I've never done this before. Putting my personal life out to the world and asking for those that I support, to now support me. But here its goes..."ask and you shall receive?" fingers crossed. I write in hopes that this request doesn’t come across in vain.
Most people turning 40 celebrate with an extravagant party, a new car, a marriage, a birth or death, or maybe, just a plain old  midlife crisis. But not me. No extravagance. No party. No husband. No kid. And, no new car. Mid-life crisis? Naaaah. It’s just that time; to slow down, retreat into nature, and re-connect to myself.
I woke up out of a dream a couple of weeks back, reminiscing about that cross country train ride I took when I was 23. That train ride that changed my life. That adventure that set a fire in me to pursue what I love and make a bold attempt at making a life out of it. The love of movement and art, the art of dance and yoga! So i sold everything I owned, with $1000 in my pocket, I  courageously moved to CA, and took the plunge to study yoga with some of the worlds most influential yoga teachers, while pursuing a professional career in dance. As the challenges set in, that tend to come with any new adventure, these experiences broke me down only to build me up for what was instore. I never gave up on my passion for dance and studying the art and science of yoga. Through the medium of teaching others, I found this to be my true path and quest at living an authentic life. 
Here I am, almost 20 years later, doing just that. So much so, that I’ve forgotten what it means to care for myself, for my soul. I realized after 20 years of “doing” this thing called yoga, I haven't taken much time to just "be." Tradition named this need of the soul “vacatio” - a vacation from ordinary activity in favor of a moment of reflection and wonder.
My humble desire is to take a pilgrimage back to the West coast and revisit all the sources of inspiration that got me started on this path in the first place. Running a business is never easy. Shit, who said life was gonna be easy? Especially directing a yoga studio that presents one with such an amazing and huge responsibility for the well-being of others. For the last 10 years I’ve been blessed with this opportunity, sharing in all the up's & down's with my best friend, Myra, while getting to teach thousands of people lots of downward dogs!

To celebrate my 40th year of life, I am hoping to raise the necessary funds needed to embark on this “soul retreat” and journey down the PCH (pacific coast highway). My plan is start in San Francisco (where I left my heart!) and end in San Diego, taking a drive through the beauty and wonder of the West Coast, visiting the mountains, the ocean, the beaches, yoga teachers and friends, and all the sweet spots that have provided such a rich source of nourishment and inspiration. It’s time to reflect on where I began and what direction I am headed in this new year of my life!
I am humbly asking for donations in any amount to support the journey and cover the cost of travel (flight/rental car/gas), food, lodging (hostels), pet sitters (I have 3!), time off from teaching, and of course, yoga classes. With the help & love of my friends, family, and this wonderful yoga community, I think it just might be possible!
Would you consider supporting me on this journey and helping make my dream a reality? I would be forever grateful and hope to return with even more fire and light to share! 

“The point in working with a dream is never to translate it into a final meaning, but always to give it honor and respect, drawing from it as much meaningfulness and imaginative meditation as possible.” -Thomas Moore, Care of the Soul