The Price of Paradise
I have a rule living in the raw wild lands of Costa Rica and really, anywhere in the world for that matter.
Never walk in the dark without your own light.
I learned this the hard way when I had a fall off of a boardwalk in the mangroves a couple of years ago. Thinking I could find my way, I stepped gingerly into the darkness being drawn to the source of live music. Unfortunately, the boardwalk took a sharp right turn as my left foot stepped into the abyss and down I went. Luckily it was a muddy creek bed without rocks and stones, so although I was at first panting in shock, I surveyed my body and realized that nothing was broken. I had let out a loud scream as I fell through the air, but no one came to my rescue. Crickets.
I pulled my muddy body out of the ditch and up onto the boardwalk hobbling back to the front desk with both my ankles a bit sprained, my left knee sprained, my hip bruised, and my shoulder bruised. It was mild compared to what could’ve been. It didn't stop me from continuing my activities, except for surfing, and I healed quickly. This is when I promised myself that I would never again walk in the dark without a light.
Fast forward to the present time, two years later.
I packed a large bag of coffee, cream, cups, and tablecloth to host a beach side sunrise with three guests here at Encanta. I picked them up at their Casita and as we began to stroll down the rocky path, I inquired about flashlights. One guest stated she didn’t have one. This is a “should-have” moment. I should’ve paused and remedied the problem. But instead, I ignored my own rule and offered to shine the light for her because, hey, I like to be the knight in shining armor.
We walked along the lava rocks and stones amid fallen branches from the night’s wind on our way to the rugged beach path which I traverse several times a week. For some odd reason, I decided to wear shoes that day as I spend 99% of my time wearing flip-flops that are now paper thin. I wanted more cushion. Another choice leading to my demise.
My flashlight swung back and forth between my path and hers as we walked single file through the jungle until we reached nature’s staircase. Stepping my way down, my mind was not in my body nor my feet as I was more concerned about lighting the path for my friend. I took a different route than usual when, midstep at the top of the stairs, the tip of my shoe caught a rock and there I was falling through the air into the darkness, screaming Fuuuuuuuuu** knowing that many sharp rocks lay beneath.
NATURE'S STAIRWAY
It’s amazing how time slows down at moments like these. It was dark. I had my large bag of coffee accoutrements under my right arm so I had no choice, but to reach out with my other arm to at least know where I was going to fall and sure enough, my left hand hit ground. Luckily it was soft dirt. In addition, I’ve learned how important it is to roll when one falls so as soon as my hand touched earth, I tucked and rolled down the rest of the steps avoiding full impact. My right knee was not so lucky as it scraped over a few of the jagged rocks.
Sitting at the bottom of the steps at the break of dawn, the body check began. Rotating my wrist - not broken. Checking out the blood flowing down my right leg, arm and elbow - minor cuts. Coffee, cream, and cups - intact without spillage. Gratitude. I could see the sun beginning to rise and briefly considered continuing on to the shoreline. Silly girl. Instead, my three friends jumped in to rescue me.
Twenty-four hours later, my arm was cast from knuckles to elbow due to a hairline fracture and slight subluxation of the radius. Not bad. Not good. My final month in Costa Rica, I am banned from immersing myself in the ocean during the hottest time of the year. I can, however, dip in the saltwater pool and awkwardly shower.
This incident has given me the opportunity to experience medical care on the Osa. First, the boat taxi across Golfo Dulce to the hospital emergency room where English was not spoken. I had enough Spanish in me along with my Google translator to move through the process easily. I have a way of making people laugh and forgive my broken Spanglish helping to bring lightness to the situation.
They bounced me around from doctor to x-ray to doctor to casting to injections (for pain) in a timely manner, so I was able to catch my boat taxi back. (I had an overnight bag packed just in case.) Now I get to find out if travel insurance works for medical bills because I always insist that everyone have it when they attend one of my international retreats. I’ll let you know if it works.
AWAKENED MY INNER ARTIST - A WORK IN PROGRESS
Suffice it to say, I’m still happy in my jungle home.I love being warm. I love that the ground requires agility and attention and once again I’ve been reminded to remain attentive to the wise woman within.
When I feel her knocking at the door of my mind, I promise to pause, pay attention and proceed with divine guidance.
Looking forward to sharing more stories with you as I return to California soon. I’m especially excited about visiting Bozeman for the month of July to get out on the trails, float the rivers, and share the roots of Yoga with long timw friends. No tripping on those roots.
What wisdom is your inner wise woman offering these days? Are you following her guidance?
I'd love to hear.
Here’s what’s coming…
SIMPLE SOULFUL YOGA SERIES
Held at Strength & Grace Studio
Bozeman, Montana
June 30 - July 23 Tuesday & Thursday
8:30 - 9:45 am & 10:15 - 11:30 am
10 spaces each session - $22 / session - you choose