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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Your 3 Little Words - New Year's 2014 Intentions

Soooooo the New Year is among us and I am curious what all you Viva My Yoginis are hoping for in 2014?!?

Valparaíso, Chile

There is so much that I have done in the way of intention setting in the past; I have manifested and journaled my needs until I've turned blue in the face and gotten writer's cramp in the hand.

But lately I haven't wanted to be as specific in my manifesting. Yes, I definitely want to put my creativity out there and set certain goals for myself - and I most assuredly will continue to do so. But when I get so detailed sometimes I lose sight of the bigger picture.

And right now I'd like to allow for more ease and to let things come to me. Which is why I'm sticking to 3 little (or actually, pretty BIG) words.

So, why and how to choose just 3???


Well as for intentions, I believe that the clearer we are in our wants & needs, the more likely we are to receive. It's that simple (even if sometimes it comes to bite you in the ass).

But too often we set intentions for what we want outside of ourselves. The easiest example that comes to mind is in love & relationship. We say, 'I want a man who speaks 4 languages, knows his way around a chainsaw, has blue eyes and is 5'10' or taller, yadi yada, blah, blah, blah.

STOP RIGHT THERE!

Because often that 'ideal' comes along and yet we're still left with our own uncertainty or unhappiness surrounding us. And we think, but this is exactly what I asked for, why do I still feel so unfulfilled, incomplete?

It's because we're focusing on specifics of what we think will make us happy rather than just focusing on the way we want to feel in the first place. So let's start there.

i.e. I want to feel loved and cherished; I want to feel stimulated and deeply appreciated; I want to feel adored and loved unconditionally; I want to feel valued in my job and that my potential is actualized; I want to feel excitement and adventure...

I want to feel [fill in the blank].

My beloved Montana


Once you have a pretty good idea of how it is you want to feel, then I suggest you break those ideas down into the three most important to you, in this moment. If you can't decide: do a comparison chart and use your intuition to rate each feeling side by side until you get the ones that win out over the rest.

Here are my 3 words for 2014:

 CONFIDENCE; EASE; LOVE


It's a joy to embrace that which is most important to us as living, breathing, spiritual beings. It doesn't have to be so complex, let it be easy. Decide what is most important and the rest will follow.

Now it's your turn, what are your 3 little or BIG words to bring you into the New Year?
Happy Year of the Horse & Namasté!!!!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Buenos Aires and Bold New Beginnings

Howdy y'all!!! Hola a todos!!!

So it's been a while since I've been on here and I apologize for that! 
My fall has been sorta crazy with family news, career developments, and just finding my groove in some new ways. But mainly just working hard to put together so many new offerings for all of YOU!

 First: 
I've published a new Elephant Journal article:



This article embodies so much of who I am today and what is at the heart of Viva My Yoga.
I often get emails of people across the globe looking for belief and encouragement in their dreams and I am more than happy to oblige. I hope this article helps any and all of you out there needing a kick in the butt and wanting further inspiration to follow you dreams and see where the road takes you.

Second:


My graphic designer (and now website developer), Lydia Lardy, did such an amazing job in helping me to get a site up that truly embodies the Viva My Yoga spirit. I am so proud of what it evokes when I peruse the site's pages. I hope you can enjoy getting lost there too. I'm also passionate about the #reset button on my new site brings me to my 3rd point...

Third:

A JOURNEY INTO THE ENERGY BODY

My summer passion project, a movie I made out my mom's ranch. This was a highlight of my year to make and take part in. A true story of just putting your visions out there and seeing what it manifests. Trust. Belief. Action. Gratitude. Thanks to my life coach Sally Hope and her Wildheart Revolution for being a major impetus for kicking my butt into gear(another post to touch on the importance of this video soon).


Lastly: 
the Holidaze & beautiful Montana


Here in Bozeman lately it's been lots of weather below zero, clear beautiful days, and abundant snow. I love the extremeness of the weather here, it's such a wonderful opportunity in staying present, no matter what craziness around you. There's also something a tad thrilling & sexy about it. Like anything and everything is possible.


I hope you take that possibility and
all have marvelous & wonderful, plentiful & bountiful...
Happy Holidays.

Namasté

ps- thanks Papa Joe for reminding me to believe in myself and be proud of who I am today. You're a guiding light in this spiritual warrior's life!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Bad@ss Traveler - Semra Jumper

Alright y'all! 
It's time for another bad@ss traveler 
to START YOUR STOKE!


Meet 
Semra Jumper.

Semra and I met in Montana this past summer when she was Couchsurfing on the couch of a friend of mine. We instantly developed a lovely friendship based off many shared interests - yoga, organic farming, WWOOFing, Couchsurfing, travel, meditation, brewing kombucha, and the like!

She has since inspired me in so many ways. Her work out here was with the Montana Conservation Corps. I admire the dedication these folks have to the nth degree. They upkeep our trails, live in the wilderness, and really create a strong and dynamic group mentality that aims to give back.

Semra is now venturing off to Asheville & Atlanta (we're both Southerners at heart!), then over to Turkey to visit her mother's homeland and the family she has there. She plans to explore Europe and WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) on organic farms throughout Turkey.

Read Semra's wonderful & poetic wisdom here:

Greetings, friends!
I'm writing to you from my hosts' kitchen. I took an impromptu couchsurfing trip out to Missoula (**Montana**) and my journey has thus brought so many great new folks into my life. A refreshing reminder that there is good in the world, an abundance of at that!

My experiences have inspired me to share these words with you:


Semra in New York Ciry
What does the word travel entail to you? 

Take Raw And Vital Energetic Leaps. 

How have you created your life around your travel & your travel around your life (and made it sustainable)? 

I've chosen jobs these past few years based on new locations and places that I've wanted to see. My subsistence revolves around my desire to explore --

What’s one travel memory that had a truly lasting affect, a total life changing or ah-ha moment? 

In between jobs last winter solstice, I stayed with a close friend in Asheville. On downtown adventures, bike rides, hikes and coffee outings I have discovered that I have a community whereever I go. Positivity attracts positivity; radiate kindness and you never know who'll walk into your life. 

What’s one thing that you love to do in any new place?


Find the local paper, hit up the hip co-op, and go to yoga class! Oh, sorry, that was more than one thing. 
(**couldn't agree more, Semra!**)


What was a travel situation you found very trying & how did you pull through it?

Traveling with family can be tough; they're the best but sometimes come with complications, let's be real. But the shared memories are a strong link that will bond you forever. 

How do you feel you inspire others?

I believe in the subtle energies. I believe we all make impacts -- why not Leave Positive Traces? 
Exchange smiles with strangers. 

Semra's current mission: 
To step out into the unknown and take a giant leap into the Universe. 


What’s something that inspires you to keep exploring? 

I want to see it all! I want to meet all the beautiful radical souls. Every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow, so be vulnerable...be bold...do strange things in new cities. Say yes to the universe. 

Working hard with her MCC crew.


What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who feels stuck in their current life or afraid to take that first step?

Take small steps, friend. Spend the day walking around town and you'll find that magical things lay before you. Do the things you need to do to nurture yourself too -- go to yoga class, go for a run, buy local ;) 


What's one lesson or realization you would hope to always carry with you after spending so much time in nature?


Society can be a distraction from our innate wildness. A good trip into the backcountry can give you back the stars, it'll give you moose and raptors, frozen boots in the morning, and a hot meal after a long day of hiking. I couldn't imagine a better way to reset my weary self from the stresses of a societal life. 



Thank you for taking the time to indulge with me in these thoughts and opinionings. I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. 

Namaste, 
Semra Jumper
Voyageur and Trail Feaery


So there you have it folks! Are you feeling inspired? Comment below on what resonated with you!
**contact Jessica@vivamyyoga.com if you are interested in getting in touch with Semra!**

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Latest Elephant Journal Articles


Beautiful Bozeman Leaves

Help Me Goddess (Thank You, Please) was written when I got thrown a bit of a curve ball in life. 
I was grateful for my practice of looking to something a bit bigger, asking for help from a force that is grander than any one of us on our own.

And honestly curve balls can show up every day and in every way. So asking for guidance should be something we feel free to do on a regular basis. It helps to avoid the bull sh*t and to find an easier, more graceful glide to our path. 

I think that as a society we often feel weak or incompetent if we have to ask for help (or simply feel inclined to do so). But it's so not the case! It's worth it to break through the fears of asking for help and just say it to a friend, aloud to yourself, or to whatever god/goddess/pachamama comes to mind in the moment.

And remember to give thanks!!!

Salt Flats of Uyuni, Bolivia

Sometimes I Have to Take a Break From Being Spiritual was written on a day where I just needed to check out and take a break from my daily life of pondering, questioning, and always looking for signs or deeper meaning.

I've been told that my daily life is quite different from the rest of the world's. Who really knows anyways? What I do know is that I tend to spend my days teaching yoga, living my dreams, feeling convicted in my path of being a healer for others, and just generally thinking and acting in the metaphysical, esoteric, fuzzy, opposite from cut and dry sorta way.

And I like it! Who am I kidding it's my path and I LOVE IT! But sometimes, as with everyone, I get overwhelmed. I get tired of always feeling empathy for others, of trying to figure out the 'why's and the sources. So read this article to feel inspired in what to do on the days that you want to take a break from being spiritual and just have a little FUN! And to know that you are not alone in not feeling perfect all the time, no one does.

Namaste y'all!!!


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Bad@ss Traveler - William Guyver

Alright folks, plenty of travel inspiraiton comin' your way...
Meet Bad@ss Traveler - Will Guyver.

Will's setup on his Royal Enfield in Meghalaya, India.

When I met Will I knew we would be instant friends. 


I approached him as a dreaded hippy hanging out with a plethora of Asians (in Montana no less) outside a Montana Statue University church potluck gathering. The very first question he asked me was, 'What are your thoughts on organized religion?' Most people talk pleasantries but Will cuts to the chase, every single time. I was totally caught off guard, and our friendship started right then and there.

I had messaged Will through Couchsurfing, looking to find like-minded folk in Bozeman. He wrote back and there I was at the church dinner, no idea what I was getting myself into! Turns out Will and his friends (remember Bad@ss Traveller Sasha? - Will's best friend) became my Montana lifelines. I can actually thank Will for being the first person to introduced me to a new realm in this place that I can now call home. I had found my people. 

Will especially amazes me at his openness to talk to everyone about anything. He has no filter, he always asks what he wants to know and shares what he wants to share, something so rare to find today. He's willing to listen and also to embrace a new point of view; he is by far one of the most genuine, kind, and philosophical men I know! 

Perhaps this is due to his most fascinating background. Will was born in Missoula, Montana to a bi-national family. His father is English and his mother is American (he holds both country’s passports). Both his parents are classical musicians and educators [*they met playing for the Venezuelan orchestra!*]). As Will puts it, 'they were perhaps rather restless as young parents.' 

Jess & Will in Bozeman circa 2009
Throughout his childhood Will moved from Montana to Alaska to Missouri to Kansas to Colorado and then to Pennsylvania for boarding school and back to Montana for university with a year abroad in Montpellier, France. He traveled extensively during university both while abroad in France and on breaks while in Montana. 

After university he taught English in South Korea in a small town called Sacheon and a city called Jinju for a year and a half at all levels except high school. With money earned from my time teaching in Korea I embarked on an 8 month motorcycle journey. My travels took me through 22 different countries (I believe) including India, a large portion of Europe, Turkey, Georgia, Iceland, and North America (more on this later).


A little bit from Will about his motorcycle travel

I rode 2 different bikes and drove one car: a Royal Enfield Thunderbird, a BMW f650GS and a Citroen ZX hatchback (cost me 200 euros in Slovenia), traveling somewhere around 30,000 miles in total. I experienced danger, moments of highly emotional awe, unthinkable fatigue, uncontrollable excitement, many highs and some lows plus a myriad of other emotions and thoughts

It was a defining series of events in my life that changed me for the better as a person. I became more giving, more determined in my pursuits, more confident. My greatest achievement I think, was finding an important part of who I was as a person and a member of the global community.

Now my focus is on becoming an expert in Permaculture and planning the next step of life with my lovely girlfriend.

What does the word travel entail to you?

When I consider the word “travel” my mind is always drawn to movement: flying, boating, motorcycling, walking, bicycling etc. The word “change” also comes to mind concerning travel. I find that travel demonstrates change more expressly as a universal constant and as a moment by moment occurrence.

How have you created your life around your travel & your travel around your life (and made it sustainable)?

I suppose I’ve created my life around travel by simply pursuing it; by putting my resources, time and thought into it. My traveling style has developed over time by refining what I was looking for in the experience of travel and how to best make decisions based on my goals.



The sustainability of travel has always been a struggle for me actually. I have two problems with it. My first problem is that travel is often a great hardship to the planet. Taking one flight automatically makes your carbon footprint greater than over half the members of the planet (think about how many flights you’ve taken :/). [*yikes!]

That was quite a reality check for me when I realized that (and has led me to find more environmentally friendly methods of travel which is fun to think about of itself). The other difficulty with the sustainability of travel has been the need to reconcile a great passion for travel with the instinctual and social nature of a reproductive human. 

In other words I want to have a family someday and I’ve had some trouble coming to terms with the fact that my traveling lifestyle will drastically change when I begin that venture. I hope I’ll be able to eventually combine the worlds of family and travel in an interesting sort of harmony.


What’s one travel memory that had a truly lasting effect, a total life changing or ah-ha moment?

I have had many such moments during my travels. I’d have to mention a few I think in this category. 

I observed the great poverty, hardship and pollution of India while simultaneously being astonished by the “heart” and community of the people. Seeing so many people with so little get along with an attitude of acceptance, grace and love drew me to the conclusion that happiness as an external force comes from community and relationships. And as an internal force, happiness comes from one’s appreciation of the good in their life.

In Iceland my motorcycle broke down in a wind and rain storm like I’d never experienced. 

I only had a tent and very little money and two older German gentlemen, fellow bikers, paid for me to stay in my own hotel room and eat a hot meal on the eve of my birthday (though they didn’t know it). 

Will taking on hitchhikers to keep company while motorcycling through Iceland.

I’m not sure if they knew what that meant to me but I have vowed since that day to pay it forward. 

I had another experience in Hungary where I didn’t have any money (only a credit card) to buy water and was beyond parched. The cashier at a grocer said I could take the bottle of water for free as they didn’t take plastic. It was a small gift in terms of monetary value but to me it was a great deal more. 

I suppose when someone understands a stranger’s need, and gives without consideration of their needs or loss of resources, than it gives you great hope for the future of humanity.

What’s one thing that you love to do in any new place?

I enjoy doing all sorts of things in a new place. I love people watching and meeting, going to the local grocery store (great way to start your investigation of the local culture). It may seem a bit taboo/dangerous but I also enjoy smoking a joint in a new location. It can be an effective method for me to truly live in the moment and take it all in.  

Truly exhausted & tired.
What was a travel situation you found very trying & how did you pull through it?

I think one of the few times traveling where I was close to tears was in Denmark. I rode my motorcycle from Norway the previous day through nonstop rain and practically EVERY possession I had was soaked.. not damp or wet but absolutely water-logged. I camped just outside the port where the ferry was supposed to take me on to Iceland and just shivered in my tent miserably all night. 

The next day, still wet and cold I spent the morning in a rather derelict restroom, trying to stay warm by placing different parts of my body beneath the warm air of a hand dryer. I soon discovered that the ferry website had recently changed their docking location to a whole other port and that I had little time to get there. 

I raced, well above the speed limit, to reach the actual port and arrived just in time to see the boat casting off and to hear the sad tone of the fog horn mimic the regret of my heart. Upon investigation I was told that the next boat wouldn’t come for another week. I was out of crowns, my credit card wasn’t accepted at any grocery stores (sometimes Europeans don’t understand that American cc’s don’t have a pin #) and I was stuck in Denmark of all places (no offense to the Danes but I was ready to be awed by Iceland’s landscape). 

So for the first two days, while camping, I collected berries and mushrooms in the forest as a supplement to my meager meals, the result of rationing the remains of the provisions I had bought in Sweden. 

On the 3rd day I decided that I would make a stretch and stay in the hostel for one night to gather information from other travelers, call the ferry company and actually have a decent, dry night’s sleep. One of the better decisions of my life because that evening I discovered that the ferry would be coming the next day in fact and after a long and arduous conversation with a rep from the ferry company it was finally decided that my motorcycle and I would be boarding the following day without paying, once again, the $500 passage fee. 

I guess the situation was overcome by a bit of resourcefulness, a bit of luck and a willingness to not stand down while dealing with the ferry company. Needless to say I was relieved to be on my way to Iceland the next morning even if it cost me two days on the Faroe Islands (my original itinerary).

How do you feel you inspire others?

I’m not sure if I do inspire others but if I have I suppose the source would be my great level of enthusiasm for most pursuits and my easy-to-please nature. [**Will is obviously incredibly modest, he's one of the most fascinating people I know!**].

What’s something that inspires you to keep exploring?

One might say it’s the “grass is always greener” mentality but my inspiration to explore comes from other areas in just as great a force. 

Perhaps more than anything it comes from my desire to connect with people of all different backgrounds. I like to hear stories and to tell them too. I’ve been inspired in different ways by a meth addict at a lonely German train station, a Thai monk silently giving me a tattoo with a simple metal rod in a bird filled temple, while hiking with a guide in the Himalayas, by numerous couchsurfing hosts/guests and countless others. Landscapes are, without doubt, of interest to observe but I find that the people of a country are what truly give color to the experience of exploration.


What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who feels stuck in their current life or afraid to take that first step?

Will excited by Icelandic waterfalls!
My advice to someone who is “stuck” in their current life is to truly drink in your surroundings, to observe your life. Once you feel you have a clear idea of where you are and what you’re doing you can decide if you want to make changes or to accept your life circumstances. We all, at times, must remember that a large portion of where we are and where we go in life is in our hands. In many ways we arrived at that moment by way of previous decisions and we also have the power to move in a different direction.

To someone who is afraid to take the first step, my advice would be to take it. Life is short and to let fear dominate it is a great waste. Consider the fact that without a first step in any life pursuit you wouldn’t be where you are today, alive and hopefully well. Alexander the Great, one of antiquity’s most seasoned explorers, was proclaimed to have said: “Fortune favors the bold”. I think this sentiment has quite some value. Your experience of life can only be what you drive it towards.


What do you find has stood out the most as the biggest difference across the many cultures you've known and explored (in general or one example in particular)? 

This is a kind of a tough question. The first things that come to mind are cuisine and language. Nearly every country I’ve visited has demonstrated the uniqueness of their culture through their food.

In terms of language there are, of course, similarities between different languages but I’ve always enjoyed taking note of the different sounds that each language produces to communicate. 

To give an example: Japanese and Chinese, though historically tied linguistically, in some aspects sound wildly different to me. The most interesting language I’ve ever heard (as a side note) is Icelandic.. it’s like no other language I’ve heard before. I learned that since Icelandic is so closely related to ancient Norwegian that students of literature in Norway come to Iceland to study ancient Norwegian texts.

I’ve also typically been aware of the differences in manners between countries. In Korea for example, it is rude to blow your nose in public whereas it is encouraged from grade school on in the US. This was a bit troublesome for me while living in Korea as a great portion of Korean cuisine centers on spicy soups. You try not blowing your nose on a cold winter’s day eating steamy and spicy Kimchi soup!! 

What about the biggest similarity?

I’ve noticed that body language can be one of the greatest observable constants throughout all the cultures I have come in contact with. A genuine smile is so amazingly universal. It’s an excellent demonstration of our interconnectedness as humans

Also national pride (though on varying levels) is a theme amongst countries I think. From my experience I’d say South Korea has the highest level of national pride I’ve experienced and Germany the lowest level.


Where do you see yourself heading into the future?

Will with his girlfriend Katie.

I’m interested in sustainable farming, aquaponics, horticulture and above all, permaculture as an approach to these areas of food production. I’d like to integrate these interests into my working life while still finding opportunities to travel along the way. An eventual dream I have is to volunteer abroad, creating permaculture settlements in more poverty stricken areas of the world; helping people produce their own quality food and conserve energy while respecting the environment thereby paving a path for future generations.

My question (as a permaculture enthusiast) for readers to ponder themselves: 

How do you feel you can contribute to the sustainability of your community/our environment? 

How can people get in touch with or follow you?

I don’t really seek out a following.. at least not at the moment. People can get in touch with me through email if they like: williamguyver@gmail.com


I’d be happy to discuss ideas, share information, answer questions or communicate with anyone on any subject. 

Thursday, October 17, 2013

The Meaning of Om (or AUM)

Alright folks, it's time for another 'Meaning Of...'

This time it's the commonly referred to or chanted OM, also known as AUM.

Eco Village & Tibetan Lantern Aums

I prefer to spell it AUM as the simplest way for me to explain it is: 
Aum represents the entire universe coalesced into one single sound 
- A - U - M - beginning, middle, & end.

It's a sacred symbol representing the 3rd eye & the mantra of our intuition.
It is the sound of connection, bringing us together to recognize & honor the light within us all.
It is believed to be the all-encompassing sound of the world and to contain all other sounds; the sound of the universe.




'Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us - that the entire universe moves - the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb & flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant aum, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.'

For fascinating info on how OM coincides with Einstein's revelation of E = mc2, click here.

Play Do Aums-- They're Everywhere!

Factual OM info according to the collective knowledge of Wikipedia:

'Om (written universally as ; in Devanagari as ओं oṃ [õː]औं auṃ [ə̃ũ], or 'ओ३म्' om [õːm]) is a mantra and mystical Sanskrit sound of Hindu origin (geographically India), sacred and important in various Dharmic religions such as HinduismBuddhism,Sikhism and Jainism.'

*you can also see here many of the different ways in which this symbol is drawn.

There's a lot of theory behind the origin of Om. But as with most things yoga, it can mean so many different things depending on the background, the usage, and the individual.

For me, Om is something that I love to chant. It allows me to feel connected, belonging, and a sense of something much deeper and more profound than any one thought or belief. I also really love the breakdown of the actual symbol:

'The Aum symbol design can be seen as a symbolic representation of the various psychological compartments of the psyche; an inner dimensional map of the various compartments of the human consciousness and the relationship each has to the divine within.


The long lower curve represents the dreaming state.
The upper curve stands for the waking state.
The curve emanating from the center represents deep sleep, beyond dreams.
The crescent stands for the veil of material illusion.
The dot is the transcendental self.'

What does AUM mean for you?

Play around with it! 
Sing it while walking, chant it loudly while meditating.
Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and just let it come out in a soft whisper.
Or find a friend &/or yoga class to experience this mantra in unity.



Namasté y'all!!!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Bad@ss Traveler - Britt Bledsoe

~Meet Bad@ss Traveler Britt Bledsoe~

Britt getting her Viva My Yoga handstand on in Puerto Rico.

Brittany Bledsoe it most definitely one of a kind. Her stories are some of the most mind blowing I have heard. She is one of the most fearless, awe inspiring, and bad@ss people I know; she's brave and bold yet willing to be humble and vulnerable, open to what life presents - and enjoy it! 

Britt instantly felt like a sister to me. She is without a doubt a truly kind, considerate, beautiful, and passionate souls to have around (that is, on whichever continent she happens to find herself on).

A nomad by trade, Britt works for the US Government (when it's not shut down) and follows her free spirt the rest of the time. Born to a military family she has moved over 20 times in 28 years and loves new places, people and adventures. She is a strong, graceful yogi, one heck of a cook, a horse lover, an avid book reader, and an animal, & outdoor enthusiast!

Due to her work and many passions (it's what makes her vivacious!), you can usually find Britt in the less traveled parts of the world - she prefers adventure travel. And believes that 'there is freedom beyond fear,' loving adrenaline. 

She'll be finishing up her 2013 by visiting Jess in Montana (*YaY!*) and a long weekend in Chicago. Her travel list for 2014 includes Brazil for World Cup, Brussels, Rwanda and Bali. 
Read her heartfelt, intriguing travel story below.

What does the word travel entail to you?

Travel to me is a lifestyle. Growing up in a military family, I was born with no roots. Home has always been a strange word as its never been a house or town to me. I hated the question "where are you from?" as a child. It stressed me out. I was from everywhere.  As I have gotten older, home has become a feeling. 

Home is the happiness in my heart that I feel when I am around those I love, those that challenge me and those I have shared my utmost intimate adventures. Lucky for me, that means that as long as I am surrounded by great people, I can consider anywhere home. 

For me, travel mostly entails me learning to create a "home" in a new place...either for a few years or a few weeks. Learning the lifestyle, culture, food, energy, routines, annoyances and finding friends that turn into family. Travel entails completely letting go and embracing your surroundings. 


How have you created your life around your travel & your travel around your life (and made it sustainable)?

I am lucky that I found a career with the US government that affords me the opportunity to live and travel abroad. My nickname at work is Nomad. I am the first to jump on any trip organized and take leave as often as my manager will allow to explore new places and return to my favorites. I also have friends that live all over the world and often take advantage of the free lodging and local knowledge they offer, which definitely makes travel more sustainable when you reduce costs.


What’s one travel memory that had a truly lasting affect, a total life changing or ah-ha moment?

I lived in Haiti when the earthquake hit on 12 January 2010. 

Waking up that morning there was a naiveté in my outlook on life and an innocence that you still have when you're young and vulnerable to the worlds offerings. 

As of 454pm that afternoon, my whole life changed. I saw the best and worst in humanity, made lifelong friendships and learned the definitions of grit and resiliency. 


Every year I take 12 January as my "life day" remembering and celebrating. 

The Haitian people are truly incredible and a piece of my heart will forever be in that country. A year after the earthquake I always thought to myself that a piece of me died that day; however, as the years have moved on I truly believe that there was a piece of me woken up. A part of myself that probably would have remained dormant had I not taken that assignment in Haiti. 

There is a quote I love that best describes the people of Haiti... 


"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.
Beautiful people do not just happen." 

To me the people of Haiti are beautifully resilient people who taught me more about life in 24 hours than the 24 years I had been on the planet that day.

(**Have I mentioned that Brittany is one of the bravest, most heartfelt people I know?**)


Attacked by Seagulls in Seattle!
What’s one thing that you love to do in any new place?

Once I feel grounded I love to eat. Those who know me, know that I can seriously pack away some food. My sister and I went to Costa Rica for a 10 day surfing trip last year in Santa Teresa on the Pacific Coast and I went through more fish tacos than you can imagine. I think my record was 6 at one sitting clearing both my plate and hers. She had lost her appetite after watching my very full one. Surfing burns some serious calories folks. 

If I am on a short stay, I usually like to get a local guide recommendation from friends to help show me around. I hate big cities and big touristy attractions. I like off the beaten path and have had some of the best times in hole in the wall eateries (see the food theme?!) and eating good street food or markets. I always try to learn a local dish from wherever I go so I can re-create it at home when I am reminiscing about a trip. (**Britt makes a mean Spanish omelet**).


What was a travel situation you found very trying & how did you pull through it?

I got kidney stones in Bogota, Colombia. Never had a damn kidney stone my entire life. Never had symptoms. Woke up one morning and thought I was going to die. I have had dengue fever, Delhi belly, mysterious rashes, bug bites, you name it...but kidney stones are the WORST!  

My friend I was traveling with called friends who had grown up in Bogota. They saved the day getting me to a hospital where I was asked to pee in a cup. Miraculously, I passed the stone right into the cup. The wonderful Colombian doctor told me that passing a stone feels like child birth. Well, that was good birth control for me at the time. They gave me some great pain meds, an IV and let me rest for the day just incase any further stones wanted to make their way out. 

I make sure to always know where I can get medical treatment and I travel with a medical kit with the basics, but in Colombia---I was so grateful for dear friends and a wonderful hospital staff. 

How do you feel you inspire others?

I hope I inspire people by my sense of adventure. I love to travel alone. 
Ive met some of my dearest friends while traveling alone.  (**couldn't agree more!**)

Jess & Britt in Montana - serious horse lovers.
I went on a yoga retreat to Goa, India a few years ago alone and met people I still keep in touch with. Traveling alone is also how I met Jess. I was feeling lost, lonely and all around scared about life and knew I needed a change after a rough year. On a whim, I googled two of my favorite things together--horseback riding and yoga. Up popped Cowgirl Yoga RetreatsI saw they only offered them in the summer. I emailed Margaret (**founder of Big Sky Yoga Retreats**) anyways saying that I needed to get away and would they allow me to come out off season? 

I ended up staying for over a week in Bozeman meeting Jess's entire family and falling in love with Montana and developing great friendships. I think people are scared to travel alone, but if you do your homework, it can be so rewarding. My mom still hates that I do this though, just for the record. 


What’s something that inspires you to keep exploring?

Hearing peoples stories. I am fascinated by every person I meet and I love to hear about their lives. 

When my dad and I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in 2012, we had the chance to meet this 80 year old French man who had also climbed the mountain. He taught me a valuable lesson. He spoke no English and I spoke only broken French. We invited him to eat dinner with us anyways. He had a translation book and we made the conversation work somehow. The more wine I drank, the more fluent I became. We were sharing stories from the summit He made it to Gilman's Point, which is the first stop after the long vertical climb of the long trek to the summit (summit is about 2 hours further). 

He said his dream was to always climb Mt. Kili and reach the top of the mountain. At 80, he did just that. His goal was not to reach the summit, just the top of the vertical climb. I liked that. He taught me that just because everyone else has one goal, yours may be something totally different and equally meaningful


Montana

I wasn't willing to admit it at the time but I climbed that mountain to let go of an incredibly painful relationship. And each person I met on my 3 week journey in Africa did just that--help me let go. People are fascinating and each has a story. I want to hear as many as I can. 


What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who feels stuck in their current life or afraid to take that first step?

"There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you'd better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you'll never understand what it's saying." Sarah Dressen
You will never regret truly listening to your heart. I take a trip to somewhere I don't now anyone each time I have a major life decision to make. The alone time helps me determine what is best for me with no influence from others.

How has service affected your travel & what does service mean to you?

I do volunteer work with disaster management and have ever since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Humanity is a powerful thing and we are at our best when we are taking care of others. I often travel to places that have been affected by different types of disasters. Continuing to still see the beauty of a place amidst destruction gives people hope. And I love returning to places like New Orleans and seeing the re-building and pride. For me, service is working with people during difficult times and learning the culture and stories a bit differently, returning later to find out they told it perfectly.

What are some common misconceptions of the world that you'd like to share with readers a new point of view on?

Everyone speaks English. They do not. I am not gifted with the skill of picking up languages easily and have played more games of gestures than I care to admit. Taking the time to learn key phrases is so important, especially during an emergency (or getting kidney stones). 

And even with all the wars, poverty and disease...
I believe the world is truly still a beautiful place.
Brittany climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

"People go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars; and they pass themselves without wondering." - Saint Augustine

A question from Britt for all of you:

I was lucky that my parents taught me to explore your own back yard before going to the neighbors for entertainment. They took us to every corner of this country and I have been to most of our glorious States here in the Unites States. I think this has given me such a strong sense of self when I travel. I can share the wonderful things about America and listen to the stories of their own country.

There are so many wild, untamed, legendary and structural places to visit in the US. 
Have you taken full advantage of your own backyard before exploring elsewhere?

How can people get in touch with or follow you?
Follow me on instagram under @Britt71285

Avid yogi, avid adventurer.

India 

Namasté y'all