It takes courage and faith to jump out of your comfort zone and into a completely different place and space. Luckily, it’s something I’ve done before however after nearly two weeks of living in the Philippines It’s easy to notice the parallels to western society, yet it’s truly inspiring to witness first hand how different it is and how beautiful life can become when you detach yourself from the comforting environment you once knew, fly half way around the globe and land in third world country that is 12 hours apart and 180 degrees of separation from the norm.
It’s week two. I’ve been hired to help launch and establish the third branch of Beyond Yoga at their new studio located in Alabang. Since arriving, I’ve been teaching, traveling, and experiencing first hand what it’s like to live in Manila. The community here is gung-ho for Christopher Harrison’s AntiGravity Techniques. They by far some of the most receptive and genuinely kind people I’ve ever met and taught. We had a blast in the workshops and they all seemed to throughly enjoy some of the new moves and sequences. I look forward to what Alabang will bring! But in the mean time, due to the latest typhoon, the timing has been delayed.
Last week I was able to take a few days off and travel to Boracay, which is considered one of the worlds most beautiful islands. After soaking up the tropical sunshine, white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and dancing to the beat of remixed club music until early hours, I completely agree with the critics claim. I can’t wait to go back and accomplish my goal of learning how to kite surf.
The culture here is open and friendly and the people seem authentically happy and kind. It’s normal for typhoons to shut the city down for an undetermined amount of days as it’s part of life here in the tropics. The food here is amazingly rich and the mangos here are world renown. The life style is such that it’s normal for families to have helpers, personal drivers, and being that the cost of living is significantly less than, what is perceived as luxurious in the states is seen as normal here. An at home 2 hour massages cost a fraction of what you pay in the states, and everything across the board is on average much less expensive. No wonder there is an ever growing ex-pat community!
I’m thrilled to be here! Even in the short amount of time, I feel like I’ve created some life long relationships with some truly amazing and influential people. I look forward to what will transpire from my efforts, and love the free feeling of experiencing life as it comes in a new place and space. Growth and expansion is occurring holistically within as I work hard to create the dream.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu
