Aloha! Grow Paradise Retreat

Sunday funday at Grow Paradise retreat started off with some quiet solitude time near the volcanic rocks.  

Meditation Spot View

Gorgeous sun rays breaking through the clouds and really enjoyed my meditation this morning. I took a moment to be grateful for all that I had and keep present. My dad was the one who introduced me to meditation and dedicated my practice this morning to him. It’s his birthday today and so grateful to have him as my dad. 

After meditation, it made me happy to see everyone back at the house gathered around the kitchen area enjoying breakfast. 

Breakfast Crew

For breakfast, I have been enjoying papaya and using it as bowl for other items. I’ve been putting in other fruit, oatmeal or a smoothie inside of it. So good!

Papaya bowl with oatmeal, chia seeds, banana, macadamia nuts and cinnamon

We all went to the Sunday farmer’s market and spent an hour meeting the locals plus exploring all the food. So many exotic fruits and veggies. It was such a treat. Picked up various items for dinner tonight. 

Farmer's Market Crew

I've met some incredible people from everywhere around the world and excited to be here with them at the Grow Paradise retreat. Excited to cook up some red lentil curry with Hawaiian mushrooms, quinoa and fresh spicy chutney tonight. 

Hawaii

Wow, this place is truly gorgeous and the best part is all the food is picked from the land. It’s so wonderful. I’ve never been to anywhere quite like this. To have such an abundance of food all around me from fruits to vegetables and herbs is quite something. This morning I walked around the gardens and picked bananas, lemon, guava, mulberries, passion fruit, aloe vera, coconuts, sunflower sprouts and more: incredible, right? I’m in heaven.

Friends shared with me that the Big Island is a very special place because it really brings you back to your roots and pushes you to be in the now. Yes, I feel that. But I feel something even more. When I did my meditation by the ocean I heard the waves crashing against the volcanic rocks, coconut trees swaying above me, cocki frogs croaking, birds chirping and nature engulfing me. I sat breathing, smelling the clean crisp air. I felt the sunrays playing peek-a-boo with the clouds making the colors change even though eyelids were closed. I felt free. It was liberating and familiar at the same time. 

Blueberry Smoothie

This blueberry smoothie is a staple for me because it’s so simple and tastes so good. Loaded with antioxidants, natural fruit sugar and protein, why not? You can also use it as a base and add other fresh fruit or supplements to it, so experiment and enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup of frozen organic blueberries

1 banana 

1 cup almond milk 

2 tablespoons of chia seeds

Dash of cinnamon 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

2 tangerines (optional - had some in the fridge and save a few for garnish)

Directions: Blend all ingredients into a vitamix or blender and pour in some additional water or almond milk for the consistency you prefer. Add in a few tablespoons of aloe vera (great for skin & vitamin E) if you’d like, but it will change the taste. If you’d like it a tad bit sweeter feel free to add in a few tablespoons of honey, stevia or coconut sugar. Enjoy!