ill 00:26:00 on Monday, August 10 2009

Nothing can take away what the trip gave to me - chicken soup for the soul, and more besides.  Unfortunately the slight dampener is that having arrived home weary and jet lagged last Monday, on Tuesday I was struck down with a tummy bug.  It's completely drained me, and is thoroughly and totally unusual for me to suffer in such a way - and I want it to go away now.  I have so much work to do, that is worrying me, and this last week I have had no energy to make much headway.  I guess it's a pretty good reality check - makes me appreciate wellness all the more - when you don't have it you realise how precious it is.

Al

the holiday 00:24:58 on Monday, August 10 2009

I was looking forward to it totally.  As it grew closer, I had a certain sense of angst nonetheless - after all how could it possibly measure up to last year?  It did.  Ten times over. I met beautiful people, people who I laughed with, loud and long, talked with nonstop, and shared a very special place with. I felt honoured, and touched, and appreciative.  I felt very cared about and very much a part of it all - as indeed I was.  Those friendships began whilst we were all in that place, but now we have left, I know they will continue. 

I was looking forward to the Yoga and Pilates and Body Stretch classes, that I adore - and they did not disappoint.  Niedra Gabriel is a 2^nd Generation Pilates expert - world class - and I soaked up her teaching and will take it into my own practice and my teaching.  To spend time with her and to learn from her - about teaching, and about my own body - was priceless.  I intend to keep in touch and I definitely hope to see her again, should I be so lucky. 

The Bodyguards, who taught other classes including my beloved Body Stretch, were as they were last year - genuine, warm, effective, and fun.  They all seemed to remember me from last year, which meant a lot, especially in those first few days when I was just settling in.  As I wandered down from the Oasis a couple of days in, I heard a voice "Al?"  It was Stan.  Stan the Man!  Dancer Stan.  Instructor Stan.  We talked a lot last year and he had seen the joy and sparkle I had felt, and we were buddies.  He copied me 2 CD's of music from his classes, and now that I am home I listen to them over and again, and am transported back to the studio where we would stretch and move and relax and absorb the moment, the music and the whole experience of everything that was going on.  I have always found music an incredibly powerful resource and this music in particular, just now, is evocative and stirs my soul.

Aside from the classes I chose to attend, there was a whole lot besides.  Beach time.  Sleep.  Singing in the Piano Bar.  Long dinners and laughter.  Talk.  It was healing.  It was an investment in Body, Mind and Spirit.  Of that I have no doubt.

Al

flying high 00:21:55 on Monday, August 10 2009

I had been encouraged by others, to grasp the nettle and try out Circus Sports.  I loved the idea, but wasn't convinced.  I have never been a gymnast in years gone by and wasn't so sure I had the strength or agility to succeed.  But I was in a place where the opportunity was there, with no pressure or expectation, and I was tempted.  I signed up.

We did a thorough warm up of bends, stretches and somersaults.  Then it began.  A yoga headstand for starters - which in itself was a challenge but the exultation at achieving it was marvellous.  Time to fly...  I grasped the hoops in my hands and under the impeccable and expert guidance of Bob I threw my legs up over my head and before I knew it I was vertical - hanging upside down - and instantly in love with circus sports.  I wobbled and wavered and I laughed and questioned and I tumbled here and there and adrenalin pumped. 

I was permanently safe, as Bob's protection was never more than inches away, as I went this way and that, upside down and back to front, swinging thought the hoops, arms and legs switching and changing and constantly smiling.  I loved it. 

I looped hands and feet through the hoops and arched my back and looked out towards the ocean.  It was split seconds of pure magic.  I swooped  and soared and I felt strong and alive.

After the hoops, time for the trapeze.  Sitting on a narrow bar, way up high, swinging upside down, gazing out, twisting and turning.  I was hooked. 

I didn't care what I looked like to observers (I did get some positive feedback later, which was a bonus but not why I loved it so much) I just enjoyed it for the freedom, the energy and the happiness it gave me. 

I paid up for two more sessions, and it just got better and better.  I loved that feeling - of being so alive, and strong, and liberated.

It's as close as I can ever imagine, to soaring like a bird, through the sky.  What a gift.

Al