Exploring Now

Traveling Earth with a 5 Year Old

recent posts

about

Michelle is a vibrant and dynamic individual, an embodiment of the divine connection between the mind, body, and soul. As an Ayurveda professional, her knowledge and expertise are unparalleled, while her passion for holistic wellness radiates effortlessly. Michelle’s journey in the world of wellness has been nothing short of extraordinary, spanning over two decades of continuous growth and learning. From her early days as a yoga retreat chef to becoming a certified yoga instructor, she has carved a path of enlightenment and self-discovery that has touched the lives of many. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Michelle has delved deep into the realms of Spiritual Nutrition, Yoga, Reiki, Incan Shamanism, and Jyotish. Each discipline has added layers of depth to her already vast repertoire of skills and wisdom. It is through the seamless integration of these teachings and her own unique nurturing spirit that Michelle uses her transformative energy work to touch the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to cross her path. Michelle’s essence is that of a shining beacon, leading others to a profound understanding and appreciation for the Divine Nature of life. Her ability to connect, guide, and heal knows no bounds, as she empowers individuals to embrace their true potential and embrace the beauty of holistic wellness. With every interaction, Michelle imparts invaluable insights and wisdom, illuminating the path towards enlightenment and self-realization. Through her talent, dedication, and unwavering devotion, she serves as an inspiration and guide in the pursuit of mind, body, and soul harmony.
  • Our Last Days in Whitefish: A Celebration of Life and Friendship

    Our Last Days in Whitefish: A Celebration of Life and Friendship

    Life is a journey, where we often tend to rush through it trying to reach the destination. In reality, the journey is more important than the destination. As we were leaving our home in Whitefish, Montana, we decided to slow down and savor every moment with friends, family, and nature. We discovered that life’s true essence is in enjoying the present moment. Our last days in Whitefish were an ode to the miracles of life and the beauty of being present.

    As we began our journey, we didn’t have any concrete plans. Instead, we decided to go with the flow and experience each moment with an open heart. Whitefish has a rich musical culture, and we enjoyed going to see 20 Grand at the Whitefish Lake Lodge, our friends debut their band My Ideal Day Band at Slow Burn Records and jazz at Tupelo. We were blessed to have so many musical talents, and it was refreshing to enjoy live music almost every day.

    In addition to music, we spent time connecting with people. We visited a local nursing home, and it was an enlightening experience to make new friends and share stories. Someone asked me, what are you doing there, and of course I was visiting someone but I also just sat in the common area and simply listened to the stories of the residents. We also had dinner parties and celebrated birthdays with close friends. We even floated down the river with some awesome people, enjoying nature’s beauty.

    We discovered that nature has a way of grounding us, and we spent time at the yurt on the lake. It was the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with ourselves. Whitefish has a vibrant community, and we enjoyed going to the Whitefish Farmers’ Market, sipping juice in the park, and coffee at our favorite places ~ Montana Coffee Traders and Cowgirl Coffee. Every moment was a reminder of the beauty of life and the people surrounding us.

    The highlight of our last days in Whitefish was the farewell dinner with our family at Jalisco’s, our favorite restaurant. We savored every moment of the dinner, reminiscing old times, and cherishing the present. As we left Whitefish on an Amtrak train to Seattle, we were filled with gratitude for the time we spent and the memories we made.

    Our last days in Whitefish taught us that life is a precious gift, and every moment is a miracle to be cherished. We realized that being present in the here and now is the key to a fulfilling life. Our journey may have taken us away from Whitefish, but the memories we created will stay with us forever. Our experience also taught us that friendships and human connections are the glue that holds life together. We hope that our journey inspires you to slow down, appreciate life’s moments, and cherish the people around you.

    Love and blessings to all,

    Michelle & Amala

  • Letting Go: The Journey to Discovering Who We Truly Are

    Letting Go: The Journey to Discovering Who We Truly Are

    Moving out of our house in Whitefish, Montana was no small feat. As we sifted through our accumulated stuff and memories from rising babies into adults, and having a 5-year-old at home, we were faced with the question of what we truly needed. The process of letting go was not an easy one, but it was a necessary step towards discovering who we truly are. This blog is for my youngest daughter and me to explore the light and luminosity of letting go, being free, and present with who we are and what we are here to do.

    The last couple of weeks were the hardest. During the moving process, we attempted to have a yard sale. Unfortunately, it got rained out, leaving us with no other option but to give away our furniture. However, as we gave away our possessions, we realized that some people placed less value on an item if it was given to them rather than sold. Our cat got hurt in her new home and had to have surgery, another cat ran away from her new home, and my grandpa died. This made us question what we truly valued in life.

    As we let go of the physical items, we also had to let go of the emotional ties we had to our home, animals and people we loved. It was a bitter and sweet feeling, as we watched old parts of ourselves die away. We couldn’t help but think about how we live is how we die.

    This process of letting go allowed us to ask ourselves, “who am I?” We began to realize that the house and the things we owned did not define us. Instead, it was the memories and experiences we had that truly shaped us. This process of self-discovery allowed us to understand what was real and what was not. We learned that nothing in life is fixed or permanent, and that it is essential to be open to what comes next.

    Leaving our home has left us feeling slightly empty. However, this feeling has allowed us to focus on the present moment and be open to whatever comes our way. We have come to understand that life is a journey, and letting go is just one part of that journey. It is a necessary step towards discovering who we truly are and what we are here to do.

    Letting go is not an easy process, but it is a necessary step towards self-discovery. This journey has allowed my daughter and me to focus on the present moment and be open to what comes next. We have come to understand that the things we own do not define us, but it is the memories and experiences we have that shape us. As we continue on our journey, we hope to inspire others to let go of what no longer serves them and discover who they truly are.

    Follow us on our journey…

    Michelle & Amala

    When the universe has something really big in some for you in a specific area of your life, you may actually feel ‘stuck’ or ‘behind the curve’ in that exact same area. We choose as souls to take on hardship in certain aspects so we can become the most profound teachers and leaders in the same elements. Those who struggle the most with solidifying their ‘purpose’ often have the greatest purpose of all. Those who struggle to love themselves are meant to be the greatest teachers of love. Those who have th most challenging relationship experiences have the best in store for them romantically. Trust the closed doors and missed opportunities because sometimes you are being preserved to something even grander……. @magnetizeyourself

  • Getting Lost in the Beauty of Missoula: A Day Trip Adventure

    Getting Lost in the Beauty of Missoula: A Day Trip Adventure

    Missoula, Montana is often described as the gem of the Rockies thanks to its natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. From gourmet restaurants to funky local shops and excellent music venues, Missoula has everything you need to spend a perfect day trip. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests, Missoula is a place where wilderness and solitude are only minutes away from the city center. We will explore some of the best things to do in Missoula and add some color to your next adventure.

    First things first, traveling with kids can be stressful, but the TSA Precheck system can save you some time and sanity. Children aged 17 and under who are traveling alone or without a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult must apply for TSA PreCheck to have access to expedited screening. So consider getting TSA PreCheck for a stress-free travel experience.

    Once in Missoula, head over to Catalyst for some excellent food. This restaurant offers delicious meals to satisfy everyone’s taste buds, and best of all, they have a cozy seating area where you and your family can relax comfortably while enjoying your food. Our daughter Amala loved sitting above everything with her stuffed animals, making it a fun experience for the whole family.

    After lunch, take a leisurely stroll Downtown and discover the local shops. From vintage bookstores to organic markets, Missoula has something for everyone. Lake Missoula Tea Company is a must-visit for tea lovers, while Butterfly Herbs is a fantastic place to shop for essential oils, herbs, and teas. And If you’re a fashionista, Harlow Boutique has much to offer: a trendy selection of clothing and jewelry that will make you stand out.

    Before heading back, make sure to visit the Garden of a Thousand Buddhas, located only half an hour away from Missoula. This sacred land welcomes visitors from all walks of life and presents an excellent opportunity to learn about Buddhist culture while enjoying the serene environment. Beautiful flowers, vibrant prayer flags, and sacred statues will immediately transport you into a peaceful state of mind.

    Missoula, MT is one of the best day trip destinations for travel junkies looking for stunning natural environments, excellent food, and exciting cultural activities. TSA Precheck makes traveling with kids a breeze, while Catalyst Cafe, Lake Missoula Tea Company, Butterfly Herbs, and Harlow Boutique are just some of the must-visit locations in Downtown Missoula. Finally, the Garden of a Thousand Buddhas is an amazing opportunity to experience peace and tranquility. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get lost in the beauty of Missoula.

    What are some of your favorite things in Missoula?

    Love & Blessings,

    Michelle & Amala

  • Hello World!

    Hello World!

    Living in the present moment has opened up a world of possibilities for me. I’m a single mother who left behind the life I thought I was supposed to have, and instead decided to explore now. With my five year old daughter by my side, our journey is full of learning experiences that neither of us could have imagined before. 

    We’ve found so much joy and freedom in not trying to live up to society’s expectations of the American Dream. We’re freeing ourselves from the burdens of a traditional education system, finding our own way forward and exploring what it means to truly live with an open heart. 

    We’ve started our travel journey together, leaving Montana and Exploring Seattle through the use of Trusted Housesitters, taking each day as it comes and embracing all life has to offer us!

    My daughter and I are learning more about ourselves and each other every day, understanding that you don’t need to have it all figured out in order to make progress. 

    The journey of a single mother can be terrifying but also incredibly liberating. If I had stayed in the same place and not taken the risk of starting something new, then I would never have found this new and exciting life that I’m living now. 

    And so, we keep exploring together, taking every day as it comes and discovering what true freedom means. We are growing and learning with each experience, no longer stuck in the same place but instead embracing all of life’s beautiful possibilities. This is the journey of a single mother living in the present moment.