I've been on a "hiatus" for a bit. As a Puerto Rico native, there's a surprising amount of things to do on the island that I haven't done (or hadn't until very recently). I've been taking advantage of this time to change that.
Looking back on 2020, I could not be more grateful to have been in my home island of Puerto Rico when the pandemic erupted. Despite quarantine, I was able to visit the ocean or hike in the rainforest this winter. I spent the past couple of months exploring the north/west side of the island, staying in Rincon, Aguadilla, Arecibo and Isabela for a few days or weeks. I am fortunate that I was able to travel around and work from wherever, as long as there was a Wi-Fi connection. In January, I led a 3-part workshop focused on meditation and manifestation, in collaboration with The Purple Kitty, which gathered an amazing group of wise women, committed to living a more purposeful life. It was a remarkably powerful series: for myself, I realized how many women resonated with what I had to say and with each other. As I reflected on the 3 sessions, I sat atop a hill in Rincon overlooking the ocean. I felt immensely thankful for, and humbled by, the opportunity I had been given. And I hope to continue creating spaces for healing and growth in the future.
That weekend in Rincon, my dear friend Marta and I woke up early to check out the biggest swell of the year at Tres Palmas. We sat on top of the roof of her Jeep eating watermelon slices and taking it in. The pictures below don't really show the magnitude of the waves. We marveled at the surfers that dared to paddle out that weekend in the hopes of catching a wave for the books. In the afternoon we found a spot to watch the spectacle from even higher, at a house on the hill (second picture). We ran into a couple who came up with a long-lens camera so they could catch a glimpse of their daughter in the middle of the massive waves. I was glad to hear that young girls were out there -- It takes a lot of courage.
The waves were no joke that weekend.
I also recently started surfing. No, not those waves. Small baby waves. Individual water activities are a great immune system booster: exercise, saline, sunshine, fresh air... Connecting with nature is a natural healer and the ultimate source of vitality.
I also took more time to walk around and just appreciate what was right in front of me. Nature has a lot to show us if we keep our senses open. While staying in Isabela, I rented a bike from Pedalea Isabela and biked the Paseo Lineal, along countless beaches and rock formations, all the way to the Paseo Tablado, where I found myself breezing down a wooden path between a family of dreamy trees.
Paseo lineal, Isabela, PR.
I also have been working on eating more whole foods. Avoiding the supermarkets and going to local farmer stands along the road has been my go-to recently. One of those roadside stands is this one on Road 110 in Aguadilla.
They made my kitchen happy.
One thing about being outside of the San Juan / Metro area is that you get to the country where the air gets cooler, and you can better hear the sounds of nature (like those of the chickens pictured here visiting our patio in the mornings).
Stay at El Cucubano, Arecibo, PR.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to slow down and absorb life with all my attention. To see the light in the stars, feel the ocean breeze, taste fresh fruits and vegetables, and listen to what the trees and birds have to say. Connecting with nature/source has led me to appreciate and develop a deeper relationship with the island of Puerto Rico and with myself.
Below are a few more photos from the past few months.
Pictures from my stay in Ceiba, PR (second and third photos are views of El Yunque).
Random neighborhood walks.
My office for a few days, Il Sognatore, Aguadilla, PR.
Stay tuned for more updates. ✨