Incredible India, abbreviated

Happy New Year! I had the fortunate opportunity to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to India over the holidays and new year. It’s taken me some time to write about the trip, and I suppose perhaps I put it off because I needed adequate time to reflect on the experience, perhaps I was fearful that my words would in no way describe the trip in its most beautiful expression or perhaps 2014 came and “real life” just got in the way. Whatever the excuse, I did want to document some highlights from the 15 days I spent in one of the most magical, sacred, crazy and unpredictable places I have ever been….

The premise of taking the trip was to have the opportunity to participate in the Sacred Temple Vinyasa Retreat in the rural south of India with Janet Stone and Hareesh Wallis. However, since I had a few days off over Christmas before the group trip began, I ventured first by myself to the North to explore the infamous capital city, Delhi, and some tourist attractions nearby….

My flight landed at night, and I have to say, after a grueling nearly 2 days of travel, it was probably best that I went straight to the hotel for some rest before I could digest where I had actually landed.  My first morning, I was to meet a guide for a city tour mid-morning, but after meeting another friendly solo traveler at breakfast, we ventured out to the streets for a walk first. Everyone who has been to India tries to prepare you for what it is like, but I will tell you, I can’t describe it. I could tell you that I walked around the city with a heavy feeling in my stomach, guilty to make eye contact with the crowds of people, especially young children, living on top of garbage in the streets because clearly I had so much and they had so little.  I could also tell you the energy of the city is always alive, full of color and smells and flavors and heat. I could even tell you that hands down I have never experienced traffic and organized chaos like driving the streets of Delhi. However, nothing I would tell you would prepare you for your own experience, because India is so unique and has a certain power that seems to connect differently within each visitor.  My time in the North was mostly full of touristy stops; visiting Old Delhi, local shops, a trip to Agra for a view of that very famous wonder of the worldJ and a trip to Jaipur to take in the sites of the pink city and the Amber Fort. A few photos to share of some highlights:

 

Old Delhi views behind

vendors in Old Delhi

The wonder that is The Taj Mahal

exquisite palaces

views of Agra Fort

one of the many delicious meals

Following the hustle bustle of the north, I hopped a short plane ride to the city of Bangalore in the south where I had the opportunity to meet the other 35 seekers who would share the next 10-day pilgrimage with me. Guided by the most exquisite, beautiful and authentic teachers, Janet and Hareesh, I never dreamed of the experience that would unfold in this short time together. I really can’t put into words everything we “did” on the journey because so much of the experience was not necessarily an action or a place we saw, but rather a life lesson, a self-awareness teaching, an internal shift, a bond of friendship, a sacred ritual, a personal experience. I will sum it up that we did have the opportunity to practice yoga as a community, visit several spectacular, sacred temples and sites, relax among the rural backdrop of southern India, eat…and eat again, learn from each other and our teachers and welcome a new year, on a mountaintop as a satsung while the sun set on the past one. One thing that stood out to me thoughout the trip was the spirit of people. How they honor their tradition and how, even thought they seem to have so little, there is such happiness. It really allows one to evaluate life's important moments, people and actions and open the heart with gratitude and love. Truly a remarkable, life-changing trip and I am so thankful for the new friends, kindred spirits and our teachers who led us on this sacred journey. A few pictures of some highlights to capture the pilgrimage.

 

temple visit

footprints of Vishnu

the light peeking through the temple is magical 

exquisite carvings 

my man Ganesh

new friends

the teachers that inspire us

beautiful pooja ceremony

so lucky for my roomie and new friend

all smiles

sunrise at the Hanuman temple

sun set on 2013

sun set yoga

Yoga Bhaktas

gratitude

A trip to India was an intention I set forth as I approached my 30^th year, and I am so grateful for the experience. I know that the seeds have been planted and now there is so much more to discover. Wishing friends and family around the world a happy and healthy new year! with light and love, Namaste

Reflections and Gratitude, 2013

As I packed up my backpack tonight in anticipation of my departure to India this weekend, I stopped for a few seconds to take in the present moment. The smell of the worn backpack, the crispness of the new journal, the checklist of chicken scratch beside me. It was just nearly 1 year ago that I stuffed the same pack before departing on a yet-to-be-determined length of stay in South America. As the year comes to a close I can't help but reflect on what amazing experiences 2013 has brought me and I really just wanted to write some thoughts here to express my gratitude for the last 12 months of my life.

I am grateful to experience Christmas in Buenos Aires, to take in the gritty, yet absurdly picturesque streets of the city, to sip fine wine and eat delicious food. To travel on to the beaches of Uruguay and soak in the sun, to meet the dawn of the new year after an epic fiesta. To wander through Patagonia and take in some of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. To challenge myself physically trekking through mountains and glaciers and reward myself with new friends and memorable times. To find a new home in Santiago. To begin to teach yoga. To work and play and live in a foreign city and country, yet not feel strange and alone. To make lifelong friends and learn a new language. To find new adventures in Ecuador, surfing the coast, exploring the bustling capital city, rafting through rapids, hiking for hours on end and blissfully taking in the heat of the sun on horseback. To drift north to Colombia sharing travel experiences with new and old friends, sleeping in hammocks, dancing on the beach until sunrise, hiking through remote jungle and coastline and taking in the history of one of the most beautiful capital cities I have seen. To return to the United States and slip back into the warmth of family and friends. To experience the summer coast to coast in the US. To celebrate momentous occasions. To challenge myself to figure out what's next. To make the move to Austin. To start a new job. To begin a new chapter. What a ride......

If 2014 brings me even half as much joy as this past year, I will consider myself a lucky girl. Happy New Year to my family and friends around the world. More experiences to share after I return from India.

Cheers!
Cara

Namaste Series: I'm Teaching

So the hard work and challenge of Yoga teacher training came to a close upon leaving Austin, TX, and I have to admit, I had a strong mix of emotions at the conclusion. I was sad not to have our close group training sessions, I was anxious at the prospect of leading my own classes and I was uncertain as to what the next step in my yoga life would even be with this experience under my belt.

Upon arriving in Santiago, of course I scouted out local yoga classes for my own personal practice. After discovering there were virtually no classes to be found in the city in English (thank god for YogaGlo), I started trying various styles at local studios in Spanish. After a visit to a class at my favorite vegetarian restaurant, El Huerto, I met with the teacher who told me he was in need of some extra help during the week due to his shift in schedule. Que Suerte! I thought, how lucky to find an opportunity to begin my yoga teaching career. After a test run of teaching the teachers, I was hired for Mon/Wed night classes, with the intention of teaching in English while incorporating as much Spanish as I could. And that's when it sunk in….holy Sh*t!  What am I doing? I don't know if I'll be a good teacher? What if I mess up? I don't even know how to speak fluently in Spanish, how can I teach in another language? thoughts, nerves, anxious worrying swirled around for a bit, until I came to terms with my options. I could be scared, say no and go on about my day. Or I could be brave, face my fears and jump in.

It's hard as a beginning teacher to think about the teachers you respect and learn from and try and picture yourself at that level. And I finally convinced myself to realize that I'm not at that level yet, and hopefully I can be one day, and that every teacher had to have a first class. So with that intention, I started the journey of creating my own yoga community in Santiago.

Now, 6 weeks later, I am amazed at how enriched this experience has been for me and, I hope, for my new students. I have grown in confidence, I am taking risks in the studio and I am making new friends along the way. This opportunity has allowed me to aspire to grow my own yoga community, and specifically English speaking yoga community, here in Santiago. I've created a page for us to collaborate on this adventure, so share the love and give it a like! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Community-Yoga-Santiago/101018096757664?fref=ts

I'm looking forward to the journey ahead in my yoga career. I can only my own positive intentions, spirit and challenges are impacting my students each time they step on their mat. Namaste.

A Life Abroad

View of the city from my Providencia apt

I apologize for the absence of posts for more than a few weeks now…Unfortunately, life tends to get in the way of some of our extracurricular hobbies and it has certainly been a busy one for me as of late.
But now, after beginning to find a balance and routine, I have finally begun to feel a bit more settled in a new life abroad.



Backtracking a few weeks, I was so privileged to be part of the Wanderlust Chile festival in mid- February.  3 days filled with yoga, music, nature and community in the beauty of Termas de Chillan (in the South of Chile). The yoga was blissful, the music vivacious and the energy contagious and, fortunately for me, I made some very dear friends from the experience.

Wanderlust Chile

In addition to new friends, I had the opportunity to experience a traditional Temazcal ceremony during the festival. Temazcal in Spanish refers to the small enclosed structure where hot stones are introduced, over which is poured an infusion of medicinal plants and water to produce steam. This creates a type of "sweat lodge" or sauna in which people are gathered inside for a ceremony led by a spiritual guide who uses chants, visualizations and meditation exercises among other tactics that serve to guide the emotions and group dynamics. The Temazcal is recognized as a place of ritual ceremony that improves the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual being.  Percussion instruments and songs help participants release and express emotions, while assisting in the focus of the true purpose; connecting with mother nature. I am fascinated with learning about new spiritual activities and, this one in particular, was so impactful for its ability to open my heart, connect with the energy of the people around me and connect with mother nature. A few weeks later in Santiago, we were able to reunite with a Temazcal in Cajon del Maipo. I feel very lucky that I have been able to take part in this ritual both times amongst the majestic beauty of mountains and greenery.

Temazcal in Cajon del Maipo

Also in February, I had a wonderful visit with my mom who traveled over from the States. We spent two jam packed weeks touring Santiago, enjoying very fine cuisine, escaping to the Atacama desert for the weekend and relaxing along the coast in Valparaiso. It was so special to share my Chilean life with family from home and have a familiar face around. Definitely bittersweet to say goodbye at the end, but I have the excitement of looking forward to another family visit from my sister very soon.

Me and mom in Valparaiso

Now, back in Santiago and finding my groove, I have spent the last few weeks balancing a full time job with meeting new friends, taking advantage of the still-summer weather with outdoor runs and al fresco dining, teaching and practicing yoga (more on that later), planning some upcoming travel and even filming a commercial that will run in the USA in the spring!

Summer nights in the city

So it seems, the gypsy has found a state of being, staying in one place and creating a "normal life" at least for the moment….

My bags are packed…I'm (kind of) ready to go...

What a whirlwind few months it has been. Just as I had started to find a groove in the great city of Austin, Texas, I was swept up in changes again as I headed back to Chicago to pack up for the next journey ahead. It was truly bittersweet to leave Austin. Aside from the warm weather and the fun I was having living with my sister, I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training with the most special group of people and wonderful teacher. It was certainly a life-changing experience and one that I know will lead to life-long friends and a different sense of self as I take the intro to yoga studies I have learned on to the next chapter.

Although it felt a little like my time in Austin was cut short, I believe I will return and each time I feel apprehensive to move on to something unknown, I continually come back to a quote I heard at a speaking engagement a couple of years ago: "comfort and change will never coexist."   Now, I don't believe that one should constantly be running away from life, but rather continually put forth challenges and new opportunities that allow you to seize every moment. So, that's what I am going to do.

My next journey begins (tomorrow) with a one-way ticket to the Southern Hemisphere. I plan to be based in Santiago, Chile (employment and volunteer opportunities tbd), but first a little vacation over the holidays with some friends in Buenos Aires and Punta del Este, followed by some personal time backpacking through Patagonia. I've chosen Chile for a variety of reasons including the economic and political stability of the country as well as the opportunities that exist in areas I'm interested in, I am eager to keep everyone abreast of what the future holds for me there.

With the changes in my life and the changes of the season (we are entering a new age after all) I'm feeling a bit of organized chaos... But such is life and I am excited to enter into the Aquarian age and the new year with a new adventure and new perspective.

I'll be continuing the blog updates along the way so stay tuned for what becomes.  To all my family and friends around the world, wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season and sending love and joy as we enter 2013.

Un Beso Grande,
Cara

Couch Surfing in the U.S.A

So it's officially been just over 2 months since I permanently came back to US soil, and yet I still have managed to be in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Toronto and Austin, Texas in that time. I guess once a traveler, always a traveler and I certainly can't sit still for too long. The only bad part of this ongoing nomadic lifestyle…I don't really have an answer when people ask me where I live.

In Chicago, I'm lucky enough to have my mom with our house where the majority of my "things" still reside, and I even have my high school bedroom relatively in tact! Although, not sure how proud it is for parents to have their late-20's daughters moving back home, not to mention it isn't exactly why I decided to venture out on this adventure in the first place….so I moved on.

In New York, I was working with my old PR team on some projects. This was great to get back a taste of the corporate life, realize it might not be for me right now, but still get to see some of my favorite people in the world. My cousin and her fiance were gracious enough to host me on their pullout sofa during this time. I am so thankful for family, who I can also call friends, who will open their doors to a homeless post-backpacker and even provide a bed and closet on top of that! But that couldn't last forever...

So after New York, I came to Austin, Texas, where my sister has currently taken up a new life, and where I happily moved my computer, books and a suitcase into her den complete with the pull-out sofa from my NYC apartment. Here is where I'll call home for the next few months as I obtain my TESL certification, complete my 200 hour Yoga Alliance teacher training certification, work on my personal digital strategy consulting expertise and try and study for the GRE test in November.

All of these projects and ideas leading up to…what exactly? I haven't quite figured it all out, but I have decided to return to South America (Santiago, Chile to be exact) in December. For how long? I bought a one-way ticket, so we'll see where the Chilean winds blows...Perhaps I will find a place to call my home soon enough.

Namaste Series: deepening Ashtanga practice in Thailand

During my practice of yoga in the last 6 years or so, I have found teachers I have been drawn to and types of classes that suit me best. Personally, I like a challenge, so getting sweaty and utilizing the class as a workout is definitely a plus. On the other hand, one of the reasons I grew to love yoga is because of its inherent relaxation properties and meditation work. The ideal for me is to find a challenging, invigorating class with an energetic and helpful teacher. Ashtanga yoga, in simple terms is a set series of yoga popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois and directly responsible for the western craze of "power yoga." Typically, the class is 90 minutes to 2 hours and quite challenging involving a majority of vinyasa flow and deep asanas. I had never specifically practiced at an ashtanga class, however, many of the studios I have attended over the years adopt a modified version and I was always interested in learning about this style in greater detail. When I came to Chiang Mai, and met up with some old friends from home, they could not stop talking about this intense ashtanga class at a nearby studio, Wild Rose, with a kick-ass instructor.  I was totally sold and had to check it out. The 2+ hour session certainly did not disappoint. The instructor, Vari (a former New Yorker), had both the skills to teach for all levels as well as the positive energy and words to motivate all the students. His class was a modified version of the exact Ashtanga series from India, however, I definitely noticed differences from previous classes and was very happy to take on a new challenge. One of my favorite parts of Chiang Mai is the laid-back, community atmosphere and Wild Rose Yoga certainly fits right into this. Following the intense class, everyone was on a serious high and hung around together for fresh juices at the restaurant next door. An ideal afternoon if I've ever experienced one. I can certainly see how one might come to Chiang Mai and stay for awhile….Namaste.

Namaste Series: Zen Yoga, Nica Yoga

During my stay in Nicaragua, I had the pleasure of practicing at two different, but equally special, spaces. Zen Yoga is located in the center of town in San Juan Del Sur. They offer daily classes, multiple times a day very similar to an American style studio. The space is peaceful and calm and is run by ex-pats so most students seem to be travelers or local "gringos." The first class I took here was a fairly standard vinyasa flow led by Kristin, an American originally from Philly who has lived here permanently for about a month. She led the class of 8 students (a mix of Australian, American and British men and women) through an hour of challenging poses and flows. Kristin spoke about the Sanskrit terms which translate to Strength and Surrender and how it´s important to find the balance between these two forces both in our practice and in our everyday life. I really connected with these thoughts as I view part of my journey as the discovery of how I can better let go and accept what is around me, while still pushing forward, showing strength and taking a clear direction. The yoga palapa was open on 3 sides lending itself to a gentle breeze in the afternoon heat as well as a view of the rooftops of town and the mountains beyond. If I lived here, I would probably practice at Zen Yoga daily.

The second space I took a class at was a retreat center just out of town called Nica Yoga. Nica Yoga is a yoga resort and studio with a wonderful yoga palapa overlooking the residences on the property and the beautiful saline pool. This class was also led by Kristin, the teachers in town tend to bounce from one studio to another. Since it was a morning class, she slowed things down a bit which was perfect for waking the body up. These past few days have been perfectly hot and sunny, but there is definitely a strong breeze which was blowing mats and items around quite a bit. I can´t complain though as the wind felt amazing! The best part of the class was probably when the roosters started squawking at the end of our shavasana, it was like as if they knew they were supposed to wake us up..only in Nicaragua.

 Namaste.

Namaste Series: flowing over the ocean

My next yoga practice I'd like to include in the namaste series also took place in Belize, but this time over the ocean at a spectacular property, Ak'Bol Yoga Retreat and Eco Resort about a mile north of our hotel on Ambergris Caye near the town of San Pedro. I definitely recommend checking out their website for information on upcoming retreats. My sister and I had seen this beautiful property while taking a water taxi into town and inquired right away about community classes. Luckily for us, they offered a morning class every weekday at 9am so we set out on our last full day in Belize to experience it for ourselves. Although I personally enjoy a little humidity and heat while practicing yoga, I have to admit it was quite breathtaking to practice while listening to the waves softly hit the shore and the breeze blow calmly across the palapa. The picture-perfect weather, combined with an energetic community of yogis and a well-traveled instructor proved to be one of my favorite experiences on this vacation and one of my favorite yoga classes I've ever participated in. Namaste.
Note: the image above is taken from the Ak'Bol website, as we didn't have our camera with us that morning.

Namaste Series: zen in the jungle

Since deepening my yoga experience is one thing I would like to accomplish through this journey, I wanted to create a series of posts discussing my various yoga practices around the world. The first experience of the namaste series took place on the palapa at Black Rodge Lodge in the Belize jungle. Although the practice was self-led, involving the basic sun salutations and warrior poses to the tunes of MC Yogi, nothing beats looking out into the vast jungle while the body easily flows in the temperate, humid air.   I look forward to continued shavasanas around the world and sharing these experiences. Namaste.