Hi all!

This past week has been SUCH a whirlwind! I traveled to Florida for an intense 2-day self-awareness/meditation workshop, with a few pit stops along the way. After landing back in Columbus at midnight on Tuesday night, all I could think about was sleeping for a week straight!

After arriving in Florida last Thursday, I attempted to go to the beach. About 5 minutes after applying my sunscreen, it started raining! Fortunately, there was a gazebo on a pond nearby, and my cousin and I ran for cover. When we were there, we got to hang out with a bunch of turtles. little one, old ones…. they kept coming up to the gazebo – there had to of been at least 15. I felt like a turtle whisperer! Finally, we ended up walking back in the rain, and it was WONDERFUL! The air was warm, the rain was warm… it felt like when I was a kid and used to run outside during storms to jump in the puddles 🙂

On Friday, my cousins and I traveled to Miami to cross off something on my bucket list: hold/pet a sloth. We went to Safari Edventure – and ended up holding a lot more than just a sloth! Tarantulas, pythons, alligators… and we even got to interact with wolves and kangaroos! It was such an amazing day! Below are a few pictures of my interactions with the animals – lots of selfies!

Wallaby Selfie

Holding a Python with my cousins!

I can’t believe I held a freaking alligator.

and now, for the best part of the day: SLOTHS!!!! I got to hold their hands, feed them, pet them… It was so surreal. They are such gentle and happy animals!

I felt like I was dreaming… I’M TAKING A SELFIE WITH A SLOTH

Kisses, because they love me!

Feeding the King grapes

First encounter… did not disappoint!

Literally cannot contain my excitement!

Xena the Warrior Princess fell asleep with a grape in her mouth.. too tired to chew

After eating an entire banana, he is ready for sleep

HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THIS FACE?!

Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to 18 total hours of being locked in a room with 30 other people, learning how to deepen our self-awareness and meditation practice. Think of a mashup of teachings from all religions/beliefs/law of attraction/eckhart tolle/abraham hicks/a course in miracles, all broken down into a daily practice. It was an emotionally exhausting weekend, but totally worth it. I have started a daily awareness/meditation practice, for 15 minutes, and I love it! I think it will also be a huge complement to my Yoga Teacher training beginning in May.

Sunday I went for a run, then to the beach for 4 hours. I really need to move here. The weather is PERFECT. Warm and sunny, what more could you want? At sunset, my cousin’s boyfriend took us down to a pier, and we took a few yoga pictures. All I have to say is… stunning. He is an amazing photographer! Below are a few shots:

Pincha on the Pier! Photo Credit: Michael Vinson

My Cousin & I. Photo Credit: Michael Vinson

On Tuesday, my final day, I woke up early for a sunrise yoga video shoot with DP Froggy, an awesome cinematographer. We spent 2 hours filming – I cannot WAIT to see the final video! Here is a sneak peak on instagram.

Picture within a picture.. Yoga shoot in the works. Photo Credit: Michael Vinson

Unfortunately, I had to leave sunny florida and head back to cold Ohio. My flight ended up being delayed, so I didn’t get home until late. Although, I don’t mind. I ended up getting a drink with a retired man at the bar who talked my ear off, and struck up a lovely conversation with a school teacher on my connecting flight. Meeting people is definitely one of my favorite things about traveling!

Over the course of the entire trip, I ended up finishing one of my books for yoga teacher training, another book by David Hawkins, and Rachel Brathen’s new book, Yoga Girl. Highly recommend all books – I love reading other people’s stories, and pretty much anything that opens my mind (whether I agree to it or not!). What is on everyone else’s reading list? Any recommendations? I already have a stack of books next to my bed that I am sloooowlyy reading, but I am always up for more 🙂

I hope everyone’s past week was as full of happiness and growth as mine was! This weekend I’ll be going for a run in prep for my quarter marathon the beginning of may… and lots of baking/cooking! Stay tuned for a post with a recipe for an Easter treat!