Amazonian Epiphany

I flew into Leticia, Colombia almost two years ago with my friends from Tanimboca.
I can tell you so many incredible stories about all the adventures experienced during my trip to the Amazon. I slept in a tree house, hand-fed piranhas, set up camp in the middle of the jungle, zip-lined from a Ceiba, cruised the Amazon river, watched the elusive pink dolphin and other native wildlife, and saw my brother sink in quick sand!

(If you are interested in having a similar experience, and would love to see a sibling, wife or husband sink in quick sand ask me how to get a discount)But more valuable than all these experiences is the realization I had during this trip. Me and my brother were guided through a jungle hike that lasted a few days. I thought about the vast difference between our guide’s lifestyle and mine. I worked in a concrete jungle and he worked in a real jungle but in the midst of his simple lifestyle; he was happier than me. He seemed serene and complete. I started questioning my motives in life.  No, I’m not moving to the jungle to be a guide. At least not yet!

I asked myself, what is my idea of success? Is it financial success? I guess that’s what most of us have been taught. While it may be valid for someone else; I have to be ok with the fact that it’s really not my ultimate motive. I’m not saying I don’t need money but I’m saying, I don’t need so many things.

I don’t need so many shoes to be happy, I don’t need a big house, I don’t care for a fancy car, I don’t need the newest phone, and I certainly don’t need a status watch. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever cared much for any of these; I’ve just kind of adapted to my environment. Miami.

We seek all these things thinking they are going to make us happier. They may – for an instant – but we are craving something deeper.  We are deprived of human connection, we are thirsty for passion and meaning; a life of purpose. I do believe we are happiest when we give. We find purpose when we connect with other; when we add value to their lives and our own by sharing something we believe in.

My realization then after this trip, leads to the resolution to reject the belief that I need to seek riches. I’m already rich. I seek to live with intention.

Some of my favorite pictures from this trip: