Room-2-Be

There are places you visit, and then there are places that quietly find their way into you. My recent time in Costa Rica, working on a retreat, has been one of those rare experiences that feels less like travel and more like a gentle shift in perspective. I’ve been fortunate enough to see many parts of the world over the years, but very few leave me with the feeling that I could retu - not just for a holiday, but to truly live. Costa Rica is one of those places. There’s a warmth here that goes far beyond the climate. It’s in the people, their openness, their kindness, their unhurried way of being. It’s in the way life feels simpler, yet somehow fuller. Time stretches differently here; it softens, allowing you to breathe a little deeper and notice a little more. Working on the retreat has been equally special. There’s something powerful about stepping away from the noise of everyday life and creating space for movement, for connection, for...

Arrival: Costa Rica at Last The ten-hour wait in New York moved slowly, the kind of slow that only airports seem capable of producing. Hours blur into each other under artificial lights, time measured by departure boards and coffee refills. At one point I stumbled upon a lounge that felt like stepping into a 1960s diner—bright lights, chrome details, and music blasting out old classics. It was oddly comforting, a little pocket of nostalgia in the middle of a very long journey. By the time my flight was finally announced, I was ready to collapse. After what felt like endless security checks, I sank into my seat and, at last, slept soundly almost the entire way. When I landed, the relief was enormous. Walking out into the warm air and seeing the woman holding the sign for my pickup felt like the final piece falling into place. My mini-bus driver greeted me with a huge smile, and we set off towards Playa Grande. The drive itself felt like an...

Onward: New York, No Sleep, and the Airport Floor The next installment of my journey… The flight from Barcelona to New York was long—twenty hours that felt even longer because I barely slept. I had the luxury of two seats to myself by the window, which sounded promising, but the cabin never quite settled. The constant movement of stewards and stewardesses, lights flicking on and off, and the steady hum of the aircraft made proper rest impossible. We actually landed an hour early. Normally that would feel like a small victory after such a long flight. But travel has a sense of humour. My connecting flight to Costa Rica isn’t until 8am. After navigating the AirTrain to the correct terminal, I arrived feeling hopeful… only to discover the terminal is closed. It’s midnight, and the doors won’t open until 3am. So here I am, sitting on the floor next to a security guard, watching another airport slowly drift through the quiet hours of the night. Travellers passing, cl...

From Bordeaux to Costa Rica : Kindness, Waiting, and the Weight of the World I left Bordeaux, where I’d been visiting my son, with plans to fly to Barcelona, then onward to New York and finally Costa Rica for a retreat. Everything was on track, until my New York flight was suddenly moved to the following day, leaving me stranded in Barcelona. As I sit in the airport, watching the faces of travellers all around me , some excited, some weary, some impatient. I’m reminded of how interconnected our journeys are. Each person has a story, a destination, a hope, or a worry. Waiting in this liminal space, I feel both the tension of travel delays and the quiet moments of observation that travel so often offers. During the chaos, Ikram, a truly wonderful Level airline staff member, stepped in to sort out my connections and ease the stress. Her kindness reminded me how much small acts of care can transform a difficult day. Yet even as I find comfort...

The Camino de Santiago We have spent many a wonderful walking day & weeks on each part of these trails. I would personally like to share my thoughts on my experience concentrating on personally  what I found to be the differences.  This trail (Way of St. James) is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. While the spiritual essence of the Camino remains constant, the routes through France, Spain, and Portugal differ in terms of culture, landscape, infrastructure, and experiences.  Here’s a breakdown of what I & we have experienced & think on our treks & hikes on retreat with #room_2_breathe : Camino in France (Chemin de Saint-Jacques) Popular Routes: Le Puy Route (Via Podiensis): Starts in Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the most famous French Camino routes. Arles Route (Via Tolosana): Passes through Provence and Toulouse, connecting to Spain. Vézelay Route (Via Lemovicensis): Passes through central France. Lands...

... When we need to make tasks seem smaller we break them down! Just like any tasks exercise routines and classes are the same. By breaking down your exercise routine into smaller, manageable parts, you can create a sustainable and effective workout plan. Here's How : Breaking down exercises involves dividing a larger workout goal into smaller, achievable steps.  Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your exercise routine. For example, is your goal to lose weight, build muscle, improve endurance, or increase flexibility? Choose the Right Exercises: Select exercises that align with your goals. For weight loss, you might include cardio and strength training. For muscle building, focus on resistance training. Divide the Workout by Muscle Groups or Activity Types: Muscle Groups: If you’re strength training, split your workouts by muscle groups (e.g., upper body one day, lower body another day). Activity Types: If you’re doing general fitness, you might split by act...