Message from Marissa

from Rasa Essentials Newsletter

"All paths lead to nowhere,
so it's important to choose the path that has heart." - Carlos Castaneda

I recently read this powerful message on a sign on the top of Mount Shasta, when my spirit was starting to feel heavy. The thought couldn't have been timed any better.  So many changes have come into my life in the past three months, and it was good to be reminded that the heart is the true barometer of our journey in life. 

After the closing of our wonderful community Studio Rasa, I suddenly had the freedom to begin the first of my  Rasa Travels by visiting loved ones in Mount Shasta, Los Angeles, Alabama and Alaska.  These visits helped me re-connect with my heart space during a time of much-needed healing and helped me prepare for moving out in to the world again after raising kids for 20 years and having the responsibility of a business.

As some of you know, I had to contend with the passing of dear friend during the last few weeks of the Studio.  Kimba, my beautiful black Labrador, was diagnosed with a terminal illness just as I was given notice of the Studio having to close. Kimba slowly deteriorated during the month that I dismantled the Studio. The day before closing the studio I held her in my arms, looked into her eyes and thanked her for 14 years of unconditional love. I told Kimba I released her from her suffering and whispered "Let go" several times. Within seconds I felt her life force lift from her body.

So, it seems that both Studio Rasa and Kimba ascended together. Change continues in my life.  In August my son turned twenty and is moving to Mexico in a few weeks. My 20-year -old foster son moved to Oakland and my twin 27-year-old nieces, who I helped raise like my own daughters have just moved to Austin (along with my two "grandchildren” who call me Oma). Suddenly without warning, the world I knew months ago has dissolved.   I guess the universe is telling me to let go, widen my circle and move out into the world.

I hope that you will join me!

This radical transformation is a metaphor for all of us: Things change, and we must recognize when the time comes to let go of that which we hold dear to our hearts.  Only then can we truly grow, letting our spirits soar.

I am very excited to have this space to share with you my thoughts and feelings about travel reflections and tips: in our backyard*, across California, the United States and the world. I want to share intimate details for both your reading and reference pleasure. The creation of Rasa Travel, combined with the exciting, challenging, and complicated global culture we live in should make for some outstanding content. If nothing else, it will allow me to continue to spread the message of Rasa Travel for anyone who has the mind for culture and heart for adventure!

With deepest gratitude and blessings for our continuing connections,

Marissa LaMagna (Miss Adventures)

P.S. I am working on an exciting new project called the EAST BAY GREEN TOURS. Find out more at my new blog!

* I recommend camping at Lake Chabot in the Oakland Hills. It is a lovely campsite overlooking the lake with a wonderful two mile hike that loops down the hill, along the lake and back up through a eucalyptus grove on the other side of the campground. I went with my “grandson” last month and our campsite overlooked the lake reflecting the full moon back at us where we took a moonlight walk before going to sleep.

(subscribe here for Rasa Essentials newsletter to learn about upcoming events and travels) The Rasa Essentials newsletter is dedicated to guiding you to people and places that can help your spirit soar locally and around the world. 

Contact Us

Tel: 510.704.0379
marissa@studiorasa.org