The last two months have been a hectic frenzy of personal travel, international teaching, major shifts of momentum at work, and realization of certain priorities in my life. Although I have been both on the road and at home in Hong Kong, there had been this haze in my brain and in my soul that has keep me from my usual sense of clarity and purpose. Somewhat distraught, I thought back to my two weeks in the mountains of Nepal back in April, and felt a tremendous sense of uplift and liberation from knowing that my memories and experiences shape and form the inner space that is always with me. Even in the madness of all of my worldly travels, even in the routine mundane everyday responsibilities of life, my inner sanctuary, my home within, is just a breath (or two) away.

I am at my first Wanderlust festival and it’s 6:30am on the second day. Yesterday was spent jogging on the trails of Squaw Valley and getting muddy along the way, hanging out with old friends at the Off the Mat tent in the village and telling people all about the work and action that we do, kayaking on Lake Tahoe, learning about the ecosystems in the area, and doing yoga on the rocks with some amazing people. I finished off the day chanting kirtan with Jai Uttal and swaying my body to some reggae tunes by the Wailers, under the stars, surrounded by majestic mountains all around, and people high on life.

Did I really have to travel 7000 miles to find this special, happy place? Admittedly there really is no place like California and definitely no greater connection than with the inspiring and open minds here at the festival, but I like to hold onto the hope that within me is a piece of all that is passionate, authentic, empowered, engaged, possible, and loving of everyone that I’ve had the blessing of meeting during my travels. What a life to live, and the journey home is a wondrous and amazing one.