Solo trip to Byron - following my Bliss

Morning walk to Belongil Beach

Good morning Byron Bay

Time to explore Cape Byron

Enjoying the soft sand underneath my bare feet

Byron Bay Bikram Yoga Studio

Tempting Treats

The water was lovely at Main Beach, Byron Bay

Lunch on the menu at Fishheads

The Gnocchi entre - every bite was a memorable moment

Delicious Coconut Icecream at Bella Rosa Icecreamery

More tempting treats

A happy and snuggly place to sleep

The adventure begins

My adorable yellow bike for the day

The Byron Map underneath my brand new hat

Lennox Head on my way home

Yet another treat on the train trip home

 Saturday 17th September 2011

I am a mother of a beautiful four year old girl and a wife of a very talented freelance photographer and journalist. Imagine after four years of motherhood you give yourself a truly magnificent present. This present is in the form of some time away in a place called Byron Bay. All by yourself. To enjoy for a long weekend.  The journey begins by catching a train and bus which will take no more than five hours. The destination is towards a celebration of life and many of its earthly delights all in the one place. Whilst on the train you nibble on snacks as you watch the makeshift movie of the Australian landscape flicker before your eyes.

As I write this journal it is lunchtime on my first day in Byron Bay. I have chosen a restaurant by the seaside "Fishheads". I have been seated with a lovely view over Main Beach. The menu does look tempting. I have been recommended 'the gnocchi' by the friendly waiter. I have ordered as recommended together with a side salad and freshly squeezed orange juice. I savour every bite of my meal whilst enjoying the view. I feel content and calm. It is a beautiful sunny day with a welcoming gentle breeze. It is perfect. Byron, no doubt is full of tempting experiences. The morning has already been filled with joyous moments. A long hot shower, a beach walk to discover Belongil Beach and the Bikram Yoga studio. An adventurous bike ride towards the lighthouse followed by a dip in the aqua blue ocean. Sitting here at the restaurant I realise I still have salt water on my skin and in my hair.  I think about the 4.00pm Bikram Yoga session to attend. I am looking forward to that. I remember the early train ride in the morning and what I have to do to prepare. I have the alarm set.
I am staying at the Byron Bay YHA and sharing a dorm with three other girls. It feels safe, happy and warm. I am experiencing each moment of this blessed day as one to honour my self. Remembering what I like, who or what I like to be. Simple. 'Following my bliss' if you will. I remember how lovely it is to swim in the ocean and how carefree it feels to cycle around town.  I remember the great taste of freshly squeezed orange juice.
I suddenly have the urge to walk off this lunch. The music in the restaurant is becoming too loud. The french waiter was nice.

I am on the hunt for bright pink lipstick. I am not in luck. I visualise my yoga class, a long hot shower and a deep sleep. I visualise photos taken, journal written. I visualise the journey home and my anticipated arrival. I visualise a welcoming kiss and cuddle from my beautiful husband and daughter.

I buy a very cool new hat.

I arrive at the dorm and an English traveller Nicola tells me about her experience whilst walking towards the lighthouse. She is filled with excitement as she proceeded to tell me that not only did she spot dolphins and whales - she also saw a seal! It made me smile. I think - a sunset walk to the lighthouse may be on the agenda...
I have a siesta after lunch and make my way towards Belongil Beach for my first Bikram Yoga class in over five years. I arrived at the studio at 3.38pm. The class starts at 4pm. I had already walked twenty minutes from the hostel along the beach and now on to do a yoga class. When I arrive at the studio I find myself becoming increasingly emotional. I burst into tears. I can't believe I'm actually here. A familiar face greets me at reception. It is Norma - the instructor and owner of Byron Bay Bikram Yoga. She has an interesting story to tell. I heard it on youtube. She is very inspiring. Seeing Norma's face - she looked better in real life than on video. I had been planning this trip since the beginning of the year and it now had finally manifested.
I managed to finish the 90 minutes hot yoga class. It was very difficult. I couldn't do the postures as I was able to practice them five years ago.
I do wish I could practice Bikram yoga every day. I am reminded of the backward bending pose in Bikram is very powerful in helping to release pent up emotions. Just what I need.
I am very grateful that I was able to attend a Bikram yoga class today here at Byron Bay. I feel blessed.The instructor was as radiant as I imagined. Strong, confident, fit and wise. The only critic I might add is the fast pace and loudness of the class instruction - I prefer a gentle and soft yoga instructing voice. I think to myself - perhaps I can attend a weekly yoga class at the Bellingen yoga studio. I know the instructors there. Bliss - Wednesdays remedial massage, bicycle ride and yoga and a cafe lunch thrown in the mix.
I have had times where I have become teary eyed and emotional on this trip.
I take a moment to appreciate my beautiful husband who teaches me so much. I want to thank him for his amazing talent in being such a wonderful father to our daughter India. She is growing up so fast - she is so clever, funny and giggly.  Her laughter is the most joyous sound I have ever heard.

I am already planning my next trip to Byron to include:
1. morning sea kayaking trip along side dolphins, whales and sea turtles
2. bike riding
3. Beach swims
4. Watego lunch and Spa
5. Bikram yoga
6. Belongil Beach cafe sunset dinner and music
7. watch a movie at the Pighouse

The last weekend in November I shall be returning with my family to Byron Bay. My sister in law is getting married here in February and I am already planning what to wear. Thinking pale yellow chiffon dress - strapless, flowing and knee length. Thinking long black pony tail hair piece complete with cream heal pumps and droplet earings. Beautiful!


On my return I think 'what now?', "how shall I create my future?".
For this trip the affirmation that has come up is 'Sharing my feelings is important'.
I want my own daughter to understand that it is important to talk about how you are feeling.

I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have taken time away to just simply be by myself for a time. To remember what is most important to me and to follow my bliss.

Bless you Byron

Love Teresa
 xxx