Checking in—it’s raining again. I can hear my dad saying now, “BZ, it’s a rain forest.” I came, expecting it to rain every day. Anu on the other hand is surprised by the weather (it is dry season). I don’t mind, my schedule today isn’t interrupted by rain. Or anything really. I guess a schedule is required for one to be interrupted. The first 5 days of my trip have broken ties with any schedule my body was conditioned to. Early to bed, late to rise and making the most of my time under the sun.
I am staying in a small cottage nestled between two rivers. Providing endless childlike adventures hiking and kayaking up river. There is nothing quite like alone time in the rain forest. You realize you are never alone. Rooming with me in the cottage are lizards up to a foot long, a spider the size of my palm. The birds call out to assure i am never feel alone. This great creation is a mirror of what we are capable of. There is no room for fear in adventure. There is no room for fear in love. There is no room for fear in creation. Jump! Don’t hesitate. There is great energy in 2020, calling all of us to get with our truest form, our healthiest selves.
This journey is one I have dreamed of since the first time I saw Pirates of the Caribbean. Anyone who knows me, knows the significance of such a statement. I have dreamed of the Caribbean since Jimmy Buffett first blessed my ears. Just as Buffett suggests, no matter the books you read, there is nothing that can prepare you for your first look. Dominica is mine.
As far as preparation goes, or lack thereof… there has only been one major downfall of my packing. I did not bring any peanut butter. I joked about being a Peter Pan representative all over the world. I knew that above anything else, I would always want peanut butter wherever I may be. And still, I did not bring any… Yes, I am here to eat the local cuisine, but there are plenty of times when a PB&J would fit the mood just right. There is great fresh jam, but peanut butter here is no Peter Pan and higher prices. (I won’t drag on over it).
Walking up the river the second time, I thought I would take off my crocs. Gibran and Anu made it look so easy walking the rocks barefooted. A confidence check for sure, my toes despise the foolish decision. They are purple and have enjoyed the easy day today. Lessons I learned about navigating jumping stones. Wet stones are slick, even if only a few rain drops hit them; stones underwater are even slicker; bigger stones are more likely not to wobble; even some of the big stones move and shift when you jump on them.
I feel more myself today than I ever have before. The time of creation is coming and the characters and stories of my mind long for freedom. Stay tuned—stay present.
Guidance, Blessings
Capt. BZ