Thailand: Detox & Rejuvenation, Day Three

Travelogue (Part 10)

My second evening without alcohol and for the second night in a row, I found myself unable to keep my eyes open. Once again I found myself putting my book on my nightstand, falling asleep with the lights on, awakening just before dawn.

Was I falling into a comfortable new routine?

Following another yummy breakfast, a challenging session of yoga, leisurely laps in the pool, and a new treat for lunch – tropical nachos – I attended a journaling workshop hosted by Elicia Woodford of epowerme.com, one of the many free workshops offered at the Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand, each week.

Journal Writing – Why Are We Here?

Woodford started by briefly introducing the concept of journaling and its potential benefits as a means of achieving greater self-awareness. She then passed out pieces of paper and asked us to write, “Why am I here?” near the top.

We were then asked to skip a space and answer this question – stream of consciousness style – not paying attention to grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Participants in the workshop immediately started asking for clarification.

What did “here” mean, they wanted to know. Thailand? Koh Samui? Absolute Sanctuary? The detox centre? This workshop? But that was for us to decide.

Here was supposed to mean whatever we wanted it to mean. That was the whole point.

Looking out the door to the sunny skies beyond, I started writing about the gorgeous weather, the tropical surroundings, the delicious food, the joy of doing laps in an infinity pool, meeting new people from different parts of the word, I could have written on and on.

One Sentence Summary

When we had all nearly finished, the teacher asked us to read over what we had written and write a one sentence summary in the blank space we had left at the top of the paper.

I read over what I had written and wrote, “I am here because I am happiest when I am in beautiful surroundings.”

The teacher asked for volunteers to read what they had written. When a woman from India raised her and said, “I’m here because I want to lose weight,” I had a change of heart.

I raised my hand and said, “I had originally written that I’m here because I’m happiest when I’m in beautiful surroundings. But that woman has reminded me of the real reason I’m here. “I’ve been struggling with my weight for most of my adult life,” I continued.

“I’ve gone from 222 pounds a few years ago to 172 pounds today. I now weigh less than I have in 35 years. I’m 95% of my way toward achieving my goal. For the first time it seems to be within reach. I’m here to make that final push.”

So what really was it – beautiful surroundings or realizing my goal? I’m not really sure.

Thailand Travelogue

In early 2010, Michael Taylor spends four weeks exploring Thailand, visiting Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Hua Hin. But his trip gets off to a bizarre start as he mistakenly notifies the wrong hotel of his arrival plans. Follow him on his journey through the Land of Smiles!

Thailand: Slight Mixup Upon Arrival in Bangkok or Is That Hua Hin? (Travelogue Part 1)

Thailand: A New Beginning – Or Another False Dawn? (Travelogue Part 2)

Thailand: All’s Well That Ends Well (Travelogue Part 3)

Thailand: Hua Hin – Summer Retreat of Thai Royalty (Travelogue Part 4)

Aviation: In-Flight Food – Somebody Gets It Right (Travelogue Part 5)

Thailand: Arrival in Koh Samui (Travelogue Part 6)

Thailand: Detox & Rejuvenation, My Last Supper? (Travelogue Part 7)

Thailand: Detox & Rejuvenation, Day One (Travelogue Part 8)

Thailand: Detox & Rejuvenation, Day Two (Travelogue Part 9)

Thailand, Detox & Rejuvenation, Day Three (Travelogue Part 10)

Thailand: Detox & Rejuvenation: Days Four and Five (Travelogue Part 11)

Thailand: Detox & Rejuvenation, Days Six & Seven (Travelogue Part 12)