Under the Sea... and on the Mat

November 18th, 2024

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines 

Like a gentle wave washing over weathered shores, El Nido has swept into my soul and carved out a permanent home there. In mere days, this slice of paradise has transformed from a dot on my travel map into a sanctuary of endless possibilities. Between the sun-drenched corridors of my bustling guest house and the incense-kissed wooden floors of Namaste Yoga, I've discovered a tapestry of kindred spirits who've woven themselves into the fabric of my journey.

The yoga studio has become my sacred refuge, a place where my mat feels like a magic carpet ready to transport me to new heights of self-discovery. When the studio's matriarch - her eyes twinkling with trust - invited me to lead two morning vinyasa classes, my heart soared higher than an eagle in flight. Though months had passed since my teaching days in New York, the moment I opened my mouth to guide that first sun salutation, something ancient and powerful stirred within me. The energy in the room was electric, a symphony of breathing and movement, each student's presence adding another note to our collective harmony. Teaching, I've realized, isn't just about sharing knowledge - it's about creating a space where spirits can dance freely, where bodies can remember their innate wisdom, and where strangers can become family.

Among these newfound kindred spirits is Luis, a living embodiment of yoga's transformative power. His red lotus flower tattoo blooms proudly on his Adam's apple, a testament to his devotion to the practice. Watching him flow through asanas is like witnessing poetry in motion - each movement precise yet effortless, as if gravity itself bends to honor his dedication. His tales of wandering through India's mystical landscapes, born from his fascinating upbringing as a Hindu in Spain's sun-baked heartland, paint pictures so vivid they make my wanderlust heart skip beats. Though only two years separate us in age, his old soul speaks to mine in a language that transcends time.

Then there's Kate, a flame-haired London beauty whose practice carries the grace of a thousand sunrises. Her porcelain skin, kissed by years of devoted practice, holds stories of retreats in Nepal's misty mountains and India's sacred valleys. When we discovered our shared love for Fierce Grace yoga, it felt like finding a long-lost sister who understood the peculiar joy of practicing in rooms hot enough to melt away all pretense, leaving only pure, raw authenticity.

Today's island-hopping adventure aboard the William Jeremy 2 felt like stepping into a living watercolor painting. The Big Lagoon revealed itself like nature's cathedral - limestone cliffs soaring toward heaven, their ancient faces reflected in waters so crystal-clear they seemed spun from liquid diamonds. Our kayaks glided through secret caves and hidden passages, each turn revealing another miracle of creation. The thrill of performing inversions on my kayak sent ripples of joy through my soul, each balanced pose a prayer of gratitude to this magical place.

The ocean here holds secrets in its depths that no snorkel gear could fully reveal. Even without equipment, floating in my life jacket, I witnessed an underwater ballet of angelfish and clownfish dancing through coral gardens that seemed crafted by mermaids. The feast that followed was a celebration of Filipino abundance - succulent shrimp glistening in the sunlight, tropical fruits bursting with nature's sweetness, and my first encounter with sea grapes, those mysterious little pearls of the ocean that pop with briny delight between your teeth.

Anna and Emily, our resident sirens from the UK, transformed our boat into a floating concert hall. Their impromptu performance of "Under the Sea" echoed off the limestone cliffs, their harmonies blending with the rhythm of the waves and the reggae beats flowing from the captain's speakers. In those moments, music and nature danced together in perfect synchronicity.

Each day, as I wander through El Nido's sun-dappled streets, I feel like I'm walking through a dream. The coconuts here aren't just fruit - they're vessels of life itself, more precious than any bottled elixir. Each sip connects me to an ancient wisdom, a primal understanding that nature provides everything we need. In these moments, I imagine myself as that coconut water, cradled in nature's perfect vessel, protected from the chaos of the world by walls of purity.

El Nido isn't just a destination - it's a state of being, a frequency of pure bliss where the seawater embraces you like a lover's touch, where palm trees sway like nature's supermodels in an eternal fashion show, and where every stranger's smile carries the warmth of angelic recognition. When the time comes to leave this paradise, I know my heart will resist with the strength of a thousand yoga warriors in tree pose, roots firmly planted in this sacred soil.

Love,

Etai