a moto to live by

“A good man sees the good in all,

a bad man sees only the wrong.”

hawaii dreamin’

Today it’s a dark cloudy winter day still without snow. It’s now December and we haven’t had any snow fall which I’m told is the longest in recorded history, I can’t say I’m complaining though since my sole mode of transportation is a bicycle(money is a little tight for the $2.75 per ride ttc). I’m not looking forward to getting freezing snow and dirty water creating a nasty wet line up my butt and back… what there are such a thing as wheel guards?..My first winter in Toronto two weeks in and I’m feeling the depressing vibes already.
It’s got me thinking about the happy times I spent in Hawaii and what it may be like right now if I hadn’t left.

*           *              *

Have you ever gone to bed at night with your adrenaline pumping, knowing the next morning there will be waves 2 or 3 times over head? With any luck spitting A frames offering up a long hollow glass barrel. If you hit it early enough or by some miracle everyone thinks it’s going to be too big and sleeps in, you just may catch a few waves without a crowd; you and your friends trading wave to wave as they scream a  thundering roar of napalm exploding through the line up.

4:30am

Ringing of an annoying LG phone alarm(free plug next one costs you), I crawl out of bed and head to the bathroom, cockroaches scattering as the fluorescent light disrupts their nightly invasion and blinds my sleepy eyes, zip Ahh the relief.

Sitting in front of the computer I log on to check the buoy readings, delicious; the swell has hit Waiamea buoy and the numbers are looking pretty solid. Fill up a big bottle of water, load boards- at least two- usually 3 on a bigger day, shorts, towel, leashes, wallet, check mate I’m ready to roll.

Gas station, fill up, gatorade and a chocolate bar, mhhh m&ms taste so good. I’m off- 45ish mins till I get to the north shore. Driving I try to guzzle down as much water as possible, it could be a 3-4 hour session without any hydration, but it’s a balancing act to not drink too much that you have to stop at the gas station before you get there, sometimes the pineapple fields get a little extra water.

5:30am

It’s still dark as I hit the final hill descending through the last pineapple fields leading into haleiwa town, my heart rate and adrenaline is starting to crank.

Arriving at the Lanikea parking lot I roll out of the car cross the road and try and make out how the waves are coming in, what size is it, you can sort of see the white wash and get an estimated size, what direction is it coming from? Lani’s is a spot you have to be on very early so you can’t dillydally. Select board, change, wax, fins, leash on, run down beach and get ready for rock n roll.

Leash on, stretch out, warm up shoulders and hips. dive into water and start the journey to get out back.

Anticipation. 10mins later I have arrived following the channel out and there is now the Grey pre-dawn light starting to illuminate our surroundings.

Huge mountainous lumps roll in and gently send me over and down as their peak begins to form. I sit on my board and take a moment to get my bearings. Check where you are inline with the shore, the point.

Spotting a likely wave i start to paddle and cut inside a bit more trying to line up the peak for a perfect take off spot. As it sucks me up the face I launch into overdrive and get those last crucial strokes in and jump up on my feet to safely negotiate the drop. With a quick push of pressure on my back foot I sharply bottom hand turn up into the face of the wave.

G l i d e … A Smooth rush of water underneath, silence, pure concentration, anticipation, my body and mind work as one.

The first wave of the day, beautiful.

Pulling off the wave I see I took the next wave of the set, there are usually 2 – 4 more after the first, and I prepare for some hard work and poundings.

Duck diving under the first, I feel the power of the ocean explode onto the corral bellow, as it tweaks my board and body with a surge of water and bubbles. ..

A slight moment of zen as the pushing force releases and I glide toward the top, I hear a twinkle spread out over a vast area, loose sand and coral are creating a rushing rustle. Large boulders shift and clang together in the oceans own orchestra as I burst to the surface and take a breath, ready for the next wave.

Hard battle through the waves back to the channel and a long paddle back out. Deep Breath Ahhhh. The Sun is begining to rise over the ocean, a bright mix of orange purple and gold spreading out over our infinite canopy.

This moment is one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. A mix of serene beauty. mhhhh delicious.

Oh Sun I offer my respects, for you I surya namaskara Aum Aum

travel much?

ALOHA! It’s been a hectic last few months!

I’ve been From Vancouver to LA to the Gold Coast to Melbourne back to the gold coast, to adelaide(why why why) to Sydney, Oahu and Hilo, Back to LA and now I’ve ended up on the eastern side of the world in Toronto, Canada. The stress of traveling and working so much has worn my health down so I’ve decided to wait out winter in Toronto(are you baffled why? -40c weather sounds amazing) and I’m looking for a good job here. Hopefully!

With no camera I didn’t catch much of the action but here are some shots of my ’summer’ in vancouver.

My successful free yoga in the park was a blast, got to meet some awesome people in the community and do yoga with amazing weather outside! I advertised it by putting up posters around vancouver streets.

Many beautiful evenings were spent at Jericho Beach watching the sun set and doing yoga and swimming. Picturesque Setting or what?!

me getting some meditation in

This little cutie was meditating on the bus practicing different mudra, was funny how serious she was

Jericho Beach- Summer haven

The sun makes it’s decent towards a horizon brimming with sparkling smooth ocean water and lush green mountains. The sky’s picturesque color scape shimmering deep hues of purple and orange. I sit on the sand, bird calls sing, the breeze is soft and cool, glorious sun rays bring warmth as their golden light reflects off my skin. The ocean laps gently, children are playing in the distance, their joyful voices full of excitement and wonder.

Ahhhh!

A delicious last Vancouver summer evening swimming and doing yoga at Jericho beach.

 

Yet again weeks have flown by outrageously fast and the time has come to move on. My trip takes me to a stop over in LA where I worked out to stay the full day before leaving 10:30pm that evening back to australia.

LA had beeuatiful weather, met up with my good friend in venice beach, went swimming and long board skated around venice and up to santa monica and back, rode around on some bikes, went to dinner and it was time to leave. 13 hours to brisbane yeowch. I’ve done it 3 times already this year and it’s not getting any easier, I think I have another 3 in store too haha.

Coming back to australia was a little interesting, I haven’t been here in winter for over 7 years somehow so I was unsure what to expect with my family quite convincenly saying it was getting pretty cold.

Now is when all the canadians laugh like crazy like I did. …So I hoped of the plane, my sister came picked me up and went to her place ate, shower, neti etc. mid day comes along and it’s 25c I’m a little in disbelief, ah I ask my dad when does it start getting to the cold period? he’s like right now is the coldest part, by august it starts warming up.hahahaha, it was 25 in vancouver yesterday!

well, on the gold coast for today days then off to melbourne to start my massage course in the morning.

 

ciao!

My Travels Continue

Hey all!

I’m on my way back to Australia to teach massage for a month.

Outdoor yoga classes are all finished for this year, if you would like me to contact you when they are next on or for my meditation workshop please contact me via email on ramasjourney@gmail.com

Hope ya had a Blast!

For those that are still interested in Yoga outdoors Eoin Finn Yoga runs regular yoga by donation classes through the summer just in front of the Kits pool.

Tues – 6-7:40pm | Thur- 6-7:40pm | Sat – 9-10:40am | Sun – 9-10:40am

Also! Awesome teacher Waylon:

Yoga In The Park. with Zuddha Buddha Yoga.

Date: Every Thursday, 2009 Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Location: 1455 Quebec St Street: Quebec and Terminal

City/Town: Vancouver, BC

http://www.zuddhabuddha.com/

I also recommed Semperviva Yoga Studio if you are looking for excellent teachers with regualar classes.

Camp Moomba Yogathon

This Saturday! Exciting event

A festival celebrating interconnection and community in support of Camp Moomba.

On Saturday July 11, 2009 two thousand people will participate in the Camp Moomba Yogathon & Blissfest to raise awareness and funds for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. The much needed funds raised from this event will help send a child to summer camp for an experience of a lifetime. You can help change a life of a child – register for the yogathon today (it’s just a $20 donation, your tax receipt will be emailed to you instantly)!

Participants collect pledges prior to the event then convene to practice yoga in the largest outdoor yoga class in Vancouver. This is Western Canada’s largest gathering of yoga instructors, yoga students, health and wellness professionals, and regular folks who share our passion for love and bliss! This event has quickly become Vancouver’s most anticipated annual yoga event and is already in its 7th year.

Event Location
Thunderbird Stadium
6288 Stadium Road
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4

more details at http://www.campmoombayogathon.com/Home.html

Yoga in the Sun

Come join the fun!

I will be giving a free yoga class followed by a small kirtan on Wednesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am

I will be inviting guest teachers on variable days so check back for updates!

Locations

Wednesday is Kits beach park, the flat area west side of park, near pool.

Saturday is Sunset beach park, on west side of barrad bridge and right near the outdoor hockey ring.

see image maps.

What is kirtan?

The singing of transcendental sound vibrations, usually in a group called sankirtan where one person will lead and everyone else responds.Come join the fun!

I will be giving a free yoga class followed by a small kirtan on Wednesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am

I will be inviting guest teachers on variable days so check back for updates!

Locations

Wednesday is Kits beach park, the flat area west side of park, near pool.

Saturday is Sunset beach park, on west side of barrad bridge and right near the outdoor hockey ring.

see image maps.

What is kirtan?

The singing of transcendental sound vibrations, usually in a group called sankirtan where one person will lead and everyone else responds.Come join the fun!

I will be giving a free yoga class followed by a small kirtan on Wednesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am

I will be inviting guest teachers on variable days so check back for updates!

Locations

Wednesday is Kits beach park, the flat area west side of park, near pool.

Saturday is Sunset beach park, on west side of barrad bridge and right near the outdoor hockey ring.

see image maps.

What is kirtan?

The singing of transcendental sound vibrations, usually in a group called sankirtan where one person will lead and everyone else responds.

join the fun!

I will be giving a free yoga class followed by a small kirtan on Wednesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am

I will be inviting guest teachers on variable days so check back for updates!

Locations

Wednesday is Kits beach park, the flat area west side of park, near pool.

Saturday is Sunset beach park, on west side of barrad bridge and right near the outdoor hockey ring.

see image maps.

What is kirtan?

The singing of transcendental sound vibrations, usually in a group called sankirtan where one person will lead and everyone else responds.Come join the fun!

I will be giving a free yoga class followed by a small kirtan on Wednesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am

I will be inviting guest teachers on variable days so check back for updates!

Locations

Wednesday is Kits beach park, the flat area west side of park, near pool.

Saturday is Sunset beach park, on west side of barrad bridge and right near the outdoor hockey ring.

see image maps.

What is kirtan?

The singing of transcendental sound vibrations, usually in a group called sankirtan where one person will lead and everyone else responds.Come join the fun!

I will be giving a free yoga class followed by a small kirtan on Wednesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am

I will be inviting guest teachers on variable days so check back for updates!

Locations

Wednesday is Kits beach park, the flat area west side of park, near pool.

Saturday is Sunset beach park, on west side of barrad bridge and right near the outdoor hockey ring.

see image maps.

What is kirtan?

The singing of transcendental sound vibrations, usually in a group called sankirtan where one person will lead and everyone else responds.

Come join the fun!

I will be giving a free yoga class followed on Wednesdays 6pm and Saturdays 9am

Cost: By Donation

Locations:

Wednesday 6pm @  Kits Beach Park,

New loaction. Straight across the road from starbucks – To the Side of  the Tennis Courts.

Saturday 9am @ Sunset Beach Park, on west side of barrad bridge and right near the outdoor hockey ring.

*note – I tried to run this totally free of charge however the park board has insisted I get a permit and pay for hours & insurance so I’m asking for a small donation to help out

Karma- What a BITCH!

Who doesn’t want to be just FREE!

Free of all the shit that happens. Getting our minds caught up in longing for things we don’t have, regretting past actions, emotionally reacting to others, getting sick, things going bad with your money, cars, house, vacations, body etc etc etc etttttcccceeeettrrraaaaaahhh, the list goes on forever.

Shit really does happen! You may not think it, but I’m like a magnate for bad luck, aka karma. I must have done some fucked up shit in my past lives and it’s all catching up with me.

My mother is one of the most spiritually connected persons I’ve ever met. She raised myself and her 5 other rascals in such a lovely way teaching us all about spiritual practices and always being there to support us.

As it happens, this subject arose during one of our skype discussions(having 6 kids and all over the world has made her a computer nerd), we were talking about this and she said something that really did have an impact on me and I’ve been thinking about the last few days.

“May you have a miserable life.”

Okay. Wow there! haha

Now you are thinking what the hell? What mother wants their child to have a miserable life? Who in the world wants anyone to suffer?!  That’s just mean! Hehe, of course she doesn’t want me to.

For  the sensitive person to see others suffer hurts right? The spiritualist though, will see with a clearer mind that, yes it’s tough, karma can be a bitch, but it’s happening for a reason so the hurt is more empathetic than sympathetic. Which to me is real love.

What I have learnt is that misery and suffering are the in-built mechanics of this world, there to remind us that we aren’t supposed to be trying to make this place like heaven on earth.

That we see these nasty occurrences in a different light and take the opportunity to inquire a bit further. So the more this happens, the worse things get; we hope that through this we can start to realize that maybe this world isn’t so full of wonder and beauty, that our eyes become a little clearer.

Perhaps, just maybe, there is a nicer place?

I know I’m interested, how about you?

Searching too?

Good bye USA – Hello Canada

I made it!

Shock, awe, and a uhaul, somehow the border patrol decided to let me back in to this maple syrup and hockey loving country I’m now calling home.

My back is aching from excess driving and skin still dry and cracking from the arid climate I’m unaccustomed to in Montana.

It was an interesting experience having never traversed in land so far but I found the people all very open hearted and willing to go out of their way to help out and to me that counts for so much more.

Thumbs up Montana! I especially liked Bozeman and Missoula, they seem a bit more my tree hugger style with nice vegetarian options in restaurants, oh and more trees

The massage students all did well and I hope you guys really go for it because you can all take it to the top!