Back Home...ThankYou Guates!!!

As I sit in my uncle's gated community in Florida it becomes apparent that I am experiences some "re-entry" shock, similar to that I suppose my students are facing. I believe that we all grew in the past month and shared an experience more genuine than most people could imagine. I never would have guessed that saying goodbye to my studnets and co-instructors would be the biggest challenge I faced on the trip (followed closely by jumping off the balcony into Lake Atitlan). I feel grateful to know that when faced with these challenges I was not alone and will not be in the future when I continue to grow from them.

For the past year I have carried around the following quote in my wallet, just as a reminder of what I wish to strive for in life, "Happiness is mostly a byproduct of doing what makes you feel fullfilled". Throughout the past month I feel as though I have found this happiness and fullfillment. What an incredible feeling to do what you are passionate about while constantly being challened and supported by an amazing group of intelligent students and genuine friends. You have all taught and given me so much, including hope for the future of our world. May your bright, positive energy shine for years to come! As you all know I am here for you anytime you need, as a member of the Dragons community, as a teacher, as a mentor, and as a friend.



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Back to Myself

Almost a month into my life post grad school I am starting to feel more back to myself, living more in the present and having time to enjoy the adventurous life that makes me so happy. A few days ago I realized that even though I am working long hours here in Guatemala, I still feel happy and content because of the kind of work it is. I am happy living out of a backpack and never knowing what the next day will bring. I feel more at peace with myself when life is simplified in this way. Yesterday it hit me that in the past month I have barely looked in a mirror at all.

The lack of mirrors high in the Sierras at orientation and in our simple homestays in Guatemala may not be directly connected with the rest of my experiences, but it does seem to play a powerful role in how I perceive them. I come from a culture that tells me what beauty is, and that it come from the outside. Although I know that this is backwards, waking up everyday and spending a moment in front of the mirror forces me to consciously or sub consciously judge myself based on what I see. The thing is though, that this reflection does not even start to show the real beauty, but rather the container that holds it.

As I wash my face and brush my teeth in the Pila here in my home in San Jose, I find myself spending that time with the real me, instead of looking at my outside features. I see myself in these moments as well as during my interactions with co-instructors, students and everyone else I meet along the way. The smiling faces, great conversations, big hugs, and moments of silence reflect the true beauty within myself and others.

It is liberating to not see mirrors at every turn tempting me to view my beauty from teh outside, because it is something I cannot change. How wonderful to forget about the reflection and focus on that which makes us what we are, that which we can control, and cultivate allowing to flourish.