Finding my Kula

(Written April 29th)

As I arrived at the Puerto Vallarta airport after a yoga retreat my head is busy with thoughts A week ago (just a week? It seems like forever) I entered this airport headed for a journey knowing no one that I would be on the journey with. Today I leave from the same space knowing 33 new hearts. I've never cried at the end of a vacation. Perhaps it's because none of my vacations have been a real journey. When we left the secluded bubble called Mer de Jade I was with 8 new friends feeling their connection and the comfort they provided. Somewhere from the van to the airline check in I miss placed them. All of them.

I've been wandering around the airport for the last 45 minutes feeling lost and confused. The culture shock of the commercial world, the cheap trinkets, the noisy tourists, all create an anonymous and superficial cloud around me. I look around desperate for someone, anyone in my kula- my tribe. About 30 minutes ago when I actually felt panic setting in I put on my headphones and put on Ajeet Kahur's "At to Temple Door"- a collection of Sanskrit (yes, a dead language) songs to settle my heart. My eyes still dart around looking for my kula. I start to question myself- am I in the right terminal? Am I at the right airport? I check the departure board multiple times. I'm in the right place. It's the right day. I check the departure board one more time. I am at...the wrong gate. I quickly climb the stairs (gate 14 is upstairs while gate 15 is downstairs) and head toward the correct gate. As I approach I see a friend in the Johnny Rocket's line. I am heading to my tribe! As a reach the gate I see 7 more friends- they are so grateful to see me! I'm so happy for the connection. All of my fears melt away and then fall into the pillow of their love. Now I feel safe to return home.