Adventure in Dominica: Blessings

I remember it well, being back in New York and musing over life in Dominica. I remember mentioning to my MBA colleagues at Baruch about a potential move to the Caribbean for my (at the time) boyfriend to attend Ross. . I remember their reactions: "Oh my gosh, you should go!" or "how amazing," and "I wish I could move to a Caribbean island."

The fact that this became real, wow, I just never really thought it was going to happen. This is what Steve and I wanted, and as I look back I realize life really can become what you dream. Of course, in those distant-far-off-fairytale-like dreams, we never remember to insert fault and difficulty, but nevertheless, I believe that if you can dream it you can achieve it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why we should be careful what we dream.

So we moved to Dominica in April, but didn't even really know that this was the plan come December. We decided to finalize our decision by January as we would be headed off to India for 7 weeks and needed a solid idea of what we would do when we returned. Post marriage, post India... back in the Catskill mountains of New York I scheduled flights and made arrangements, apartment searched online, and signed a lease. I daydreamed about what life on this tropical island paradise would be like. I read about the 365 rivers, 12 major waterfalls, and 1 boiling lake. I relayed information about the indigenous people to my friends and dreamt about the many fruit trees. What would I do there? Where or how would I work? I had many ideas about what my life was going to look like in Dominica while also attempting to keep an open mind.

Making arrangements for Dominica - that white is snow

This was my dreamy, far away, surreal projection of life in Dominica:

I would sew. Not sure what, maybe finally I would attempt some decently wearable clothes!

I would snorkel and swim and my heart and mind would be infinitely soothed by underwater silence, bright colors, and mother nature's mystique.

I would teach yoga. I would practice yoga. I would meditate. I would lead meditations, silent walks on the beach and early morning beach meditations.

I would go on nature walks with my friends. I would have time for friends!

I would explore the native culture of the island. I would investigate basket weaving. Maybe I would learn, or maybe I would facilitate a relationship between the Santa Fe Folk Art Market and basket weavers from Dominica.

I would further my knowledge of essential oils. I would learn about the process and what was available on island. I would study my new aromatherapy book... or at least use it as interest arose.

I would cook and learn to use a crock pot and experiment with Caribbean cuisine.

I would read.

I would ride my bike.

I would hike.

I would explore the hot springs.

I would take care of my love.

Would I finally be able to learn and practice fire poi?

~~~~~~~~~~~

These were my dreams as I remember them. It is interesting reflecting back in comparison to snap shots taken once on island. Some of the dreams have taken root, woven, twisted, and taken form as something new. Some of them have become nothing more than a few hours or days of attention. Some have evolved into thriving practices, experiences, and relationships. None of them exactly as I imagined. However, most of what I dreamt, I did feel into existence.

And what do I mean by that? How did I feel my dreams into existence? Some very sage words of advice now arise from my memory. About 2 years ago, I was having a conversation with our friend Pranava at the Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. Who really knows what we were talking about, but whatever it was brought this from him: (paraphrasing from memory) "It is not so important imaging what we want for the future, but instead projecting what we want to feel in the future." Yep. I digested that and didn't forget it. I used it and it has served Steve and me very well. As I thought of Dominica, I projected feelings of love, contentment, peace, surrender, happiness, and companionship. I have achieved these sensations of the heart. By doing this, and in looking back, I am not disappointed in what I have not done or have not been able to do, but I am satisfied that I have continually sought these positive states of being.

I recommend this practice to all. When you think of tomorrow, think of love. When you think of your next job, feel contentment and success. When you think of success, feel all your most positive associated emotions. When you think of your life down the line a few years out, imbue happiness and peace. This practice is truly powerful and rewarding.

I want to close by saying that life on island now is better than ever. I am blown away by all the many special moments and experiences I am having. Of course, I am making a conscious effort to engage in the the ways I want, but it is paying off. A place between intention and surrender. Life is sublime.

Love to all, Peace to all.

Om Namah Sivaya.

I left you with a return from Miami. Well, rest assured that in the short period that I was back in Dominica before heading back to the states for the holidays was an exciting one. Our house was robbed a few times by some local kids who were up to no good. At first I was scared, but once I learned that the youngest of the team, and the one sent through the window was a mere 9 years old, I was just sad. This explained the missing freezy pops and the tosstled chocolate chip cookies in the fridge. You know, unfortunately for me, I lost a bicycle seat, but much worse for that young boy is how he is being influenced by his elder peers in such formative years. To take from others, to invade privacy, to deceive a Ross student by asking to use his bike pump as an opportunity to find what more could be his. I laugh when I think of the missing freezy pops, but I tear up to think of that boy's situation. Thankfully, everyone was caught and got their admonishment. Most of our property was recovered, and security was increased at our place. In the end... what can you do? As a wise yogi friend once put it... the question is not why did they steal from me, but rather why did I steal in the first place? This is just the ripening of a karmic fruit.

Not long after, Steve was finished with his exams and it was time for us to travel to Texas for the holidays. It pained us to leave kitten behind for more than 3 weeks, but I was looking forward to a little change of scenery and the chance to spend some time at home with my family. Christmas is always festive with my mom! So we boarded our two planes (of course successively), and it was by a stroke of grace that we made it home in one day without any issues and with all of our baggage in hand at IAH.

Christmas time was enjoyable as we scooted around Houston to watch/listen to various performances of Handel's Messiah, went to the movie theater, and took long epic walks through a city that is much-too-rarely walked about. We were overwhelmed by the amount of driving that was required. And the shopping...well...it was Christmas time, so on a few occasions we felt ourselves drained. Most importantly though, Steve and I got to spend almost all of our time together. Although we've been together - so to speak - in Dominica, he has really needed to focus on school, while I've been up to other non-medical-school things.

But our highlights were definitely our time with nephew Magnus - and his parents of course ;) - and our trip to Austin for our anniversary, a city that just suits us and nurtures our outdoor spirit.

Now, the photo story: