My First Year In Mexico + A Gratitude Meditation
This week I’m celebrating one year of living in Mexico! I can't believe it's been a year already since I embarked on this 6-month experiment... and here I am, still basking in the bliss of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. I thought I’d share with you my top 10 gratitudes for this journey so far:
**The Warmth of the People**: Every day, I'm greeted by the most beautiful smiles and genuine warmth. From the fruit vendors to the (sugar & gluten-free) cheesecake makers, each face carries a story and a connection that fills my heart, and these people—the vendors—have become my friends, including my amazing landlady, who has become like a sister to me.
**Embracing the Pedestrian Life**: With no car to rely on, achieving 10,000 steps is a no-brainer! And those heavy grocery bags? They’re making me stronger by the day - unless I’m lucky enough to get some help from the neighborhood burro.
**Perfect Climate Harmony**: With temperatures ranging from 58 to 82 degrees, who needs air conditioning or heating? My house breathes fresh air all year long.
**Spanish Revival**: Dusting off my high school Spanish has been an adventure in itself! Every conversation feels like a dance of neurons, awakening memories and forging new connections.
**Mountain Majesty**: Living on the side of a mountain is like having nature's playground in my backyard. Hiking trails, trees, caves, and stunning vistas are just steps away, inviting me to explore and reconnect with the earth.
**Street Serenades**: Evening strolls to the main plaza are a symphony of sounds. From mariachi bands to opera to soulful ballads, there's always music in the air.
**Tropical Treasures**: Oh, the joy of fresh mangos and papayas! When they're in season, every bite is a burst of paradise!
**New Friends**: You might be curious about how I've cultivated friendships here, especially since my days are often filled with online client sessions and teaching classes. Surprisingly, forming genuine connections has been quite natural, particularly with some of the street vendors. Picture this: many evenings, the bench near my friends who serve up delightful vegan tamales and veggie burgers transforms into my outdoor living room. It's there that I've had the pleasure of meeting some truly remarkable souls. In fact, just last weekend, 8 of them volunteered to be guinea pigs as I practiced teaching a new style of breathwork and meditation. It was pure magic.
**Living Light**: Simplifying my life has been a revelation. With fewer choices, I've found greater contentment in the little things, appreciating the beauty of simplicity in every aspect of daily living.
**Close to Home**: While I cherish my life here, my heart still longs for moments with loved ones back in the States. But thanks to easy access to international flights, I'm just a hop away from home whenever I need to reconnect.
If you're looking to elevate your experience of gratitude, check out this Morning Gratitude SOMA Breath Meditation. It's been a game-changer for me, and I think you'll love it too!
With a grateful heart,
Deb