Behind the Scenes in Sayulita
For the first time in over ten years I have taken a vacation, and for the first time in my life it was for a month and by myself. That’s right, I took the whole month of January off. Why January? I am very affected by the dark and cold of winter, and every January I fall into a hole of depression. When I am in this depression the constant messaging of resolutions is infuriating and mustering the energy to care for my clients and students is painful.
Over the last year I have been exploring and practicing changing my diet and routines with the cycles of nature. In honoring that, and the fact that January is STILL winter, it just made sense to take a hibernation and begin my new year in the spring.
I tend to think of this time as a self-retreat rather than a vacation. I didn’t make a lot of plans to sight-see or tour around. My requirements for a location were a beach and a yoga studio. The only agenda I had was to rest, to find a sleep and eating regime that were more nourishing to my changing body, get some sun to heal my eczema, and to reflect and focus on my own yoga practice. As I wrap up this journey, I can say mission accomplished. Things can come together but don’t always look like what you thought.
Behind the social media posts of palm trees and tacos, there was so much more going on and bigger lessons learned. This trip has been wonderful, and really really hard. Much harder than I would have ever imagined. Would I do it all again? Absolutely! But, I would do it much much differently. There is value in the process of evaluating and being radically honest.
I don’t consider myself an influencer, and I don’t have a method or regime to pass along for your success. I do think taking time completely by yourself, in whatever form you choose, will reveal whatever it is you have been avoiding, as well as what you are truly grateful for and have been taking for granted.
Here are my insights from my month in Sayulita:
Getting some sun and outside time in January = no depression (duh)
Living with a pet is living with someone, and being without them is extremely lonely. I did not expect to feel so alone. First thing I would do differently is not go somewhere for this long without my dog (sorry to my boo).
Time alone means at some point you have to deal with yourself. Big realization that most of my life I was always trying to play the part and/or fit in with who I was around. Now I am getting comfortable with the me that is really me.
It took me getting sick on the trip to face that I don’t take enough downtime in my real life, until I get sick and am forced to. Again, when you are alone you are only dealing with you and facing your repetitive thoughts and habits. More regular downtime means less getting sick.
This was the PERFECT time of year to step away and go inward. Not only because that is what nature is doing but that’s what everyone is really doing. There was a little bit of FOMO that I had made a bad business decision by not being at the studios for the resolution crowd. But, I honestly don’t have the energy for them this time of year. Most of the influx at the studios where I teach are visitors in town for the holiday, so they will be leaving anyway. Biggest thing is that the majority of my clients and students are exhausted from the holidays, most get sick this time of year, and many are doing their own travels to get some light and warmth. It is totally fine to pick a time that works for you to be selfish, fill your cup (cliche I know), and be ready to serve when you return.
Getting to bed early and eating a full breakfast in the morning are game changers (again, duh)! I have been carrying around some bad habits and excuses for them from my younger days of staying up too late, and not eating until the afternoon. These never really served me, but now in perimenopause are just plain stressful. These two simple things are now non-negotiable for me. With proper sleep and nourishment I haven’t had hot flashes or insomnia since the first week I was here (fingers crossed)!
Being a yoga student, just a student, has re-inspired me to share a changing and more authentic personal practice. And as a teacher with 13 or more classes a week, taking the time to think about and lay-out a year of practice that reflects the cycle of nature is exciting to bring back with me!
In my doing it better next time, looking for a yoga training/retreat will be top of my list as having a new yoga experience was my favorite part.
When I return I am committed to shopping at our local farmer’s markets and making fresh lemonade and agua de jamaica. Simple pleasures I have enjoyed here.
I am much bougier than I believed and much bougier than the younger version of myself that dreamed of taking a month away. Next time, I would make sure my living space has some outside space to sit and be. For all of you who don’t know how I could afford this - you are correct - it was a HUGE investment and I totally did it on a VERY strict budget. Next time I would spend less time but do it up more. Spa treatments, smoothie bowls and sarongs! I have moved way beyond the boho backpacker style of travel. I am adaptable enough to survive but no need to prove it again.
There is absolutely NOTHING in my life I don’t want to return to! I cannot fucking wait to get home to my dog, my boyfriend, my pad. I cannot fucking wait to see my friends, students, and neighbors. I cannot fucking wait to get groceries, take a class at my studio, walk down my street. Validation: I am in the right place doing the right thing.
The very last night of my stay I almost stayed in, even though I was starving and had nothing at my place. I just wanted to go home and didn’t want to go out. Just like the universe taught me a lesson from getting sick, it kept making me hungrier. I went back to the best taco place in the world I think to try and leave with the best possible taste in my mouth (literally and figuratively). While waiting on a table I met the bestest woman ever. I cried when she struck up conversation with the normal ‘how’s your trip going’. I asked her to share a table and she asked me to share some guacamole. It was like Thelma and Louise met Lady and the Tramp! Listen to your body. It will take you where you need to go. And Lyndsie, if you are reading this, look-bullet points!
If you have an itch, scratch it. If there is something you want to try - never be afraid to do it. But, don’t be afraid to put something down, or leave, if it is no longer working. I cut my trip short by almost a week because it is time to head home. I have gotten what I needed and for another first in my life, I am deeply homesick.
On my very first day here, there was a storm out in the Pacific and Sayulita was experiencing abnormally high tides and huge powerful waves. As I tried to take a walk on the beach, not knowing this, the ocean threw a rock at my ankle and stole my flips. It was a pretty gnarly wound and I was very lucky that it didn’t get infected, especially since I had to walk home barefoot on some pretty dirty streets.
You can see that the wound has healed. A perfect metaphor for my time here.
Mucho gusto Sayulita!