Get Comfortable...

I haven't gotten a chance to write in almost two weeks because I've been so busy, but no complaints because it's been all good things. I have lots to share, so you may want to sit down and get comfortable because I have a feeling this is going to be a long one!

First I want to tell you about my camping experience a few weekends ago, because it was really amazing! My friend Ali teaches English at the Chiang Mai University, and one of her Thai students organized a trip up to the very north of Thailand and invited us to go along. About 15 people (mainly all Thia's who spoke very little English) piled into a small truck called a saung tao for an eight hour drive into the mountains! Luckily I pulled the motion sickness card and got to sit up front with my friend Dave the entire time, but I know that my karma will come back around for all the people who squished into the back without even complaining.... Thia's really are wonderful people! We drove to Pu Chi Fa National Park which is at the very tip of Thailand on the border of Laos. But the long trip was completely worth it when we finally got out of the car to see the view! We camped out on the top of a mountain that overlooked the Mekong River and this enormous mountain range between the two countries. We watched the sunset from the mountains peak and gazed up into the most incredable starry night sky! The only down side was that it was absolutely freezing, and none of us were prepared at all! I had no idea that tropical Thailand could get so cold at night, and of course the warmest thing I brought was a light jacket. Needless to say we huddled around the camp fire (sadly, no s'mores in Thailand) and cuddled together in our tents to fall asleep! The next morning we drove another hour higher up into the mountains to hike along the side of this cliff that is well know for its incredible view, and don't think I have never seen anything so beautiful! I know we have amazing mountain ranges at home, but I've never gotten to sit on top of one of the peaks and see across the entire stretch of the Rocky Mountains. I had no idea that the mountains here where so enormous, but gazing out across the vastness of the earth was a truly humbling experience. Being with nature really takes me away from myself, and reminds me that I am just a smaller part of a much greater whole. I took pictures to share with you all when I get home, but of course they couldn't truly capture the real beauty!

Last week I took a Thai Yoga Massage course at an international training school here in Chiang Mai called ITM. I had class each day from 9-5, and going from a laid back schedule to these long days was really a big adjustment for me! I learned a lot and really enjoyed the program, but it was definitely a challenge! We started class every morning with either Chi Quong or a yoga practice, which was a really nice way to begin the day. Chi Quong is a type of slow mindful dancing, combined with martial arts and yoga. Of course I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to taking more classes during my stay here. The days were filled with lectures, demonstrations and time to practice the sequencing. Thai Yoga Massage is a beautiful combination of the intentional stretching of yoga and the energetic release of acupressure points. It originated in India thousands of years ago by a man who traveled with the Buddha as his personal physician. In Thai culture, massage is viewed as a deeply healing practice that frees us from physical pain, emotional blockages, and psychological suffering. Through this program I really have come to understand the amazing benefits of using massage as a regular practice towards health and well being. In the western culture, we often rush to get a massage after receiving an injury or illness, or when feeling stressed and close to burn out. But here it is viewed as a type of preventative step towards taking care of our mind, body and soul. Of course this really speaks to me because I am interested in a holistic approach towards overall emotional, physical and spiritual health. Since so many of the techniques are in alignment with yoga postures, I felt really comfortable working with the body and exploring the meditative side of being a massage therapist. I initially took this course to enhance my yoga teaching and also to give a little TLC to friends and family, but now I think massage may be something that I really would like to put into practice. I guess we will see what takes shape when I get back home!

Last thing I want to tell you about was the organic farm that I stayed at this past weekend, which was absolutely amazing! I went with a few friends by motorbike about an hour outside of town to the most beautiful country side, surround by tropical mountains and so much greenery. The farm is called You Sabai Home, (sabai means relax) and we stayed in this amazing tree house build from bamboo and logs! The community that lives there is very conscious about sustaining the environment and use no waste or unnatural products to support themselves. Their homes are hand made from the earth, using mud and clay for bricks, and hay for thatched roofs. Their drinking water is collected from the rain run off, and all electricity is solar powered. Although I did not stay long enough to learn much about farming, I got to help the cook prepare the most amazing meals using organic locally grown ingredients. For breakfast we would have fresh ginger tea and banana sesame smoothies; lunch and dinner would be stir fries with amazing mushrooms, cashew nuts, bamboo shoots and garlic, or huge salads filled with ripe avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, tastey red flowers, and topped with a squeeze of fresh lime! Oh, and desert was either sliced pumpkin in coconut milk or big chunks of juicy mango. Yea, it was pretty amazing! I feel like I really learned a lot about flavorful fresh cooking, and I'm looking forward to having a kitchen again when I get back home to put some of these recipes into practice. During the day I would spend hours trekking through the mountain trails, or exploring the fields which were lined with so much beautiful fruits and veggies. I taught yoga in the mornings and spent the evenings surrounded by beautiful people all gathered together to enjoy the simple pleasures of reconnecting with the earth. I feel like I tapped into a secret paradise, and plan to go back for a longer stay in January! I think there is so much more I can learn about living off of the land and appreciating the environment that so generously takes care of our every need. Such a beautiful world we live in!

I hope you are all staying warm back home in this winter season! I miss you all and send you a great big hug!

Love
April