It’s summer and to me, summer is synonymous with adventure. What plans do you have to get out and enjoy something new this summer? Is it a long-anticipated vacation or some fun activities in your own back yard? Perhaps you will finally commit to learning a new sport or training for that race you’ve been wanting to do, or get outside and explore a state or national park in your area. One thing that gets me motivated to get my adventure on is to read people’s inspirational stories. During this recent trip to Ecuador, I read Jim Whittaker’s memoir, A Life on the Edge. I highly recommend it. I laughed, cried and fell in love with this gentle man with a giant spirit.

Jim was the first American to summit Everest in 1963 and I got the pleasure of meeting him at a 50th anniversary event celebrating that climb while I was in Boston for the marathon in April. I can’t even tell you how honored I was to have Jim write “to a fellow climber” in his book signing to me, as we spoke of our love of mountains and climbing!!

Jim’s Everest summit is only one of the many accomplishments in his well-lived and adventurous 84 years of life (and he doesn’t look 84 AT ALL, by the way). I have read troves of mountaineering literature, but not one that’s inspired me so deeply. I admire Jim as a leader, businessman (he was the first employee and CEO of REI for 25 years), environmentalist and world-adventurer. I aspire to live a life as passionate, influential and connected to nature as he has.

Towards the end of his memoir he speaks about the difference between living “the good life”, the age-old American dream of acquiring wealth and comfort versus living a life well-lived.

Jim says that learning and risk are two sides of the same coin.

“Learning is what happens when you risk a journey beyond what you know and are comfortable with, to something you don’t know or aren’t comfortable with…the key to a well-lived life–as dis

tinct from the “good life”–is discomfort”. He describes discomfort “as the stretching yourself beyond what you already know or know how to do, of struggling with adversity–is what creates the pearls in a well-lived life, just as it takes an irritant like a bit of sand inside a South Seas oyster shell to produce a real pearl”.

Adventure in nature is my happy place. It keeps me sane and connected to something so much bigger than myself! Nature teaches us not to be so attached to things, not to be so predictable and not have so many expectations. Just like the weather, plans change and certainties don’t exist, so having an open mind and being comfortable with the unknown allows us to have more comfort with change and uncertainty. I like to believe the “irritants” in our lives that chafe us, ultimately make us shiny and precious like a pearl if we endure and stop trying to avoid the discomfort and challenge!

Through suffering and adversity lies the greatest opportunity (for learning and growth).

As I write this, I am flying high above the Andes Mountains from Ecuador to Miami. I have spent the past six months in 6 different Latin American and Caribbean nations, on various adventures that have been SUPER fun at times and a little tiring, scary and challenging, too! My adventures have taken me under the earth swimming in caves, snorkeling on the coast of Mexico, surfing in Dominican Republic, kitesurfing wind and waves along the coasts of the Florida Keys, Mexico, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic, to cultural exploration of Nicaragua, service work in Haiti and mountain climbing in Ecuador. What I’ve learned is the utmost importance of patience, empathy, flexibility and the willingness to be a little uncomfortable. I’ve also learned that a good dose of time in nature can cure almost any worry!

I have been blessed with a tenacious and curious character that has led me to many successful rock and mountain climbs, running races and adventure trips, but this recent trip to Ecuador, I return without another summit under my ice axe. We got delayed in getting to Quito due to weather and attempted the climb without long enough to properly acclimatize and I (along with most of my team) got Acute Mountain Sickness partway up 19,347’ Cotopaxi. At the moment of truth on the side of the gale force sleet/snow windstorm at 2:00am, I did not hesitate to retreat. There is a balance between discomfort and torture – and I felt horrible. The timeless Nietzsche quote kept running through my head: In the mountain of truth, one never climbs in vain, you either reach a higher step today or exercise your strength to climb higher tomorrow”. Life.

I felt a sense of warmth and compassion towards myself to take care and understand there was no way to finish these upward steps today. I would have been moving forward recklessly and dangerously and definitely would have nothing left in the tank for tomorrow for anything, let alone climbing. I felt empowered in my decision to return and soon learned that it was wise as I fell completely ill and would have been a burden to the team had I not prudently cared for myself. Part of taking risk and putting yourself out there means not always succeeding. Life.

Fifteen or so years ago I would not have been so happy with the outcome, I might have even carelessly pushed forward even farther. I would have felt like a failure. I have so much more to look forward to and incorporate myself into a bigger picture now, including children, clients and a healthy career. I actually embody the message I have read in many mountaineering tales, that the magic of the mountain happens on the sides, not solely on the summit. I bonded with new and old friends who were also sick and unable to continue. Through laughter, suffering and reframing our meaning of success we experienced the magic of our unique journey together. We experienced pain and challenge and became closer and even more in awe of nature and the mountains we love because of it. Out of 28 climbers on that mountain only nine people made it to the top that day, three, of them being guides. I have so much respect for everyone for simply attempting the climb.

Mountains have a way of humbling us, if we accept that challenge, knowing it’s not always going to turn out exactly the way we want it to or expect it to. Life.

So, what do you want to explore? What is your growing edge? Your adventure?

Do your research, read, watch or listen to those that inspire you, and then, more importantly, get out and do it! What I love about Jim’s book is that it can appeal to anyone, the armchair adventurer, the climber extraordinaire or the family man or woman who wants to inspire their family with the love of the outdoors. I know that whether I am climbing my next peak, trail running or sailing my kite across wavy waters I will think of Jim as a kindred spirit who completely and utterly adores our beautiful planet as a playground to explore and protect. My hope is, in sharing my personal adventures along the way, that I inspire a few of you to get out in nature and play and fail and fall and get up and laugh. Like I mentioned, Jim is 84, but you wouldn’t know it–he has so much life and energy in him, I think it’s the effect of a life lived very well outdoors–of having an adventure every day. I aspire to follow in his footsteps…

Check out this video – found it after I wrote my blog…

A Life Well-Lived – Jim Whittaker & 50 years of Everest
http://vimeo.com/66667105

A Life Well Lived | Jim Whittaker & 50 Years of Everest from eric becker on Vimeo.

It has been an amazing month of highs and lows. From turning 40, to running the Boston Marathon and being witness to a startling and devastating turn of events to Wellfit Women’s Kite.Yoga.Love Adventure Camp in Costa Rica to my own yoga teacher training in Tulum, where I finally write this from.

I had a lot on my mind this month and didn’t sleep as soundly as I usually do. I am quietly aware it was the unsettling attacks at Boston that activated my protective mother instincts and kept me on hyper-vigilant guard for a few weeks following. I have had some nightmares about my children being hurt and while by day I feel productive and “fine”, the nights have emerged some deeper reactions.

I needed some peace and a deeper connection to moving beyond this survival instinct.

I needed nature.

While my tendency is to give, especially to my work as a group leader, guide, therapist and facilitator, I had my a-ha moment on my very own Kite.Yoga.Love trip. I needed to give back to me, to re-inspire myself.

I arrived in Costa Rica less than 48 hours after the bombings, exhausted. I hadn’t slept, had run the marathon and consequently became an information ambassador to several news outlets who found me via my twitter and Facebook accounts. I wanted to help and provide information to those who, far away, were worrying. I instantly realized the value of centralized social networking and media sources. My phone, text messages and emails were insane within minutes of the bombings and I couldn’t keep up.

Getting to Costa Rica was both a blessing and a curse. Good to be away from the trauma and drama, but hard to be away from my daughters. It was the first time I didn’t feel ready to shine as a leader, but, as I have faced many difficult leadership moments, epic mountain mornings with menacing skies and scary, cold river descents, I put on my big girl panties and planned not to miss a beat. I am really good about digging deep and pulling it all off, often at my own cost.

Until, I realized…how inspiring am I going to be if I am not leading by example and getting into that salty bay to ride, splash and play? How can I hold back and expect others to face their discomfort? I told the group, when they are in their kiting lessons, I am going to get out there and ride.

It was my time, my down time. Some people nap. Some people read and get massages.

I get outside. I get active. I get my s*** together when I’m out there.

My connection to self and my ability to simply be in my body sets me free when I am in complete immersion in nature.

All it took was 20 minutes on the water that first day to get me “right” between the ears.

Nature has a way of just being without attachment to outcome, without apology for being real. Nature levels the playing field–for everyone.

Then there is the boost of being in friendship, partnership and intentionality when it comes to adventure. The goal of these camps is not just to be a shred Betty and learn how to tear it up in the water. We face our fears. We learn to let go. We learn we are capable of so much more.

We learn that by transforming our relationship to fear, we show up more powerfully in all areas lives. When we face our fear in the water, of flying a huge-ass kite and attaching ourselves to it, when we do this, we learn we can do so much more than we ever thought was possible everywhere else in our lives. That is what my new friend, and participant did when she shared her experience on our recent Kite.Yoga.Love trip. Her story inspired me and I can’t help but think it will inspire you!

Julia came on this trip not knowing anyone and having had a “learning block” to the sport for a couple years. In her mind she thought she should have been able to get up and ride. She came to learn to ride, but something was holding her back.
How many of you can relate to having a breakthrough?

Where are you holding yourself back from joy, from belonging? How are the lies and the stories you tell yourself robbing you of your potential, of your freedom? If you believe you aren’t worthy, you are going to show up as less than. If you believe you are not lovable, you will find those who deny their love to you. If you believe you are not ready, will you remain stuck.

It reminds me of Anais Nin’s famous words, And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

Julia is a huge, gorgeous flower now. Be bigger than a bud. Be the biggest, most fragrant blossom in the garden. Come on, it’s springtime. Bloom now.

What are you waiting for? – Jill Wheeler

Click Here to Read Julia’s story:

26.2. The community that comes together on Patriot’s Day will prevail.

In pursuit of and halfway through my goal of running the six World Major Marathons, I thought Boston would be a “one and done” for me. I had qualified in the past and had never run it. After these turn of events, I experienced, I decided I am going back.

My plan is to run London Marathon 2014 next April and do Boston the following weekend – an affirmation that yes, we are strong and that Boston lives in all of us now…

Read Fit Nation magazine a more in depth reflection of “My Journey to the Boston Marathon”.

In loving-kindness,

Jill Wheeler

Professional Passion Seeker

Life Coach, Yoga Teacher, Adventure Traveler, Writer and Speaker

@WellfitJill

facebook.com/wellfitinstitute

~ John Quincy Adams

A recent trip to the Dominican Republic has reminded me how much I love water adventures. I am transformed by the exhilaration of surfing and feel most alive under my kite, soaring through wind and waves. If I love it so much, why have I have been fighting a nagging voice inside my head for the better part of 20 years as a wanderlust traveler seeking rock, snow, mountains, surf, trails and remote destinations to “get serious” and work harder? I was told a life in pursuit of mountains, rocks, waves and muddy trails was not “realistic”. I was encouraged to follow my bliss only on a scheduled two week vacation each year.

At almost 40, I am finally more able to shut out that nagging voice.

I now make travel happen. It is part of my lifestyle, not a two week period in which I “vacate” my regular life. Connecting with people and adventure  are my two favorite things. Here is a little bit about my latest passion seeking adventure! Friend, fellow traveler and Wellfit photographer, Anna Kate, of The Legendary Adventures of Anna joined us in the Dominican Republic and took these amazing photos!

While preparing for a family trip and Wellfit retreat scouting trip to the Dominican Republic, I took my girls shopping at a local store to pick out toiletries, school and art supplies and some toys for kids down there. I did my research and made a connection with an organization called The Mariposa Foundation DR in Cabarete. This is an incredible girl-centered empowerment and leadership organization addressing generational poverty in a holistic, experiential approach. I discussed the work I do with leadership, empowerment and yoga and I offered to run a daylong workshop with the girls. Because it was so close to Easter, we decided to do something fun and have an Easter egg hunt, which my daughters set up for them. This is not something typical of the culture and they were curious about it and had a blast! I was shocked my girls were so generous and didn’t insist on participating. It took some convincing, I admit.

Don’t get me wrong…bringing all this likely made in China crap was for somewhat selfish reasons; to teach my kids that there are others who have less and are happy and grateful for small everyday items and toys – and to inspire that “do-good, feel-good” sense of purpose and satisfaction.

What I got was far more than I bargained for—a reminder that we are so connected across cultures, beyond years, as people. Basically, we all just want to laugh and feel like we belong.

I am in that awkward stage of Spanish language skills. I speak well enough to seem conversational, enough for someone to speak normally back and I have no idea what they are saying. The day before the workshop, I thought, what did I get myself into? I am teaching to 40 girls, ages 8-18 and I barely speak their language! But I was inspired and I empowered myself—oh, being willing to be laughed at always helps, too! Turns out speaking a different language was actually not a barrier, it was an opportunity to communicate more…to use our bodies and our hearts to get our points across. I was nervous to teach yoga in Spanish but embraced fun ways to get my message across. It was an adventure.

As I approach the impending 40–now just day a day away, I realize my fears of deteriorating physically and energetically have been transformed into a feeling of beautiful that has nothing to do with the mere physical. I look at photos of myself interacting with my daughters and the girls at Mariposa center and I look vital, relevant and powerful. Age is no concern as it is my legacy that will keep me feeling young far beyond my body and physical capabilities. Giving of myself and sharing my gifts gives me a sense of purpose. I feel just as passionate about teaching surfing to my daughters and the Mariposa girls as I do riding down the clean glassy face of a wave myself.

There were times I felt judged and judged myself for all the travel I did. I accepted messages that it wasn’t productive and that it was selfish and now, sharing the passion of surfing with these girls makes all that wanderlust worth it. It makes me realize I will stay more in the moment of self-acceptance in the present moment, truly embracing my passion, not just to be able to share or teach, but because adventure, in and of itself, is worthwhile! Being able to share and inspire just makes it that much better!

Creating Wellfit Institute, a place where people can explore, grow and discover together is an expression of my love for adventure. I value experiences as learning tools and opportunities for growth and potential, for self esteem and confidence and for connection. Seeing these girls support one another and play in the wildness of their island waters was powerful, passionate and life-affirming— for them, for me, for my daughters.

Please check us out on Facebook, like us, and view more photos at:

Empowerment at Mariposa Foundation Photo Gallery

Photography by:  Crazyintherain Photography:

That “is”, being perception. Jungian analysts and transpersonal psychologists call it projection. We project an image onto someone else based on our own picture we create of the world and ourselves. Through our own lens of judgment we place people in the aforementioned categories of like, dislike and indifference. Stereotypes, jealousy, fear, ignorance are human conditions that help us formulate snap judgment. But, so are kindness, empathy, acceptance and tolerance.

Humans are generally pattern-seeking, habit-forming individuals. When we are faced with people or situations that challenge our comfort zone, many of us seek comfort,  something relatable. We judge that something new as bad, wrong or undesirable. Alternately, when we encounter something or someone we can “relate” to or are accustomed to, we label it as “good”, even though it may not serve us, it feels familiar. We’ve all had that experience, you know, dating the bad boy, or the girl who is perpetually hard to get, we know it rarely works to our best interest, but it’s what we know.

So, how does this relate to being relatable?

Point blank, I was asked by a friend recently how relatable am I…as a…leader? therapist? life coach? yoga teacher? My life, he questioned was well, not very “normal”, I travel a lot and do cool things for a living. Because I travel “so much”, people can’t relate to my life, perhaps? At this point, I wonder, how can we ever truly relate to anyone? No one is living our exact life. We only relate to that which we think is like us–unless we don’t. Unless we commit to be a bit uncomfortable with difference and change and the people who inspire, challenge and possibly even annoy us.

We grow when we are challenged and sometimes that feels, well scary or inconvenient.  We step out of our comfort zone and *gasp* experience new feelings. So, think about it, next time someone “pushes your buttons” or you automatically put someone in that “dislike” category, explore why a little further. What does that person have or do that you might want more of in your life? What does that person represent that you don’t want? How can you relate?

A similar conversation came up with my travel nanny this winter. She travels incessantly. She is in her mid-20′s, gorgeous, a talented photographer, kind and a world-adventurer. It’s hard not to envy her. She hears it all the time on her blog and Facebook page, “I wish I could travel like you”, “you must have an enormous trust fund”, “I could never do that”! Click and “Like” The Legendary Adventures of Anna (on Facebook), nanny and world-traveler, you can! Now, I don’t choose to couch-surf my way across continents the way Anna does, but that is how she can afford to it. Anna, contrary to popular, widely mis-perceived belief, is not a trust-funder at all–far from it. She left home at 17 and has completely supported herself working as a nanny and Social Media Marketer. She is one of the most creative and frugal people I know.

As for me, well, I continue to live a little unconventionally with my family, and we make choices to be able to adventure with our children. We have downsized our everyday material lives to make travel a priority. I actually traveled and adventured more in my life when I financially and materially had less than I do now and still find ways modify in order to make adventure happen! I am aware that socio-economic freedom varies among people, but it’s only a barrier if we make it one. We can choose to separate or we can choose to relate. We can choose to be free from limiting beliefs of ourselves and others.

I have wanted to be a therapist since I was 14. I knew I had the gift to care for and listen to anyone. I grew up exposed to different kinds of people. I have related whole-heartedly to a 6 year old boy with autism just as deeply as a leg-less vet consumed by seared skin and a haunted spirit day and night, to heroin-addicted strippers, homeless hippies, extreme athletes, the abused and the abuser, billionaire moguls and their over-serving staff. I have and continue to step out of comfort, because that is my calling to hear and see, equally, sensitively, tearfully and lovingly all that is different, but simply unifying as humans. I seek to embrace the whole damn mess of us.

I did not respond to this person about whether I am relatable or not. Whether my traveling, wanderlust sets me apart or not has never been an issue to people who are focused on their own journey. No need to defend or explain. It’s not my place to convince others to relate to me, like me or understand me.  It’s simply their journey to better understand themselves. The opportunity lies in each one of us every day to choose to connect or separate ourselves from one other. I believe the only way we will heal ourselves and others is to make the choice to relate.

Create Vision. Practice Wellness. Seek Adventure.

In loving-kindness,

Jill Wheeler

Here’s a few ways to pass down generational wanderlust and have a good time together!

On the cusp of taking our 6 and 7 year-old girls to the Dominican Republic to kiteboard and surf for two weeks later this month, I have been contemplating what makes adventure travel appealing and fun with the next generation.

I was initially afraid having children would hinder my opportunity for spontaneous travel and the freedom to wander. Having just returned from a completely spontaneous (and fun) trip to Key West with my girls (trip “planned” 18 hours prior to departure), I figured I could share a few tips.

In the past 12 months, my girls have rock climbed and hiked in NC and CO, trekked in the rainforest and river beds of Costa Rica, snorkeled in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (the only living coral reef in the Continental U.S.), waded through the wilds of waist deep swamp in the Big Cypress National Preserve, braving unseasonably cold water and weather, while navigating around snakes and gators.

We’ve surfed in Costa Rica and woven our way through authentic busy markets of Nicaragua inhaling smelly tepid cheeses and weaving through hanging flanks of raw, red meats. We Paddleboarded through Rookery Bay Estuarine Sanctuary, slack-lined high on the mountain at Vail, skied in single digit temps and whizzed through tree tops on zip lines and sketchy tarzan-like rope swings, lacking any back up rigging. We rode horses along the beach and danced in the moonlight, practiced yoga all over and woke up in all kinds of beds. Add in a few other notables: our daughter’s first triathlon at 6 years old and endless hours of Kiteboarding while the girls played beachside, chasing sea snakes, wild horses, crabs and dogs. We tried new foods, learned Spanish, got cold, got wet, got hot, tired, hungry and happy, again. We wouldn’t replace any of it for the world.

Caveat: we were able to do most of this travel all year because we made a choice to rent our primary home out for several months. After being in Haiti last year, I realized how ephemeral housing is there and how many families rotate in and out just to sleep in a tarp shelter during three different 8 hour shifts every day. I have become less concerned about my “things” and more interested in experiences with my family. It is quite a lot of work to get the house “rent-ready”, but it allows us to comfortably travel and for me to scout new locations for Wellfit retreats and adventure camps, as well. Once we became committed to more travel, we were able to design a creative solution that afforded us the financial freedom to get away!

Consider these Wellfit Principles for Family Adventure Success!

1. Set Expectations: Be realistic and clear about what you expect from your children during your travels. In all fairness, you might consider including yourself in the “rules” or expectations. For instance, we expect that our children try new foods when we travel. We then model this willingness by trying new foods, also.

We expect our children to exercise regularly, so we include something active daily in our adventure planning. Because we aren’t fans of “melt downs”, we model kindness and patience (not always perfectly, albeit), even during flight delays, cancelations and detours! Recently, a canceled flight out of Naples re-routed us through Tampa. We got creative and found an amazing organic, raw food restaurant in S. St. Pete. We had a good attitude and it allowed us to find solutions and feel successful instead of stuck and missing out!

2. Adventure is when you don’t know what’s going to happen next. This is how I start every trip…and what I return to often. It’s a simple motto for travel and life. We plan for the best, but expect a curveball every now and then. Disappointment loses its grip and we see the opportunity for adventure, instead!

3. Home is where the family is. I admit that my children are inherent “home bodies”. They loved their dog when we still had him and miss their cat when we are away. They got stuck with adventure-seeking, travel fanatic parents and I am convinced they will end up with desk jobs and into window box gardening and knitting when they grow up, just to buck their upbringing. I started saying this to my first born at 1 year, when she would cry about wanting to be home in her crib while we were away on a trip. Wherever we are, we are home, I’d tell her…home is where the family is.

4. Forget FOMO. Very important principle! FOMO is the Fear Of Missing Out. Once I got over this, I could miss almost any event or party while I was away and not feel bad, guilty or like I was “missing out”. Being totally committed to travel and adventure is far more rewarding. Soon your children will realize they are in demand when they return because their energy is exciting, people will gravitate toward them and want to hear all about where they’ve been and what they’ve seen and done!

5. Snacks: Practical and obvious. Many a meltdown can be averted with regular and somewhat familiar snacks. While we do expect our children to try new foods when we travel, it is important to have snacks that are appealing, healthy and energy sustaining during long travel days and detours.

6. Patience. When you figure out the perfect solution to keeping yourself and your children patient during flight changes, zip line closures, airport lines, shuttle lines, bus lines and more…let me know. Music, I spy, stories and good ol’ handheld devices like iTouches, iPods and books are helpful. Like anything, BE the example you want to see would be my best advice.

7. Service and Gratitude: We already play The Grateful Game. On our upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic we are going to pre-plan some opportunities to visit some orphanages and schools. We will bring some essential items that the children need to enhance their daily lives, including school supplies, books and everyday necessities. Hands on experiences with children of different cultures and living with far less, materially, will be eye-opening and provide the opportunity for expanding cultural awareness, gratitude, empathy and connection.

In order to be a true adventurer, consider this personal credo: So what if you have the wrong gear in the wrong weather and have made a wrong turn…if you have the right attitude, you’ve been successful!

And yet, I must admit, I still insist on my girls covering the toilet seat with toilet paper in public restrooms, that is, if there is a toilet seat (we’ve encountered many on our travels with none)!

So, last but not least, remember to travel with a robust sense of humor! Pack it in your carry on, don’t leave home without it!

Happy trails, travels and adventures…

Create Vision. Practice Wellness. Seek Adventure.

In loving-kindness,

Jill

I lost a lot by going to Haiti, stay with me, I am not a writer so forgive the grammar. I lost money getting to Haiti with registration fees, race gear, bike, airfare, and miscellaneous travel expenses. I lost count of shots and medication prior to trip. I lost a sense of time as I rode my bike through downtown with rubble, trash and poverty what seemed like decades behind other countries. I lost what ego I was hanging on to as I was a face in the crowd with no status or importance to people who looked at me. I lost the nerve to tell a poor farmer that the coffee they worked so hard to harvest was not of quality that some roasters would accept. Due to broken machinery, no electricity, lack of technology and assistance, they will be overlooked and forgotten. I lost my ability to communicate effectively, I wish I spoke Creole or French, I love talking and listening but I was a bystander at best. I lost my sense of direction, every street looked the same and ridgeline of mountains went on forever.

I lost the race, dead last.

I lost confidence in myself, one hill after another, I was out of shape and have poor bike skills. I knew this going in and it was confirmed. I lost 8 pounds from sweating, some skin from a spill or two and fire ants and I lost a few curse words that are still floating in the air in the mountains. I lost sleep from the roosters letting it rip every 10 minutes and a donkey that was not keeping up the tempo.

What I found in Haiti – I found that money is temporary, needed yes, but the opportunity to work, make money and spend it as well I took for granted. But without money I was still the same man standing, no better or worse, still man. I found that I should be thankful of being protected from sickness at home and abroad. I found that our government services, state and local, despite our flaws do a lot to keep things going. I found that ego could be a four letter word at times, it can distance oneself from your fellow man. I found that a poor farmer despite his or her disposition, held their head high as they poured me a cup of their coffee knowing in their heart is was the best. That is not ego or pride, it’s something else, something pure and good.

I found myself hanging on every French and Creole word I heard, watching expressions and body language, hoping to translate it so I could understand the conversation. I found that no matter how far away and remote trail I was on, there was always a person walking somewhere with child or a mule to market. I was never alone, never lost and never worried. I found that my fellow competitors had more confidence in me than I did and help me along the way. For a man who you are in a race with to let you borrow his shoes because they are better, check your bike for safety and to tell you your doing fine (thank you Carter, David and Eric) it’s more than a race, it’s a relationship. I found respect for athletes who put in the time and have God given talent that they use and use well, not just in a race, but in life. (Hans – Wheels 4Life, David – Bikes not Bombs, Eric – Russ Miller Foundation, Jill – Wellfit). I found that villagers not knowing English was good when I was ranting, but again, I think they got the idea of my frustration. I found that I saw landscapes that many people will never visit and faces in passing that I will not forget. I found that as I was too tired to ride up the mountain, I stopped and saw this man in the distance, a farmer working in his field. Things were so quiet, I wondered was he happy or lonely, what did he want out of life, would he think I have the best life? I can’t explain it, I was in a sense envious of him, as much as I wanted to finish this race and get home, I didn’t want to go home. His life is hard I am sure, but simple. My life is good and I complicated it. I will work and save my whole life so I can retire and work in my garden one day, I know it’s not the same, I found myself wanting to shed myself of life’s useless baggage.

I found myself asking more questions of where I am in life and who am I supposed to be, there is something I am supposed to do and I can’t put my finger on it, the pulse is there. Haiti is calling me back, until then, the wheels keep turning in the life of lost and found.

Tommy is a coffee roaster in NC. His company is Cackalacky Coffee Roasters

Check out Tommy’s page on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/CackalackyCoffeeRoasters

With some of the top finishers of MTB Ayiti 2013

As I ascend thousands of miles in flight above the winding rivers, valleys and mountains of Haiti, it is with both relief and some sadness that I say goodbye, for I don’t know when I will return and I have made some more dear friends this time around. To quote my Haitian friend, Russell Behrmann, Haiti does continue to “comuse” me. That is, he explains, when you are, at once, amused and confused. This trip was no different from my last in that regard. World-renowned bike race director, Rick Sutton, expressed that this event was certainly “spiced up with Haitian politics, policies and a ‘wait til tomorrow’ culture”. Putting on an event as big as a  mountain bike race with international and Haitian national riders, cultural and wellness programs, not to mention feeding, accommodating and keeping everyone healthy and safe is like juggling fire sticks, exciting, but not for the faint of heart. Not one person is responsible for the success, many are to be thanked (a few to be cast away, in my opinion).

The most resilient place on earth. With Christelle and family

The hardship of existence on this island nation is only softened by the sweetness of connecting on a personal level with the locals, regardless of culture, race or status, I feel more complete because of personal friendships I made in the process. I’ll skip right over the kumbaya, “we’re all one big, happy family sentiment” and get real, there is not much that is easy in Haiti. For the most part, everyone from tourists and ex-pats to locals of all Haitian status endure visually, financially and practically. From water and electricity, to traffic and bribes, as one sponsor representative of Pepsi Max Company expressed to me, everyday in Haiti is “an adventure”.

If it’s so enduring, why did I choose to go back?

I chose to go back to support the vision of Travelcology‘s Adventure for Good with the inaugural MTB Ayiti. As a niche provider of Wellness, Fitness and Adventure-based services, I knew it would be a good fit for my company to support a similar sustainable business model in Haiti. Where MTB Ayiti’s primary goal is to create a foundation for mountain bike tourism, Wellfit Institute recognizes wellness and recovery services as complimentary to both the adventure tourist and locals seeking health and wellness. Preventative, healing self-care is lacking in Haiti; this is a promising arena for growth and job opportunities.

There is an ever-present sizable population of foreigners in Haiti who could utilize wellness services (body-work, yoga, meditation, empowerment, leadership), fitness (pilates, yoga, running, biking) and adventure sports (ANYTHING is possible). Through my research and networking as a sponsor of MTB Ayiti, I met a few locals ready to lead the charge!

Band waiting for the racers to come in at Marigot

It was well over a year ago that I was asked to join an initial multi-sport adventure scouting trip to Haiti to recon for MTB Ayiti. Read here for that tale about “How I Learned to Fish with the Haitians” in January 2012. There is something super exciting about being a part of another start up project like I was for the Naples International Film Festival five years ago – also something crazy about it, too, if I’m honest. It takes a certain type of person to go all out and not have any clue the outcome or real benefit right away. It takes faith, friendship…lots of funds…and of course, some FUN.

I decided amongst all the hoo-rah adventure, barrel-down-the-mountain mentality, it would be good to balance yoga, wellness activities and the healing art of bodywork. I knew that the people of Haiti could benefit from the tourist spa-industry, the trick was in finding local service providers.

After months of emails, Facebook posts, phone calls and Skype sessions, I found three amazing practitioners who would make up the Wellness and Recovery team for the race. Now, I am not used to being a bystander when it comes to sports. It was tough for me to sit back and not race, but what made it all worth it was being of service to my team and the bigger picture of the race. My friend, Mari DeWees, a brilliant Sociology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University made the trip for her own scouting purposes to consider bringing University students in the future. It was enlightening to hear from her perspective as we journeyed.  It was also nice to see other women shine doing their thing. I fell in love with Sonya Looney‘s spirit, dominating talent and girl power and had a wonderful time meeting new friend, Jenny Fletcher, an awesome athlete, beautiful inside and out and with the attitude for adventure I appreciate! I am totally intrigued with the brilliant, creative and humble Heidi Swift and the inspiring World Champion, Marla Streb, who is every bit cool and kind as she is legendary! Unknown in the world of sport, but huge in the world of heart was Haitian national and darling of MTB Ayiti, Rosedanie Cadet, who founded Helping Hands Noramise, an initiative creating sustainable farming and land use in the northern part of Haiti. Lastly, Katie Leininger, a young, late-to-enter racer is a sharp go-getter with business acumen aimed at serving Haiti’s rebuild efforts. She’s already contacted me with the intention of assisting Wellfit’s Haitian wellness team to network for them and their wellness business objectives down there!

Reflexology and Recovery during the race with Christelle and Gina

Post-race Wellness

Together, the Wellfit wellness team, Jean St. Louis, Christelle Exantus and Gina Stewart,
created a Mountain Top Wellness Retreat, high up in the mountains of Ayiti, replete with
spa-quality sounds, scents and touch. Expert care was delivered to riders, supporters, and volunteers and new friendships were forged through endurance, dirt and even downtime by our poolside wellness zone, which provided much earned relaxation and restoration following the race’s final stage!

Christelle with Ministry of Youth, Sport and Civic, Ministry of Tourism and Hans Rey

My goal in sponsoring this race was fulfilled early in the experience, the night Christelle got to meet Stephanie Villedrouin, the Ministry of Tourism, one of our nights in Port au Prince at a private party. Christelle was absolutely thrilled, beaming. She also made connections with THE go-to Haitian tour operator, Jean Cyril Pressoir, of Tour Haiti, American social networker for Haiti, Amy King, and other local sponsors like, Pepsi Co and Haitian coffee company, Rebo. Christelle poignantly addressed the international group of Mountain Bike Ayiti, comprised of racers, sponsors, staff and filmmakers, in beautiful English, one of the four languages she speaks, thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something she believes is giving back to her country.

Christelle had been sent to the Dominican Republic as a little girl to an orphanage and has returned to her home country to make a difference, with skills she learned from her friend and mentor, Gina Stewart, who was also on the trip from Canada. The day I left, Christelle wrote me a private message on Facebook and as we were hugging good bye at the airport she whispered for me to read it…she wrote: “I am grateful to see parts of Haiti that make me proud of my country”. For our grand ideas of tourism aren’t just for the dollars they generate, but for a much deeper payment – pride and connection. Connection to oneself and one’s identity, and a renewed sense of belonging.  We visited places on that island that most native Haitians will never see.

At Project Zen with Louis and Lizandra – Petionville, Haiti

Now for Louis. I have not met a more down to earth, intelligent and humble person in a long time. Engaging me in one of 7 languages at any time, enduring hours of overland travel in the back of a head-banging land rover could never have been more fun. Louis, Christelle and Gina’s professionalism and talent made my job and Wellfit’s services run smoothly. Louis was introduced to me by Lizandra Vidal at Project Zen Center, Haiti’s first yoga studio, which just opened July 2012. This place is a little slice of yoga and wellness paradise tucked up in the hills of Petionville, a “kinder, gentler” area of Port-au-Prince.

After 25 years away, having lived in the US and traveled extensively throughout parts of Asia and South America, Louis has returned to Haiti with plans to open the first massage school in the country. He has what it takes to be a pioneer in the massage and business world – passion, knowledge and integrity.

On a social level, I have often felt overwhelmed when looking at the problems of Haiti as a whole, but this time, personally making new friends and experiencing their commitment and passion to making a difference, feels encouraging. Small steps of committed individuals do make a difference.

Two days and a three dozen racers, sponsors, locals and voluntourists create this “public art story” MTB Ayiti logo

We connected with several different groups throughout the larger umbrella of the MTB Ayiti experience, including Laurel True’s Global Mosaic Project - mountain bike pioneer, world champion and legend, Hans Rey’s Wheels 4 Life and Dan Schnitzer’s Earth Spark International, another sponsor of the race, who is eradicating energy poverty in Haiti. I used to hear about people like this, amazing people dedicated to social change on a global level, thought leaders and now I’m bouncing around Haiti with them. Being surrounded by hard-core athletes, fun-loving adventurers and motivated change-makers is SUPER inspiring!

IT FEELS GOOD TO KNOW THAT WE CAN DO GOOD AND HAVE FUN AT THE SAME TIME!

That, alone, is what is going to create sustainable change, ongoing passion and commitment because it feels good.

So to repeat the oft-spoken words of Margaret Mead ~ “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

I think she would have fit right into this group of mud and dirt-encrusted adventuring do-gooders!

Stay tuned for the next Wellfit adventure voluntourism opportunity! We’d be happy to put you to work for good!

Create Vision. Practice Wellness. Seek Adventure.

In loving-kindness,

Jill Wheeler

]]> http://wellfitinstitute.com/2013/02/10/wellness-recovery-in-haiti-at-mtb-ayiti/feed/ 0 http://wellfitinstitute.com/2012/12/19/nature-heals-in-the-wake-of-tragedy/ http://wellfitinstitute.com/2012/12/19/nature-heals-in-the-wake-of-tragedy/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:36:06 +0000 Jill Wheeler http://dev.wellfitinstitute.com/?p=330

SWFL swamp

Most of my writing weaves in and out of both my mundane outdoor experiences and my most wild adventures. Whether I am moving my body to basic breath and yoga movement on my paddleboard or bypassing gators in the swamps on my mountain bike, I feel the most vital and connected to my source. I am restored. It’s my fix and by being in my element, the great outdoors, my batteries are recharged and I can continue to give to others, which is the answer to “what do you do for a living”? I help people find their passion. The how? Through psychotherapy and counseling, life coaching and group work, I talk with people about everything that is possible when you listen to the big and little voice speaking to you from within. In order for me to have the presence to be there for others, I go to my solar docking station, my outdoor battery recharge. Yes, nature, of all types.

ReCHARGING!

I typically do not bring news and politics into my yoga classes, but this one was too great to ignore…during my Float + Flow SUP yoga class on the Gulf Saturday morning, Isuggested we seek solace and peace in nature…I read my favorite ee cummings quote, which ends with… “for whatever we lose (like a you or a me) it’s always ourselves we find

Float. Flow. Find Self. Grow.

in the sea”.

Nature heals. Whether experiencing it alone or in community. Tapping into the great equalizing nature of the elements, we are humbled and accept our small place in the great scheme of the universe and living things. If we should be so humbled…

Jill Wheeler and Wellfit Institute have made the commitment. With the support of Bala Vinyasa Yoga and Lululemon, Wellfit is bringing yoga to Haiti, teaching classes, mentoring local teachers, and hand delivering a supply of yoga mats to the locals.

This project will run concurrently with the MTB Ayiti’s Haiti Ascent Stage Race, a mountain bike race that takes place over intensely rough terrain. MTB Ayiti literature describes their mission as one of “encouraging sustainable and adventure tourism”. The aim is to “drive economic development and…grow Haiti’s burgeoning tourism industry by coalescing a vibrant and profitable ecosystem of tour companies, hospitality providers, and cycling-related services.”

Wheeler sees yoga as a perfect addition to the variety of activities MTB Ayiti aims to foster. She looks to Haiti as a destination for yoga retreats. “This isn’t for the person looking for plush, 5 star luxury–it’s an environment that will be in sync with the dedicated yoga practitioner who is looking to simplify and get to the basics in a natural, beautiful setting”.

At the Ascent Stage Race, Wheeler will work alongside a team of Haitian massage therapists. She will offer yoga-centric stretching pre and post race at a massage/stretch/healing station located on the route of the race. She will also be scouting potential retreat locations on the island.

“Initially, we were going to ask large yoga gear companies from across the country to partner with us,” said Wheeler. “Then we realized this was a chance to engage our local community. We reached out to yoga-centric businesses and, thus far, have gotten terrific support from Bala Vinyasa and Lululemon. We’re hoping other area yoga studios will see the potential in this project in engaging their students in an impactful initiative.”

On January 30, Wheeler will travel to Haiti with armloads of yoga mats, donated by lululemon and the students at Bala Vinyasa. “The response has been overwhelming,” says Wheeler. “Within days of our requests, we were receiving a steady stream of mats.”

Wellfit plans for this event to be the start of a longer term involvement in developing a retreat culture in Haiti. “It’s critical that we aren’t the only ones involved. Working with other institutions, like MTB Ayiti, that has an experienced board of directors, means that our efforts are going to be that much more impactful. There is great leadership and great vision surrounding this dream of an improved life for Haitians with more economic and educational opportunity, of showcasing Haiti’s environment while making it accessible to those who wish to interact respectfully with the terrain.”

There are a number of ways to get involved with the project:

• Check out, like and share Wellfit Institute’s and MTB Ayiti’s Facebook pages
• If you’re an experienced mountain biker looking for a serious challenge, consider signing up for the MTB Ayiti Race – January 30-February 2, 2013
• Donate new or used yoga mats–contact Jill Wheeler at Wellfit, jill@wellfitinstitute.com, for more information on how to do this
• If you do decide to do the race, haul some donated mats down to Haiti while you travel!

For information on Wellfit Institute, visit their website at www.wellfitinstitute.com. For information on MTB Ayiti, visit their website at www.mtbayiti.org.