Beyond Comfort: My Journey to the Mountains of Oaxaca

So, I did a thing.

For six days, I stepped far beyond my comfort zone and immersed myself in the beautiful, sacred lands of San Mateo Río Hondo. My destination was Refugio Terrazzo de la Tierra, perched more than 8,000 feet above sea level in San José del Pacífico, Oaxaca, Mexico.

I began the journey traveling solo, a little nervous but open. Eventually, I met up with a few members of my cohort from New England. Strangers who quickly became companions. We called ourselves The Six: six souls brought together by fate, sharing an experience that was unlike anything we had ever known.

The Six

Tested in Every Way

This trip tested me on every level - emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It was draining, exhausting, uncomfortable, and hard. Yet at the same time, it was also profound.

One of the most grueling challenges came in the form of a 3+ mile hike down the mountain to a hidden waterfall…a place so remote that few people will ever see it. The path was narrow, wet, and treacherous. The climb back up was physically brutal, but I discovered just how resilient I am. Every aching step was a reminder of the strength we find when we keep going.

The waterfall

Simple Living, Deep Lessons

Life at the Refugio was rustic and raw. My room was small and humble, with a compost toilet, no running water, and only a bowl for a sink. The electricity was unreliable, and the fireplace was our main source of warmth at night. Cats wandered in and out, offering quiet companionship.

Meals were vegan, simple, nourishing. Our water came directly from a sacred well. There was no glamor, no convenience - only simple living that stripped away distractions and forced me to be present. It made me appreciate the comforts I take for granted at home while also reminding me of how little we actually need to survive.

My upgraded room with occasional electricity.

Transformation in Divine Timing

This all unfolded during a powerful alignment: the 8/8 Lion’s Gate Portal, a full moon, and the tail end of Mercury retrograde. The energy was intense. Nothing went as planned, schedules dissolved, and we were constantly pushed out of our routines.

Individually and collectively, we were stretched beyond our limits. Each of us faced fears, found our voices, and reclaimed our power. It was messy, raw, and real. And it was life-altering.

Refugio Terrazzo de la Tierra

What the Mountain Taught Me

The mountain itself became a teacher. It whispered lessons about resilience, humility, and surrender. It reminded me that transformation is not easy - it often comes through pain, difficulty, and uncertainty. But when we push through, we emerge stronger, wiser, and more deeply connected to ourselves and to one another.

I came home with a heart expanded and overflowing with love, compassion, and gratitude for life. I now see our human capacity for growth and healing in a new way. Truly, there is no limit to what we can expand into when we surrender, show up, and keep moving forward.

For this, I am beyond grateful.

Peace, love, and blessings.

Angela - The Rose Heart