January 19 – Ramblings of my Friday Fun Day and a Close Call

After 2 weeks of learning and working in the Timber Frame world, Yalan and I were given an extra day off to unwind before the rest of the apprentices would be arriving on Saturday and the apprenticeship would begin.

I started my day off quiet and grounded with a little solo hape ceremony and the intention to find / create the feeling of home within my body and on this planet (which I feel like I am off to a strong start on). I wrote in my guided journal and had my special weekend coffee (I am limiting myself to coffee once a week to enjoy the experience more fully and not fall back into caffeine dependence). I did a drawing exercise from a book I am working in and then went a little rogue and turned it into something random and fun. It was the first time in a long time that I just doodled and let my mind play. It was quite satisfying and loose. That is something I want to do more often.

Next, I read from “Women Who Run with The Wolves” until it was time for Brunch. The story I read today was about what is required of a man who can be a fitting partner to a Wildish Woman. According to the story, it is not necessary for a man to fully understand a woman, but what is required is that is has a true and deep desire to learn all sides of her; to be committed to seeing her for all of who and what she is. She will likely still have to teach him some things, but should not waste her time and energy trying to guide or instruct a man who is not eagerly trying to learn her. This is a concept and sentiment that I really connected and agree with.

Brunch was absolutely delicious, as always, and after brunch I head down to the river with Blake, Mateo and Yalan. It was INCREDIBLE. We hiked down the river, way past where we went to last time. Mateo was taking us to a spot he knew where the river broke out into multiple waterfalls and cascading pools where we could swim and play and slide around. Admittedly, I had a good amount of fear coming up around navigating the falls, but ultimately went for it and had a great time. I am slowly gaining confidence navigating the slippery, rocky, river hikes.

We swam and chatted and hung out for a while, just enjoying the moment and the nature and the company. We got caught in a little rain on the way back, but luckily it was pretty light and tapered off. We were nervous we were about to get caught in a downpour. We paused at the first big landing area we passed on the way out before heading back up the trail. This is where we came to the crux of the adventure… Our first encounter with a Terciopelo, a venomous and dangerous snake common to this jungle. Ever since our arrival here, the biggest warning regarding health and safety here has been to pay attention and watch out for snakes. That is the primary danger we concern ourselves with on a day-to-day basis living here. Today, Yalan and I both stepped right past one without even noticing before Blake, hiking behind me, almost stepped right on it! Thankfully, she noticed just in time and her and Mateo were able to carefully maneuver around it and exit the situation safely. We definitely got very LUCKY today and took the experience as a reminder and warning from the jungle. Mama Nature is to be RESPECTED.

That’s all for now. Thank you for coming along on the journey. I’m having so much fun sharing all this and love that it seems to be landing with you guys.

Talk to you soon ~