folks from around Ohio and my assistant,  Stefan Gleissberg,   ‘birder extraordinaire’ formed our 2020 Holistic Journey’s group.  We explored the nature and diversity at three very amazing venues in Costa Rica; OTS-La Selva, Monte Verde and Finca Luna Nueva! Everyone was thrilled with the accommodations, the guides, the incredible  tropical beauty, birds, wildlife and a change to just relax and take it all in with plenty of time for quiet walks, yoga, swimming and Ahhhhh…

We all met at the International airport just outside of San Jose on Feb. 22nd and returned home (most of us on March 2nd, others on March 6th).   Yes, this was just as the world was waking up to COVID-19 and we all reentered the States with little problems and were soon distancing and self-isolating as did the rest of the world but memories, photographs and funny tales have kept us united  and in good spirits as we, you got it, plan for next year.

Holistic Journeys is  planning (if all goes well on the global health front) to return to Belize in late February early March of 2020. This destination is by request of rerunning participants  and  is of course one of my favorite places to share and explore… you know It’s Betta in Belize!  The lovely people of these quaint country and our host venues are preparing to provide a safe and exciting  want and rely on our tourism.  I have traveled and lived throughout Central America so often, I almost feel as at home there as in Ohio.  But safety of all, home and abroad will dictate final dates and destinations. By request, if all goes well,  Holistic Journeys will  be returning to Belize to explore the  mystery of the Maya archaeological sites (I never tire of experiencing the sacred space and spatial depth of these  wonders along with of course a focus on birds, herbs, wildlife, culture and cultural cuisine.  Oh never fear, of course the reef, Oh yes, the reef at Southwater Caye. If you haven’t been there this is a must!  Not just the sheer magic of the turquoise water, reef fauna and aviafauna, but the exceptional guides and hosts of International Zoological Expeditions (IZE). My last group almost wouldn’t leave,  they were hiding from Barbara and Captain Loyd we our departure time drew near!

Let the following testimonials tantalize you with trip highlights and get you excited about exploring other cultures, breaking boundaries and exploring aspects of ourselves in a unique, safe, incredible venues.

Just say Yes, and I will reserve a spot for you. This trip is limited to 12 total participants and we have 6 interested already so reserve your spot for this unique eco- adventure! Remember, it’s Betta in Belize!

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Holistic Journeys, 2019 UnBelizable Adventure

A Grand Success; You Betta Belize it!

Holistic Journeys 2019 was an UnBelizable adventure.  We had an incredible time last winter as 12 adventuresome individuals joined Holistic Journeys for 12 days exploring, rain forests, archaeological sites, rivers, reefs, wellness, art expression!

Our adventure began at Crystal Paradise, a Belizean owned eco-hotel near the village of Crystal Rey on the Mcal River. Those folks really know how to make a group feel welcome. The food, the conviviality, the family and the guides were exceptional!    I think every member, of my group, birder or not, fell under the birding spell and smile of Eric a member of the family and one of the lead bird and eco-guides at Crystal Paradise.

We took in the magic and history of Caracal in the Mountain Pine Ridge and enjoyed a cool dip in Rio On pools and a walk-a-bout in Rio Frio cave, a beautiful cave in a mature gallery forest.

Other adventures close to the western town of San Ignacio  included a visit to the market, a paddle down river the Macal river and an tour about the Botanical Gardens, lead by one of my past San Pedro Columbia village friends, Miss Abidas Ash.

Abidas grew up in the Southern village of San Pedro Columbia and was a neighbor of BARC, Belize Agroforestry Research Station, a permaculture endeavor run by many Athenians  up until about 2008.

Abidas has  grown up to be amazing birder and conservationist, thank you Ms. Abidas, the group loved you and loved the coffee and cacao your mother sent from the village.  You couldn’t ask for better neighbors. 

We then transferred to the village of Crooked Tree, via lunch and a tour about the Best Little Zoo in Belize.  I love that zoo and the work that Sharon Matalto and others have done to save animals and educate the population about the importance of conservation and living with wild creatures.

The Bird’seye View is a lovely  hotel, perched only meters from the lagoon, it is comfortable respite for the tropical heat and offers incredible views, vistas and sounds, it’s almost surreal. It’s incredible to see the number of birds, hear the sounds and tour the many backwater inlets.  We took time to tour the community of Crooked tree and its Cultural museum as well as the Audubon Center and surrounding trails.  This is one of the last authentic Creole communities boasting  a rich historical

tie to  the settlement of Belize.  a sunset tour of the pine ridge near crooked tree added even more birds to our growing list as did the our visit to nearby Altun Ha  Maya archaeological site.  What a  birders paradise.

Our last but by far not least accommodation was IZE on  Southwater Caye! Just incredible! Incredible…Birding, Birthdays, Sunrise, Sunsets, Snorkeling, Yoga and Creative Art Expressions! I can’t express enough gratitude to the staff and director of IZE for their exceptional hospitality and to their attention to detail and safety.

I so, so, so will miss their delicious meals, all made with love and a Caribbean flare and Oh yes, yoga on the most exquisite dock in the Caribbean!

Its always hard to end a trip and begin to plan for the next year. It takes time, risk, worry and excitement but it is so wonderful to share quality time with quality, caring people! I have to say heartfelt thanks to each and every participant and hope they will again join Holistic Journeys as we discover Nature’s many blessings and our nature as we slow down, take risks  and enjoy!

So, I hope to see you in 2020 when we return to Costa Rica for Birds, Botanicals and Nature Adventures, February 21st – March 2nd!

Until next year, safe travels, Rebecca

 

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Holistic Journeys 2020 return to Costa Rica

It’s Time to Take Time

 

Birds, Botanicals and Tropical Adventures February 21-March 2 2020

It’s time to plan your winter Eco-wellness Adventure and Holistic Journeys has a special one this year. Created particularly for you bird and wildlife enthusiasts, but as always, light eco-adventure, wellness and mindfulness sessions  are always included.  Don’t forget  about immersion into local culture, food and fun.  So, escape the winter blues and join us February 21st  to March 2nd. Early bird price $1,950.00 to $2,225.00 (depending upon numbers)  due by October 15th, 2020.

Click here to learn about the full experience and join in the adventure.

Click here to view the full Costa Rica 2020 Itinerary