It’s been a busy, good week here in Chiang Mai. Our final quarter of school is in full uproar and the craziness and shenanigans of teaching life in Thailand continue. It’s been great to have some time in Chiang Mai with wonderful cooler weather and I am doing my best to soak it all up while it’s here!
My school has its annual English fair coming up in February which has me playing a new role with my students and in the classroom – singer and choreographer. Yes, that’s right. Each of our classes will sing and perform a song in English at the fair. It’s a bit of a big deal with professional microphones, a giant stage and music. My class will be performing “Ain’t no mountain high enough!” which is fun. We’ve started learning the words this week, no small task for 10 year-old Thai speakers. As the recorded music was too fast for them at first, I found myself turning off the stereo and singing to my students. It was a trip… and… kind of fun, too. This coming week we begin… the dancing which in earnest will be nothing too fancy as they are still simply learning the song and time is ticking away.
It’s been a much needed good chill weekend. Lately, with just the buzz of teaching and my upcoming transitions on my mind I am requiring more down time just to come back to neutral. I did a little exploring in Chiang Mai yesterday and found my way to Wat Sri Suphan also known as “The Silver Temple.” It was a casual peruse. I arrived late morning and couldn’t help but feel the eyes on me as I walked around. I was one of just a few visitors at the time and noticeably felt my “farang-ness” (the word for foreigner here) as I explored the temple. The highlight is the silver temple which I admired, but only from the outside as I wasn’t allowed to go in because… no women were allowed (there was a sign there stating this).
There is much on my mind lately considering what is next along with my typical on-set of anxiety in the face of uncertainty. Timely enough, I am participating in a positive, invigorating 12-Day Challenge led by Reiki Master and Intuitive Guide, Maureen O’Shaughnessy. Maureen is really a feel good person and her coaching and interactions leave me feeling better. The challenge is all about refocusing our lens and changing our perspective. She offers tips and wise guidance that provide a daily pick-me up. After just a few days, I already feel better, more relaxed and at ease. She offered some wisdom in response to my concerns with anxiety and what is next for me. She said that safety and security exist within us and not our circumstances and to shift from anxiety about the future to curiosity. I thought this was a really powerful and freeing perspective and am letting this soak in a bit as I navigate the waters of “what is next for me.”
Sunday evening has sunk in and the weekend is slipping away. Good night for now and as always feel free to write. It’s always good to hear from you!
Gypsy Woman 
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