Day 4: February 2, 2024

Things to do on a surfing sabbatical

I woke up and my left eye was swollen shut. So, I did what I do whenever there is a minor or major medical emergency - text my Mom. She suggested a warm compress which, per usual, was genius and helped the swelling. Once I could open my eye fully, I went to the town apothecary. The suggestions provided were colloidal silver, witch hazel, or chamomile bags. Nosara Kiki felt pulled to use natural remedies, but NYC Kiki was slightly worried that I needed steroidal or antibacterial meds of some sort. After several questions, apothecary Monica got defensive and told me to just go to the doctor or pharmacy across the street. Monica, if you’re reading this, I am sorry for my strong analytical nature and inclination towards western medicine. The pharmacy gave me Tobradex, which Dr. Fleischli said was good after reviewing a few [scary] selfies. Thank G for Sus and, of course, our intermediary Erin. I am assuming the pain and swelling is from dust, sand, or salt water in my eye and the ointment and warm compresses are helping for now.

I decided it might be best to take a day off from surfing, so canceled my lesson with J and went out for a very slow run on the beach instead. My body was sore from my three-a-day on Thursday. After my run, I met up with Lauren, from Meg's class. We went to Destiny Cafe and had delicious salads and watermelon, lime, mint juice. On her walk to meet me, she caught up with her Mom. Following her dad and Michael's deaths, her Mom felt a strong pull to be physically closer to some of her best friends. Though Lauren's family has lived in the Bay Area her whole life, her Mom's next closest community is in Minneapolis. Bravely, she picked up and moved there last month. On Thursday night, she went out and made a new friend in her new city and was gushing about how good it felt to easily connect with someone. Being social has been hard for her following the 15-year journey that was caring for her husband with dementia and, of course, the more recent tragic death of Michael. Lauren shared the relief she felt knowing her mom is having moments of light and hope. I understood, as I felt the weight of her grief, alongside the pressure to take care of her Mom. Our lunch ended with the non-watermelon JUICE of Lauren's budding romance with her Costa Rican tennis instructor, Manuel. Go. Lau. Ren.

I spent the rest of the afternoon reading and writing, between the beach and shady spots near the Sendero pool. I also found time to meditate and talk to Hav. Little shabbirthday reminders were everywhere - Lauren's lavender shirt, lavender seashells, and the first lavender flowers I have seen the whole trip. Havi loved to travel, so I told her about Nosara. You would love it here for so many different reasons, sweet girl.

My evening began at 6:30pm, when Alicia (a friend of Conlan's and Amherst '16) picked me up in her truck. I was her date to the Nexus Institute yoga teacher training graduation ceremony. This was a blind date, so I awkwardly climbed into the car and did the old lean-over-the-center-console-hug intro. She had a calm and cool energy, born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. I had zero idea what I was getting into, which was for the best, as I never would have gone if I had. In our 8-minute drive she gave me the low-down. We were on our way to an intimate graduation ceremony for the latest Nexus class of teacher training. The training is an intensive 3-week program, where the students live in the house together and complete 200 hours of training. Alicia was there to support her graduating friend. She was trained at Nexus (with Conlan!) last year, so this space held sacred meaning to her, too. To my surprise, there were only 5 other "guests" there, despite a class of 30 graduates. Many yogis travel to Nosara for this program, so few had family or friends to come watch. We sat outside the circle of graduates, who were on the floor. We sang, chanted, ohm'ed, listened to emotional speeches, and watched each graduate receive their diploma. The guests were then asked to come to the middle of the circle, so the class could thank us for our support throughout their training. Enjoy picturing me in the middle of the circle, hand in hand with Alicia, while everyone on the outside held their palms out towards us and ohm'ed. I watched tearful goodbyes, many group photos, and ate a delicious home-cooked meal of fish, rice, and beans. Jokes and awkwardness aside, it was a beautiful ceremony and I met some cool people, Alicia being the highlight. I hope to hang with her again before I leave.

Alicia kindly drove me to meet Noah and his friends Jessie & Sam after dinner. She was tired, so sadly did not join. I met them at Sunrise Coffee - cafe by day and occasionally "club" with a DJ by night. Conlan mentioned this is one of his favorite places to work and read during the day. The space is cozy and sweet. As mushrooms and acid are the new red wine, there were a lot of colorful characters on the dance floor, which was fun people watching. We had margaritas and laughed and danced. I took a tuk-tuk home at 10ish, doused my eye in ointment, and went to bed.

I continue to be in awe of the community that Nosara fosters. I have been lucky to have a loyal and loving community at the center of my world for as long as I can remember. The more I live, the more I realize that this community is the essence of my life. Bell Hooks says, "Communities sustain life - not nuclear families, or the "couple," and certainly not the rugged individual. There is no better place to learn the art of loving than in community." Immersing my Solita self in a new and unfamiliar community has required a bit more courage and vulnerability, but I have a feeling is an important stop on the never ending journey of learning the art of loving.

XO,

Kelsey