Here are 9 ways I've changed since moving to Mexico!

1. I actively use four currencies.

Two fiat (Dollars and Pesos), and two crypto (Bitcoin and Steem). Regarding the cryptocurrencies, I bumble around exchanges and wallets, with barely half a clue as to what I'm doing! I have managed successful transactions, but it does not yet come quickly to me. My need for more crypto-literacy is strong, so I'm excited to have recently started Nexxus University's online training. If you are newish to all of this, like I am, you might benefit from the introductory courses they offer:

• Cryptocurrency Enlightenment
• The History of Money
• The Bitcoin Solution
• Understanding Cryptocurrency

I love the accessible presentation, and the obvious (and contagious) passion for cryptocurrency that's laced throughout the content and platform. I'm just an hour in, and I already better understand how central banks screw us personally. And how cryptocurrency subverts that. It's not crystal clear to me yet, of course, but I am coming to the topic with very little previous knowledge. Once I've completed all the courses, I'll write a review. (Thanks for the intro, Kelly!)

2. I'm starting to think in two languages.

Pero mi Español tiene un largo camino por recorrer!

As a fulltime+ freelancer, I still struggle with a bit of time-scarcity, which eats into chances for active language study. But I've got to squash that, so I'm proactively befriending locals -- especially bilingual locals. And am also slowly working through The Michele Thomas Method which appeals to me because of Thomas' emphasis on relaxed learning. He believes language is to be absorbed and internalized, not rotely memorized. (Thanks for the intro, Jen!)

3. I'm more physically active now, even though I don't go to the gym.

While it is too hot and humid for some, I find the weather extremely pleasant. And because I feel really good while out in it, I walk to 90% of my destinations. I allow for extra time, and use a backpack to schlep groceries and other items. Care is needed, however, as some sidewalks can be very narrow!

But the main street, Costera, is plenty wide, and always has lots of activity.

Of course, there's no people in these shots, but that's just a weird fluke.

Putting so many steps all over the ground here (almost always in flip-flops!) makes me feel that much more connected to it... able to take in scents and sounds. Have encounters with wildlife, both flora and fauna. Engage with vendors, and just random people trying to figure out where I'm from (the hair, lol). The sometimes steep hills challenge my lungs and quads, and have made me stronger. It's satisfying to enjoy natural, practical exercise like this. Treadmills make zero sense to me. I prefer having real places to go, lol.

4. I find sunsets here, a special event.

Every.

Single.

One.

When I'm out with others, and the sun starts to set, I notice its calming effect on us. Even during the most riveting conversation, there are plenty of hushed pauses to gaze, and appreciate what Anais Nin nailed:

"Acapulco in the sunset seems like a balm; it enters the blood like a drug after one inhalation of the scent of flowers, one glimpse of the bay iridescent like silk, the sunset like the inside of a shell, so much like the flesh of Venus."

5. As often as possible, I sunbathe nude.

For the first time ever, I have access to a private rooftop, and I take advantage of it when I can. (Thanks, Cristina!) I never believed the warnings that incite fear and suspicion against the sun. How about examining the toxic stuff (hello, aluminum) that's loaded into those goopy sunscreens that MELT INTO the open pores of our largest eliminating organ? Isn't it more feasible that THAT's the cause of skin cancer, moreso than a moderate intake of sunlight at safe hours (when UV is lowest)? In fact, according to a group of right-minded physicians, "Humans spend less time in the sun today than at any point in human history – which is why more than 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient."

We are so similar to plants. Not only do we synthesize the sun, as they do. But our hemoglobin, and their chlorophyl is only one molecule different!

So yeah, I do like my plant brothers and sisters, and soak up solar love whenever possible. The beaming rays on my skin feels so right... so invigorating, that I viscerally know it is beneficial and nourishing for my body. I am FED.

This reminds me, now, of a related practice I used to do on the Chicago lakefront, called sungazing. Should I resume it here in Acapulco, I'll write about it.

It's controversial, and counters the anti-sun propaganda, which is plentiful. During the weeks that I sungazed daily, and allowed safe sunlight (which shines within 1 hour of sunrise or sunset) to hit the back of my skull through my pupils, I experienced incredible wellbeing that's very hard to describe. In fact, it struck me as odd that simply meditating on a star, letting light in (literally), could make me feel so profoundly okay. As I write this, I realize I'd very much like to have those early morning meetings again (thanks, blogging!). If anyone reading has tried sungazing, I'd love to hear about your experience.

6. I enjoy a social life that is built on shared principles and passions. How cool is that?

I really hope we'll start taking and sharing more group photos, because to see us, is to love us... especially all piled up in the back of John and Lily's pickup! :-)

7. The last 3 months, I have lived without windows!

I do have screens, though :-)

I so quickly got used to it, that I was only reminded it's a little different being windowless by the recent reaction of others. The climate is so mild that windows truly aren't needed! Not if you're into la brisa, like I am. (Have not operated an air conditioner once since being here, aside from hotel rooms that had no fans. Fans ARE needed.) Because so much greenery surrounds my place (aren't those Birds of Paradise outside huge?!), it's naturally cooler all the time.

8. The last 7 months, I have lived without a TV.

I don't even realize it's absence, until the rare occasions I see one on. And then I immediately feel its suck-pull effect so strongly... having been utterly away from it. It would be nice to see some good movies on a screen larger than my laptop, though!

I have also been without nearly all of my personal possessions. I miss certain creature comforts, like my Himalayan salt lamp (makes the prettiest glow!), djembe, dehydrator, Vitamix. I'll get them, and appreciate them all the more when I do! But minimalism and living simply is what I've ALWAYS wanted... and now have.

9. Being out of integrity with myself is no longer an option. I just can't.

There have been times where, socially and professionally, I could have gotten "further" (and where is that, exactly?) by playing along with something I really wasn't down with. But at the cost of feeling very unwell. Becoming more of an integrated/non-fragmented person, makes it hard to be in conflict with yourself. And how wonderful is that?!

I'm curious... have you had anything shake up your status quo, and bring about big change in you/your life?

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Hey, I'm Erika... enjoying life in Acapulco, via jazzy and (let's be honest, murderous) Chicago. I am currently conducting an experiment with my life... which is living from my imagination. I am happy to report it is working out fabulously! If you want to keep up with an oddly flavored thing like that, add me to your feed: @erikaharris. Your time and attention is precious, so thanks for sharing a lil' of it with me. And if YOU feel in need of some attention, do consider my Lavish Listening service.