Meditating at the Parthenon in Greece

Greetings dear friends!

I must share with you my recent travels to the amazing country of Greece. I was so excited to go on my yoga adventure and immerse myself in another country, this trip far exceeded my expectations in so many ways.

Traveling takes you to lands you are not familiar, with customs, foods, and language that either excite or frighten you. I learned early in my youth that travel for me was a natural high. My longing for faraway lands is always fueled when I travel to any destination!

A quote from my travel buddy, “Observations of Greece: the weather is exquisite, the espresso is soo good, the desert is not sherbert but a 40 proof grape liqueur, the people are lovely & the men are gorgeous, body proximity is close, smoking is everywhere, the architecture is old and beautiful, the food is very flavorful and fresh, the sunsets magical, and I’m in heaven.” This was her observation and mine after only 1 day! So the rest of the 13 days was continued excitement, wonder, and love!

The yoga retreat on the Island of Crete was spiritual, special beyond words, and the friendships made will last a lifetime! My travels continued to the Island of Santorini, and a stop in Athens!

I realize and appreciate the gift that I was given, to take this opportunity to be alone and be with my thoughts in such a lovely setting. But, the alone time could have taken place on a hike by my condo, just a few miles away.

Solitude gives us time to be with ourselves. Learning to be comfortable alone affords us the opportunity to discover our very best friend… ourselves. You realize you are never really alone. In this space, I often find my self talk. Sometimes, it’s positive, sometimes it’s negative. Always practice compassion with yourself. I am continuously trying to listen to that little voice in my head or is it in my heart? I realize that my head holds my logic and life experiences. My heart holds my passions and desires. The trick is to have them in sync. This is so much easier said than done. But the heart speaks in such a soft, quite voice that it’s often hard to hear. But, it does talk and it can surface as a strong, undeniable feeling, a visceral reaction, a chill up your spine, or even goosebumps. But, you feel it, you often can’t explain it, but it’s there. Be open to your heart. This is our inner voice, our soul. Part of my trip was solo. So I had many opportunities to listen, reflect, and meditate. It is often in times spent alone, you find the clarity, peace, and joy you seek…..

When I travel, I also pay attention to my instinct. This is one of our super powers that we often ignore. But the more we tune in to this sense, the more it is refined. Traveling solo can help you practice using this sense. Yes, you can still buy the wrong bus ticket, even after pointing to your destination. But it’s your instinct that says, “Hey, check that ticket again, even though, you can’t read the language, you know something is a little off.” It’s your instinct that says, hmmmm, “I think it’s this street, not that one.” And yes, it can be wrong, but keep listening and the more you use it, the more it is right.

While I loved and so appreciated my alone time, the people I met along my travels are permanent treasures in my heart. When you travel to faraway lands or just down the street, you will meet many along your path. When your heart is open to people, experiences, and love…others feel it, and open themselves to you. When you look at the world with eyes and a heart wide open, an abundance of love and people meet you along the way. From beautiful shop owners in Chania to handsome new friends on the plane ride home! Everywhere I traveled, I connected to people and to their energy. It was truly magical. The people of Greece radiated with love and understanding. It was such an honor to be with them and share their culture.

Travel is truly a gift. An education. A chance to explore new lands and new people. A chance to expand your world view and realize the universe is small. We are all part of a greater family.  In the end, we are all just longing for the same…. connection and love. This is what binds us together. Underneath our outside appearances, beliefs, and cultures, we are one. We are not much different from one another, in fact, you will often see yourself in others. We are always in tune with one another in a web of energy that transcends continents.

The magical memories of Greece

Be enchanted with everyone you meet along your journey! Value your time spent alone. Live with a heart wide open and begin to listen to your instincts…

I’d like to leave you with this quote from Mark Twain:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So… sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Learn to live with the Spirit of Travel everyday…..

Be well dear friends, love and light to you always….

Namaste

Cathy