guatemala was magical

Jim and I just returned from a wonderful 10 day excursion.
 
Volcanoes surround Lake Atitlan, frequently spewing small puffs of ash into the air. They’re visible from miles away. We saw them as we woke the first morning of our trip and knew we were in the magical country of Guatemala. Yoga started our day after a glorious sunrise and a perfectly brewed cup of Guatemalan coffee. ​

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We were traveling with a group of like-minded people from around the Pacific Northwest. Our hosts, Stewart and PJ Fritchman greeted us with smiles, delicious food and great stories. They are completely delightful and incredibly generous. They took us from one small lakeside city to another small lakeside city by boat so that we could experience the culture of the Mayan people. They are a hearty and compact group of people who scampered up and down cobblestone streets with ease as we PNW’ers struggled to breathe in the thin air at 5000 feet above sea level.

It was fantastic.

And, of course when you travel in a group there are some challenges. Staying together as we explored the little alleyways took some effort and patience. FIguring out what to do required compromise. 

Here’s what I learned during our epic trip and why it applies to what I really love - talking to you about intimacy and connection.

Tip #1: See yourself clearly with compassion and honesty.

I remember feeling like my “fun button” was out during our last flight on the way home. I was really tired after almost 24 hours in airplanes and airports. My “fun button” = like the button on a Butterball turkey that pops out when it’s done. Just in my mind and not as greasy. I’d had enough of the whole dang day.  The guy sitting next to me wasn’t doing anything wrong, but I felt completely irritated at him for breathing. Totally. 

I was cranky like a tired toddler on too many Mothers Animal Crackers with the pink sugar frosting and kinda cool sprinkles.  

Just like dealing with a toddler, I had to treat myself with compassion. I needed to take a deep breath and realize that this middle seat airplane experience would pass. It did, and we survived. Jim’s patience with me helped a lot too.



Tip #2: Send compassion to those around you, too. 

Traveling reminded us that we’re not perfect and neither is anyone else. When you’re traveling or even just “doing” life, it’s easy to get dysregulated or grumpy. Recognize that the people around you are only human. Have compassion for the challenges we’re all facing together everyday. It can be tough. 

Being easy on ourselves and others is the first step in having a good life.  It starts with self love and expands to our relationships with everybody else. 

Does this make sense?

Big hug.

Jane

PS: Get on my schedule! Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Here’s a link to book a quick coffee with me: https://www.howtofixmysexlife.com/coffeedate.html


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