Fond Memories Resonates

One of the things for me is I get frustrated on some peoples behavior in our communities, the disrespect for others and the surroundings or the unkindness displayed towards other people then I think of my time in Chiang Mai and a overwhelming sense of calmness comes over me. The thing that impacts me here in the states is my work with the children this allows me to see hope in humanity.

Really I think it's more that I get frustrated with myself for taking it in, the energy and negative vibration from some. It used to be I was really hard on myself about things and now it's more of a learning tool which allows me the opportunity to use the creative resources within.

Going to Thailand was a very profound experience that still resonates deeply! It's one of those things that before going there was a certain image and expectation of how the framework of the travels were going to unfold and of course it was not even close.

The outer reason of going was to study massage as I mentioned before. My life shifted and I was impacted by different aspects. Sometimes for us to grow, expanding our consciousness and elevate to higher peaks the draw to something that may be important for us which we don't see is camouflaged my some interest, in my case learning massage in another country but the real deeper reason was revealed during the moments of being in the Kingdom of Thailand and still resonates with me today.

I have a few mementoes from my travels there, several being gifts given to me which I am Grateful that provides me with fond memories of my interactions with the Thai people.

Gift of Discovery

Ever since my trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand just over a year ago (which seems like ages) I dreamt of returning and how I could someday retire there. As I reflect on my experiences, the people that I've met and connecting with the mementos that I brought back send a warm feeling throughout my being!

While I was there I asked myself how could I live there?, What would or could I do to make a living? One of the answers was have an online business but did not know how to go about it. Sure, I've done a few blogs and even had a personal website: http://connect2mp.com but still didn't know how to break into the industry.

In May 2010 while attending a course in Los Angeles I heard of a new course that had been put together by Peak Potentials called the Ultimate Internet Bootcamp. I knew I wanted to go and the first 2 courses was offered while I was going to be in Europe during August. There were no other dates set but I kept my eye on the website and as soon as the next course was offered I signed up.

As a result just a few short weeks ago I launched GiftofDiscovery.com it is about Travel and Study with Adventure. Although it is geared to massage students interested in studying Thai massage in Thailand and to have a cultural and adventurous experience, there is also a section on Thai Cooking. So whether you are interested or just dreaming in going, you have an adventure spirit, or you have been bit by the traveling bug you may also benefit from what I offer on the site.

I am still new at this but I am passionate about three aspects of this site: Travel, Massage, and Cooking. I enjoy sharing information and perhaps at some point we will have custom tours arranged depending on your interest.

A delightful presentation

directed by Khanoon (aka Michael Porter)

A Wonderful Educational Experience

As I mentioned before the seed was planted about 10 years ago to go to Thailand when I took a introduction course in Thai massage in San Diego. When I started to plan for the trip about a year ago I knew that I was going to Chiang Mai, Thailand to study massage and I got so much more! Many things about this trip was educational and insightful. I took in the culture and allowed myself to try a variety of things with the intention of not allowing my preconceived ideas to interfere with the experience. The trip not only opened my mind but allowed me to expand in many dimensions! I took different type of classes and learned many things on this path which increased my awareness. The complete voyage was one big classroom! I am grateful for these many experiences and the expansion of my consciousness. From these moments I am now at a place of introspect and redesigning my life.The massage school that I ended up at was perfect for me at that moment. There are many schools and teachers that you can learn Thai massage from. Even though I did hours of research before I went another valuable resource is just to talk to students. As I mentioned in earlier post the school that I went to is called "The School of Massage for Health".

The staff was warm and friendly. I enjoyed and value the personal attention given by many of the instructors. One of the largest draws was how flexible the classes are. This allows the opportunity for traveling students to not have such a rigid course schedule and the freedom to explore the area. For example I started my first class on a Thursday and for the following weeks I continued to take different classes while also going to cooking and jewelery making courses as well.

The school is in the Northwest of the City and surrounded by many wonderful healthy restaurants with delicious food at great prices. SMH offers a variety of interesting courses and they really do work with you. I met many wonderful people from all over the world here. When I return at the end of the year I will at least come by to say hello to my SMH family and probably take a class or two.
As I've mentioned previously I took 60 hours of Thai Massage as well as 30 hours in Reflexology, a day course in Herbal Thai Compress, and a special course in Tok-Sen which is my favorite. Next time I go to Thailand I would like to find a teacher who specialized in it so I can take more intense training in this area. I've really enjoyed practicing Tok-Sen and Herbal Compress, since I've been back and get great feedback.
Thai work is very different from what I've been practicing for a number of years. Although you can do Thai massage and similar modalities on a massage table it is traditional done on a mat on the floor. In the few months that I was there and the multiple massages that I received I did not have one on the table. Doing the work on the floor I feel I serve the people that I touch more fully. Because the Thai work (at this level) is new for me I do feel I need to work at it more and that I am more in my head. The flow is just not quite there yet like in Tuina or other modalities that I practiced in the 17 years of study/practice.
My thanks again to the beautiful people at SMH I am appreciative for the love, support, and kindness that made my learning experience exceptional!!!

As you enter the courtyard off the street you walk into another world. A feeling of comfort and warmth. Before classes or during the breaks you can enjoy a cup of tea with classmates and teachers. Before entering the classroom we wash our feet at this staging area.

THAI MASSAGE COURSE:




































THAI HERBAL COMPRESS COURSE:





































FOOT REFLEXOLOGY:














TRADITIONAL THAI/TOK-SEN:






















Many years before I took my first massage class it spoke to me and I did not understand until I finally took that first course at IPSB it felt natural. I definitely connected to the gift of touch that I possess. Even in earlier massage sessions the feedback that I received from clients and people I worked on supported this path that I was on. During the many classes that I took I met many people who contribute to my development and it was a very healing experience. So ending up in Thailand when I did was perfect! This fed my passion and reminded me of the quality in my touch. I am reinspired to do more bodywork. Intuitivly I am reminded not to hold back and share this gift with the world.
My extreme thanks to all the teachers, students, and people that I have crossed paths with on this journey. Your lives have touched mine and contribute to me being who I am in the world!

Magic Tattoo

Before going to Thailand I knew that I was going to have some tattoo work done. Early in 2006 I came across some artwork with Polar Bears with a night moon that I thought would make a fantastic tattoo. So during a tattoo convention that May in San Diego I had a few hours done with a guy who was from Colorado and came down just for the convention. I was really impressed with the work. He was able to get the big bear on my arm with some trees and outline for continued work. My thoughts of expanding the work led me to get another polar bear while I was traveling in Europe a few years later.
I searched the Internet for tattoo artists in Chiang Mai, Thailand. After reading many customer comments on websites I had found the place I wanted to get my work done....Magic Tattoo.
Having the shop's information I tried to find them on a map but the only location stuff I found was general and once I arrived in Chiang Mai I was overwhelmed with how to get around in the City and was concern that I could not find the place. The first night that I arrived I went to get something to eat nearby where I was staying and came across a Tattoo shop. It seemed like a decent place and thought maybe I will end up just getting my work done there if I could not easily find Magic. After my meal I went home a different way (getting used to my surroundings) taking in what was around making mental notes of places I wanted to check out at a later time and just as I was ready to turn onto the tiny street that lead to my guesthouse, just to my right there was a storefront with big letters, "Magic". The shop was actually a stone throw away from where I lived.
I popped in and introduced myself meeting a kind man named Poon. Having a great vibe I came back a few days later to start the artwork. I describe what I wanted....a sleeve adding nature with the two polar bears that I had. He took many photos of my arm. I mentioned that I want the night moon, waterfall, stream, etc... He got on the computer and started to do his thing. I was really impressed with what he was doing on the computer and knew that I had the right person.
We schedule the rest of the sessions which was a total of eight hours of work for three sittings. It worked out very well.
Even before the work was completed I receive many compliments on it. I really like watching as we progressed through the several stages. By the time we were done it was just about time for me to leave and I was low on money but wanted to give him a generous tip. I extended an offer to practice massage with him, specifically Tok-Sen. He accepted being the first person outside of class that I've worked on with this modality!
I have found another friend in Thailand through this experience and certainly will come to visit with him (and maybe more tattoo work) during my next trip. It was a pleasure to connect with Poon and glad our paths crossed!

PHOTO GALLERY

BEFORE:



AFTER:

Patara Elephant Farm Visit: Photo Gallery

The Elephant Owner for a day is done in English by the farm owner and professional elephant trainers. Go and have a wonderful time with the healthy and happy elephants, their babies, and bull breeder elephants. I had an amazing time and I am sure if you allow yourself to be open you will too.

www.pataraelephantfarm.com

It's cool if you bring your camera but they take many wonderful photos and give you a CD besides the less you bring the better. I brought a small backpack and the elephant handler and van keep pack as we continued from one staging area to another.

Patara Elephant Farm

During my stay in Thailand I had two different Elephant experiences, one I previously wrote about. There are several different type of outfits that have elephant things and many are catered for the tourist. There was a major differences in both times that I had. I have learn of another place called The Elephant Nature Park which I plan to volunteer at the end of the year when I return to Thailand. Just like many outfits Patara Elephant Farm picked me up early in the morning and we drove out about a half hour to their spread. They are well organized and made the day very interesting, fun, and educational. The name of the program that I did is called "Elephant Owner for a Day". It was a very intense experience that actually brought tears to my eyes! In this unique experience I learned how to hike, track and approach the elephant. I walked, fed, bathe, and brush this majestic animal in the river.

VIDEO CLIPS

I was trained on how to ride on her neck using many different techniques and went on a long bare-back adventure ride to a waterfall where we rested and had a wonderful buffet, Thai style!
Patara Elephant Farm has a higher standard in the care of their elephants than many other camps/farms. They are quoted of saying "Our elephants have been rescued from unsuitable working conditions and the proceeds from this trip help keep them in a natural environment for breeding program".

Thailand Experience!

My time in Thailand has been the single most powerful life experience that I have ever processed. Many wonderful moments that I will treasure for a lifetime. Just as with many things we don't fully appreciate our processes until after the fact. Although I was being present most of the time and reflecting on what my mentor mentioned to me (Breathe and experience) while I was there I can't help but to think how could I have made the time there more. I guess I should lighten up on myself because it was an amazing journey and I have many treasured memories.
The transition back to my life here in the USA has been the most difficult out of all my travels. It has been more that just a vacation!
It is great though that I can think of my time there or of a situation and I either chuckle or just feel a deep sensation. It was fantastic meeting all kinds of people, not only the locals but also many travelers from all over the world. My life is deeply enriched!

I have a few more things and photos to share of my time there and will get around to it.