To end my year of traveling I was presented with the opportunity to volunteer at a yoga retreat in the mountains of Sydney, Australia named, Happy Buddha. I arrived here with no expectations, but an open heart and mind for whatever the next 5 weeks would bring me. I do not think I could ever fully express in words what this place has shown me or taught me, but I wanted to give it my best shot. I have lived in a house we call “The Palace” with at least 10 other volunteers at a time & also working with the most incredible staff.
Try and imagine a house with people from every corner of the earth with a unique story of what brought them here. Imagine each different smile from everyone that could light up a room of just darkness. Imagine the presence of love and acceptance as soon as you walked through the front door. No judgment. No negativity. Just love. I am overflowing with gratitude today as I reflect on these past weeks in absolute awe. I sit here writing this not imagining these scenarios, but have actually been blessed to have lived through them.
I have laughed years worth of time. I have cried in the arms of what used to be strangers that I now can call family. I have slept under the stars with a shooting star going by every 5 minutes. I have met people for the first time, but a feeling as if I have known them a lifetime. I have danced on tables and sang so loud I lost my voice.
I have listened. I have shared.
Silence & stillness have become my friend once again.
My heart expands now to not only Australia & the States, but also New Zealand, England, Japan, France, Poland, Finland, Canada, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Vietnam, Germany, Hungary, Nepal and more.
From cooking vegan meals, to drum circles, yoga classes, reiki sessions, dance parties in the kitchen, camping in the backyard, movie nights, hiking, meditating, eye gazing– this has been one of the best months of my life.
Thank you to everyone that I have had the privilege to meet on this beautiful journey. You all have taught me more things about life, love, and myself that I will take with me forever. I will cherish these memories and carry each of you in my heart.
Until we meet again.
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
AHO
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