Chart your course

"We are longing to have the most expensive experience of our life."- Anand Mehrotra

Adventure comes in many ways so, ultimately, adventure is a mindset. It is saying “yes” to new experiences, to exploring and being open to the unexpected.  I intentionally design my travel around special locations and they always integrate some form of adventure which has a different meaning for everyone.  Some adventures, like India, require me to be a bit more flexible, open-minded and self-sufficient. Other trips include long days in the rainforest. My favorite trips are those that take me beyond my comfort zone even if it is just one aspect of the trip because I move past a perceived limitation.  We all have thoughts about what we can and can’t do and new experiences challenge those beliefs.  No matter where that threshold is, adventure gives us energy, confidence and optimism.  I believe it pushes my mind, body and spirit to new places.  Stepping beyond your comfort zone is where the real growth lies.  It is where your heart expands and awareness increases.

Nature

"We are all butterflies.  Earth is our chrysalis."  LeeAnn Taylor

I believe a cornerstone to well-being lies in nature. I believe there is no better way to be inspired, recalibrate and come back to center than in nature. Henry David Thoreau spent two years secluded in the woods while writing Walden, his classic meditation on life and nature. Even in 1845, Thoreau sensed that nature can quiet the mind and improve your health. More than 150 years later, there is plenty of science on the healing power of nature. It boosts your mood, teaches us awareness and mindfulness, energizes you and reinforces feelings of connection with other living beings. Time in nature also brings us out of ourselves and our narrow concerns and connects us to a larger world and greater perspective. So I do as much as I can outdoors whether it is at home teaching children about gardening and flowers or experiencing destinations that best showcase the extraordinary beauty and diversity of our earth. 

Culture and Education

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller

For this very reason I believe in travel that includes the local culture. By doing so, not only do we learn about ourselves, we learn more about our destination's geography, history, social customs and issues facing the region. I believe in learning as much as I can about the region, its people, their joys and hardships so I have a better understanding of the world. I may seek out local artisans and take a lesson or have dinner with a family at their home.  Meeting with local changemakers, people who are making a positive difference in the area, is always top on the list. Understanding our sameness while learning about how we approach life differently helps us re-evaluate what is important in life. Travel should provide a vehicle for one to not only see and learn about new places, but also learn more about oneself.

Connection 

Connection takes on many forms for me.  Travel is a personal experience made more meaningful by your fellow travelers.  I speak with everyone in my group personally before the trip and many times over the course of our travels together.  Before we embark on our journey, I ask each person to fill out a brief questionnaire, and I create personalized plans for those interested. I also follow up with individuals after the trip.  Teaching and learning is a powerful form of connection. I have spent a lifetime learning about well-being and love to share and learn from others. Whether it is about gardening, culture, health, functional medicine, or traveling, the exchange of knowledge creates profound bonds.  Lastly, and most importantly, I love introducing clients to new ways of looking at life, to new experiences, to reconnecting the mind, body and spirit.

Nourishment

My philosophy is simple: to maintain joy and well-being, life needs to nourish the mind, body, and soul. I accomplish this by sharing wisdom I have gained through my studies and experiences, helping others live more authentically and connect with people on the same journey. We all need a tribe that supports our path and lifts our spirit. Through yoga, healthful eating, breath work, kriya, and stillness, we nurture all aspects of life. My goal is to help  clients find meaning and joy in their world.