Un pedazo del cielo en Isla Bonita

Después de visitar a Culebra, hace ya varias años atrás, decidí regresar para conectarme con su energía maravillosa. La pequeña y preciosa joya que pertenece a la Isla del Encanto, es también conocida como Isla Bonita.

Culebra By Jerry Valentin
Culebra
By Jerry Valentin

Rodeada de las aguas cristalinas y turquesas del mar caribeño, esas tierras de 7 millas de largo y 3.5 millas de ancho, son un jardín mágico que está siempre prometiendo una estadía placentera. En mi búsqueda de palabras inspiradoras y de retratos extraordinarios, en esas tierras vírgenes encontré al cielo en la tierra.

Fajardo to Culebra ferry
Fajardo to Culebra ferry

El viaje del ferry entre Fajardo y Culebra es solamente de una hora. Cuando llegué, como a las cuatro de la tarde, tomé un taxi para registrarme en mi hospedaje. Sintiendo el antojo de comer mariscos, decidí cenar en Mamacitas. Mientras caminé al restaurante, me deleité con la brisa refrescante que juguetonamente abanicaba las ramas de los árboles tropicales.

Durante mi caminata de 30 minutos, contemplé las estrellas relucientes, radiando un suplido a través del cielo que brillaba entre el viento. Yo pude oir el canto de un búho resonando con el alma de la isla y el resplandecer de la luz de las estrellas.

Después de comer un plato delicioso de mariscos, caminé de regreso, encantada con la brisa que chocaba con mi piel. Debido a que algunas de las carreteras rurales de Culebra no tienen postes de luz, el único alumbramiento fue el brillo parpadeante de las estrellas. Usé la linterna de mi teléfono celular para iluminar el camino. Luego de caminar por más de una hora y realizar que había tomado la carretera equivocada, noté que la batería de mi teléfono estaba rápidamente llegando a su final. No tenía la remota idea de donde estaba. Aún así, no tenía miedo porque sabía que yo siempre tengo ángeles velando mi camino.

Shawn and Lucca
Shawn and Lucca

En Culebra no hay nada que hacer en un lunes por la noche, especialmente después de las 10:30 de la noche. Mientras más tarde es, menos gente uno ve en las calles. Así que me encontré sola en un camino desierto y sin luna, preguntándome como iba a regresar a mi hospedaje. Momentáneamente, Shawn, un turista muy amable que estaba visitando a Culebra con su hermosa hija, Luca, paró su carro de golf para ofrecerme ayuda. Durante esos minutos mientras él condujo hacia el lugar donde yo me estaba quedando, le expresé mi gratitud por su gentileza, pero más que nada por poder confirmar que siempre hay ángeles en esta tierra.IMG_2088

En la siguiente mañana, renté un carro de golf. Fui a muchos lugares, explorando todos los rincones aislados de la Isla Chiquita. Aunque estaba sola, podía escuchar a través de su naturaleza las voces angélicas que guiaban mis pasos y me conectaban con mis guías.

Punta Soldado Beach
Punta Soldado Beach

Hice muchos amigos y me sentí muy agradecida por la hospitalidad tan genuina de los Culebrenses. Ellos van por la vida llevando un brillo interior como un globo en sus almas. Mientras ellos caminan con un ritmo alegre y una sonrisa animada, ellos le dan la bienvenida a los turistas con un corazón muy abierto.

Apreciando sus pequeñas y modestas casitas, ellos expresan la abundancia que siempre están recibiendo a través de su hermosa isla. Allí no hay miseria, coronando a tan entrañable lugar con un velo de armonía.

Hay una serenidad en el agua salada que puedes inhalar en cuanto pones un pie en la isla. El ruido es reemplazado con el zumbido de la brisa y el gozoso gorjeo de los pajaritos. El crimen es una actividad poco común que no es tolerado por los Culebrenses, como la gran familia que son.

Javier Cintrón
Javier Cintrón

El tráfico se convierte en una parada festiva de carros de golf, entre otros carros que cortésmente y en orden perfecto conducen. Isla Bonita está rodeada de murales artísticos y de colores vivos.

Mientras los animales en Culebra disfrutan de su libertad en la isla, los perros se ven sin correas, solamente ladrando si hay amenaza en el ambiente. Los gatos se ven en todas partes, permitiéndole a los visitantes de todas partes del mundo que exploren sus lugares.

Abey Charrón
Abey Charrón

En mi último día, yo sentí que un pedazo de mi corazón se iba a quedar en Isla Bonita. Enamorándome de sus ambientes, me di cuenta que mi conexión con la naturaleza es mucho más fuerte allá. Caminé a la plaza para despedirme de todos mis amigos locales y antes de abordar el ferry, prometí que regresaría pronto para continuar alimentando a mi espíritu con la magia de tan maravilloso pedazo del cielo. ¡No puedo esperar a regresar!

Thomas Dambo
Thomas Dambo

The Art Surrounding Culebra

A New Island of Enchantment

Every time my flight lands on the Island of Enchantment, I feel so fortunate to be able to return to my favorite place in the world. As the airplane begins to descend, I contemplate through its window the pearly ocean waves breaking into the crystal blue waters. Magnificent is one of the words that go through my mind, thanking Mother Nature for gifting us with such a magical and beautiful place.

Aguadilla Sunset by Jerry Valentín
Aguadilla Sunset
by Jerry Valentín

While the playful breeze flows through the palm trees, a melody of drums, maracas, güiros, and cuatros complements the joyful personality of the natives. The illusion that people dance instead of walking becomes alive when they graciously move their bodies, by swirling their legs and arms with the rhythm of the music.

I am always so happy to be there, delighted by a serenade of coquíes caressing us with their music after a quick shower splashes the land, I know I am home, in my Island of Enchantment. Captivated by the moment when the sun majestically submerges into the ocean, my heart rejoices while I focus my gaze into a sky that is shining with tiny bright stars.

Capture37

Feeling free, and touched by the enchanting sprinkle of its tropical nature, right after a marvelous sunset, I feel like going for a walk on the beach. “You can’t do that.” I hear my relatives telling me. My silence triggers an explanation, insisting that it is not safe. Many Puerto Ricans claim the economy keeps getting worse, and the crime rate keeps getting higher. As my mind returns with nostalgia to those days when I was a little girl, everything seemed so safe and free.

The perception the locals have about their island has changed so much. The bliss I feel through nature is blurred with shadows of fear. Instead of declaring that things are getting worse, why not try to change that perception? If we take the time to educate ourselves and our surroundings with the means to create a strong consciousness of what entails being a Boricua (Taíno name for Puerto Rican), we could make such a meaningful difference.

By Jerry Valentín
By Jerry Valentín

The human nature always takes for granted what becomes a routine. For most of the Puerto Ricans, the island is just a typical and natural habitat, and only very few would want to take the time to care for it. As Puerto Ricans, we have been gifted with the legacy of the Indian Taínos, our ancestors, have left us. They honored this land, considering it a paradise until the Spaniards discovered it. They believed certain areas of the island were sacred, ascending their minds and spirits through a dimension where they could connect with their divine selves.

Instead of criticizing its economy and social situation, why don’t you ask yourself; “what can I do today to improve the conditions of the island?” You may think that one person can’t make a difference. But, I assure you, your contribution could be inspiring to others, who would want to follow your actions. Every consequence is the reflection of thought. Change your perception and you will see the results! You have the power to do it

Have you given thanks for the consecutive years when destructive hurricanes or earthquakes didn’t touch Puerto Rico? Have you felt bliss during those splendors sunsets when the warm sun diffuses into the sky, allowing the visible moon to lighten our evenings? Have you felt the angels whispering words of love when the music of a coquí soothes your spirit?

Have you gone swimming into the pristine waters the Taínos believed to have healing powers? Have you being to El Yunque and heard the energy buzzing through the woodland? As you hike the highest peak, you will witness slanted trees becoming playful gnomes that are manifesting their magic.

The first time the Spaniards landed Borinquen, they referred to Puerto Rico as the Island of Enchantment. Back then, the small island was surrounded by gold and precious stones. While the Taínos respected and worshiped Mother Nature, the ambition of the Spaniards transformed them into tyrannies, taking advantage of their hosts. Throughout the centuries, instead of spiritually evolving like the Taínos, many people have become blinded.

by Frankie Luceca/Flickr
By Frankie Luceca

If you keep taking the island for granted and asserting how bad the environment is, you are contributing to the deterioration of our home. I urge you to join forces together, as proud Boricuas we are, we can make a difference, changing our perception to amend the consciousness of the masses. This world would never be the same without Puerto Rico. Gratitude toward the island, and mostly for being a Boricua, is the first step you can take toward restoring the collective morale of our Island of Enchantment. Little actions could miraculously attract significant results. Let the magic of our homeland touch you and by sharing it, watch its wonderful results.

Castillo El Morro By Jerry Valentín
Castillo El Morro
By Jerry Valentín

La Navidad Boricua

by Luigi Strano/Flickr
by Luigi Strano/Flickr

As the cold air rhythmically travels with the falling leaves whose dyed petals are descending into a carpet of colored foliage, a distant wave of snow is tenderly sprinkling the woodlands of the United States. The brisk breeze and shorter days of autumn delight Americans weeks before Christmas day while hundreds of pine trees are collected to go on sale.

by Evanthia
by Evanthia/Flickr

While Americans love embellishing their trees with beautiful ornaments collected over the years, drinking eggnog, and singing traditional Christmas carols, Puerto Ricans are always looking for an excuse to throw a party, gathering some friends together to decorate the tree. As they envelop the branches with garlands of lights, they welcome La Navidad Boricua (Puerto Rican Christmas) with the musical notes of salsa. While the upbeat melody leads their swirling bodies—they move their arms and legs with the rhythm of the twinkling lights.

When the Boricuas (a name for Puertorricans) finish putting the Christmas decorations, they travel around with a parranda (the Puerto Rican traditional carols). Gathering their musical instruments, they walk to a neighbor’s house, assaulting him with traditional songs. All kinds of percussion instruments are heard, dictating a conga the movements everybody should follow, growing the trulla (same as parranda) that goes from house to house until late hours in the evening.

by Andrea Massimini/Flickr
by Andrea Missimini/Flickr

While mistletoe sparks love in the United States and the oscillating smoke of burning chimneys dissolves the fumes into a blanket of snowflakes, the peaceful silence a white Christmas evokes is always promising a miracle in such a flying time. Mother Nature decorates La Navidad Boricua on the Island of Enchantment with a magical touch. At night, the crystal blue ocean waves become snow while they crash with the tide, illuminating the sky with hundreds of glowing lights that rhythmically fall into the Caribbean Sea.

by Frankie Luceca/Flickr
by Frankie Luceca/Flickr

Nine days before Christmas Eve, a Misa de Aguinaldo (Mass) is celebrated between 5 and 6 in the morning to spray joy into La Navidad Boricua. Right at sunrise, instead of snowflakes, a magnificent rainbow takes over the tropical firmament, transforming the passing clouds into colorful butterflies. A gleeful chime navigates through the depth of the Pacific Ocean while the mingling melody of the coquís (a native tree frog) blow a magical spell across the island.

En la Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), while the children in the United States leave gingerbread cookies and milk for Santa and his reindeer right before going to bed; the puertorrican kids bake enough polvorones (tiny sugar cookies) to feed the entire North Pole. As the churches carry on their Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass), a magical dust alters the air, inhaling everybody the peace and love of such a special time during La Navidad Boricua.

En la Navidad (Christmas Day), our ancestors, the Indian Taínos, and an army of angels are joyfully welcoming Baby Jesus into the world. While Mother Nature is painting our sunrises with a bright sun, splashing the land with a spectrum of metallic colors, the evening follows the tempo of the ocean waves, surfing with the high and lows of its musical notes.

by Leonel
By Leone/Flickr

A spiral smog of a big lechón asao (pork roasted) is fanned by palm tree branches, entwining the salty air with an aroma of tropical spices. Complementing tostones, pasteles, arroz con gandules, our delicious coquito (puertorrican eggnog), and the succulent desserts that melt in your mouth; a pocillo (expresso) seals such a tasty cuisine.

En La Víspera de Año Nuevo (New Year’s Eve) of La Navidad Boricua, everybody likes to follow a ritual right before midnight, getting estrellitas (sparklers fireworks) to bring light into the new year, and eating 12 grapes for good luck and prosperity. Honoring the sacred tradition of the Taínos, the revelers dance with mucho sabor boricua (zest)—the most important ingredient to welcome a happy new year.

by Carlos JavierFlickr
by Carlos Javier/Flickr

While New Years day is the last day of the holidays in the United States, Puerto Rico is just getting ready for El Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day). Being that this is the biggest holiday of La Navidad Boricua, parades of the three kings travel throughout each town with their musical instruments and bring gifts to the children and promises of abundance to the adults.

En la víspera (the night before), on January 5, right before going to bed, the children put grass in a shoe box for the camels, and leave cookies and milk for the Kings. A velorio (wake) is celebrated to wait for the three kings that are on their way to bring presents to Baby Jesus. While a big asopao (stew) is served with all traditional and delicious desserts, a group of musicians plays aguinaldos (folkloric religious songs), joining in a hallowed chorus worshiping the Son of God.

by Dmck
by Dmck/Flickr

A shining light accompanies the tropical breeze on January 6th, El día de Los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Days) reflects in the grateful hearts of the boricuas. While you experience and cherish the fine spell of La Navidad Boricua, allow your perception to shift your spirit, captivating you with zest and joy the bliss of La Navidad Boricua.

¡Feliz Navidad!

The Illustrius Jíbarito

Over 200 locals from Llanos barrio (neighborhood) were there when José Abelardo, known as Pepo was surprised on his 90 birthday celebration. His seven children and eleven grandchildren arranged the ‘gran fiesta’ in Aibonito, their homeland.

The event was held on their big patio of the Hacienda, where Don Pepo had lived for more than six decades. Accommodating several table and chairs, a big lechón asao (roasted pig) with arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) were served, and all kind of succulent homemade desserts that were prepared by different guests.

Don Pepo’s granddaughter invited me to the festivity that brought me back to my childhood. While children were running around, panting dogs and purring cats were following them, mingling with the people, as part of the family. A joyful uproar of laughs and typical conversations blended with the lively music of a group of musicians. Improvising bombas, (a folklore narrated song), many people joined in, spontaneously expressing verses that followed a theme, and swirling our bodies, several cuatros, güiros, and maracas, among many another instrument, orchestrated the music.

The great fiesta lasted until the early hours of the morning. After most of the guests had left, Don Pepo invited us to sit with him in the Terraza of their big house. Thousands of twinkling stars covered the sky that graciously descended while the soft chords of a guitar and the soothing notes of a coquí (tiny tree frog) created a background melody.

“Don Pepo, why do people call you the illustrious jibarito?” I asked him, catching a glint of pride in his dark and old eyes.

“I lived with my folks in a barrio not too far from here. My father was a farmer, teaching me all that stuff you learn in college when you study agriculture. He knew the secrets of mother nature, religiously following the moon phases to make sure the crops would fully grow.”

“Instead of getting a car on my 18 birthdays, I got a yegua (female horse), taking me the potra (female horse) to places where our antecedents, the Taínos believed its energy was sacred. When I was ten years old, señorita Peña, a well-spoken and young teacher, taught me one of the most important lessons of my life, “self-acceptance.”  She inspired me in many ways to feel proud of my origin. I was living a sheltered life in my small world in Aibonito, learning through my Viejo (father) to worship our nature.”

“When the destructive hurricane known as San Felipe hit the island in 1928, with the recession, most crops were destroyed. I was very young, remembering my folk express his lament with anguish. Therefore, I dropped out of school, deciding to help my dad on the farm. As I always remembered señorita Peña, I was very proud of my labor and origin. Then, when I began to travel in my yegua to Old San Juan, hoping to sell my father’s crops, a group of young men that I approached started to make fun of the way I talked, calling me with sarcasm a “jíbaro.” That was the first time I felt ashamed of who I was.”

“Back home, I shared with my dad how my day went. He quietly listened to me, focusing his big, dark eyes on mine, and after inhaling the tabasco from his pipe, he said, “Mira mijo (look son), let me give you advise, more than words or looks, elegance is a feeling you project. It has nothing to do with the clothes you wear or the way you talk. When you know who you are with pride, you carry that feeling with grace. So instead of paying attention to how others perceive you, focus on who you truly are, and others will respond to that.”

“Those words stuck with me for years. From that moment on, instead of feeling shame, I followed my Viejo’s advice, carrying myself with elegance. I made a choice to work at his farm, instead of going to college. However, one day I asked señorita Peña for suggestions on how I could improve my speech. She suggested a few online courses and even helped me to register at a local high school to get my diploma. I was determined to get educated, so in no  time, I got a degree in Agriculture.”

“The Puertorican jíbaros,” don Pepo continued his dialogue, “emerged in the 16th century with the blending of the Pre-Columbian Taíno and Spanish European cultures. They were country folks from the mountains who were farmers and laborers. During the Spanish colonization, they worked the field and plantations of the hacendados (Spanish landowners). Even though they were not slaves, like the ones imported from Africa, they were impoverished and uneducated.

However, they expressed their artistic gifts through their voices in music and painting. Just like the Indian Taínos, they were highly creative and fabulous artisans. They created many of our percussion instruments. The cuatro, a guitar developed by them, became the national instrument of Puerto Rico and were globally known.”

“Don Pepo, do you think jibaritos still exist?” I asked him, perceiving in his nostalgic eyes the answer.

“Within the last generations, especially the new millennium, we have lost many of our customs. However, instead of disappearing, they have evolved into a more refined Boricua (Indian word for Puerto Rican).”

“As I began to educate myself, I realized being a jíbaro is an honor because of our Taíno heritage.  By proudly carrying myself with grace and elegance, everybody started calling me “Pepo, the illustrious jibarito, as I have taught my family to feel proud of who they are.

El flujo mágico de Feng Shui

En una isla tan hermosa y fascinante como lo es Puerto Rico; ¿te imaginas la magia increíble que podría fluir en tu vida si supieras como aplicar el arte de feng shui? Mientras la energía de la Isla del Encanto fluye a través de su profundo oceáno y sus montañas sublimes; el eco altivo que surgió de los cantos de los Indios Taínos, deslumbra la atmósfera de Borinkén (nombre Taíno para Puerto Rico) con misterio, romance y aventura.

Agradeciéndole al aire por suspirarle a nuestros ancestros aborígenes y al agua por su poder refrescante al limpiarnos y renacernos, yo me fasciné con esta ciencia antigua que es conocida como feng shui. Pronunciado “fung shway” y significando en chino; aire y agua, esta filosofía sostiene que todo el mundo y todo en el universo está conectado por una tela de energía que fluye. Apasasionada por transformar lugares en espacios hermosos y enérgicos, decidí convertirme en una experta en feng shui.

Conocido como la “fuerza de la vida”, buen “chi” es creado con un fluido de energía positiva. Cuando esta energía es interrumpida o bloqueada, se estanca, afectando la vida en maneras negativas. A pesar de su origen antiguo, feng shui es compatible en el mundo moderno que vivimos y se puede aplicar en cualquier parte del mundo.

Emergiendo miles de años atrás, durante la dinastía de Han en China, feng shui creó un impacto histórico en todo el mundo. Antes de construir una nueva ciudad, los líderes le pidieron a expertos de este arte, quienes eran muy viejos y con un gran conocimiento para encontrar los lugares más propicios o afortunados. Sabiendo que “chi” podría ser potencialmente destructivo, al igual como armonioso, estos oficiales querían asegurarse de aplicar los principios de feng shui.

Aunque mucha gente tiene el concepto erróneo que feng shui es una religión, una noción de la nueva era, o un culto; cualquier persona puede aplicarlo en su estilo de vida, sin tener en cuenta sus antecedentes religiosos. Su mayor propósito es mejorar muchos aspectos de su vida, trayendo balance y armonía en su hogar o en su negocio.

Cuando entras a un lugar hermoso, es posible que sientas una vibración maravillosa que te eleve el ánimo. Por lo contrario, si te encuentras en un lugar oscuro y desorganizado, tu ánimo podría cambiar, provocando el deseo de salir de ese ambiente inmediatamente. Así como el cuerpo es el templo de tu alma, el hogar es el templo del cuerpo, y feng shui crea un ambiente armonioso dentro del hogar.

Es esencial el cuidar tu espacio de vivienda, y el primer paso que debes hacer antes de aplicar feng shui es remover todos los objetos que estén creando la desorganización. Esta filosofía apoya que el sucio y el desorden reflejan tu ambiente mental. Si tu hogar es caótico, tal vez quieras examinar tus emociones e identificar lo que está causando el caos. También esta ciencia enfatiza que como todo tiene energía, y todos estamos conectados, tu mundo es una proyección de tus pensamientos y sentimientos.

Si has sido condicionado a creer que los objetos no tienen energía, tal vez  acumules objetos personales y cosas que ya no tienen propósito en tus closets, ático o sótano. Aunque no lo creas, esta energía se estanca e impide el flujo de buen “chi”. En adición, las palabras y las emociones pueden impactar la energía de un salón. Así como la felicidad y la armonía permiten el buen “chi”, discusiones y discordias pueden interrumpir el flujo en tu ambiente.

Considerado una de las herramientas más fundamental en esta práctica, el mapa occidental conocido como “bagua” se coloca encima de un plano de planta de tu hogar o negocio para localizar las mayores áreas de energía. Comenzando con la puerta de entrada, este mapa rectangular o cuadrado es el más fácil de usar porque no requiere una brújula.

Al ser dividido en nueve partes iguales, estas áreas son conocidas como guas; representando los diferentes aspectos que crean una vida balanceada y plena. Cada uno de estos guas abarca un área donde la salud, la abundancia, la vida romántica, la familia, la carrera profesional, la creatividad, la fama y reputación, al igual como el desarrollo personal e intelectual, se verán afectadas positiva o negativamente.

Al aprender a aplicar los elementos que crean el balance en nuestras vidas, y crear consciencia que todo tiene su lugar y sus vibraciones, podrás entender como este arte manifiesta su magia.

Considerado la boca del chi, la puerta de entrada es la parte más importante de la casa. El mapa bagua empieza con la puerta de entrada porque es donde la energía vital entra y sale de tu hogar. Es también donde dejas tu mundo externo y entras a tu mundo interno o viceversa. La apariencia de tu hogar es un mensaje claro de quien eres y cómo vives.

Ahora que has leído algunos de los principios básicos de feng shui, tal vez te interese aprender cómo manifestar tu propio flujo mágico, aplicando esta práctica en tu vida. Ya has dado el primer paso, el cual es reconocer que hay una energía suprema que siempre nos rodea y a la que estamos conectados a través de la naturaleza. ¿Estás listo para comenzar grandes cambios en tu vida? Enlázate a una gran aventura en tu vida…

The Magical Flow of Feng Shui

In such a fascinating and beautiful island like Puerto Rico, can you imagine the incredible magic that could flow into your life if you learn how to apply feng shui? While the energy of the Island of Enchantment flows through its deep blue ocean and majestic mountains, a festive echo that was born in the chants of the Indian Taínos, charges the atmosphere of Borinkén (Taíno name for Puerto Rico) with mystery, romance, and adventure.

Thanking the wind for breathing life into our aboriginal ancestors and the water for its restorative power to cleanse and renew us, I became fascinated with the ancient science known as feng shui.  Pronounced “fung way” and meaning in Chinese, wind and water, this philosophy states that everyone and everything in the universe is connected by a web of energy flow. Passionate about transforming places into beautiful and energizing spaces, I decided to become an expert in feng shui. 

Known as the “life force,” ” good “Chi” is created with a flow of positive energy. When this energy is disrupted or blocked in some way, it becomes stagnant, affecting one’s life in negative ways. Regardless of its ancient origins, feng shui remains compatible with the modern world we live in and can be applied anywhere in the world.

Emerging several thousand years ago during China’s Han Dynasty, feng shui created a historical impact all over the world. Before building a new city, officials asked experts of this art who were ancient, knowledgeable, and wise to find the most “auspicious” or “lucky” site. Knowing that chi could be potentially destructive as well as harmonious, these city officials wanted to make sure they applied the principles of feng shui.

While many people have the misconception that feng shui is a religion, a new age concept, or a cult anyone can apply it to his or her lifestyle, regardless of spiritual background. Its primary purpose is to enhance many aspects of your life by bringing balance and harmony into your home or business.

When you walk into a beautiful place, you may immediately feel a wonderful vibe uplifting you.  Alternatively, if you find yourself in a cluttered and dark space, your mood may shift, making you desire to leave that environment right away. Just like the body is the temple of the soul, the home is the temple of the body, and feng shui creates a harmonious environment within the home.

Taking care of your living space is essential, and the first step you must do before applying feng shui is removing all clutter. This philosophy supports that dust and disorganization mirror your mental atmosphere. If your home is chaotic, you may want to examine your emotions to identify what is causing the chaos. It also emphasizes that since everyone and everything have energy, and we are all connected, your world begins within you.

If you are like most people who have been conditioned to believe that objects don’t have energy, you may neglect some of your personal belongings and accumulate a group of items that has no purpose in your closets, attic, or basement. Believe it or not, this energy becomes dead or stagnant and impedes the flow of good chi. Also, words and emotions can impact the energy of the room. Just like happiness and harmony allow the flow of good chi, arguments, disagreements, and annoyances can disrupt the chi flow of the environment.

The Western Bagua Map is one of the most fundamental tools used in this practice. Placed over the floor plan of the home or business to locate key areas of energy. Starting with the front door, this rectangular or square map is the easiest one to use because it doesn’t require a compass. Divided the Bagua map into nine equal parts,  the guas are the areas that represent the different aspects that create a balanced and joyful life. These areas are health, abundance and prosperity, fame and reputation, relationships and love, family, creativity and children, skills and knowledge, career and helpful people and travel. Represented by one of the five elements, which are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, a designated color and shape symbolizes the element that enhances the energy of the specific gua.

Bagua Map
Bagua Map

The front door is the mouth of chi; the front door is the most important place in the house. The Bagua map begins with the front door because it is where vital energy enters and exits your home. It is also where you leave the outside world behind and enter your inner world. Its appearance gives a clear message to the outside world of who you are and what you stand

Now that you have read about some of the fundamental principles of feng shui, you may be interested in learning how to manifest your magical flow by applying this practice in your life.  So stay tuned for more feng shui information on the Island of Enchantment’s future articles.

The Gift of the Taínos

Everybody wants to find happiness, but we have been conditioned to believe that joy manifests when our dreams come true. Often, upon achieving our goals, our euphoria quickly fades, and we fail to understand that to seek real happiness, we must discover our true essence. Before Columbus discovered America, our primitive ancestors, the Taínos called Puerto Rico a paradise because they knew their essence was within.

Taina Atabey by Tanya Torres
Taina Atabey
by Tanya Torres

In 1998, scientists discovered through the Hubble Space Telescope that the universe has accelerated due to dark energy. This phenomenon is called “black” or “dark” energy because its true nature is unknown. Even though physicists were able to conclude that 68% of dark energy consists of the universe, a logical explanation of its formation is still a mystery. While scientists called it black energy, the Taínos were able to communicate with a higher intelligence because they believed everything that surrounded them was interconnected and spiritually alive

Through quantum physics, the Taínos knew that as multi-dimensional beings, they lived in an invisible world that was greater than their “actual” one. Through their connection with higher intelligences, they were able to elevate their consciousness, spiritually ascending to higher dimensions. Nature was sacred to the Taínos, symbolized by the Ceiba tree, a portal allowing them to understand the language of the cosmos. The root of the Ceiba represented the wisdom of their souls, strengthening the bond between their minds and their hearts.

Preparing their bodies and spirits for the areyto, a religious and social ceremony, the Taínos celebrated and cherished important events while connecting with their ancestors.  By fasting for days, and ingesting wooden sticks to provoke vomiting, they worshiped multiple gods they called zemí, seeking the divine guidance that would show them how to find their true essence.

Taíno symbol by Luis Vélez
Taíno symbol
by Luis Vélez

Claiming an inner power that allowed them to manifest through nature the magic they nurtured within, the Taínos perceived life as a gift. Gratitude was a sacred ritual they practiced all the time–recognizing that a pure heart channels divinity. Instead of thinking with their minds, they learned to follow their intuition by listening to their hearts.

In a world without the scientific and technological advances we have now, how were these primitive indigenous people able to survive during the prehistoric time? By knowing how to build wooden canoes that could transport about 100 passengers, the Taínos navigated the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. Before the Spanish discovered America, the Taínos successfully sailed throughout the Greater Antilles, leaving behind a rich cultural and spiritual legacy.

Their world fell apart when the Spaniards colonized America in 1493, by imposing the colonizers their vision with arrogance and cruelty. At first, the Taínos welcomed them with opened hearts, believing the Spaniards were gods, and realizing shortly after their arrival that there was nothing divine about them. Regardless their paradise was transformed into a prison, and about 85% of the Taínos’ population vanished in the early 1500’s,  they never stopped seeking for guidance from their gods and guides.

Harmony and Freedom by Luis Vélez
Harmony and Freedom
by Luis Vélez

During the cataclysmic transition they were forced to go through, the Taínos aligned their minds and hearts with their souls—consciously shifting them to another realm where they could only found within the Puerto Rican’s heart. By understanding that their extraordinary creativity expressed the connection they had with higher intelligence, they conveyed through their artwork the symbols that taught them how to find the path of joy.

A recent study by Juan Carlos Martínez Cruzado, professor of genetics at the University of Puerto Rico, discovered that many Puerto Ricans have 61% of Amerindian ancestry. Regardless historians claim that the Taínos were extinct, my heart was overfilled with joy when I learned about the results of this research. Even though we have Spanish and American blood, it is evident that the Taínos genes are very strong, leaving us concise proof that they live inside of us.

Sol-taino-muse by Tanya Torres
Sol-taino-muse
by Tanya Torres

By learning from our indigenous ancestors to connect with our essence, we understand that abundant joy will touch our hearts. In this journey we call life, pursuing happiness is everybody’s goal. When we discover our authenticity and honor the roots of our origin, we become enlightened Boricuas (Taíno name for Puerto Ricans). Through this awareness, we learn to perceive our world as a magical place, teaching us the Taínos that happiness is a journey to the heart.

A Piece of your Heart

After doing your research looking for the best place to spend an incredible vacation in the Caribbean, you book your ticket to the Island of Enchantment. While you are packing your bag, leaving any warm clothes at home, your excitement grows, assuring you that its magic, romance, adventure, and mystery will meet all your expectations.

Regardless of its size, 110 x 35 mile, this island is the lesser of the Greater Antilles. Its strategic location, compelling history, and astounding geography, distinguish Puerto Rico as one of the most magical and exciting places in the world.

San Felipe Fort at Old San Juan by Ricardo Justino
San Felipe Fort
at Old San Juan
by Ricardo Justino

From the moment you land at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, a welcoming music impregnates the atmosphere with an upbeat tempo and invites you to move your body to the melody of a song. The rhythmical beats of a conga resonate everywhere putting everybody in a dancing mood.

You head to Old San Juan, the oldest capital city within the US,  founded in 1521. The vibrant town is well-known for its colonial and Spanish architecture. Surrounded by the tranquil and blue Caribbean waters, the ancient forts, San Cristóbal and San Felipe, were built to protect the island from pirate attacks. At night, the soul of San Juan embraces the beauty of such a charming place while the ghosts of famous legends cruise the streets of Old San Juan.

Old San Juan at night
Old San Juan at night

In the northern region, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, you reach the oldest resort town, known as Dorado. (golden) Famous for its serene coastline, white sand,  and palm-fringed beaches, Dorado boasts of its exclusive resorts that provide golf, casinos and a natural sanctuary for a real sense of luxury.

El Yunque Ricardo Justino
El Yunque
Ricardo Justino

In the wild Sierra of Luquillo, as you navigate through the curvy road of 191 that is sheltered by gigantic bamboo trees, and you reach El Yunque Rainforest. You experience the hidden world that resides inside the mysterious woodland; this is the only tropical forest that belongs to the US. Standing at 3543 feet above sea level, it has one of the highest peaks of the island where you see the clouds passing. The coquí, a tiny tree frog that symbolizes the Puerto Rican spirit, composes a symphony with its soothing sound. From legends like the chupacabra, (a bizarre creature that was first seen there in the 1970s), extraterrestrial abductions and UFO’s sightings; the Taínos considered the mystical mountain a spiritual home where Yocahú, their benevolent god lives there.

Kayaking at Glowing Bay in Laguna Grande
Kayaking at Glowing Bay
in Laguna Grande

On a moonless night, about an hour from San Juan, you can drive to a unique wonderland in Laguna Grande, Fajardo. Gliding along in a secluded lagoon protected by a canal of mangrove trees, you paddle in a kayak to a bioluminescent bay where the glowing waters compete with the luminescence of the falling stars.

Arecibo Observatory By Jerry Valentin
Arecibo Observatory
By Jerry Valentin

Founded in 1556, the town of Arecibo hosts the largest radio telescope on planet Earth. Because of its strategic location on the northern coastline, Arecibo  Observatory is well-known to physicists and astronomers around the world, who search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. Just like the Indian Taínos were able to exchange their wisdom with advanced beings, it is evident that Puerto Rico is a hotspot for alien activity.

Known as La Perla del Sur (the Pearl of the South), and on the southern coast, Ponce is the second largest city in Puerto Rico. Distinguished by its neoclassical buildings and facades, Castillo Serrallés (former residence of the producers of Don Q rum), and the Museum of Art — are some of the best highlights of the enchanting town.

View and patio of Castillo Serralles
View and patio of
Castillo Serralles

Heading toward the Western Coastal Valley, Rincón, meaning in Spanish corneris known as the town of the most beautiful sunsets. The charming city hosts some of the best surfing waves in the world; becoming a major resort destination, especially during winter.

On the Northwest coast, the other side of San Juan, the beauty of Aguadilla is captivating. Known as the site upon which Christopher Columbus landed during his second voyage to the New World in 1493, the small and rural town has some of the most exquisite beaches of the island. Surrounded by a bay of transparent waters, its magic rewards the city with the name of  El Jardín del Atlántico. (Atlantic Garden)

Sunset at Crashboat in Aguadilla by Jerry Valentín
Sunset at Crashboat
in Aguadilla
by Jerry Valentín

As you find out that Puerto Rico is an archipelago because of its smaller nearby islands, you decide to visit Vieques Island. For only four dollars round trip, you can take a ferry from Fajardo to Vieques, which is 8 miles east from Puerto Rico. Proud for its glowing waters, Mosquito Bay is the only phosphorescent bay where you can experience your body becoming translucent while you swim.

Because most of its land belonged the US Navy for over six decades,  some areas of Vieques are still undeveloped, giving you the illusion that you are on a secluded island. To add to your adventure, you can go horseback riding along the pristine, white sands and crystal water beaches that are surrounded by native flora.

At the end of your vacation, you realize that the Puerto Rican sun touched you with a golden light, making you feel so good. The fascinating adventure has given you a new insight into your life. Magic is in the air of the Island of Enchantment; and, while you can take a little piece of its magic with you, a piece of your heart will always stay there.