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Insights from a trip back to the US & Breathwork for Email Subscribers Only.

On the third morning of our trip, and first one in Redding, my hometown in northern California, Lazlo woke to a bloody nose. He was scared as the blood was all over, and he didn’t remember the last one he had when visiting the high desert at my sister’s place in Tehachapi. The dry air was a shock to his skin. Michael and I were also sporting chapped, cracked lips despite reapplying salves hourly. It took about 10 days for our bodies to adjust to the more arid and air conditioned climate. Being in the more humid SF bay area helped some. However, Michael’s eczema was well on onto a full comeback just as we were returning home. I went through tons of my friend Allyson’s magic balm from her skincare company Emogene & Co —I highly recommend her whole line.

With the more parched climate and almost all hours indoors, we enjoyed the absence of mosquitos and the feel of a chilly morning or evening, jacket worth weather. Soft water for our showers gave our hair a break. We were also grateful for the sheer number of medical and dental appointments, ten in all, that we were able to knock out, including most importantly a clean bill of health (no cancer) for Michael. Here’s Lazlo after getting through his first adult dentist cleaning and check-up with our favorite dentist ever, Steven Adame

The hardest part about being in the US is how the consumption culture impacts our nervous system, every transaction felt like a gasp, having us stare longer at our phones, buying more out of time crunches, tipping 20%, decision after decision. Lazlo was numb with desire for all the things. Don’t get me wrong, it is a privilege to have a plethora of choices and high quality products. (I cannot get these tasty Rebbl turmeric drinks in the jungle. )

Taking our kids to Disneyland (first time for Lazlo and Harrison hadn’t been in 17 years) was a thrill. We loved screaming our heads off on rollercoasters and catching our breath on the slower rides. See the magic in those smiles.

But so much of the US daily grind of commute, consume, and cellphone screens, we don’t really need or want. What we do need is nature, a slow pace, and human connection. Here at home in Cabuya, we are back to papaya, warm rain, bike rides and walks to the beach, conversations with neighbors, and a few mosquitos. We also had a memorable reunion with our dogs who are over the moon that Harrison returned with us.

Women’s Wellness Retreat: Release + Receive

Our women’s retreat was a sweet success. The eleven women, three co-hosts, and our caterer collaborated to create an event that was deeply nourishing, healing, and creatively inspiring. Holiday Johnson hosted us at her incredible waterfront home and led us in a playful yoga session on her back lawn. Chef Erin Singer provided delicious vegan & vegetarian cuisine. Christine Falcon-Daigle set the tone with an opening blessing, intention setting circle, and closing session with moving readings, music and time for everyone to share what they received during the day. I led a Gateless writing session with meditative breathwork and energy work provided by Janine Cook. We plan to offer another in Spring 2024 and maybe a weekend long retreat as well.

Images from the Retreat

Breathwork & Gateless Writing Specials for Email Subscribers

I have now completed all of my practicum hours for graduation from Pause, but need to wait a few weeks to submit my application until I finish a certain number of weekly calls. In January, I will launch my offerings as far as revamped courses, retreats in the US and Costa Rica, and breathwork & breathwork/Gateless writing packages.

Until January I am offering discounted rates for those who subscribe to my substack or who have attended sessions/retreats with me. And, I want to work with people more than just once so they can experience the power of regular breathwork sessions over time. I won’t be publishing these prices on social media.

• 3 one-hour online breathwork sessions. $190 (in January will be $400)

• 4 one and a half hour online breathwork and Gateless Writing sessions. $320 (in January will be $600)

• 4 one and a half hour online private Gateless Writing sessions with craft talks on either memoir or poetry. $485 (in January will be $700)

Starting in January I will also offer monthly group breathwork sessions online for a low cost drop in rate of $35. These sessions will be themed by the intention (renewal, releasing anger, building trust, etc.) and paired with a specially crafted playlist.

Be well and remember celebrating life starts with having an open heart, saying yes to having fun, giving yourself credit for surviving, and knowing life has more to offer. 💜