You might notice this email looks a little different. I’ve moved my creative writing to Substack, where I’ll share it going forward. If you’re reading this in your inbox, you’ve made the journey with me — thank you.
I’ve officially raised two children, and one more is heading fiercely in that direction, with three years of school left. I can tell you one thing I’ve learnt, it’s a long ride with many twists and turns. There are so many stages, and one must surrender to the present moment over and over again, remembering that this too shall pass. The good and the bad.
They eventually grow up and fly out of the nest. That recognition hit me two years ago when Ayla finished school, got on a plane, and flew to NYC. It made me realise that it’s up to me to create experiences that will keep us in each other’s orbit, not because we have a sense of family duty, but because we genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
I love activities, I love spending time with people, and with my kids, while doing things together. I adore travel. I feel excited by adventure, novelty, and exploring new cultures.
.When the kids were born, we had no money, so the only travel we did was visiting my family in Israel. After that I got divorced, and it was too expensive and difficult at the time to travel with three kids on my own.
And now one has flown the nest. Last year I flew Ayla to meet me in Mexico City after the retreat. This year, when River finished school, I recognised that taking her and Jasper on an adventure, one that would set the tone for how we’ll come together once she moves to Melbourne, was at the top of my priority list.
Twelve days in Japan delivered everything I dreamed of and more. First, we launched our first co-skiing and snowboarding experience. New to the sport and keen as cupcakes, my retirement plan is clearly on the slopes. We conquered the mountain and glided through the powder in our funny, not very cool rental fits. In Nozawa Onsen we bathed, wandered the village, and ate eggs cooked in the onsen.
Then there was the excellence, order, structure, and kindness of Japanese culture as we continued to Tokyo and Kyoto. We were united by figuring out our tickets and navigating the train system, all while making sure Mum, the chaos coordinator, didn’t derail the group. Ordering Ramen from machines, Pizza that turned out to be full of baby shrimp, enjoying the heated toilet seats, temples, and mostly watching the kids’ wondrous eyes take it all in. Following the map my dear friend Jac from @thebroadplace sent me, many visits and much research went into that map, and seriously, thank God. How on earth did we navigate Japan before Google Maps, search, and translator?
We had the most fun I’ve had in a very long time, savouring the moments of real connection, getting to know my kids as the little humans they are, and the adults they are becoming, humans who will continue to evolve and choose their own path.
I’m sharing this with you because I have all these great photos that go with this letter, and also to remind you that life is long, but it’s also short. So figure out what matters to you and go for it, because if not now, when?
In love,
Tahl
My next retreat is happening at the end of July: six nights in Koh Samui. I’ve called it Island Rhythm because the intention is to dive into practice while living the simplicity of island life, immersed in spicy culture, massages, and plenty of time to make memories.
We still have spots left, and I would love to orbit with you there.
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