A bit stunned at my own abundance - I hope this story inspires you to remember anything is possible in your life! I'm soon headed for Bali for a 200-hour yoga teacher training. An adventurous 40-day excursion with rigorous training mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And, of course, I am relieved and excited that our
adaptation to this global pandemic is allowing us to travel the world again. Though all that feels amazingly fortunate, I am more astounded at the vibrant good health that is allowing me to take advantage of this adventurous opportunity.
I am writing this passage, awaiting a Typhoid Fever vaccine at a medical care office. Having already gotten my vaccines for Hepatitis B, and Tetanus just 3 days ago, it feels almost surreal that my strong, healthy, and resilient body is able to learn, adapt and accommodate so beautifully, without severe reaction, or tanking and missing work. A few years back, this would not have been possible. Having emerged a champion from decades of chronic infection with Lyme Disease, and 21 coinfections, I am realizing that I can now dream big, push the envelope of my discomfort zone, and create the life I'd always admired peering through an invisible wall.
Without too many unsettling and unbelievable details, let's just say day to day life resulted in severe sinus infections, chronic fatigue, severe muscle and joint pain, blurred vision, memory challenges, seizures, and paralysis, keeping me from doing much traveling at all, and only with a pharmacopeia of herbs, supplements, tinctures, purified water, and medicines to keep me on my feet. Since my body was always overwhelmed dealing with the microbial imbalance within, it became outrageously hypersensitive and over-reactive to outside chemicals, pollens, pet dander, smoke (campfire or tobacco,) perfumes, dyes, and electromagnetic frequencies. My career in Physical Therapy and Craniosacral therapy further heightened my perception of subtle energies, and frequencies, and so being in large groups of people, with noise, music, and movement became exhausting. I chose to leave work in a hospital environment due to the overwhelming energies, many imperceptible to others.
Well, Mom, look at me now!!! I'm willing to travel to the other side of the globe, alone, with a plane ticket and my final destination as the only predictable variables. What I may encounter in travel regarding transportation, language challenges, people, food, animals, water, and activities is of no guarantee. Freedom in the true sense. Only achievable through mental freedom! My Highest Self has cleverly enticed me into a growth opportunity that will push me deeply into my “Discomfort Zone!”
When I arrive, I expect to follow a rigorous schedule beginning with 5:30 am wake-up, 6:30 meditation, and the rest of the day structured until 9:00 pm, including: chanting, pranayama, Asana yoga, safety lectures, yoga theory and teaching technique, Asana poses workshops, practicums, and more. After 9:00 pm there is time for journaling, personal study, self-care, more meditation, and I presume falling deeply asleep as soon as possible. I expect bruises, sore muscles, heat stress, adaptation to intense sunlight exposure, possible bug bites, and hope to avoid Bali belly.
The food, I am told, should be fresh and healthy, and very nourishing, with lots of vegetarian and vegan options (hopefully enough gluten free choices,) but all lovely Asian cooking, and nothing Western or predictable. The class will be made up of students from around the world, most likely from many different cultures, speaking other languages, and hopefully becoming fast friends for life!
So, as I sit here - still waiting for a nurse to arrive and administer my shot, I am a little amazed at the unknown possibilities that this courageous leap will encounter... And a bit amazed at the long wait time (for American medical care, haha.) I recognize a sense of accomplishment and deep GRATITUDE filling my consciousness. All my hard work,
discipline, discernment, perseverance, learning, support and help from others, and inner healing has made this possible. Thank you to my family, friends, many healthcare cohorts, and spouse of 30 years - who will solely raise a toast to our 30-year relationship anniversary while I am gone. What a loving, dependable, hard-working, supportive “partner in life”!
Why am I undertaking this trip? Yah, it sounds fun, scary, adventurous, and the new learning, growth, and skills will help me continue to serve my clients in their wellness journeys. Truly, I am seeking a deeper Self-Realization, to walk each moment grounded in Peace, Joy, and Love. Knowing that as a critical number of us live from that place of Truth, we honor each other, love each other, find mutually beneficial solutions to challenging puzzles for humanity, and our planet. We become and create the world we wish to live in, and we share that frequency with all and the ONE.
I hope to share with you this new chapter in health, wellness, spiritual awakening, and Freedom. The possibilities, again, are endless how this could all play out. But I know one thing - I am powerful, creative, and filled with Love, peace, and joy, which establishes my good health! You as well!
Namaste, Love, Light, and Laughter, Shawn Axten
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