walking out to the sunrise over the expanse of the Pacific

It has officially been a week since I re-entered the sacred grounds of the Puna Coast, home of Pele, Hawaii’s almighty fire goddess who created the lava earth not so long ago. So much has been experienced and so much more is in store, but the worries and plans have no place for this nighttime moment in my tent while I listen to the cataphony of bull frogs whistle against the background of pacific waves crashing on black sharp rocks. My home is now here, at Kalani, a very special place with very special people.

my new home

messy room

My whirlwind of excitement over these seven days has been made up of bicycle rides that start passing new found friends on the retreat property and begin with a gigantic smile. I ride out onto the open rural road covered in overarching trees of every sort and style, creating a green tunnel that opens to a vista of gorgeus sea blue crashing against crags of black lava rock. My smile deepens and my heart begins to race when I pedal on and start to wind, dodge, twist, turn, up and down on this coastal road. The sea and lush jungle take turns amazing and overwhelming me, this little odd creature on this black mechanical contraption traveling in my own little space and time. 

at the pool

These days have also consisted of exploration in new yoga styles and classes that come to life – that make the jump from “seems interesting” to “I am doing”. Intuitive yoga to wake up my body peacefully along with the rising sun in the morning, vinyasa flow classes to fluidly end my afternoon. Guest yoga groups with new techniques to keep me humble, and aqua boot camp at the pool, to …. well, make me way more humble.

50kW array that provides about 30 - 40 % of the power for the entire community

These cycles of daylight and nighttime also consist of working in the Maintenance and IT departments. Fixing little computer issues and helping with needed projects under the massive solar array shed keeps my continual learning on track and my project focused mind humming away. I geek out to 1/3^rd of the property’s energy coming from the sun and all the drinking water coming from the sky.

"work"

kalani staff and volunteers enjoying the abundant, awesome food

But these days also include my new Ohana – my new family and community here at Kalani.

Yet it is quite strange. After just 7 days here, I don’t worry about things to come or about anything I have done. I am just here. In this beautiful place that I already feel a part of.

morning view

So alas, it is time to use these sunny days for more bike riding, exploring, swimming in the ocean, sunbathing in the black fine sand and laughing at my fantastic present moment. After the excitement of the day, it is great to exhale into star filled nights in the aptly named "field of dreams" looking at a small fire, drinking a beer while conversing with friends from all around the world and finally falling asleep to those bullfrogs and crashing waves.

So much love from Kalani, Hawai'i

taylor