Trying new adventures is exciting for me.  I look forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing new adventures, new food, and meeting new people.  I wanted to share an experience that I had during my stay #Travaasa Spa and Resort.

Stand up Paddle Boarding was my choice for the day.  The water in #Lake Travis was beautiful.  The view from the top of the hill at the resort’s infinity pool, enticed and called me to participate in the excursion.

We launched our boards and I started in a kneeling position to paddle into a nearby cove.  Once in the cove, I followed my coach’s instructions on proper feet and body placement on the board, to make the transition from kneeling to standing.  What happened next was a huge surprise to me.  “Fear” set in.  It was then that I realized, I stood up and stepped out of my comfort zone.  Even though I perform and teach a great deal of balance work in my PiYo classes, it was completely different balancing on a board in the water.  I grew up on the water in boats, skiing, fishing, trawling, and swimming so, the fear was a huge and unexpected surprise to me.

I ran all of my Coach’s instructions through my thoughts and worked towards connecting on a physical and cognitive level.  I remembered the body shifts that I would make during a boat ride to adjust to the boat rocking over wakes.  I struggled with the technique but, my Coach walked me through it and encouraged me.  He inspired me to let go of the fear and relax through the motions.  Enjoy the scenery” he said, and “if you feel like you are going to fall, just fall into the water, don’t try to catch yourself.” -I am happy to report that I did not fall.

Once we exited the cove and headed to our destination spot, I was able to work through the challenges and really connect my body to the movements of bending my knees, leaning forward and pulling the paddle board across the water.  The steering was the most challenging part but, once the balance empowered me the steering kicked in.

Along the way I soaked in the scenery.  The water was aquamarine colored, and clear.  I  watched gar fish come up to the surface and dart down when they sensed my presence.   I watched water plants as my board glided over them.  The hillside that we were heading towards grew larger with each stroke moving me towards it.  Curious bystanders were everywhere.  Boats were anchored with their passengers enjoying the cool water with their friends and family, making memories.  Jet skis were zipping around the middle of the lake, tour boats were pulling out of the marina filled with adventurers wanting to enjoy the environment. Screams from a nearby Zip line excursion were exploding, echoing off the hills and traveling across the water.

It occurred to me that on my first trip to #Travaasa, this very lake that we were all enjoying, was completely dried up due to a 5 year drought.  The thought of this beautiful, precious resource completely dried up and gone saddened me.  It reminded me, once again, how delicate life and nature truly are.  So, that day, I lived in the moment, appreciated the experience, felt empowered by my success, enjoyed the company of my fellow adventurers and thanked God for every moment.

Catherine Bares

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