30 Days in Costa Rica: Post-Journey Reflections and Reintegration

Home after an extended adventure in Costa Rica with my daughter and wearing more clothing than I have in the last 30 days, I am slowly reintegrating, and reflecting on my journey and what I have learned.

I prefer the noises of the jungle to the noise in my head

Over the past 30 days, I noticed the chatter in my head reducing, replaced with the full immersion in the sounds and rhythms of the world around me.  The jungle is a symphony of music and sound.  Dropping in helped me slow down, develop a quietness of mind, a greater sense of peace, and remember my voice.  The fear of not enough, releasing into trust in the journey.   Stateside, my new meditation, breath work, and journal practices help me quiet the noise that wants to creep back in.

What practices do you have in place to quiet your internal chatter?

As I return to home and hearth, and all of the objects that lie within, I realize that this is all noise and distraction too

We traveled with our carry ons and a backpack each.  Staying with friends, family, in hotels, and on retreat.  While there were things I wish we had with us (like rain gear in Monteverde maybe) or things I wish we’d left behind (my non-waterproof jacket, and some of my other clothing), I enjoyed moving around with lightness and felt less distracted by material things. 

We delighted when a delicious or beautiful something or someone came our way at just the right time: warm and welcoming smiles, a jungle symphony, the scent of rose or lavender essential oil, mangoes from the tree, a good cup of coffee, hand-made artisan chocolate, a delicious meal, a delicious fruit smoothie made from fruits of the land, new wonderful friends and sisters, animal medicine. 

Traveling this way always reminds me how little we actually need to be happy and enriched.  Returning, I am ready to clear and to shed material things with less attachment to create more space for experiences. 

What can you release to create space for new energy and experience?

Music is My Medicine, My Voice is My Power

My voice and power are returning.  I am here to create and I have much to share and give.

During my incredible women’s retreat, as we released, created and healed with our breath, our sweat, our laughter, and our powerful voices, held in a supportive cocoon of sisterhood, my own voice began to emerge. And a song began to play in my head on repeat, the lyrics calling me to remember, like a mantra.  The song is not my own, it belongs to Nahko and Medicine for the People, but these lyrics spoke to me:   

They sang don’t waste your hate

Rather gather and create

Be of service

Be a sensible person

Use your words and don’t be nervous

You can do this, you’ve got purpose

Find your medicine and use it

Nahko and Medicine for the People

What is your medicine?

My Family Has Expanded 

I have new sisters to hold me up, cheer me on, and I will always do the same for them.  Friends, our community is so important.  The people we choose to keep in our circle, to trust, to co-create with, and to dance through life with can be such a powerful source of medicine, joy, support, and love. 

Choose your circle wisely.

My Vision Is Returning

Slowly, but surely, I am beginning to visualize the life I want to create and developing the courage and mindset to walk the path.  New vision, manifesting new creations.  As I drop back into the rhythm of home life, I am using some of the tools I’ve learned and remembered on my trip.  Dropping in for a morning ritual that’s just for me helps me ground, set intentions, create, and walk with more grace and confidence during my day.  I am consciously rewiring my brain to positivity, gratitude, and possibility.  

What practices do you have in place to gain clarity of vision and raise your vibration?

I Am Remembering 

My worth, my power, my beauty, my light.  

You have it too, dear ones. It’s time to remember.

Sometimes we need to step up to the edge of our comfort zone, stand on the ledge, and jump into the abyss of the adventure to find our way.  

Gratitude is a Beautiful, Powerful Practice

During our retreat, I reignited a practice of daily gratitude journaling and this time, it has stayed with me. It’s one of the rituals I look forward to every morning, and I’ve integrated it into my daughter’s daily writing as well.

Thank you Kimberly, my soul sister and dear friend, for encouraging me to take the leap and invest in the Mermaid Sisterhood Retreat.

Thank you to Michael for making it possible to get the much needed time to step into my power by taking care of my sweet Ayla. And to both Kimberly and Michael for hosting us in their new abode while they were still integrating to life in the jungle!

Thank you to Emily Periera, Mermaid and Goddess extraordinaire for creating the Mermaid Sisterhood Retreat which was such a beautiful container for us.

Thank you to ALL my fellow mermaid sisters for sharing the womb of healing and creativity that our retreat was with me. Every single Mermaid brought wisdom, talent, and light to our retreat and it was magic!

And thank you to Myself for the bravely stepping off the ledge and investing in my own well-being and growth.  

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Gratitude is Power

What are some ways YOU have stepped out and created space for yourself to remember, heal, reclaim your voice, or walk your path more authentically?  

Live Well,

Z