Yamari Shirasu Hunting

Yoga has been a very important part of my life.  It taught me how to be calm, how to breathe, and how to take care of my body.  And when I practice yoga, all I need is a good place to do it.  Namaste.

We surfed next to a river so the water was freezing cold.  All I had was a 1mm full suit so it seemed impossible.  But impossible has never been a word for me.  Thankfully, my Dove 1mm wetsuit kept me pretty warm.  BUT, my hands and feet were freezing cold!  Once I caught my first wave, it turned very warm!    

Then went to soak in a private onsen for an hour.  Then took a nap on the tatami mat looking out to the sakura. 

Then drove up the mountain and decided to do a natural ice bath.  OMG, the water was freezing cold!   I swam across the river and when I got to the other side, I was thinking, “omg, now I have to swim back?”  Haha.  After that, the 3 hour drive back to Wakayama was relaxing.  Watching the sakura and singing Begin all the way.

There are some magical places in the mountains.  Temples, shrines, and lots of energy.  Here you’re supposed to make a wish and put a piece of wood in the fire.

I wished happiness to you all…

I’ve been waiting for this!  The sakura is blossoming everywhere.  Just in a day, the all the trees on the mountains are full bloom!  The past 2 days, I drove over 9 hours in and out of the mountains.  Ever corner I was in awe of the beauty.  And the cool thing is hardly anyone is around.  This is the most beautiful season I’ve ever experienced.    

Walking along temples and enjoying the rich culture of Japan.  Taking it slow step by step and breath by breath.  I’m so happy that my life has finally slowed down so much that I can appreciate things a lot more.  

I’m in the wild mountains.  And in the wild mountains are wild animals.   I was walking up a path and could feel something looking at me.  I look up and there were these cute deer.   I don’t think I can eat deer anymore.  

Meanwhile back home in Hawaii, I got a text at 1am in the morning.  Bright lightning, thunder, hail, and the craziest weather.  

Overlooking Ala Moana, she said the lighting bolts were lighting up the sky.  I told her to sit back and enjoy the beautiful show!  

I wasn’t expecting to surf on this trip.  But after 11 days of being out of the ocean, I couldn’t resist.  Thank you Sakabe-san for encouraging me to surf.  If it wasn’t for you, I would have never paddled out.  You’re a super kind local and I want to thank you for sharing some waves with me.  I feel reborn!