Loved One,

As I write this I sit wrapped up in a blanket, watching the rain fall from my bungalow hut. I’m in the grassy north eastern lands of Cambodia, adventuring around picturesque, vibrant green hills. Lush jungle blended with pine tree forests, red clay roads and rolling clouds. It is beautiful. My trekking adventure plans have been postponed due to weather; the forecast says rain and thunderstorms all week. Not sure what that means for me yet, but either way, I am absolutely enjoying my sweet, slow life here. Basking in solitude, mixing in the gift of incredible conversations with the few people around me. Bliss.

Last we spoke I was south in Kampot, Cambodia beginning my time at a women’s only spa where I would live and work for four weeks, offering yoga to travelers and staff and teaching intentional touch and empowerment classes to a group of 8-10 young Cambodian women. I was asked to be a Teacher. I was asked to Stand Up and Share. Guide. Lead. Assist. Witness. I introduced the chakras, taught the basics of Reiki, how to do a self-treatment and hand placements for others. I guided us through chakra-based self-work activities like writing a letter to someone in your family (Root Chakra), drawing mandalas (Sacral), writing “I AM” poems (Solar Plexus). We did eye-gazing, positive affirmations, heart opening meditations, active listening. The works. It was amazing to see them absorb, be curious, skeptical, resistant, vulnerable, open, playful, loving, strong. To share and exchange life with these women in this way was special and unforgettable. The 22-year old Cambodian Spa Manager spoke nearly fluent English and was a rock-star translator, translating for hours at a time, sometimes twice a day.

During my time at the spa I was challenged, inspired and strengthened. Uplifted, grounded and thrown curveballs that took me days to check. Being in a women’s only environment was amazing, and felt totally right. To live and work in a space known as a “A Refuge for Women’s Transformation” was inspiring and powerful. There was a spa package there called Self Love. Yes. From the women who walked through the doors to pamper themselves, to the women who offered the services, to the kitchen staff, admin crew and two other volunteers – there was magic in supporting one another along the way, witnessing, reflecting and uplifting one another with love. Time at Banteay Srey was a gift.

I’m on the road again now. Soaking in the rest of what Cambodia has to teach me. Feeling humbled, peaceful, grateful, joyous. It’s not always easy showing up to a small town, alone, not speaking the language, not knowing where I’m staying, what I’m doing, or where anything is. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable and hard, sometimes it’s crazy and fun and makes me laugh. It always seems to be worth the ride and I’m continuing to relish in this journey and all it has to offer. Taking my time wherever I go. Listening, learning, reading, writing. Absorbing, reflecting, focusing. Calling upon Will, self-knowledge, Love.

Being… Becoming… Blooming…

Slowly but surely y’all, slowly but surely.
One step, one breath, one petal at a time.
One step, one breath, one petal at a time.

How is life today for you? What’s touched you? Challenged you? Changed you? I’d love to hear and share in it’s glory. It’s only appropriate I send this out on such a beautiful day: the turning of the season’s page Summer Solstice, Papa’s Day, my magical Mama’s birthday and a day that celebrates Yoga <3 What a special day in so many ways! I hope it brings you joy.

Sending hugs and love to you always. Keep trusting. Know you have a huge support team all around you – cheering you on – including me. Onward, Onward, Onward and UP!

Life flows on…

AB

Beautiful Cambodian hills

 Ellies in the forest

 Rice farms and jungle

  Clay earth & Clouds

    Curry & Journaling 💛  

The Banteay Srey Women💜