2022 waffles, Wisdom and Wanderlust…

(+ a little bit of plant magic…)

As I sit here in the Yucatan, surrounded by the lush greenery and vibrant culture of Mexico, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the past year that I wanted to share.

The year 2022 was one of growth, self-discovery, and exploration for me. It all began in January, when I set off to Brazil to spend time with family and reconnect with nature. I spent the first few months in Alto Paraiso, the altiplano of the Brazilian savanna, and it was there in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park that I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of the waterfalls, vast canyons, and unique wildlife. Literally having wild macaws grace me with their presence on my balcony.

I remember hiking through the park, the sun beating down on me, and the sound of the waterfalls in the distance. It was a truly awe-inspiring experience. I spent my days exploring the landscapes, swimming in the natural pools, bathing in waterfalls and simply taking in the natural splendor that surrounds us. It was a time of deep reflection and rejuvenation, as I reconnected with the elements. It was a time where I learned the importance of stepping back from the busyness of daily life and taking time to appreciate the simple beauty of the world around us.

During January my in-laws were visiting for a bit as well and I realized the importance of valuing and cherishing the relationships that are most important to us. We all have different ways of connecting and communicating, and spending time with my extended family reminded me to be patient and understanding when it comes to these differences. It reminded me that family, no matter how challenging they can be, are the ones who will always have your back and be there to support you.

February was marked by a short but sweet trip to Costa Rica, where I spent time with friends, surfed and simply enjoyed the sweet life of Pura Vida. The warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and the company of good friends made for an unforgettable experience… dancing into the sunrise watching Venus the morning star shine bright upon us as we concluded an altered state ceremony with medicinal mushrooms under powerful and professional guidance. That moment was ecstatic and powerful and a reminder to me that life is meant to be enjoyed and that taking time to have fun with the people you love is just as important as anything else.

In March, I had the opportunity to host a retreat for 12 people at Terra Booma, my favorite agroforestry project on the planet. The 12-day program was filled with powerful learnings, personal growth, and expansion. We guided the group along the four elements and incorporated silent days as part of the program, which allowed us all to take a step back and focus on our inner selves. During the retreat, the power of stillness was palpable and how it can provide a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. I also learned about the importance of community, of coming together with others to learn, grow, and support one another.

In April I had the humbling opportunity to learn from the indigenous Huni Kuin tribe and their traditional plant medicine ceremonies during a sacred experience at Terra Booma with trusted friends. I was struck by the wisdom and knowledge of these ancient cultures and it reminded me that there is so much that we can learn from those who have been in tune with the earth and its ways for centuries, well millennia really. It was also an important reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing traditional knowledge and practices.

The next chapter of my year was from May through October. I spent my time at home, in my dreamhome on Vancouver Island. It was a time for me to work and focus on my daily practice of going for ocean swims in the Pacific Ocean, connecting with my favorite friends, and ofcourse the powerful natural backdrop that only B.C. can give us. Even my parents came to visit from Germany and we went on a once in a lifetime roadtrip across British Columbia together, what a stunning and ever-expansive place B.C. is, we explored new bits of the rocky mountains together and had a blast. The daily ocean swims became my ritual, a reminder that discipline and consistency in daily practice can bring a sense of grounding and balance to our lives and a connection to my body, breath and the natural rhythms.

Unfortunately, I also had a bit of a setback when I got hurt during a soccer game and broke three ribs. It was a difficult time, but it taught me the importance of taking time to rest and heal. It was a humbling experience, but also an opportunity to witness the healing abilities of the human body and reminded me that we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. At this point I want to give a shout out to all of my amazing friends, around the world and specifically in B.C. who spent time with me, supported me, and were loving and helpful during this time of injury. Friends, community, our tribe, our support system, they play such a vital role in our lives and it is important to cherish and nurture these relationships.

The fall was marked by transformational Leadership, private clients I guide to excel at bringing their dream projects into this world and group cohorts for entrepreneurs. One highlight was the Initiation retreat in Akumal, Yucatan, where I had the opportunity to work with a group of dedicated individuals to help them unlock their full potential. It was a powerful experience both for me and for the participants and the Mexican jungle definitely aided to that experience. The insights and realizations that came out of this retreat were truly profound. 

Later in November, I was invited to host a broadcast on Regenerative finance in North Carolina, where I had the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with a wider audience. Synchronistically I got to reconnect to one of my long time teachers Phil Moore and also to sit in a sweat lodge with Cherokee elder Yona in the mountains around Asheville which was a great honor.

As the year came to a close, I traveled to Germany to spend time with my family, rest, reflect, and slow down. One unexpected experience that was waiting there for me was my dear friend Swami Chidananda who spent time in an ashram outside of Frankfurt, he invited me to receive a further initiation in Kriya Yoga — a part of my path for more than a decade now. Deeply grateful for all the different teachers, guides and mentors in my life.

December was a necessary time of rest and rejuvenation, a reminder that life comes in rhythms and it’s important to include slow, smooth, and reflective times into our months and years. I ended the year with a fun road trip with my beloved girlfriend Lorrana visiting Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, Munich, and spending the last few days of the year in Berlin.

This year has been year five of Podcasting for me, and at this point there are more than #320 episodes out there of Green Planet Blue Planet magic! I am deeply grateful for everyone who is listening, subscribed and all my guests just as much! If you haven’t subscribed or even checked it out yet, go to your favorite Podcast app and tune into all things regeneration on Green Planet Blue Planet Podcast where I interview some of the world’s most epic change makers.

As the new year of 2023 begins, I am now back in the Yucatan, once again preparing for another transformational leadership retreat. Looking back on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for all the experiences, learnings, and growth that I have been fortunate enough to experience. It has been a year of discovery, community, fun explorations, and self-awareness, and I am excited to see what the new year holds.

I hope this year in review resonated with you, and that you too can take time to reflect on your own year, take stock of all the wonderful things that have happened, appreciate the lessons learned and look forward to the new opportunities ahead.

all my best,

Julian