Traveling is a big part of my life
I adore my home base and nesting but the energy I get through movement is unmatched. I find being on the move an integral part of my inspiration to go though life and be creative.
I recently attended a group meditation somewhat accidentally that highlighted this notion.
I was recently in Tululm, Mexico, staying at one of the many beach hotels there. This is not something I make a habit of, but after a few weeks between CDMX and Oaxaca, and my body taking a beating on few levels, I fully embraced and enjoyed the slowing down of pace.
The place I was staying at was not the most vegan friendly when it came to food offering, but the place next door had a more attractive menu for plant eaters. It would have been rude not to check it out!
The general vibe of this place felt good, and the chill live guitar music, coupled with some decent food, the sound of the ocean, the short sandy walk commute, all prompt me to read up a bit more about the facilities.
Turns out there was a Stupa on site!
Growing up with a buddhist practicing mum, I always feel some kind of joy when stumbling across any place dedicated to the study of the dharma.
The next day we decided to come back for breakfast, and to check out this stupa.
We went walking around it, as the tradition suggest, and this one being dedicated to white Tara, it felt nice to meditate on compassion.
There was a group of folks sat inside we could see, and after our first walk around, got invited to come in to join the current meditation.
The teacher, James Bae, conducted a form of meditation that incorporated movements, breath work and visualisation, reminding me of some kundalini classes I attended.
It felt perfect to stumble upon it and join a practice that resonated so much.
I always like yoga and meditations practices that include more than static mindfulness only.
I always found cycling to be highly meditative for instance.
And this came up at the end of the session through some Q&A, when one of the attending student, asked about movement and meditation practices.
Often Meditation is represented in the western mindset as a still, internalised, silent practice, but so much more can be done at times through movement, sound and being active. There is so many methods at hand, it is essential to find the one that fit the individual, the moment, the place.
A tree might seem static to the human eye, but it is ever growing, ever moving. The concrete appears movement less, but is folding against strong winds, bouncing with the ground fluctuations to remain solid.
