16 going on 17

New year's reflections … 
​
On the last day of 2016, I was home bound, for the Blue Mountains, Australia. In many ways, it wrapped up this chapter of my life as I watched Doi Suthep and the city diminishing from my window view. I had been been so lucky to call this place home for over a year. And in hindsight, perhaps my subconscious had the uncanny romanticising instinct to pick the last day of the year to cross continents, so I can bid a reflective farewell to another full year of living and learning... while the new year and chapter of life down under beckons with more promises of adventure and insights. 

So there I was, crossing time zone in the air, my heart brimming with emotions that it is trying to contain, my skin still tingling from the goodbye hugs from friends whom I know I will see again, in time. 

As I let my restless heart quiet amidst the drone of the the aircraft, I put down some reflections in words to consolidate some thoughts. 

1. I am thankful to have had the privilege of living a charmed life in Chiang Mai, to enjoy the pleasures of a simple life amidst friendly locals, a colourful international community, and the most amazing food available at any time of the day / night.

2. I feel blessed to have had the spaciousness in my heart and mind to manifest a year of important breakthroughs for my passion to flourish. I've learned, shared and facilitated soul connections with like-minded people, culminating in the completion of the first ever Yoga with Daphne teacher training this December.

3. I am beholden to many kindred spirits from around the world for all the well wishes, kindness, and heartfult support I have received, especially through challenging times. Thank you for bearing light in my dark hours and for being unabashedly true in your friendships. 

4. I found clarity through the understanding that spritual bravery is about choosing truth over ease, to take full responsibility for our own growth and transformation so that we can in turn offer the same freedom and love to people around us.

5. I have never been more touched, by the power of surrender, on the importance of being able to take refuge in our interconnectedness, of trusting our hearts more than our minds, of seeing our own trials and tribulations as sacred lessons in divinity, in the rawness of this very life we live. When we expand rather than contract, we see that love will always trump fear.

6. I couldn't have asked for a better partner and accomplice who has been steadfastly standing by me, a soul mate who will alway challenge me to be the best that I can be.

May 2017 brings forth more magic, more love, more connection, more truth.