Thank you for sharing your experiences. Chang Mai is one of my favorite places and I’m always day dreaming about a move there. Appreciate you showing all the possibilities.
Great to hear your update Dana, and happy to hear that the cats have settled in - I have been wondering! I loved Thai people the two times I visited the country - they seemed to bring the utmost care and presence to every interaction.
As for what's nourishing me - we're at winter solstice and I'm turning towards hibernation. Long sleeps, slow days, warm food, and sitting in front of the fire with my own two furballs, who stay much closer to home when it's cold. A year ago, we had just returned from Europe and getting married, which was a lovely time and also very exhausting! I'm quite happy to be going nowhere this year, keeping two feet on the earth and staying close to home.
Looking forward to hearing what unfolds for you next....
Thank you, Vicki. That really does capture my experience here, too - so much care and presence.
Winter solstice blessings! Warm food and cozying up to a fire with furballs sounds like one of the best things in the world. I do miss having a real winter here, along with the contrast of cycling through more dramatic seasonal shifts.
Happy one-year anniversary! Staying close to home sounds deeply nourishing and grounding. Sending wishes for much coziness and serenity. ❤️
Nourishing my mind, body, and spirit this past week - running, sauna/cold plunge, visiting a new to me zen sangha, wandering into a shop that surprised me, and so much more.
I'm hungry for even more Silence. I have cultivated a lot this year and keep finding new ways to sit with it.
And those places of nourishment sound amazing. I sure could go for a cold plunge about now. 🥵 Silence - YES, me too. Wishing you an abundance of silence and serenity in the days and months ahead.
Wishing the most peaceful and beautiful of places to live 🙏🏼 a year ago I was clearing an allotment of 6 ft high brambles, a year on the bureaucratic nature of the committee that runs the site has become too much for my need for a relaxed fun experience and I have left. I’m really enjoying writing a new book, this one fiction, I’m not really ‘doing’ the writing, it seems to be writing itself, and such a joy, I have no idea how the characters and their relationships will develop, and the relaxation of not having to try and work any of that, and the fun of the words just appearing when I write, is really nourishing 💕
I remember following along as you cleared that allotment, Lucy. Sorry to hear that the bureaucratic brambles were such a bother... But good for you for leaving when it was no longer fun, supportive, and nourishing.
What a delight to hear how your book is writing itself, and how the characters are revealing themselves to you. That sounds like such an infusion of wonder and creative play. Thank you for being here, sharing, and inspiring! ❤️
As a 76 yr old Dr. of TCM, I too had to find new roots in 2022 to get away from regulatory bodies mandates. Selling everything, leaving a practice, and the despair I felt in the lower mainland of BC my partner and I moved to Vancouver Island. I needed a place that provided contact with nature, music, dancing, qi gong practice, restoring my health, real relationships with real people, who self identify by their passion for creativity and resilience, healthy food and daily contact with the ocean, forests, and my garden. There is even a small Buddhist Temple not far in the woods that I visualize as having peace and harmony.
I hear you, Rod. Huge recognition for choosing what felt aligned, even if it came at great cost. Where you are now sounds absolutely divine.
I used to live in Victoria, then on Salt Spring, before we moved to Nova Scotia. (And I was in BC during the lockdown years, which - in choosing not to get the shots - were really something.) I was an instructor and TCM dean at Pacific Rim College in Vic. I miss that part of the world dearly!
Congratulations on one year, Dana! Wishing you and Randy a peaceful home as the next year and beyond unfolds, and thank you as always for letting us in on the journey, it's such a generous thing.
My body is feeling nourished by signing up to be part of the annual performance put on by the dance studio I'm a member of... it's something I've never done before but committing to the process and starting the rehearsals feels intimidating in a good stretchy way! I'm excited to see how my strength develops in the six months between now and then. I'm hungry for getting through my supervisor qualification - it's brilliant, but a lot to take in and do. Although I was physically in the same place this time last year, I think there's been a lot of internal movement between this summer solstice and last, the most delightful surprises have been identity shifts in my partner that have them feeling lighter and more joyful, so I'm very grateful for their commitment to that process and getting to witness them in it!
Thank you, Jae! And what beautiful places of nourishment and hunger. Your updates were such a delight to receive in my inbox yesterday. Truly, the way you show up for life is infused with such creativity, inspiration, and presence. Thanks for being such a bright light in this world. ❤️
Aww, Dana - thank you! I need to write this beautiful comment down somewhere to return to on wobbly days. Such a thoughtful thing to say, and likewise! Grateful for our paths crossing. ❤️
Reading this was a soothing balm, Dana! It's wonderful to hear your reflections on this past year (can't believe it's been that long), especially because Chiang Mai and points north have been such special places in my life as well. I totally understand your love of the Thai people, their natural warmth and generosity...
What's nourishing me this week is having read your piece along with Chloe Hope's piece. Also yesterday I reconnected, in person!, with two friends I hadn't seen in years. Yes to more in person time and less online interactions.
What I'm hungry for on a personal and collective level is shamatha. Not only in its meditation context, but in the largest sense of an energy of cooling and calming. The world feels so 'hot' right now, so reactive, and the consequences of that are literally dangerous. I remember once someone told me that 'cooling' is an essential quality of shamatha, and I yearn for that for all of us.
Thank you again for your writing and for opening up this space for all of us!
Thank you, Maia! It’s a delight for me to write about Thailand knowing that some folks (like you!) have been here and adore Chiang Mai and Thai culture. ❤️
I feel honoured to be on your nourishing list. And big, heart-sourced yes to more in-person connections. How wonderful that you and your friends met up!
Oh my gosh YES on cooling and calming. I love how, in Thailand, they speak of "cooling your heart," or having a "cool heart," as something important to cultivate - for self, for others, for world. I yearn for that for all of us, too.
Thank you again for being here, Maia. Wishing you a beautiful, spacious week.
Sumi! I was thinking of you the other day and made a mental note to check in... Let’s zoom when you have space and feel up for it. I hope you’re getting some blessed down time. ❤️
Thank you for continuing to share your journey with vulnerability and strength.
I am thankful for the nourishment I'm receiving at many levels: fresh Maine air, well water, wild fish and wild food. My heart and mind are filled with wonder and resolve as I become the guide for others on their wild and whole food journeys. And of course the love and companionship of my dog, Saso. He is in all of it.
I am driven and hungry to pass my Maine Guide exams this summer and fall. I'm prepared, but the excitement/anxiety is a mindful. As it should be. As in many professions, hurdles must be lived and overcome. Embracing the nature of patience.
A year ago I was making breakfast sammies at a music festival in the woods of Maine. Helping the farm I volunteer with to nourish the festival goers in the mornings. Good times. And then I was asking myself about the guide journey I've chosen--or that has chosen me. I knew it was right but had not yet fully committed. That was to come....
Thanks so much, John. Rooting for you on the exams, and the nourishment you described sounds delicious for body, mind, spirit. I love hearing where you were a year ago
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Chang Mai is one of my favorite places and I’m always day dreaming about a move there. Appreciate you showing all the possibilities.
Thank you for being here, Lisa! Chiang Mai sure is a special place. ❤️
Great to hear your update Dana, and happy to hear that the cats have settled in - I have been wondering! I loved Thai people the two times I visited the country - they seemed to bring the utmost care and presence to every interaction.
As for what's nourishing me - we're at winter solstice and I'm turning towards hibernation. Long sleeps, slow days, warm food, and sitting in front of the fire with my own two furballs, who stay much closer to home when it's cold. A year ago, we had just returned from Europe and getting married, which was a lovely time and also very exhausting! I'm quite happy to be going nowhere this year, keeping two feet on the earth and staying close to home.
Looking forward to hearing what unfolds for you next....
Thank you, Vicki. That really does capture my experience here, too - so much care and presence.
Winter solstice blessings! Warm food and cozying up to a fire with furballs sounds like one of the best things in the world. I do miss having a real winter here, along with the contrast of cycling through more dramatic seasonal shifts.
Happy one-year anniversary! Staying close to home sounds deeply nourishing and grounding. Sending wishes for much coziness and serenity. ❤️
Thanks Dana ❤️
What a gorgeous, rich post, Dana. Thank you.
Nourishing my mind, body, and spirit this past week - running, sauna/cold plunge, visiting a new to me zen sangha, wandering into a shop that surprised me, and so much more.
I'm hungry for even more Silence. I have cultivated a lot this year and keep finding new ways to sit with it.
Awww, thank you, Caitlin. ❤️
And those places of nourishment sound amazing. I sure could go for a cold plunge about now. 🥵 Silence - YES, me too. Wishing you an abundance of silence and serenity in the days and months ahead.
Wishing the most peaceful and beautiful of places to live 🙏🏼 a year ago I was clearing an allotment of 6 ft high brambles, a year on the bureaucratic nature of the committee that runs the site has become too much for my need for a relaxed fun experience and I have left. I’m really enjoying writing a new book, this one fiction, I’m not really ‘doing’ the writing, it seems to be writing itself, and such a joy, I have no idea how the characters and their relationships will develop, and the relaxation of not having to try and work any of that, and the fun of the words just appearing when I write, is really nourishing 💕
I remember following along as you cleared that allotment, Lucy. Sorry to hear that the bureaucratic brambles were such a bother... But good for you for leaving when it was no longer fun, supportive, and nourishing.
What a delight to hear how your book is writing itself, and how the characters are revealing themselves to you. That sounds like such an infusion of wonder and creative play. Thank you for being here, sharing, and inspiring! ❤️
As a 76 yr old Dr. of TCM, I too had to find new roots in 2022 to get away from regulatory bodies mandates. Selling everything, leaving a practice, and the despair I felt in the lower mainland of BC my partner and I moved to Vancouver Island. I needed a place that provided contact with nature, music, dancing, qi gong practice, restoring my health, real relationships with real people, who self identify by their passion for creativity and resilience, healthy food and daily contact with the ocean, forests, and my garden. There is even a small Buddhist Temple not far in the woods that I visualize as having peace and harmony.
I hear you, Rod. Huge recognition for choosing what felt aligned, even if it came at great cost. Where you are now sounds absolutely divine.
I used to live in Victoria, then on Salt Spring, before we moved to Nova Scotia. (And I was in BC during the lockdown years, which - in choosing not to get the shots - were really something.) I was an instructor and TCM dean at Pacific Rim College in Vic. I miss that part of the world dearly!
We live in Victoria part time to be near family. Our main residence is in north Florida. And in comparison ….Victoria is our place to get away
Victoria is such a sweet place - part of my heart is there still!
Wow! I didn't know the backstory about changing destinations at the last minute under duress. Yay cat meowma!! I get it. Cargo sounds like hell.
I cannot thank you enough for introducing me to IMC and Gil! It has changed my life. No exaggeration. 🙏🏽
Yay! I love hearing that about IMC and Gil. They’ve changed mine too. Lots of hearts to you, Maria. ❤️
I’ve so enjoyed reading along this last year. Thanks for sharing all you do, Dana.
Wishing you peaceful rest curled up with your sweet kitties. I hope sleep blankets you! 💕
Thank you, Allison! I appreciate you! ❤️
“I love people so much. I mean this generally—people everywhere, all over the world, share the same essence.”
I love this post in general, but right now this is resonating with me so strongly.
In my dreams, people are as aware as the ones you mention in your location specifically.
In Canada, they are still there, but they’re a little foggy, groggy. Probably hung over! But still loveable.
Thanks so much, Tim. I miss Canada! Part of my heart is there still...
Congratulations on one year, Dana! Wishing you and Randy a peaceful home as the next year and beyond unfolds, and thank you as always for letting us in on the journey, it's such a generous thing.
My body is feeling nourished by signing up to be part of the annual performance put on by the dance studio I'm a member of... it's something I've never done before but committing to the process and starting the rehearsals feels intimidating in a good stretchy way! I'm excited to see how my strength develops in the six months between now and then. I'm hungry for getting through my supervisor qualification - it's brilliant, but a lot to take in and do. Although I was physically in the same place this time last year, I think there's been a lot of internal movement between this summer solstice and last, the most delightful surprises have been identity shifts in my partner that have them feeling lighter and more joyful, so I'm very grateful for their commitment to that process and getting to witness them in it!
Thank you, Jae! And what beautiful places of nourishment and hunger. Your updates were such a delight to receive in my inbox yesterday. Truly, the way you show up for life is infused with such creativity, inspiration, and presence. Thanks for being such a bright light in this world. ❤️
Aww, Dana - thank you! I need to write this beautiful comment down somewhere to return to on wobbly days. Such a thoughtful thing to say, and likewise! Grateful for our paths crossing. ❤️
Reading this was a soothing balm, Dana! It's wonderful to hear your reflections on this past year (can't believe it's been that long), especially because Chiang Mai and points north have been such special places in my life as well. I totally understand your love of the Thai people, their natural warmth and generosity...
What's nourishing me this week is having read your piece along with Chloe Hope's piece. Also yesterday I reconnected, in person!, with two friends I hadn't seen in years. Yes to more in person time and less online interactions.
What I'm hungry for on a personal and collective level is shamatha. Not only in its meditation context, but in the largest sense of an energy of cooling and calming. The world feels so 'hot' right now, so reactive, and the consequences of that are literally dangerous. I remember once someone told me that 'cooling' is an essential quality of shamatha, and I yearn for that for all of us.
Thank you again for your writing and for opening up this space for all of us!
Thank you, Maia! It’s a delight for me to write about Thailand knowing that some folks (like you!) have been here and adore Chiang Mai and Thai culture. ❤️
I feel honoured to be on your nourishing list. And big, heart-sourced yes to more in-person connections. How wonderful that you and your friends met up!
Oh my gosh YES on cooling and calming. I love how, in Thailand, they speak of "cooling your heart," or having a "cool heart," as something important to cultivate - for self, for others, for world. I yearn for that for all of us, too.
Thank you again for being here, Maia. Wishing you a beautiful, spacious week.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
All the hearts to you, Val! ❤️
as always, you and your writing inspire me. hope all is well with you, Randy & kitties.
Sumi! I was thinking of you the other day and made a mental note to check in... Let’s zoom when you have space and feel up for it. I hope you’re getting some blessed down time. ❤️
That was a wholesome read—I’m really happy for you!
Thank you, Adam! 😊
Dana,
Thank you for writing this wonderfully, beautiful article.❤️
Love you, mom! ❤️
Love you too, Dana💕
Thank you for continuing to share your journey with vulnerability and strength.
I am thankful for the nourishment I'm receiving at many levels: fresh Maine air, well water, wild fish and wild food. My heart and mind are filled with wonder and resolve as I become the guide for others on their wild and whole food journeys. And of course the love and companionship of my dog, Saso. He is in all of it.
I am driven and hungry to pass my Maine Guide exams this summer and fall. I'm prepared, but the excitement/anxiety is a mindful. As it should be. As in many professions, hurdles must be lived and overcome. Embracing the nature of patience.
A year ago I was making breakfast sammies at a music festival in the woods of Maine. Helping the farm I volunteer with to nourish the festival goers in the mornings. Good times. And then I was asking myself about the guide journey I've chosen--or that has chosen me. I knew it was right but had not yet fully committed. That was to come....
Thanks so much, John. Rooting for you on the exams, and the nourishment you described sounds delicious for body, mind, spirit. I love hearing where you were a year ago
Wishing you and Saso a beautiful Maine weekend 😊
Beautiful update Dana thank you 💕
Thank you, Louise. Hearts to you! ❤️