I survived on the hospitality of the Belizean people, wells and captured rainwater, fresh fruits, yoga, meditation and prayer. My time took me through many adventures from seeing jaguars roam through my Barranco camp, to late night drives into the bush at the behest of a ganja-dealing host. I spent nights wondering if I was going to make it and days wondering how I could be so lucky. I left Belize when I realized I still had something to contribute to the world and my isolated lifestyle would not help me share my gifts.

The greatest lesson learned from my adventure is that life is self-sustaining. So many of us are caught up in the pursuit of things that we forget to live. There are always more things to pursue. But, how much life do we have and is it all about the pursuit or the enjoyment of what is? I learned to enjoy having 2 pairs of pants and mostly being shirtless and shoeless. I learned to enjoy the exertion of climbing a tree to dislodge a coconut or breadfruit, and then the satisfaction of a good meal. I learned that planted seeds take time to grow and I learned when enough is enough. I left Belize on a mission to share love with the world and I’m well on my way.

(Zaccai Free is an artist, author, dancer, stress and trauma relief facilitator and adventurer. experience more of Belize through his book Mbutu’s Mangos.)