Reflections | Costa Rica Spring 2024

Never in my life did I think I would have such a hard time leaving the jungle. As a born and raised Minnesotan I couldn't imagine feeling so at home in a place so completely different from what I've always known, yet here we are. The greenery, the smell of the salt and the soil, the sound of the monkeys and every little living creature gets into your being. 

When I was first invited to guest facilitate at the Inspire Life Immersion in Costa Rica I was so excited, but little did I know what a lasting impact it would have on me. As I was preparing to teach I also had it in the back of my mind that I would have a dual role in this experience. Not only was I invited to teach, I was also invited to receive as a participant when not in my teaching role. I knew we were going to be moving through transformative workshops, breathwork, and entrainments and was a little nervous about what my surface for me within the group setting. 

There are things of my past that have a broad spectrum of emotions in my body and in my cells. What was going to come out when poked? I thought I might find myself wailing in front of strangers or screaming with unheard rage. Instead what came out was something completely unexpected - bliss. Unbridled, untouchable, and ecstatic bliss. Within those same cells holding the memories of past hurts was the energy of deep peace, love, joy, and most of all bliss. 

To say this was a pleasant surprise is an understatement. I was in shock when instead of tears calling from within laughter from the depths of my beautiful belly belted out. I couldn't stop laughing and I didn't care because it was a relief to my tired bones who were done hearing the stories my anxious mind was telling them. It was time for something different. Time for the true essence of who we are to lead. 

This is not to say there weren't any tears shed, but they certainly weren't the main show. Even when they did come to be released they were gentle and supported by the energy of the jungle. I could feel the monkeys chatter transmuting the heavy energy that not longer served back to mother earth, back to be released and recycled anew. 

I'm sharing this with you because I hadn't realized how the stories, worries, and anxious thoughts in my mind were blocking the doorway to my bliss, peace, and joy waiting to walk through the threshold. What stories are running through your mind and how can you gently set them down to see what else is there? You just might be surprised at what you find - I sure was. 

So much more happened on this trip. I was stretched physically with all of the hiking, heat, heights, and most fun of all surfing. Never did I ever think I would learn to stand and ride a surfboard at the age of 40. I wasn't even going to go because the thought of me being able to do it was ridiculous in my mind. Yet, there I was riding the waves with the sunburn to prove it. 

A huge thank you to Dr. Mel and the Inspire Life team for creating such a beautiful container of transformation. An even bigger thank you to my husband for taking a chance and diving head first into my world with an open heart and an open mind. You continue to be an inspiration in my life and I am so honored to be alongside you in this journey. 

With much love and gratitude, 
Jessica