Of course you knew I couldn’t go on a journey without bringing all of you along! So I’m writing this first retreat blog 7.5 hours into my flight, 4,000 miles away and a little more than half way to Taipei.
My destination is Thailand, the place people call “the land of smiles.” Anyone who has visited there would agree that while the Thai people are a hard-working bunch, they seem to possess a fairly easy-going attitude about life. That’s why I considered it to be the perfect place to co-host my first international yoga retreat.
The Thai philosophy is one of Mai Sanuk – the word for fun, along with Mai pen ai –which translates into “never mind; it’s all good.” Doesn’t everyone strive for joy and peace in life? If we could buy these things, I’m sure Americans would have outsourced it by now. So here’s the kicker: while joy and peace aren’t products that can be purchased, the Thai people believe they are both achievable through a learned practice. From a very young age, Thai children understand that no price can be put on life’s abundances, so they are taught to cherish all the good things life hands them.
I believe that we could learn a lot from these friendly, welcoming people. So off I go to learn about living with an attitude of Mai Sanuk and Mai pen ai. My plan? To start a joyful revolution when I return home. I may be small, but my intention is mighty.
