A Meaningful Travel to Munay Sonqo, Peru

During her third visit to Machu Picchu, Mary explored the spiritual significance of this remarkable place and its connection to the people who created it.

One especially moving experience involved cocoa seeds. The group was invited to breathe a wish, dream, or prayer into each seed before placing it along the trail. Their hopes included wishes for loved ones, health, opportunities, and peace for the world.

It was a beautiful way to share their hopes and dreams, leaving them with the intention that they might blossom metaphorically and spiritually.

Finding Connection at the Waterfall

The following day, Mary and the group hiked to a beautiful waterfall. Surrounded by rushing water, they made offerings and prayers, while members of the group shared a prayer, a vision, and a poem.

Mary describes the experience as powerful and beautiful. It offered a moment to connect with nature, share something meaningful, and be present with one another.

Sometimes, stepping away from our usual routines and spending time in nature can give us the space to pause and reconnect with what matters to us.

Letting Yourself Move Freely

Mary also shares a lovely discovery from a morning of dancing. She realised that following dance steps didn't feel natural to her, so she allowed herself to stand in the sunshine and breeze and simply move with the music.

She found the experience beautiful and wondered whether ecstatic dancing might be her thing.

This is a gentle reminder that we don't always have to follow someone else's steps. We can give ourselves permission to discover what feels right for us, without worrying about doing things perfectly.

When was the last time you let yourself do something simply because it brought you joy?

Practising Gratitude and Seeing with Fresh Eyes

Mary's week also included a deep gratitude practice and an oracle reading that offered messages about her heart, seeing the world with fresh eyes, and sharing joy. These reflections resonated with her and encouraged her to share more of her awareness, awe, and wonder with others.

As the stroll continues, Mary invites us to notice the birds, listen to the trees, and watch the clouds change colour and form as the sun sets.

The natural world is full of little moments that can bring us back to the present. Sometimes, all we need to do is slow down enough to notice them.

What Do You Hear? What Do You See?

Mary's experiences in Peru remind us that self-compassion can be found in many ways: through prayer, gratitude, movement, connection, or simply appreciating the world around us.

You don't need to travel to a special place to experience awe and wonder. You might find them in the sound of birds outside your window, the feeling of a breeze on your skin, or the changing colours of the evening sky.

Take a moment today to ask yourself:

• What am I grateful for right now?

• Where could I allow a little more joy into my life?

• What might I notice if I approached the world with fresh eyes?

May you find space to follow your own rhythm, appreciate the beauty around you, and treat yourself with kindness along the way.

Go gently. 💙