What’s the relationship between dance and GIS (Geographic Information System)? How is love related to waste water management? What’s common between emotions and permaculture? All these diverse topics may seem separate and unrelated. However, upon closer examination, it’s not hard to see that the linking factor for all these and much more, is the very … More The Way of Water
She thanked me with tears in her eyes. I started crying. We hugged. Then the floodgates in my heart opened and I sobbed profusely. My mind didn’t have words for why I was crying. It tried to stop me. But my heart felt this was a safe space so I let the tears flow. I … More Otherwise, we are Lost…
I was dancing in the “Playroom” like nobody’s watching. Moving whichever way the music inspired my body to move. Mostly with my eyes closed, only glimpsing when I felt I needed to avoid collision. I felt his presence in my energy field. My body was a full “Yes”! So we made eye contact and I … More The Magic of Touch!
Attending ECCO (Encuentro Continental de Comunidades or “Continental Gathering of Communities”), was an immersion in Latin American Ecovillage culture. It transformed me in many ways. The most profound though, relates to children! A long time ago, I made a conscious decision that I don’t want to have kids, I never regretted that decision. My current … More Out of the Mouth of Babes!
Casa Latina is part of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) yet a world apart from GEN Europe. Reflecting and magnifying the cultural differences between the 2 regions. Attending the Ecovillage Gathering in Europe the last 2 years, then in Latin America this year made for very interesting and contrasting experiences. Time is, indeed, an artificial … More People vs. Structures
During the pandemic, most of us were forced to slow down in fear and isolation. But what happens when we CHOOSE to slow down in love and community? That was the invitation at the European Ecovillage Gathering 2024!At the beginning, I felt some resentment. It manifested as boredom. “Why are they speaking soooo slowly? Do … More Growing Roots
I can’t remember how I heard of them. It doesn’t really matter that much. I learned to accept the gifts from the universe without wasting energy analysing them. Living in the flow has been gifting me an abundance of magic. Little by little, I learnt to relax into trust, surrender and gratitude. Being a “Facilitator … More Kalikalos Community
As a devout Nature lover, the Galapagos Islands are my Mecca, Jerusalem, the Vatican or the Ganges. The harmonious coexistence of all forms of Life restores my faith in the power of Love and Abundance. There’s plenty for all creatures when we love, respect and share. It stands in stark contrast to the predominant culture … More Galapagos High Dose of Nature!
You know how in Disney movies the princess walks through beautiful Nature and the birds, butterflies and animals, small and large land on her body, sing and dance with her? I used to think that’s a far fetched fantasy, until I came to the Galapagos Islands. As soon as I set foot here, a smile … More Galapagos Magic!
“What’s the most violent thing you can say to someone?” My “Nonviolent Communication” (NVC) teacher asked. Students answered with insults, swear words and other degrading comments but none of them matched what the teacher had in mind. When we finally gave up, his answer surprised us all. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the … More Violent Communication!
What happens when you put 15 strangers from 10 different countries together in one place for a week? Very different backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles. A few have experience in community living, the majority are brand new to the concept but want to try it. When the question “what attracted you to this gathering?” was asked, the … More Our hearts knew it’s possible…
I enjoy slowing down. It amplifies my pleasure, enjoyment and gratitude. I often find myself reminding myself and others to do so. When I am in cities, I feel like everyone around me is moving at the speed of light and I’m barely crawling. It’s quite lonely and frustrating. When I saw the workshop “How … More Mind out of Matter!
“Nature is God. It’s not to control, it’s to love! We are Nature. We’re here to love, not control.” Rajendra Singh, the Waterman of India, eloquently said. He pioneered the greening of thousands of square kilometers of Rajasthani desert in India. Bringing back rain, Nature and Life to previously dying villages. By merely working with … More Water is Life!
Being sick sucks! Being sick at the Sexibility Festival sucked even more. Being sick at the Sexibility Festival where it was cold and rainy non-stop in August sucked triple bad. All the amazing potential connections, networking and indulgence in yummy-ness at my fingertips and all my body wanted to do was sleep. So sleep I … More Counting Blessings
“I am just one person. How can I change the world?”, a little girl stood up and said. After 3 times, another girl stood up and joined her. A few more repetitions brought more people in, and more, and more. Before long, we were all standing together. Not just one person anymore. I was in … More The Future is Cooperation!
“You keep pushing me into the deep end of the pool”, my partner said half jokingly. “And you keep swimming”, I replied with a smile. Of all our adventures together, Senegal was the deepest pool. After traveling 20+ hours, he arrived at a place where he doesn’t speak the language, doesn’t know anyone, nothing is … More A Matter of Attitude…
“How can African countries become united like the United States?” He asked me. I felt sadness, which surprised me. He’s 20 years old, studying English (unusual in Senegal where most people study French) and, apparently, believes that the USA has got it made in the shade. “Don’t!”, I said instinctively, “Don’t try to be like … More Consider This…
The first week was baptism by fire! My imagined romantic getaway; warm beach, sipping coconut juice and dancing to Senegalese music (one of the reasons I chose Senegal to rendezvous with my beloved), turned out to be everything but what I expected!Because my partner’s luggage didn’t arrive with him, we decided to stay near the … More Expectations and Disappointments
I finally found the trail that my friend told me about. She said it’s an easy 2 hours hike to the lighthouse. “Don’t hike by yourself” A man coming the other way advised. “Why?” I asked. He said things about it being dangerous but I wasn’t convinced, especially that my friend did it and highly … More Love or Fear – Cabo Verde
Walking barefoot in the meadow. Feeling a myriad of sensations through my feet. Enjoying the variety of textures and surfaces with every step. Soft green grass. Brittle brown grass. Stiff small branches. Soft Earth. Hard Earth… Thinking of all the health benefits I’m receiving in this natural reflexology session. I’m getting it for free just … More Love or Fear?
My interview with Vivi Wilds about travel, living in the moment, going with the flow and how Tantra turned from a practice in non attachment to my way of life. We talk about love, trust, fear, freedom and more… On Google Podcast On Apple Podcast On Spotify #travel #tantra #nonattachment #livinginthemoment #followyourbliss #love #loveculture #transformation … More Travel. Tantra. Follow your Bliss!
The day is going smoothly. Feeling good, sometimes neutral. All is well, more or less. Then something happens! We hear or see something, maybe even smell something. Sometimes nothing specific happens but a certain thought pops into the mind for whatever reason and we spin out of control. The body feels contracted and in a … More From Triggers to Teachers!
When musicians jam, they feed off of each other’s music and something new is born. Something that never existed before. When creatives Jam, new ideas are born. Seeds for an unpredictable future are planted. Creating the impossible starts with a dream. We have the choice to create from beautiful dreams or from horrific nightmares.We were … More Creating Peace
Up the zig zag trail, through the forest, gaining elevation one step at a time. It was a beautiful sunny day and the trees provided the perfect protection and scenery. After about 1 hour, I was up at the big “Brasov” sign that towers over the city announcing to the universe the name of this … More Friend in Brașov
The first couple of days were very difficult: I didn’t know anyone, had no idea how things worked, or didn’t, had to fight my city-girl instincts every step of the way. But I hiked up the Bulgarian mountains for more than an hour with all my luggage to get there. I wasn’t going to give … More My first Rainbow Gathering!
What if we welcome all parts of our humanity without fear, shame or guilt? What if we allowed space for everyone to be seen and heard? Can we make decisions based on love and abundance? Is a New Culture of cooperation and inclusion possible? These are inquiries that 120 of us dove into for 10 … More A Different Culture!
California! I remember why you are my home of choice. A big piece of my heart will always be in you. Places change, faces change, minds change, I change too. But you’re still the one that shaped who I am today. You witnessed my most profound growths, joys, tears, pains and laughter. I owe it … More You can check out anytime you like…
Tears. Lots of tears. Overwhelming sadness, emptiness and despair. I lost my sense of purpose and humor. What used to make me happy ceased to do so. I felt confused and didn’t know how to kick this dark night of the soul. Existential angst came on unexpectedly and for no apparent reason. I am living … More Dark Night of the Soul!
“What would you like to tell your parents?” When I got this question in “Big Talk Game”*, my Mom came to mind. She was a woman of few words. As her daughter, the few words I got were motherly in nature; checking on my wellbeing, giving advice, family news, health tips (she was a medical … More A Different kind of History
We laughed, cried, danced, hugged, withdrew, celebrated, shared, broke down, broke through, held space, played “Big Talk Game”*, welcomed all parts of us in love and acceptance. We were present! Something transformed, shifted for good in our souls. There’s no going back. No settling for less. Once the soul tastes that connection to its true … More “YES” to Being Alive!
“Be the change you want to see in the world”!I want a world in which we are free to express our true authentic selves. No masks, pretences, shame or guilt. A world where we celebrate our differences as much as our sameness. Where our thoughts and actions are motivated by love and only love. In … More “Big Talk Game” Website!
This is messy and long because I’m emotional about the subject. I can totally feel both sides. However, this is my truth which I had been holding back for fear of upsetting many loved ones. “Pardon my dust!”Cats! Leave them alone! They’re not your toys, babies, ornaments or responsibility. If you love them, treat them … More Cats: Let the Meow Roar!
We took a taxi, boat, another taxi to get there. It took us 2 hours (5 hours if you walk). There were a few Bedouin camps, some kite surfers and the beautiful light blue, clear water of the Blue Lagoon (North Eastern Red Sea). As soon as we sat down on the carpets by the … More Cat Wisdom
“Watch out for the elephants” she yelled from her car as she slowed down and passed me. It was dark and I was walking home to my lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Up until then, I was worried about getting mugged (after my bad experience in South Africa). But now, elephants entered the picture! Instead … More Mighty Mind-Falls!
Alexandria, Egypt, 1970s: we grew up in the same neighborhood within walking distance from each other. Went to the same schools, sat in the same classes from kindergarten to high school, had the same friends. Went through childhood, puberty, early adulthood and first love stories together. We carpooled to school, ate, played and slept in … More Touching My Roots
Where there are cats, there is love!Dónde hay gatos, hay amor!Cats are the epitome of unconditional love, which starts towards oneself (4 Practices 4 Unconditional Love). Cats, naturally, give from a full cup. By taking care of themselves and their needs, they provide pleasure, beauty, joy and love organically. That’s the essence of unconditional love: … More Everything I know, I learnt from my Cat!
“Shorter of breath and one day closer to death!” A friend used to send me this Pink Floyd verse as a birthday greeting. I used to think it’s a depressing way to think about birthdays, and time in general. Yet now, I believe it’s a good reminder to live life fully, regardless of the circumstances. … More Transforming Resistance
Bigtalk! I hate smalltalk! I’d rather be silent than waste energy on smalltalk. Since I don’t follow the news, don’t watch sports, could care less about the lives of celebrities and don’t have the stomach for politics, I am not interested or able to participate in most party conversations. I also hate the “4 men … More Bigtalk!
She was about to do a backflip into the Cenote*. Her friend yelled at her “be careful”. After a few hesitant seconds, she changed her mind and didn’t jump.How many times do you find yourself in her shoes? You’re about to push your edge and challenge yourself when a well meaning friend calls in the … More “Be C@#€fuk”
The Ides of March came to find me in my, then, favorite s€x positive eco community where we were going to manifest our collective dream of living in harmony with nature and each other. 20 of us practicing free love, self responsibility, transparency, trust and taking care of the land and each other. You may … More Beware the Ides of March!
Life is full of endings, losses and deaths. From sunsets, graduations, moving, promotions to ends of relationships, jobs and of course, lives. Death is part of nature. We are part of nature. Death is part of us! Yet, we, as a human culture, don’t talk about it much, don’t discuss it and when it, inevitably … More Love Death!
Unconditional Love 