We are at an amazing house right on the water in Paia! The ocean rolls out in all directions from our bedroom window and the backyard. We have an awesome pool, ocean water steps away and it is good to be here.

See all the pcitures here from day one:
www.flickr.com/photos/805...00273031101

I've been doing a bit of hooping, but mostly just soaking in the luscious greens and blues. My cells feel like they are healing. Swam in gorgeous pools of water, saw wild orchids, hiked for hours along a creek then lost up a wild ravine, am drinking lots of green blended drinks, my senses are saturated by the juicey art. The sound of the ocean outside is constant and it is so soothing. Palm trees always seem to be blowing in the wind here.

We have a huge house right on the water where the wedding will take place today. We are staying for a week here then we go on to Kauai. There are 7 couples staying here, going on outings together, cooking meals together and chilling. The boys got a huge sound system, so it actually has been quite a party here at times. Not quite the vibe I came to Hawaii seeking since I can get plenty of that at home. But I know that I will get more quiet time in Kauai... and also when I come back soon - which I know deep inside I will be doing very soon. I've had nice private time going off to classes at Studio Maui which has felt really nice.

My passion for color has been stoked! I have always loved vibrant hues but being in San Francisco I had observed my own choices have dulled a bit to the less shocking tones of the city. But being here and seeing vibrant flowers and fruits and the land alive and singing has rekindled my cellular recognition that colors heal! They soothe my soul, at least, and I love them. I am determined to keep bathing myself in wonderful colors.

I've loved the art here! I've wandered in lots of galleries and just soaked up the creative vibe. It has stirred my own passion to follow through on some art projects which I have always wanted to do, but never make time for. Specifically, I have always wanted to take or gather remarkable images and photoshop them together with textures and colors to make orginal metaphysical art pieces which can be printed onto canvases and also used all together to make a set of affirmation cards. With sparkling vibrant luminous colors and otherworldy beauty. It is a dream I have ... being here is reminding me to listen.

Yesterday I took a Gabrielle Roth 5 rhythms dance class as a way to meet up with a woman named Erin who teaches Nia and hooping here. Then this morning I took a Nia class taught by Erin. WOW -- what a deep realization I had. Such different movement forms! Night and day. Kindergarden and post graduate work. I realize why I have had no interest in 5 rhythms work since I began dancing years ago. It is just so darn basic. The instruction is so open ended with too much room for touchy feelyness for my taste. While I appreciated being in such a wonderful studio surrounded by such open minded and colorful souls, at the same time there were moments where I thought I would just start hysterically laughing at how breathy and dramatic and non-specific everything was.

By contrast this morning I had a sincere spiritual experience in the Nia class. Erin's voice was soothing and had wonderful pacing of speaking and silences. Her instruction was easy to follow and direct. She had access to an entire range of words to describe movement precisely and named parts of the body and their possible articulations so clearly. She introduced principles, but in an easy way which allowed openings in the body. Suggestions for exploring our own body's way was specific and direct. Yet at the same time it was so playful and open.. but still a push to expand out of comfort zones. Of all the Nia classes I have taken, her method feels the closest to Carlos and Debbie's. What a joy. At the end I was looking up at the ceiling thinking that I felt more at home in that moment than I had in a long time.

I've spent about an hour speaking to Erin after each class and she is an amazing woman. She lives here on Maui and teaches about 5 classes per week. She spends the rest of her time gardening and consciously listening to music -- for about 4 hours a day. Amazing... a part of me was thinking, "you mean you can live like that? Just enjoying yourself?" I have been working so hard for so long that honestly her pace of life sounded like paradise! I 've got a lot to think about and enjoy while I'm here.

Thank you for the magical gift of Maui! I am so grateful to be here surrounded by such beauty. I feel myself becoming more whole, healed and peaceful with every moment. I am so happy! Thank you!