Can a Woman Row Across The Pacific? She Already Did

What if I told you that it was possible to row a boat across the Pacific Ocean? And what if I told you that it has been done before? And what if I told you that a woman has also accomplish this task? Indeed, there was a woman who rowed the Kon-Tiki Route - from Lima Peru to the Polynesian Islands across the Pacific Ocean. Can you even imagine that? This same woman braved the Atlantic Ocean as well, yes, in a rowboat. If that wasn't enough, a few years later she decided to sail around the world.

Now then, I don't know about you, but this sure sounds like a life well lived to me. Someone refusing to live in mediocrity, take the easy route, or succumb to fear. She was determined, dedicated, and committed to the cause, her cause. When she left Lima Peru they thought she was crazy, but no one thought she was crazy when she rowed ashore on that Polynesian island after accomplishing something seemingly impossible.

Okay so, I'd like to recommend a very good book to you, one which I personally own, and one which has given me motivation to do something great myself someday. The name of the book is;

"Challenging the Pacific - The First Woman to Row the Kon-Tiki Route," by Maud Fontenoy (also author of Across the Savage Sea), Arcade Publishing, New York, NY, 2005, 155 pages, ISBN: 978-1-55970-818-0.

Her story is incredible, as she battled the weather, the unknown, the mighty currents, and lived to tell about it. A lesser woman would not have been able to accomplish this, and would have drowned along the route. Of course, Maud is no ordinary woman. What I'd like to say is; there is no reason to live in mediocrity or become an ordinary person. You should live your life for the moment, and enjoy the experience, and never be stifled by society's norms, or the fear which fills the hearts of lesser men, or women.

After reading her account of what happened, it doesn't sound like something that I would want to do, but I am humbled by her incredible success, vision, and perseverance. This shows the true essence of the human spirit, what's possible, and why you should never give up on your dreams and goals. Far too many people do, and then they grow old and wonder what happened, they lived an ordinary life, but they also did so by choice. This is your life to live, so live it full-tilt, make it count.

Honoring Friendships As Great American Women

It's a late Friday afternoon in early August when they start to arrive at the cash bar. Within a few minutes, the lounge is full of laughter and cheer as old friends reunite and newcomers are warmly welcomed.

The atmosphere is enthusiastic and expectant. No wonder.

These twenty-some women have much to look forward to. They have left their usual chores behind for a weekend of good wining, dining and camaraderie at a very hospitable conference center near Minneapolis.

Every year since 1995, this getaway has brought dozens of American women together from several different states, and even as far away as Scandinavia.

How did it all get started?

Many years ago, an executive member of a large, nationwide scholarship organization was nearing retirement age. The thought of losing contact with her network of interesting, professional women got her thinking.

"I must find way to keep in touch with this amazing group of women!"

Brainstorming this thought resulted in the idea of collecting women friends, relatives and friends-of-friends once a year for a weekend of open-hearted sharing and studying topics of interest to all. In this way her network would not only flourish, but could even expand.

She decided to call the event "The Great American Women Getaway" as it would allow American women to get away from life's usual demands and enjoy spending truly quality time together.

How is it organized?

Each year, the theme of the coming year is decided on during that Getaway. Everyone has a chance to contribute ideas. A few months later, all attendees receive a copy of the "Getaway Gazette" with a short article about each session that took place. In February, it is high time for the planning committee for the next Getaway to start finalizing ideas for the up-coming event. Everyone on the mailing list is contacted and volunteers are recruited to lead the various presentations.

The committee also researches possible women authors who might be interested in speaking about a recent book they have written. This is always a very inspirational highlight for the women.

As plans finalize, the committee sends out a description of the various sessions to encourage everyone interested to register as soon as possible. Those already on the mailing list are welcome to suggest new names of women who might be interested in the event. Everyone is always made warmly welcome.

As all preparation and planning is done by volunteers, there is only a small registration fee. Room and board at the conference center is provided at a reduced rate.

About a month or so before the start of the Getaway, final information is sent out.

Needless to say, this information boosts excitement even further.

Then, on a late Friday afternoon in early August, a gang of cheerful, enthusiastic gals of all ages gather at the conference center's cash bar and the fun begins!

What sort of topics are covered?

During the years, innumerable subjects have been explored during this weekend of fun discovery.

A complete list would require several pages, but here are a few topics from recent years:

Pioneer women on the trail West, Women and the Arts, being mothers and daughters, how the brain works, the history of the English language, reducing pollution, getting to know Annie Liebovitz, experiencing a labyrinth, sharing worldviews, making dream catchers, the art of patchwork quilting, the luxury of fragrant oils, drawing on the right side of the brain, hospice care, adoption.

An event that enriches women's lives year after year

The goal of the Great American Women Getaway is to connect interesting women with great ideas and good books. Strong and meaningful relationships are the result.

Perhaps you have been wondering about how to keep in touch with friends and family. Why not consider organizing a yearly retreat that gets everyone talking, sharing and learning together?

Sexual Wellness As a Path to Freedom

Sexual Wellness as a path to freedom

My hope is that this phrase will make you stop and think. Hmmm...how is this possible?

How does a healthy sex life give you a feeling of freedom?

First of all, let's define what is meant by sexual wellness or healthy sex. Sexual wellness is a return to the inner wisdom and truth about BEing a sexual person. It is a place that lives inside of you where you feel safe and have the power to enjoy sex without restraint, and have full permission to express your sexuality. This does not mean that you have to hang yourself upside down and create exotic gymnastics to have a fulfilling sexual experience. It actually has nothing to do with what is happening on the outside during sex. Sexual wellness is a quality of energy that pulses at a high vibration which results in vibrant health on the inside.

For every individual, the path to find sexual wellness is unique. No two orgasms look the same. You explore your personal inner most ecstatic feelings by allowing, receiving and surrendering to pleasure. Safety is the key.

Knowing you are safe is also an inside job. You experience safety when your body is very relaxed and your mind is easeful without stress and worries. How hard is this for you? According to current data, at least 60% of women are repressed sexually so I imagine many of you find it difficult to feel safe. BTW, the 60% statistic has also been noted to be low by many sexual experts. That's a WHOA Baby!

It makes me sad to report it, as I know the value of sexual wellness for you, your relationships and the entire planet. When we free ourselves from the confinement of fear around our sexuality, the joy factor on the planet will increase substantially.

Let's take a look at our key words and their definitions, and how you can use the meaning behind them to skip down the path of sexual liberation and freedom. And please do skip it gets us out of our serious minds always helpful.:)

Allow: 1) to make a possibility, 2) to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies.

Allow yourself to consider what needs to BE present in order to feel safe and experience pleasure.

Receive: 1) to come into possession of, 2) to assimilate through the mind or senses

Receive and possess pleasure by experiencing joy through your senses. Let all your senses come alive throughout your day.

Surrender: 1) to give oneself over to something (as an influence), 2) to yield to the power

Surrender to the power of pleasure and allow it influence your life.

There are obvious issues which prevent us from experiencing deep satisfaction and fulfillment with sexuality. We, as women, are awfully good at complicating most situations. Our darn brains just don't want to turn off sometimes.

Start where you are...and cultivate a knowing that sexual wellness heals you and creates freedom in every aspect of your life.

"Health is not only to be well, but to use well every power we have."