Reality?

I started (more than) experimenting with psychedelics at a very early age. These substances showed me that “reality” is a vast field with infinite possibilities, expanding far beyond the status quo. I largely credit psychedelics for having inspired my radical quest for knowledge and an alternative lifestyle rich in everyday magic.

Travel

Eager to discover more of the world and myself, I began backpacking in 1995. My sense of adventure led me away from a formative education to the Alaskan wilderness when I was nineteen years old. At twenty, I found myself in Mexico, and I spent my twenty-first birthday (on mushrooms) in Guatemala. My travels continued eventually earning me a six year degree in Latin American culture (haha) which I’ve utilized living in the Republic of Panama since 2005.

A Career?

My free-spirited wanderings eventually led me to the path of wellness. I’m a massage therapist (year 2000) and yoga instructor (2010) by trade, but in 2005, my husband and I began to build and operate a hotel, restaurant, and wellness facility called La Buena Vida (The Good Life) at the end of the road in a small Panamanian surf village. These days I can be found writing, creating art, and offering massage treatments.

Art

I’m on the idea machine and I can’t get off! My mosaic tile art is featured throughout La Buena Vida and the village at large. My latest passion is 100% recycled beach treasure (okay trash, and some shells) mosaics (check it @artnsoulpanama ) which is the perfect excuse for regular trips to the beach. 

Writing

Having never read a female adventure quite like mine, I’ve felt called for some time to put everything to paper. I loosely began in 2008, and then more seriously in 2018, finally publishing Heart First Book #1 in October of 2021. It is the first book in what I envision to be a three or four part series which I hope will entertain, educate, and inspire people to create their own reality by doing more of what they love. Book #2: A ReAwakening will be available October 14th, 2022. You can read more of my short stories and thought experiments on Medium.

Community

Throughout all my adventures, real life community has always been important to me. I initiated an art cooperative where we currently live, as well as helped to create and manage a village-wide recycling program which implemented teaching environmental education in the local elementary school. I was instrumental in forming the non-profit Chamber of Tourism where I served as president for one year. From offering free children’s yoga and dance classes, to organizing town or beach clean-ups, and recycled art workshops, I’ve been an active member of the community throughout the years.

Connect

Send me an e-mail or jump right in to learn more about Heart First happenings. Sign up to receive updates, information about virtual & in person book readings, discussions, and Heart First Yoga Journeys which I am organizing throughout Panama. Remember, this is a book SERIES, so there is more on the horizon!