Energy And The Natural Beauty of Sacred Geometry

This is Part 2 of my reporting on my recent trip to the Santa Cruz Area. You can read about my spiritual adventure at a Buddhist retreat center in Part One.

Sacred Geometry has been a life-long passion of mine. My interest for what I call the Divine Design was ignited around age 10 when my aunt Roberte, a scientific researcher for the French government, created a set of custom slides for me to observe with my new microscope. The world I discovered under the enlarging lens fascinated me and I spent hours watching micro-organisms move around. The variety of shapes those amoeba, paramecia, bacteria and plant cells embodied opened up my mind to the inner workings of Life, while looking at the small intricacies of the natural world offered me a deep understanding of the inter-connectedness of all living beings.

The awareness of the Sacred Architecture of nature allows us to perceive the spiritual dimension of our physical reality. When one dives deeper into the subject and learns that there are mathematical formulas that underly all of Creation, a sense of awe and wonder takes over. In my case, this translated into an exploration that, beyond seeking to merely satisfy my curiosity, nourished my heart and provided an abundant source of creative inspiration. Sacred Geometry is truly the foundation for the visual language of all the art I generate and the reason behind my love of patterns.

Every time I find myself immersed in the natural world, I am once again the innocent child of my youth, mesmerized by the magical manifestation of the cosmic blueprint. Using the photo lens of my iPhone as a portal into the microcosmic dimension, I enter a realm where I seem to access answers to my existential ponderings, and where the beauty of the mineral and animal worlds emanates an energy that is evidence of a Divine Order. A space beyond time that I never tire of visiting, always discovering, out there, new aspects of my inner being.

A Brief Overview Of Some Sacred Geometry Shapes

Spheres and Explosions

To the Ancient Greeks, the circle and the sphere were perfect symbols of the Divine, their never ending loop representing Oneness. These shapes radiate from a center point and are very efficient as they present the least surface area for the most volume, while uniformly distributing energy. In an explosive pattern, the radiating lines provide the shortest possible flow path away from the core. A soap bubble, the petals of a flower, the tentacles of a sea anemone, stars, the cross section of a kiwi fruit, you can now observe them with new eyes.

Branching and Network

These patterns often form where fluid flows from a central point to cover a large area, or vice-versa, while moving along the shortest possible distance: trees and branches, stems and leaves and veins, river systems flowing from rain drops to streams ending in oceans, blood flow in and arteries… Distributing liquids and energy through matter or over the surface of the earth, to deliver them where needed, without deperdition in the process, this is natural intelligence at its finest.

Flowers and Spirals

Some flowers grow in the pattern of a spiral. This can be seen in the design of a blossom or the coiling of several blossoms along a common stem. A spider’s web, an agave plant, roses, the shell of a snail or the helix of a nautilus. These all reflect the process of organic growth through repetition. Spirals are also commonly observed in tendrils, horns, pineapples or the heart of a sunflower. This arrangement is nature’s way of filling space most efficiently. The magick becomes obvious when you learn that this natural pattern can always be reduced to a series of numbers called the Fibonacci Series (named after Leonardo Bonacci, "the most talented Western mathematician of the Middle Ages"). In this sequence, each number is equal to the sum of the preceding two numbers: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, etc.

The Animal Kingdom

The patterns on the fur of a fawn, the bark of a tree, a mosquito hitching a ride on the back of a banana slug, everything alive is connected to everything else. It is all made up of an invisible energy and the fractals that compose the physical world- a system that can elicit deep admiration for its perfect mastery. All manmade creations that demonstrate harmony of form and beauty of proportions are built according to natural principles of geometry, such as the Golden Section, which can be detected in the architecture of holy buildings like cathedrals.

Flow of Energy - Decay, Shadow, Reflection

You couldn’t pull a thread of the tapestry of Life without unraveling the whole divine masterpiece. The hermetic principle of As Above So Below, when applied to the observation of natural occurrences, validates this idea. The infinitesimal world is a refection the interplay of universes. The cycles of Life and Death never cease their momentum as decay constantly transforms all living matter from one state of being into the other. Noticing Light and Shadow in nature brings one back to the self and the way our own darkness is revealed by the illumination of consciousness. Stillness of the mind allows us to pay attention to what truly is, and become able to discern material illusion from reality of spirit. Nature is a generous mirror for self-enquiry, and a continual source of wisdom.

Magnetic Field and Aura

All that is alive emanates a field of energy that is another form of expression of the Divine Design. The human body generates, and is surrounded by, an aura of light that can be “read” to evaluate the quality of the life force flowing through the person. The inside of an apple or a pumpkin cut in half reveals the pattern of a torus, which is the shape of the human magnetic field.

The human heart has its own version of such a force field, with the power to attract others who radiate the same frequency. Spending time in the presence of majestic beings such as redwoods helps us attune to the peace of our own heart. Energy always travels from high to low, a principle called entrainment. While in the company of high vibrational living beings, we are positively affected by their magnetic field.

Seeking to purify our own energy by forest bathing, diving into ocean waves, sitting in quiet meditation and feeding our body pure food and water- all these choices have wonderful effect on our health. And they also support us in clearing the channel of communication between our spiritual and physical selves, allowing us to receive clear guidance, elevate our light quotient and literally en-light-en us.

Sacred Geometry is not only evident in the physical world, but also in music and its harmonic scales and octaves. To the curious explorer of Creation, magical revelations are ongoing, as the vibrations of the Original Sound reverberate across universes, rippling out from heart to heart, infinitely. A true delight of never ending inspiration for the creative seeker, as Leonardo Da Vinci so prolifically demonstrated!

I hope this exposé, although non extensive, has opened you up to the magick that lies just below our mundane level of attention. If you enjoyed the subject of Sacred Geometry, take a look at this slide show. Created from photos taken during a workshop I taught about printing patterns on textiles using found objects, it showcases a brief presentation on Sacred Geometry. I also discussed here the triangle shape and its power to help us make conscious choices. And make sure to read Part One of this article and visit the beautiful land that inspired this writing!

A Solstice Journey Into My Heart

A few days ago, I came home from my first solo trip this year. Although I had been planning this adventure since last summer, I had to wait for the go signal from my Heart to actually take off. Divine Timing works in mysterious ways, and I’ve learned to surrender to its magick and no longer force things to happen according to my will… Cultivating patience is a strength I greatly value, and the reward of finally getting to do whatever I have been dreaming of is quite exhilarating when the green light pops on!

The destination of this voyage was the California coastal town south of Santa Cruz, located south of the Bay Area, and more precisely, a Buddhist retreat center called Land of Medicine Buddha, “a center for healing and developing a good heart”. This article is Part One of my story, where I’ll recount my experience at this beautiful spiritual place. Part Two will focus on the natural Sacred Geometry I discovered while staying there.

It is the redwoods that called me to Land of Medicine Buddha. I consider trees to be kindred spirits, and feel a particular affinity for the coastal redwoods - the idea of spending time on 108 acres of private sanctuary, in the company of these most blessed beings, delighted my Heart.

This was my first time visiting a Buddhist center, and I was really looking forward to not only being immersed in nature, but also being able to connect deeper with the Buddha Essence and spend time in the sanctity of my Heart. These times that we currently live in are quite challenging, but they can also inspire us to actively disconnect from the illusions of 3-D reality and take a deep dive into our own truth. This is something I was longing for, and although I have a daily practice of connecting with my Heart and listening to my inner guidance, I was feeling called to access a higher level of self-awareness. That quality sometimes eluded me in my regular life, where I’m surrounded by electronics, others’ opinions, and many distractions, even the fun ones.

Stepping out of my car and stretching my legs after the five-hour drive from Santa Barbara, I was greeted by these stunning mango calla lilies. Right away, I was able to take a deeper breath, become present, and connect with the nature spirits of the land. A wonderful welcoming committee!

Situated at the entrance, this massive prayer wheel immediately caught my attention. I felt like I was transported to Tibet, not only by the colorful visual symbolism but also the energy that emanated from this sacred tool designed to spread spiritual blessings and well-being. It is a tradition in Tibetan Buddhism to spin such a wheel (or a much smaller portable version) in order to share goodness and purify one’s karma. This large prayer wheel carries the mantra of compassion, as well as other mantras for long life, clearing obstacles, purifying negativities, and developing wisdom.

Upon arriving at the center, I retrieved an envelope containing the key to my bathroom and a map with directions. I had made my reservation for a mid-week stay, and it turned out I was the only guest at that time! A perfect gift for my intention to be in solitude and silence.

As I drove up the winding road leading to my campsite near the top of the hill, I was happy to notice the prayer flags strung from tree to tree, guiding me to the spot that was to be my home for the next few days. While hiking around the property, I would discover such displays again and again along the trails. These colorful pieces of cloth are used to carry prayers and mantras through the wind, and in Tibet, they are hung everywhere outdoors to promote compassion, peace, strength, and wisdom.

My campsite, one of only two on this sacred land, was just a few feet away from The Wish Fulfilling Temple. This temple, or chörten in Tibetan language, contains the remains of deceased people placed in special reliquaries.

The walls of the temple are painted with brightly colored traditional Tibetan artwork, with intricate detailing and murals representing Buddha’s life story.

That first evening, I set up camp on my assigned platform in the middle of four redwoods, and I felt that they were watching over me. Everything was quiet, and I settled into a simpler manner of living for a few days. No work, no obligations of any kind, no need to talk beyond the necessary. Space around me and inside of me, to just be.

This was my view for long periods of time every day. I would lay on my back on my yoga mat after my daily practice, and meditate with my eyes open. In the peaceful presence of my natural companions, I would get absorbed in the flowing of clouds, the swaying of branches in the breeze, and the singing of birds. Being with the redwoods helped me deeply relax, sleeping on the ground next to them allowed me to really connect my Heart to the heart of the earth. Every day, I felt more detached from the outside world and more in tune with my inner self.

One of the many statues of Buddha dotting the land and lining the trails and pathways. This one guarded my tent site and greeted me with every sunrise.

The ringing of this huge bell resonates for long minutes after being struck by the swinging log - its purpose is to ward off evil spirits while sharing the mantras engraved on its surface. Visitors are invited to ring the bell, and then circumambulate it in the direction of the marked arrows.

Next to the bell was this golden statue of Ksitigarbha, a bodhisattva whose name may be translated as "Earth Treasury", "Earth Store", "Earth Matrix", or "Earth Womb". A bodhisattva is someone who has generated bodhicitta, a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind to attain the state of Buddhahood, for the benefit of all sentient beings.

On my first morning at Land of Medicine Buddha, I attended a Cittamani Tara Puja held in the Gompa, the meditation hall. It was led by residing monk Venerable Samten, alongside nun Venerable Somo. This ceremony is held on Wednesdays in honor of his Holiness the Dalai Lama, as it is his astrological “soul day”. The puja lasted two hours, and I really enjoyed bathing in the litany of holy mantras incomprehensible to my mind but perfectly understood by my Heart.

The Mani Prayer Wheel you see in the background is packed with 64 billion “Om Mani Padme Hum”mantras, microfilmed from an original script written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This is one of the most powerful prayer wheels on earth. I spun it every day, and hopefully received some of its blessings. :)

I had brought books and art supplies on my trip, but didn’t reach for any of them during my retreat. I spent much time just sitting with the trees, breathing peacefully and feeling whatever emotions were passing through, or observing my thoughts as they arose. The dining room had a wall covered with an extensive collection of books on Buddhism, and I was attracted to this tome by Thích Nhất Hạnh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, and a prolific author (he’s published over 130 books!), poet and teacher, known as the “father of mindfulness”. I read a few pages of it in the evenings, before drifting to sleep, and received guidance that helped me shift some personal energies.

I went on long walking meditations, never encountering another soul in human form for hours at a time. However, I didn’t feel alone, as I knew myself to be surrounded by tree spirits, Devas, and many creatures hidden in the bushes, sitting on the branches, or flying in the breeze.

I ended most days with a refreshing swim in the spring water pool. While floating and soaking in the sun’s warmth, I could smell the alluring scent of honeysuckle wafting from nearby blossoms, as I watched hummingbirds darting from the plum trees to succulent flowers in the nearby garden.

I have informally studied Buddhism for decades, even minoring in Eastern Religions in college. I was first attracted to Tibet and its spiritual traditions through reading the (so-called fiction) books by Tuesday Lobsang Rampa when I was a teenager. The small French Caribbean island I grew up on had a single metaphysical bookstore that I visited regularly, and it was there that I discovered his whole series of books that “taught” me about natural laws, psychic powers, and life in Lhasa. I was literally remembering a history, a way of life and an energy that felt very intimate. I do feel I have lived in Tibet in previous lives, and that is incidentally what inspired me to give my son the unofficial middle name Himalaya when he was born, hoping it would invite him to climb the summit of his highest inner mountain.

On my last night sleeping on the ground, I had a personal revelation that left me feeling much lighter and renewed my sense of purpose in life. This was a spiritual gift I did not anticipate, but that greatly blessed my journey. Since then, a couple of weeks have passed, and the clarity that was bestowed upon me that night has further expanded, allowing me to connect dots and gain perspective about my current phase of human evolution. Layers of mental fog are dissolving and I am “seeing” the outline of something new emerging from the unknown… I am mindful not to settle for limiting words to assign meaning to an experience that has the quality of multidimensionality. I am not in a hurry to “know” or take action, beyond following inner guidance in the moment. I feel that spending time in quiet self-inquiry, in a sacred space dedicated to such pursuits, along with my intention for deepened Heart connection and the grounding of the Earth energy, supported my reaching of this epiphany (the object of which I am intentionally keeping private).

When I came out of my tent on my last morning on the Land, I looked in the direction of the temple and noticed a couple of animal friends reaching for the lowest branches of a plum tree, chewing on fresh leaves. I quietly stepped towards them, and spent some enjoyable moments in the company of a mama deer and her baby. I breathed quietly and did my best to be an unobtrusive element of the sacred Heart space we all share.

In deep gratitude for all my allies, seen and unseen.

If you enjoyed this article, sign up to receive fresh updates via email. Interested more travel adventures? I wrote an ebook about my solo car camping experience in Joshua Tree, you can buy it here. And remember to check out Part Two of this article where I’m taking you into de mystery of the microcosm of Sacred Geometry!

Conversations Françaises

I launched a new service a few weeks ago: Conversations Françaises: Inspiring Lessons For Jetsetters Who Want To Get Fluent French. I call it a service because it’s an offering from my business, but it is really an opportunity for me to share my life, my energy and my Heart Royality in a fresh and fun way.

I created this unique experience in response to the request I so often receive from people who might speak a little (or a lot) of French and want to brush up on their conversational skills for an upcoming trip... This is also for all those who are interested in multiculturalism and having exchanges with a global flavor, all in French.

I love being multicultural and have always felt at ease in the midst of any culture. Because I am a mix of European, Caribbean, West Africa, South American and more, I easily feel a sense of relatedness with other people, wether we speak the same language or not. I have always loved languages and am fluent in French, Creole, English and Spanish, while I understand Portuguese, Hungarian, and a some Italian. My family’s religious heritage is Catholic and Jewish and I minored in Eastern Religions in college, which adds to my embracing of all creeds and races.

This global perspective I was born into and have cultivated helps me see the world as a giant disco ball, with everyone shining their personal facet, their own unique fractal, a common space where we reflect each other’s light. I see myself as a bridge between cultures and I believe that the sense of alienation I felt as a child with no real sense of “home” and the deep desire that ensued to find my “tribe” have molded me into who I am today. Someone who cares more about unity than separation and who values exchange across borders and heart connections beyond nationality.

Since I was teenager I collected fabrics from around the world. I was lucky to travel internationally with both my family and the fencing team I was a part of, and my favorite souvenirs to bring home where textiles and indigenous body adornments. To this day, I dress in a way that is truly my own style and an expression of my diverse make-up. I love to design and sew clothing, for myself and others as well as sharing style and decor inspirations.

And so this is what Conversations Françaises is all about: an opportunity to sit together, eat some croissants and discuss all things francophone, style or joie de vivre, while deepening your knowledge of the French language. Bienvenue!

Hacking the Cruise: From Mainstream Travel to Conscious Journey

The author, in the port of call of Cozumel, Mexico.

I came home a few weeks ago from my first cruise. Well, that’s not counting the one I took as a kid with my family, many years ago. I’ve flown to many locales around the world and I love road tripping, but this new experience presented a challenge I hadn’t anticipated. When traveling within the contained environment of a mega ship there are only a pre-established set of options to choose from. I got thrown me out of my comfort zone by the contrast between the mainstream cruising culture I was embarking on and the yoga-conscious-healthy lifestyle I fancy back home.

My sister, Marie-France, a veteran cruiser, had taken charge of organizing this family reunion trip. The occasion brought us together from three corners of the world: Marie-France and her twin 19-year olds flew in from Sydney, Australia, our parents joined us from Guadeloupe, French West Indies, while my 16-year old son and I traveled from Santa Barbara, California. We all met up in Fort Lauderdale to board the Celbrity Reflection ship and discover Central America on an 11-night cruise. 

I had dreamed for months of unending turquoise ocean views, exotic landscapes and latin rhythms but totally overlooked the reality that my daily routine wouldn’t seamlessly translate to life on a commercial floating resort. However, as soon as I set foot onboard and the realization set, I went into solution-finding mode and got creative working with what I had. By the time we came back ashore to Fort Lauderdale, I had enjoyed a fantastic adventure and spent quality time with my family while delighting in much discovery!

If you, like me, are on the conscious/yoga/green juice lifestyle spectrum, here are some tips to “green up” your cruise and flavor a normally mainstream experience with a sprinkling of awareness.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

For the duration of the cruise, the ship becomes your home away from home, but even though you are living on water, you can stay connected to the earth and grounded into cosmic rhythms by choosing an ocean-view stateroom. Being able to awaken every day and see sunlight is essential for the body to know it's daytime. Getting jolted out of dreams by a blaring alarm in a pitch-dark room buried in the bowels of the ship, and not seeing daylight until you walk up to deck, is not fun on a long cruise. Trust me on that one.

While on the water, you’ll have the luxury of being able to see the sun both rise and set, something that you might not get to enjoy at home. So get up early and walk to the side of the boat facing east. Glorious. And while you’re at it, look up at night to the full moon and bask in the stars glow at new moon. 

MIND

If you’re new to cruising you might be surprised the first couple of days by the fact that there are people everywhere, all the time. And these folks are here to have fun. So there is music everywhere too. If this is your scene, grab yourself a margarita, jump right into the (shallow) pool and join the party. If you prefer to have a more mellow time, know that there are places on the ship conducive to chilling out, reading a good book or napping in a hammock. These relaxation areas are usually on the upper deck, at the stern or bow of the ship.

 If you prefer to be indoors, head to the library or, as on our cruise ship, to a ”hideaway” spot with comfy sofas and dim lighting. Remember to pack earplugs, those can come in handy if you want to hang around the pool while lost in your inner world.

A wonderful way to connect with your self in the midst of a sea adventure is by paying attention to the sound of the waves splashing against the sides of the vessel, aligning your breath with that rhythm, and sinking and into a wonderful ocean-guided meditation.

BODY

You’ve heard it right. There is a baffling abundance of food offered on cruise ships, with up to 30% of it getting thrown to the sharks every 4 hours, as my son found out during an organized behind-the-scene tour of the galley (the ship’s kitchen). Not exactly sustainable. And usually not really the healthiest of offerings either, if you stick to the cafes and restaurants included with your stateroom of choice. I decided to buy a “spa drink” package. If there is such an option on your cruise, it is a great way to supplement your nutrition if you’re used to daily fresh juices and smoothies in your land life. You’ll then have access to an unlimited supply of those, as well as mineral water. I hear tap water is recycled onboard… While you’re at it, pack your reusable water bottle to fill at that bottled water well and carry it with you while on shore excursions. Bringing a reusable straw is another conscious choice to make.

If you’re interested in keeping up with the superfoods that are part of your morning routine, I suggest measuring out a supply for the duration of your trip and mixing your regular smoothie ingredients into ziplock bags. Pack also a smoothie container to drink from or a hydro flask bottle. Every morning, you’ll have the option to pour into the container the right amount of mix for your smoothie, bringing it up to the spa drink counter and kindly asking the server to blend in your liquid of choice (bottled water, almond milk, you can even incorporate hemp seeds into your mix) as well as fresh fruit. Another idea is to bring onboard a small personal blender. And voila, you are ready to start the day charged up instead of loaded down with pastries and coffee.

If this is your first cruise, the substantial quantity of food on offer at each meal, and 24/7, can become a great temptation! Do not bite the bait and follow your fellow cruisers on multiple refill trips to the cafe counters, attempting to try out all the maddening options! You can keep it healthy by focusing on serving yourself “tasting portions” and filling up first with fresh fruits (they digest faster and will ferment, causing digestive issues, if eaten later in the meal) and then with raw salads for fiber bulk.

Taking good care of your body and maintaining some healthy habits are important on a cruise where germs tend to spread faster in a contained environment. You will notice onboard the prevalence of hand sanitizer. Pick up your own organic natural version from the health food store before traveling, and while you’re there also get some reef-friendly sunscreen. 

In the event that you pick up a little cold inspite of being diligent with hygiene, I strongly recommend having natural remedies at your disposal in case of such a circumstance. I had brought along ginger tea bags, Umcka Cold Care, Chaga mushroom extract, Vitamin C packets, as well the Australian Bush Flower Essences Purifying blend and got over my indisposition within a couple of days. Make sure you pack all the natural medicine you take at home. I brought along the other ABFE blends that are always in my toiletry kit: Emergency, Calm and Clear, Space Clearing and of course, Travel Essence. I never travel without these life saving essentials.

You might have a gym routine back home, take regular yoga classes or enjoy a personal practice every morning. Keep moving your body while cruising! Forgo waiting for the elevator and hit the stairs, walk laps around the upper decks and make good use of the ship gym, especially during at-sea days. There will be spin, pilates or yoga classes, sometimes for a fee. Attend these or work out on the treadmill and exercisers. The main thing is to keep your energy flowing, your whole being oxygenated and stretched, and your brain supplied with fresh blood to thoroughly enjoy your ocean adventure! You might even want to take advantage of having free time and book a session with a personal trainer or get a fitness evaluation.

HEART 

You might be traveling with a companion, a group of friends or solo. Whatever your predicament, a cruise is a wonderful time to connect with fellow humans, heart-to-heart! Strike up conversations at the communal cafe table, greet your stateroom neighbors, and get to know the crew, this small army of people running the ship like the most efficient floating city! Your stateroom butler is an invaluable aid whom you’ll come to appreciate. Finding your room tidied up and your bathroom cleaned twice a day adds much quality to life in cramped quarters. Find out what their name is, where they’re from and a little bit of their personal story. You’ll be surprised at the long list of countries they have most likely traveled to, as well as at the diversity of the nationalities within the crew. Our own ship had personnel hailing from 17 countries, some speaking with accents I couldn’t readily identify. 

A fun way to meet new friends on sea days is by engaging in the plethora of organized activities and game opportunities. Play pingpong or basketball, sign up for a paper plane flying contest or show up for the daily group trivia. There is also a game room where you can find your match in chess, scrabble, checkers, card games, etc. If you’re traveling with children or teens, they’ll love spending time in supervised “clubs” designated for their age group.

Being on water, away from home, is the perfect time for a digital detox. So forgo the pricy “wifi package,” set your phone on airplane-mode and explore your creativity. Observe nature, take photos of the local wildlife. Bring along needlework, a small watercolor kit, your favorite crossword puzzles. And of course books. Depending on the nature of your cruise, educational presentations will be offered, as well as art shows, cooking demonstrations and dance classes.

Music, as I’ve stated, is everywhere on a cruise ship, so you’re in for a treat if your enjoy live performances. You can attend these while relaxing by the pool, in classy lounges, or in the grand foyer. Dance the night away or attend a world class show in the theater every evening, there is something for everyone and much stimulation for the creative senses!

OFF THE SHIP DISCOVERY: PORTS OF CALL

The whole point of going on a cruise is getting off the ship and discovering new worlds. New vistas, new cultures, new faces, new music, new everything. Make the most of this enriching opportunity by being conscious of the choices you make in terms of what activities you decide to engage in, the mode of transportation you pick or how you choose to spend your American dollars.  Once you step off the gangway onto foreign soil, you regain some of the power you gave away to the all-encompassing ship authority that organized everything for you, and you can now go where and do what you please. Choose wisely. 

The cruise company will offer many options of organized tours where you and your fellow cruisers will get chartered in a big air-conditioned bus to a duty-free shopping mall, followed by a dance show by natives and ending with a whole-body roast on a white sand beach with all the appointments of a standard resort, including the unavoidable margarita. 

While this may appear as the safe and relaxing choice that it is, you have other options that will deliver much more meaningful and authentic experiences of the country you are visiting for a few short hours. So step out of your comfort zone and hire out one of the local taxi drivers who will be lining up at your descend from the ship. A good idea is to join with a few others and hop onto a minibus. Negotiate the day rate and the itinerary of your excursion. Make sure to be shown the less touristy areas or those points of special interest to you. A lot of the drivers speak english and will share less-known information about the daily life and economy of the area. 

Ask to stop and eat lunch in a favorite spot of the locals. My recommendation is to only drink from the portable bottle you will have refilled onboard the ship. Ask to be shown both the urban environment and some of the nature and wildlife, whenever possible. Remember to only collect photos, no shells or rocks. Remember to be mindful of local cultural or religious customs. Depending on your port of call, public transportation might be a safe, cheap and eye-opening alternative. Investigate your options before traveling.

Finally, be really mindful of what you buy. American dollars can bring much support to the local economy, so choose to spend your cash directly with the people who will drive you around, serve you food or create handmade crafts. Shopping at local artisans’ stands will guarantee you’re acquiring a creative expression of the native culture and an energetic connection to a local artist other than some made-in-china plastic souvenir stamped with the name of the country you’re visiting. Again, do your research and stay away from banned items, such as cultural artifacts. Pack a lightweight tote bag to bypass plastic shopping bags.

BRING HOME A NEW YOU

Going on a cruise is a wonderful way to leave behind your daily routines and concerns and adventure into a new universe, both in the world and within your inner being. Chances are you will return transformed in ways you didnt expect. Your eyes will have embraced new sights and your heart will have experienced new feelings. Keeping in touch with your soul, journaling and paying attention to the little things will contribute to making your cruising journey a more conscious one. You will bring home memories that will keep on feeding your psyche and enriching your creativity, along with a treasure trove of stories to share that will offer insights into discoveries spanning several dimensions. Enjoy every moment, one breath and one heart beat at a time!