Integritus Prime

The city life can sometimes feel artificial: we sit, work, relate in digital ways, and entertain ourselves until we sleep, then start all over again the next day. Recently I traveled to Yasawa Island in the beautiful chain, NorthWest of Lautoka, Fiji for a yoga retreat with my yoga teacher, Litiana Lagibalavu. The further I traveled, the more beautiful the scenery became. When we arrived at Nabukeru Village Homestay on Yasawa Island, I was greeted with presence, humility, and care by the Turaga-ni-Koro, or Chief. I encountered some reminders on this island about how to be present, grounded, and just be me. In this post, I share seven ways to be yourself that I was reminded of while on my yoga retreat, with an insight at the end of each point.

1. Bypass overthinking and listen to Nature: While on a hike that was actually a mountain climb, I made the decision to climb up and down a very steep mountain. If I had been properly briefed, I probably would not have climbed this mountain due to my injuries. Because I was expecting a hike and felt efficacious, I went with the flow. It looked arduous and was scary but I did it, with constant support from Misi, our guide. On my first step, I got injured – a gash on my thigh that is still healing. This, I interpreted as a reminder to be very present. My next hour or so was spent mindfully placing each foot where Misi’s had been a moment before, and ultimately, it kept me safe. I learned: Life is happening in the now.
2. Be in your body with intention: Liti tailored the yoga sessions for me due to my injuries. This allowed me to be present, and accepting of what my body needed. I embraced my intentions for healing and surrendering. As we progressed with yoga sessions, I began to feel more relaxed in my injured body. I began to feel complete. I learned: Nothing needs to be perfect for us to feel whole.
3. Eat directly from the Earth: I ate dalo (taro), uvi (yam), uto (breadfruit), bele (leafy green vegetable), moli (lime) and coconut milk, and drank coconut water from fresh coconuts, all grown in Nabukeru Village. I could taste and feel the difference in my body. I was connected directly to the Earth, to that sacred place, to the soil, and to all of the hard work of the people who grew my food. I learned: The source of food is Mother Nature; food is sacred when it is in it’s natural form.
4. Do nothing for a while: After the rock climb, I showered, ate a ton of food, and lay in a hammock for about three hours. I felt the need to rest, reflect, and just be. I knew my body needed to integrate what I had done, and to come down from the adrenalin. After drinking two coconuts, journaling, and just laying around, I felt good and wandered over to the weaving station to learn weaving. I learned: Stillness allows us to get ready for movement again.
5. Relate honestly: I was very honest about everything to do with me: my allergies, my diet, my phobia (cockroaches, eek!), my abilities, my injuries, and my intentions. I communicated a lot and in return, received specialized food, care in my yoga sessions, and protection during the rock climb. I was reminded of how important it is to be open and transparent about who I am and what I need. Luckily for me, and unlike the horrors of resorts that I’ve written about before, I was met with love and care here, with no judgment, and for that I will forever be grateful. I learned: Honesty is medicine with the right people.
6. Respect diurnal rhythms: While solar light was available in the village, I allowed my body to listen to the darkness and light. I gave myself time to fall asleep and to wake up. I surrendered to the wind, the sound of the waves crashing just a few feet away, and to my own tiredness. I slept well in the relative silence compared to city noises, and woke up grateful. Two nights felt like a lifetime. I learned: Nature has a way – that way is balance.
7. Connect with your spiritual voice: The idea of leaving this magical place and its loving people made me tearful. I felt so at home here. On my final morning, I stood in the ocean, faced the sacred mountain, and surrendered everything – my fears, my injuries, my healing. Everything. As I was leaving the beach for a final shower and some packing before I departed, as realization hit me: I want my ashes scattered here…this place feels like home too. I learned: We are ONE with Nature – we are the same organism with a different expression – being in Nature means being home.

This experience was a shift for me – I felt held by the love of these amazing people, and the stunning beauty and strong presence of Nature. Share with me your own experiences of being you.