As many of you can tell, I’m a bit of a nomad — in work and in life. I divide up my time between freelance writing about travel and wellness, teaching yoga or giving reiki, and practicing slow travel. Since nature is such a fundamental part of wellness, I’ve also been digging into farming practices and quietly put that intention out into the universe. I’ll briefly note that this way of life doesn’t always leave me the most financially stable as I’m still quite young in my career, so I’ve developed the ability to take opportunities as they come (for all of you wondering how I really manage, I used a credit card for a lot of years which I recently paid off *high fives self*). Although occasionally stressful, for me there was no other way to live and it’s led me to some very interesting adventures. Including recently. Why I Love Public Transport My latest bit of serendipity came in the form of an experiential education position with Operation Groundswell — a progressive company that centers around the ethos of sustainable travel. In standard fashion, I found out about the job during a 7-hour bus ride to the border of Cambodia where I happened to be seated near their Regional Director for Southeast Asia. As I’m a non-stop talker about social and environmental issues, I unknowingly gave a full interview and formally applied shortly thereafter. So come January, I’ll be co-leading a program showing a group of budding activists, intellects and people just plain curious about this wild world we live in a side of Southeast Asia and traveling they may have never seen before. Equally as rewarding, I get to dive into the culture and community of Cambodia, a place I’ve called home for more than 3 years, to learn even more about this region I’ve fallen completely in love with. As always, holistic wellness remains a top priority for me so I’m pleased to have already connected with one of our local partners committed to bringing sustainable agriculture methods to Cambodian farmers, ensuring reliable crops and financial security. Remember: Wellness is so much more than just eating a perfectly clean diet. Adventures with Ockenden I met some of the local Ockenden team when they picked me up from a side-of-the-road noodle stand in Sisophon and as we drove away toward their main offices we fell right into a discussion about fertilizers and the chemistry behind creating the most nutrient-rich formula. After spending this past summer working as an organic gardener and realizing that I could talk endlessly about soil, I gave the universe a sly smile for hooking me up with this gig. As a child I loved treasure hunts, geocaching and finding geodetic survey markers, so I immediately said yes to returning last week to join a workshop for surveying a potential eco-village site. Although we wouldn’t be looking for anything specific, I suspected that observing and mapping the environment could lead to surprising discoveries. With rubber boots on my feet, I set out with a mixed group of Ockenden staff, volunteers and area farmers to note all of the nooks and crannies of this plot of land. My roll for this workshop was more to get a feel for what projects Operation Groundswell would be helping with in the future and understand how Ockenden works within the surrounding communities, but I couldn’t help enjoying the discoveries of rare insect eating plants and determining the quality of water flowing across the land. One of the older farmers in our group shared my enthusiasm by jumping across streams, excitedly identifying different trees and plants. We all reconvened back at the Ockenden office and described our observations — determining where the water was flowing from, what condition some of the plants were in and any external factors that might affect the land. We worked in groups for the two days of the workshop to brainstorm the many possible ways to work with the land (permaculture) and create a sustainable center for experimental farming and education.
I learned that the Khmer expression for slanting land is something like “an orange can roll down” and that many Cambodians are extremely passionate about understanding and using sustainable farming techniques. My one summer of gardening left me miles behind their decades of knowledge, but they were very patient with me. We’ll be joining them again when our first group arrives in mid-January, and I’m already looking forward to learning more and helping where we can. I’m sure I’ll have a few more random adventures before then, though.
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Forgive my arrogance here, but I feel like I’m a part of this crew of Instagram wellness warriors and we’re all just out here digitally roaring for a better today. They’re my idols and way out of my league, but because of their ability to be so accessible they feel more like friends — something I think the wellness world desperately needs. There are so many moguls that are guru-like and elicit head-to-floor praising, but I prefer a more casual, authentic relationship with my teachers. These accounts are honest, inclusive and SO effing inspirational. Click the photos to see more of their profiles and follow their stories. Bad Yogi Official I owe a lot of my courage to go against the wellness grain to Erin Motz. @badyogiofficial brought yoga back down to earth for me and has continued to do so with her latest Bad Yogi endeavor: PBYP (Perfect Body Yoga Program). It’s geared toward giving you the perfect yoga body, which is your body. Duh. My Name Is Jessamyn Okay, she may warrant a head-to-floor praise, but somehow she still keeps it chill. This chick can also speak her mind and I adore her for that. Every time she has a new post I swear I’m just sitting behind my screen clapping. Sometimes this is in public, but I’ll take the awkward stares. She’s worth it. Pravassa For years I’ve been talking about this thing called Wellness Travel, so when I stumbled upon Pravassa it was a huge sigh of relief that I wasn’t going all A Beautiful Mind and making up a trend — with accompanying matrixes — in my head. They are pioneering the industry and advocating for a new way of travel that flies in the face of sodium-rich meals and box-checking itineraries. Brené Brown Where. To. Begin. I would vote for this woman for literally any part of our democratic system. She is brave, intelligent, outspoken and critical. Did I mention she’s besties with Oprah? Her TED Talks and appearances on SuperSoul Sessions are the stuff of dreams and her new book is on my wish list. Leader of wild women, I salute you. Colors Of Yoga Like so many people, I’m tired of seeing a one-tone-fits-all approach to represent yoga. This is a practice that originated in India, but is rarely presented by a brown body in the mainstream Western World. Yoga is for everyone. *I also seriously dig their Transformation Tuesdays since they inspire me to take one day at a time and be consistent. Vane Airport Mag So now that we’ve established the existence of the Wellness Travel industry, getting to watch it grow with accounts like @vaneairportmag makes my little wellness heart sing. I especially love their attention to airports with nature retreats and therapy dogs. What can I say, I’m a pro-pup kinda girl. On Being This page helps me get my critical think on with its superbly curated quotes, mostly about the state of being as the handle suggests. Incorporating small reminders every day to acknowledge my existence helps me keep my life and subsequent issues in perspective. Kathryn Budig & Ash Cebulka These two besties are such a dynamic team of unstoppable awesome — Kathryn Budig as a yoga brand builder and Ash Cebulka as a pure magic wellness coach. I’m inspired by their passion and drive to create businesses based around authenticity and self-acceptance, while also having an adorable Insta friendship. Yoga On The Fly LLC Congrats to the new @yogaontheflyllc studio at the Denver airport! This is just the beginning of the Great Yoga Takeover and I for one am so excited. Having a space to meditate and practice breathwork or asana while traveling is like every yogis dream. I can’t wait to see this concept take off and be offered at airports worldwide. Yoga Inspiration So I’m not a huge fan of the yoga porn situation we have on Instagram where people are only showing asana to get likes for their gymnastics. That being said, I really don’t think this account falls into that category as the majority of their posts are memes promoting a yogic lifestyle. Their asana photos are also so joyful and technically gorgeous that I enjoy them mostly for their artistic expression. yoganect Full disclosure, I’m writing content for the release of this website and I’ll be honest I didn’t get the full scope of potential when I first took the job. Now that I’ve gotten to interact with yoga teachers, retreat centers and yoga enthusiasts from all over the world, I’m so hooked on this media platform that connects yogis all over the world. Look for their launch in early 2018! Yoga Medicine As someone who believes in the healing powers of yoga but demands a more clinical approach, I appreciate @yoga_medicine. Their community is rooted “in the fusion of anatomy & physiology” and they encourage evidence-based practices, which I find to be far more powerful anyway. Check out their foundation page as well @yoga_medicine_seva to see their efforts in fighting against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Yoga Journal I debated including this one because to me it’s like the first account you’d follow if you’re interested in wellness, but even the popular kids shouldn’t be left out. Their latest posts bringing awareness to #helpvetsheal and free yoga for veterans in November are just a few of the many reasons to follow @yogajournal. They’ll always keep you up-to-date on the growing wellness community. Fat Buddha Yoga
These jokers. I can’t get enough of @fatbuddhayoga and their hilarious memes. Bringing the yoga lifestyle into a normal, humorous light makes me happy. And avocado toast also makes me happy, so really they had me at hello. Any healer — or professional, really — will tell you that learning doesn’t stop just because you’ve left the classroom. At least, it shouldn’t. I personally know it’s easy to fall into the “I’m too busy” routine, I definitely go through periods of that, but I still try to read at least a page of something every day. Whether you’ve completed a certification program for wellness coaching or finished your degree in yoga (yes, that’s a thing) continuing your studies will enrich your knowledge base and make you an even more valuable practitioner. It can be a little overwhelming and intimidating to walk into a new-agey bookstore, so I’ve selected what I’m reading now and a few of my all-time favorites to get you started – patchouli scent not included. CURRENT READINGS Yoga as Medicine – Timothy McCall, M.D. This is definitely not light reading, but so worth the dedication. As a huge proponent of using yoga for therapy rather than Insta-worthy bodies, I’ve found Yoga as Medicine to be exactly what the therapeutic yoga world needs. McCall breaks down everything from illness to injury in this whopping 496-page book and goes in-depth with credible clinical trials to show how yoga changes the inner-world by first tuning in to the body. Saltwater Buddha – Jaimal Yogis Saltwater Buddha was so good I actually finished it just before writing this post! I’ll disclose that I’ve had it sitting on my shelf for years and I wish I’d read it sooner. Jaimal’s memoir not only makes me want to move to Hawaii, but I also want to be friends with him. It made me realize the similarity in stories between young meditators and people boldly curious about their existence. As a chronic escape artist myself I related far too much to his adventurous urges to find meaning and peace in this chaotic world. Definitely a must for people interested in Zen Buddhism as well. How to Practice, The Way to a Meaningful Life – His Holiness the Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama’s practical teachings on the application of Buddhism are, as usual, simply profound. This doesn’t mean that it’s an easy read. How to Practice is not the kind of book you devour in one sitting on the plane; it’s absorbed through a slow, deliberate study. This comes as no surprise as most of the teachings from lifestyle beliefs encourage consistency and patience over spontaneous enlightenment. I’m fumbling my way through this one as I have yet to master that! FAVORITE READINGS The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh - Thich Nhat Hanh As you can probably see from the picture, my Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh is well used. I generally keep it either in my purse or beside my bed and flip through readings when I have a minute between literally anything. Each lesson is only a page or two and I use them as guidance for whatever it seems to apply to in my life at that moment. I deeply appreciate his wisdom and understanding of real people, not imagined virtuosos who have mastered their minds and bodies. The Story of Tibet, Conversations with the Dalai Lama – Thomas Laird Hands down, The History of Tibet is the most engaging book I’ve ever read. Full transparency: I’m a huge geek. But for anyone who follows the teachings of the Dalai Lama or has any interest in the story of struggle between Tibet and China I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy. I won’t apologize when you realize how long it is because I still didn’t want it to end. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho So cliché, I know. But there’s a reason why adventurers love this book! Following the winding and mystical journey of Santiago, Coelho calls to our inner wanderer. Santiago has served as my inspiration many times when I feel I’ve come to a dead end in life and reminds me to trust myself, calling upon my certitude and sometimes a little magic. The Science of Yoga – William J. Broad
If Yoga as Medicine seems a bit daunting, The Science of Yoga might be more approachable. I strongly believe every yoga instructor should read this — and anyone practicing or interested in practicing yoga, too! With so many advancements in medicine and technology, we’re now able to put a more complete picture of this practice together and see where myth became common-knowledge and marketing became king. There is so much value in the practice of yoga as a lifestyle, yet the misinformation is rampant. This book works to clear up many of the modern-day misperceptions, while still encouraging the majority of the practice for humanity at large. What are you reading now? Any recommendations of female authors since I’m clearly lacking?! Let me know in the comments section below :) These opinions are all my own and I am receiving no kickbacks for recommending these books. Happy reading! I moved to Cambodia in 2011 and left after six months because I struggled to find my niche. I’m sure if I’d been scrappier (and in better mental health myself) I might have found a few wellness nerds bopping around, but for the most part I did my yoga practice at home and missed my best friend from across the ocean.
Fast forward three years, I visited Cambodia and found a completely different place. Organic grocery stores on seemingly every corner and yoga studios opening up around the country. So I stayed.* After exhausting Phnom Penh for two years — who am I kidding, it exhausted me — I traded in the city smog for island life and worked for six months as a yoga instructor on the coast. Now I’ve settled into the quiet town of Siem Reap and am teaching yoga and enjoying riding my bike on the peaceful dirt roads just outside of town. I write all of this because at first glance, this country might not seem like it offers much in terms of self-care. But for those who visit and those who stay, self-care is actually all around, just underutilized. Many people who genuinely want to be in Cambodia get burnt out and leave, but I hope that we can change this narrative. This is your permission and assignment to give yourself the rest you need to continue being a positive influence here and internationally. Whether you’re a natural healer, reputable NGO worker, or just a curious soul wandering through, I’ve collected a few of my favorites from around the country to give a taste of the wellness this magical place has to offer. KAMPOT Banteay Srey – women’s empowerment This social enterprise started as a place of refuge for Cambodian women who survived trauma, but it has grown into a nurturing spa and sanctuary for both employees and visitors alike. While the business offers yoga, spa therapies and healthy cafe items, the women behind all of this get an education in entrepreneurial and practical life skills. To learn more about this oasis by the river, visit their website at Banteay Srey Women’s Spa. PHNOM PENH The Goddess Circle Asia - community With both Goddess Circles and Socials, all are welcome to join in this growing community. Started by two incredibly wise women, this Phnom Penh based group provides a much needed spiritual reprieve from the bustling city. To find out more and to join the uplifting dialogue, check out their Facebook page Goddess Circle Asia. Nataraj Yoga Studio – yoga and outreach Taking a yoga class at the Phnom Penh studio not only brings you into the yoga community in the city, but also connects you with the Krama Yoga program around the country. This NGO brings yoga and yoga training to Cambodians across the country and works directly in dealing with PTSD and trauma. The studio provides a natural seclusion from the busyness of PP, but extends much further than that. For a class schedule or to learn about the outreach programs visit their website at Krama Yoga. SIEM REAP Blue Indigo Yoga Cottage & Navutu Dreams Resort and Wellness Retreat – healing retreats In terms of experiencing the beauty of Cambodia, these retreats have blown me away. Navutu is a higher-end resort, while Blue Indigo is more country chic, but both offer a space to fully disconnect from work and reconnect with yourself and your health. There are a variety of healing therapies available at both locations — meditation, yoga, reiki, sound healing, etc. — and although they aren’t affiliated with one another, they’ve definitely tapped in to the same restorative well. Go to Blue Indigo Yoga Cottage or Navutu Dreams Resort and Wellness Retreat to plan your next weekend retreat. Happy + Co – organic farming I’m giving a shout out to this ambitious farm for joining the organic movement and providing fresh, local produce to the Siem Reap area. I stopped in to their quaint storefront a few weeks ago and learned about the renovations happening at the farm along with the difficulties they have of attracting employees. Cambodian farmers can earn much better wages going to Vietnam or Thailand, but many understand the importance of pesticide-free produce and are making it a priority. There are a multitude of organic farms throughout Cambodia, which I hope continue to educate and feed the surrounding communities. Best of luck Happy + Co! Multiple Locations Wellness Festivals – education The list keeps growing of festivals geared toward connecting the healing community and bringing locals and foreigners together in this pursuit. The previous years’ Wellness Weekend in Phnom Penh and Kindness Festival in Siem Reap and this year’s Arts Therapy & Wellbeing Conference at The Himawari in Phnom Penh all signal a move toward self-care and nurturing each other as healers. To reserve your spot at the conference and learn more about the speakers involved, go to Arts Therapy & Wellbeing Conference. As much as I love to stay present while living here and see the renaissance taking place before my eyes, the reality is there was a gruesome past that inserts itself in the nooks and crannies of everyday life. Balancing these two can understandably be draining. Comparing ourselves (as foreigners) and our capacity to deal with hardships with what the locals have endured is great for perspective, but does nothing to protect ourselves as healers. Your emotions are real, your fatigue is real, and your burnout is real. This does not mean that anyone else’s suffering is less than or more important than yours. Remember that you alone are not running a marathon of salvation, but working within a (hopefully) supportive community to enrich the lives of everyone involved. Be kind to yourself. Just as you would to others. Please leave a comment below with your favorite wellness spots and health hacks so that we can better care for each other. *There are a multitude of reasons why I live in Cambodia — my Khmer and foreign friends, the culture, cuisine, language, etc. — but this article only focuses on the wellness aspect of my life. |