Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The day of good-bye (but Kandy plans to return).
I awoke at 3:30 am, grabbed a blanket from my bed and stepped outside. As I stared up, I thought about my husband, who would have loved to be with me right now, looking at this magnificent sky. The half moon had a iridescent ring around it and the stars kept my gaze for a very long time. The volcano spoke volumes as the waves lapped. Our exit chat with the manager, Sharon, told us that reentry can be difficult but it doesn't have to be. "Remember, whatever you experienced and learned you take back to everyone you know and it changes them, too," she said. Owner Windyln encouraged us to stay partially connected in Villa Sumaya for three days. Continue in your practices to let the time sink in - prayer and meditation, reflection, gratitude …
Monday, February 4, 2013
Space, the final element.
I awoke feeling human. What a relief! Though I had only a handful of calories in the past few days I felt good enough to try yoga. How did I manage a headstand at the culmination of our practice? I felt the space it created in my body and it felt wonderful. I thanked God. What I was able to eat of breakfast tasted like manna from heaven. One of the best feelings in the world is the first day back after you have hit bottom. Everyone was so happy for me. This group of women have been the most supportive I've been around in a long time. It's funny that very few of us knew each other before we came. We have heard from many of the staff here, administrative and therapeutic, that our group has been the most incredible group they can remember…
Sunday, February 3, 2013
On the road to recovery.
Interesting enough the wind really picked up over the lake. It must have heard us talking about it. I stayed in bed and missed the balancing asanas but joined the group for breakfast. I was thrilled to get a piece of toast to stay down. Later I was given a shot glass of a garlic, ginger and lemon juice concoction to further my intestinal healing. No shopping trip to San Pedro for me. Fever finally broke but can't stay away from a bathroom for very long and the boat ride across the lake wouldn't help my condition a bit. I'm sad but they have left me in good hands. Krsytlyn, the henna tattoo artist, has given everyone a tattoo but me so I decided this was the day to succumb. She is from Valdosta, Georgia, of all places. Her grandmother was…
Friday, February 1, 2013
Being sick in another country isn't fun, but here, it's tolerable.
I started Day 5 feeling like I had kicked the crud, but I was not in a hurry to eat anything. They had me drinking Jacaranda tea and eating kitcherie soup at breakfast and lunch. My early morning yoga practice didn't last long. I practiced a few poses then went straight to child's pose. Our teacher didn't miss a beat. She continued teaching the rest of the class but squatted next to me massaging my temples and the back of my neck with essential oil. My headache went away. Diana, described as a Clairvoyant, gave me a two hour aura reading. She let me record her on my IPAD because there is no way I could remember all that she told me. After lunch I had an incredible facial in the Buddha Hut by the lake. As the waves lapped against the …
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Day 3 celebrated the Gift of Water.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Kandy Duke
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Wednesday, January 30
I began my third day with another 7am invigorating yoga practice in the temple. Our instructor led us in several rounds of the moon salutation. We are studying what are called the Five Elements and this day was dedicated to the Water Element. After a pancake and fruit breakfast, a few of us kayaked into the open water, heading towards the infamous volcano. What a great way to celebrate the gift of water. We didn't make it to the other side of he lake, but just knowing that somewhere close is the underwater city of Samabaj was enough to complete my trip. I've read that researchers believe the area was once an island until a volcanic eruption raised water levels. They have found ceremonial monuments and altars and believe that this area …
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Kandy enjoys the happenings in her yoga center.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Kandy Duke
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Tuesday, January 29
Day 2 of my adventure began with a 7 am energetic yoga practice. What an amazing view out the temple windows! We gazed at the lake and mountains in the distance while moving through sun salutations. Each meal has gotten better than the meal before. I could definitely live as a vegetarian in this place. Villa Sumaya is known for the array of body workers they have on staff. Of course, I had to be the first in our party to try the most esoteric one listed. Why not? I always figure I can take what makes sense and leave the rest. So, after lunch I met Linda in the Ganesh Healing Hut for a Shamanic session. She passes a free range chicken egg over the body and then breaks the egg into a glass of water. With this technique, Linda interprets…
Julie Crowe
1:05 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
uggggh, feel better!!! more ›