A note from a 12 year old...

Dear Wayne,

Hello Wayne it is Duncan from Ms. Lentz awesome class. Just wondering how
the the run is doing ? How you are doing? and how many kilometers you have
to go? Just to let you know, that you are the coolest person I have ever meet
in my whole life. Also that you are so encouraging to me that when people
ask me who my role model is when I am older I am gonna say Wayne Cho because
he is the nicest and encouraging person I have ever met.


thank you Wayne yours truly,
Duncan Macgillivray

Backtrack: Two weeks ago Wayne and I stayed in Dryden with a social worker we had met at one of our hospital speaking engagements. Cathy and her husband Carl were marvelous hosts and we all felt like old friends within minutes of stepping into their cozy home. While we were staying with them we received a phone call from Donna Chief who lives on the native reservation, the neighbour to our last couchsurfers. She called to say that she had been able to organize a healing sweat lodge ceremony for us for the following day. After convincing Wayne that I wanted to drive back 100 kms in the opposite direction of his run, we planned for the sweat, bought the necessary offerings (tobacco, towels, cloth, etc) and headed to the rez the next day.
Cathy had agreed to perform the ceremony for us in honour of Wayne’s run and it had been orchestrated just for us, set up as a healing sweat to help nourish Wayne on his journey. I felt so honoured to be there! They had really gone out of their way to help us, make this a special celebration and give us insight into their traditions and natural, therapeutic practices.
For most of the ceremony I could not speak…everyone else was singing, chanting and shouting out the sacred, “SAMA”, which was to signify that you felt, saw or heard spiritual energy. Wayne was calling out sama every few minutes, he had lots of visitors! But, for myself, I had a lump in my throat that kept me from making any sounds. At one point, I felt mesmerized by the dancing blue illuminations that created a northern lights type pattern along the ceiling, playing like the wind but always coming back to the center, a target of sorts, an opening, central, small, focused and peaceful but incredibly energetic. And then a powerful self talk conversation was generated. I told myself to stop looking so hard and to let go. To just be- and that was a very peaceful moment. I continued to fluctuate between calm and anxious feelings. And as I focused on the shadows I saw an ancient totem face form before me. It sounds kooky to even write it here… Yet, this mans face began to twist and transform into a bear! This really frightened me but I couldn’t look away and felt so fascinated by this twisting image. And then, like a wave it came over me that these two images were one and the same-man and bear, living forms of the same web. And this bear presence continued to stay with me throughout the sweat and I felt somehow protected and comforted.
We all took turns talking in the circle, asking for guidance, healing or speaking about what we felt grateful for in life. I asked for a blessing to this native community, so that they can continue practicing and teaching so that we can all learn how to live closer to the earth.

Many more angels have come our way over the last two weeks! We had half a dozen great speaking engagements in town, but my favourite were with The Challenge Club and the grade seven classes we visited. The Challenge Club is a day-program facility to help support those who face mental challenges. Wayne spoke to ten of their members, all people affected by mental illnesses and it was so enriching. Everyone shared their story and then Wayne urged them to speak about their passion in life and how they could utilize their skills to create their dreams- powerful stuff! The grade sevens were a wonderful bunch, too, because they are at a great age to understand the material and also eager to learn more. I was weary of presenting to 12 and 13 year olds at first, not sure if they’d really connect to the ideas being presented, but man was I wrong! They had some of the best questions and ideas that I have heard over the last three weeks. And they really looked up to Wayne and what he was doing with his life. Most of them stayed throughout recess to ask him questions, take pictures with him and get his autograph. We have also started giving away a pair of Wayne’s rundown shoes at some of these functions. And the girl who won the pair that day was just glowing! She said she’ll keep them in her home for as long as they last and tell everyone who visits the story and cause behind the sneakers.
Next, we reached the boundary/border of Friendly Manitoba! And indeed, it was friends we found there. First stop, Falcon Lake, a beautiful, peaceful space surrounded by lakes, forests and an incredible amount of deer. We spent three glorious days in paradise with couchsurfer Eric Young. The Young residence is a sweet spot where the Planet Earth documentary is played on a continuous rotation, where something is always being baked and enjoyed around a table of tea drinkers, where Aussies have a never- ending supply of energy and a place where people are in high spirits and feel comfortable enough to do headstands or juggle in the middle of the room! It was hard to leave this warmhearted, sociable playground, but we are on a mission here and wacky Winnipeg was just around the corner.
Winnipeg is a jumbled city of confusing streets, a magnet that keeps ‘Peggers coming back for more, trying to withstand the -50 winters while it holds a long list of “worst city for…” titles. Yet, we continued to make friends and uncover the true meaning behind the province’s slogan. Sarah and Chris were our first couchsurfers in Winnipeg and they were super sweet and accommodating. They are a cute couple, expecting a new addition in a few months, who truly embrace life through the down to earth, creative, colourful lives they have chosen to lead. We also stayed with Lukas, a 24 year old guy who has a great hunger for knowledge, a passion for good beats and a curiosity about people and the world around him. Laughter, local brews and St. Paddy’s Day merriment was enjoyed by all at Low Bar! We also met the owner of a local bakery, Tabitha, an ex-social worker, who was touched by Wayne’s run and felt that our project was so inspirational and therefore she loaded us up with sort of free goodies and hearty, energy packed breads. Good peeps in the ‘Peg!
The highlight of my time in Winnipeg actually came after Wayne grazed a bus with the RV’s extended side mirror…both vehicles and everyone involved was unharmed, minus the cracked side mirror. The bus driver came over to the RV to exchange insurance info and shortly after a parking enforcement officer walked over. Understand, this minor accident happened in downtown Winnipeg and we had to stop close to a busy intersection. As soon as the officer approached the bus driver started accusing Wayne and describing the details of the mishap to him. The officer just simply stated that he was not concerned about accident or where we had chosen to park. He just wanted to come over, meet the runner and shake Wayne’s hand to thank him for his dedication and passion for the mental health awareness project! The bus driver was speechless and Wayne was beaming, a surprising and heart warming moment indeed.

Finding the Balance in Northern Ontario!

Eco-psychology: an attempt to reconnect us with our natural sense of self and place in the world.

When we separate ourselves from nature we separate from ourselves. We are infinite: this is the great web of life and everything is connected, there is no end and no beginning. The circle of life-and all that lion king jazz! Ultimately, what we do to our surroundings we do to ourselves.

Many friends and family have been asking me what I have been up to since arriving back from my whirlwind tour of Latin America. I left my blog fans hanging when I landed in NYC, USA in June. Well, have no fear, the blog is back, baby! You can be comforted by the fact that I will be blogging weekly or bi-monthly now.

I moved to Toronto on New Years Day and for two months I gave the urban world my full attention, trying to feel where I belonged in the concrete jungle and how the natural world fit into my skyscraper backdrop. There were many days of struggle, frustration and anxiety as I felt trapped within Toronto’s man-made setting. I felt so far from the green, lively landscape of my paradise farm in California and the mountains and vast beauty of South America, seemed like a lost dream. Misplaced and troubled, in this fast-paced, zombie roaming metropolis, I decided I needed help. Operation I Love Toronto was put into effect immediately!

First things first; find green-loving, environmentally focused individuals who can show me how and where to find nature in the midst of this synthetic center. And find I did! I joined L.E.A.F, the local enhancement and advocacy group for urban forestry and The Stop Community Center, an association that focuses on growing, teaching and sharing healthy, affordable food. These groups and the fantastically motivated individuals, who fuel these organizations, brought the colour green back to my palette!

It was also fabulous to be a part of Nicci’s life again! I lived with Nicci, Jason and their two pugs, Tuni and Penny, for a month. We haven’t lived together for over 7 years so it was nice to be close to my big sister again, have some heart to hearts, hugs and share some fond memories.

And then there was couchsurfing, I always come back to CS! There is a fabulous group of couchsurfers in Toronto who write, plan and meet all over town to share their passion for travel, creativity and their fun-loving city, with each other on a daily basis. I went to seminars about the future of food, documentaries about the tar sands, concerts (bluegrass, percussion, classical and folk), I learnt about an instrument I never knew existed (the carillon), sampled ice wine and multiple kinds of maple syrup with a couchsurfer I hosted, and I wandered around the incredibly raw and colourful part of town where graffiti and art studios abound. I was also able to practice yoga and meditation at supportive, loving studios where I found a great community of yogis that celebrate mindfulness- urban style! I also spent one glorious night talking with two couchsurfers about everything from the power of our thoughts, to the wonderful world of popcorn to how to interpret and direct our dreams- until 6:30 am! The astonishing world of couchsurfing soothes my soul!

Needless to say I was a bit melancholy to leave Toronto at the end of February after finding my niche and discovering all the life and colour that lives and shines in the metropolitan world. However, I am very excited about this new journey with Cross Canada Run as I make my way over northern Ontario to Regina over the next 7 weeks.

Wayne and I are currently running outside of Dryden, Ontario and the campaign for mental health awareness will take us to Kenora by Sunday. He is currently running an average of 30 kms a day and I have been able to successfully set up some uplifting speaking engagements along out route. He has spoken to high schools students, mental health care providers, nursing students, and hospital staff. Local radio stations and newspapers have picked up the story and we have found a wonderful network within the mental health industry that has helped us make local contacts.

We are driving and living out of Wayne’s RV but have yet to sleep a cold night bundled up in our -20 degree C sleeping bags. Thank goodness! So many people have given us a place to stay in northern Ontario. Couchsurfing comes through in major city centers and rural generosity has provided us with support and a warm place to sleep in the middle of many no-wheres.

We stopped in the Soo on the way up for some family rekindling. Then, a wonderful couchsurfing couple, Vicki and Dean, hosted us in Thunder Bay and the local CS network joined us for a potluck dinner one evening.

A kind couple that owns a gas station in Upsala, Ontario (2 hours northwest of Thunder Bay) let us park our RV, for two nights, in their barn/garage where the temperature was a toasty 15 degrees. A motel owner in Ignace, Ontario gave us a $20/night deal at his motel where rooms usually go for $50. We stayed with another fantastic couple, Danica and Brian, on the Wabigoon Lake First Nation reserve for two glorious days where I was able to satisfy my love for puppies! And sweet-natured Cathy and Carl Bleich hosted us in Dryden, folks we met at a hospital speaking event. Tonight we are staying with Donna Chief on the reserve where she has set up a sweat lodge ceremony for us! And tomorrow evening the Rotary Club of Kenora is putting us up at their local Best Western. I am so grateful to these people for opening their hearts and homes to us!

Most people we meet, inside and outside these organized events end up sharing their personal or family stories about mental health illness. People really want to talk about these conditions and Wayne has been able to create a project that gets people talking. I can’t even tell you how many individuals have opened up to me within 5 minutes, share their story, shed some tears of frustration or hope and feel a sense of relief to hear that they are not alone. This job is so personally elevating!

I am really having fun running the roads, myself, as I join Wayne 4 or 5 times a week to run 8-10kms with him along his route. I have decided to hit the half marathon circuit when I get back to Toronto in the spring. I used to be a half marathon runner a few years back before I started traveling in developing countries. It’s nice to see and feel my body and mind coming back into its running self.

And this brings me back to eco-psychology and the wonders of our natural world. For true mental health we must challenge the norm and see the inter-relatedness of all people and life forms. I feed off of this land, the air, wind, sun and water carry me closer to my true self.
It becomes easier to find the balance out here, surrounded by ancient trees, with the earth under my feet, I am grounded. I will always take my energy from positive people and from the beauty in nature and I am delighted to find that natural world, the urban realm, the spiritual world and my self and one and the same!

“In the city, without context, (history) information becomes meaningless, without perspective events cannot be evaluated, without connections in time and space, we are lonely and lost.”

– from Sacred Balance by David Suzuki

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience."

Check out our Cross Canada Run video on You Tube here. And my recent photos are uploaded on my facebook profile. I hope you are having a fan-tabulous weekend wherever you may be!

FOLLOW THE COMPASS OF JOY!!!

Hello New York!

Well, I finally made it to America! I spent four fabulous days in New York City with Randi. We walked around funky neighbourhoods, soaking in the vibes, eating in cute cafes and melting under the extreme humidity. I will return to The Big Apple one day when I am not in the negative digits...its not the best place to be without money. Thank you Randi for helping me enjoy NYC on a tight budget!

Goodbye Latin America!

Paraliding off the coast of Peru in Pisco!

Well the time has come to fly away from Latin America and start a new phase in my life. I have really enjoyed my time and adventures here and parting is bittersweet. I fly from Lima to New York City tonight to hang out with Randi for four days in The Big Apple!
My last week in Peru has been a whirlwind of fun with the Burner Without Borders (BWB)gang in Pisco. I have been volunteering with this crazy group of compassionate volunteers who are trying to rebuild Pisco. Pisco was devastated by an earthquake on August 15th, 2007. Over 500 people died and over 50 000 made homeless and yet this disaster only received a new lines of print in the world news. BWB, a San Fransisco based group, has helped many towns, in the US and worldwide, after disasters have struck leaving them helpless.

It´s hard work being a volunteer here, since everything has to be down by hand. There isn´t any really great technology here and people are so poor that everything has to be made from scratch. We poured cement, carried water over large distances, and moved rocks and rubble with our own hands. Its back breaking work but worth it to see a school or house constructed for those less fortunate.

Over 200 volunteers from more that 15 countries have made their way to Pisco, Peru to help out. They pay less than $5 a day to live in cramped conditions, eat local food and many end up with stomach problems because of the poor sanitation and water conditions. Most end up staying longer than they expect, creating their own projects and raising money from back home to help the people of Pisco. You too can help! If you are able to donate a small sum the Burners Without Borders can continue there amazing wok in Pisco. They are looking for donations now to build Sanitation Modules so that families can have safe water conditions, a sanitary bathroom and kitchen unit. Donantions can be mailed to: Burners Without Borders, 1900 3rd St, SF CA, 94158 or log onto www.burnerswithoutborders.org to donate with paypal.

They also know how to have fun and relieve the stresses of the day! This picture was taken on Tu-Tu Tuesday, a theme day created to generate energy and positive moral. They hand-made these little numbers and wore them all day at the construction sites! A memorable moment indeed!
Now I am off to the USA to visit friends and travel my way through Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California with a great program called wwoofusa.org. I will be volunteering on farms across the country in return for room and board. Sounds like a great deal to me!
Adios Latina America, hasta el proximo vez...!

Adios Bolivia!

Well my time here in Bolivia sadly has to come to a close. Bolivia has been my favourite country in South America. Despite the corrupt government and their ridiculous policies, Bolivia is an incredible country: a land full of diversity and wonderment!
Bolivia has left me in awe, a stunning nation with a colourful array of environments, cultures and tales. Bolivia represents life, its great variety, its great struggles, but most of all, its perseverance to just survive in face of it all. Adios Bolivia!

Una Fiesta en La Paz

One of the many colourful characters that danced past during Saturday´s parade.