March 2025 Mindful Moments: A Month in Puerto Vallarta

Every day on the road holds a lesson if you pause long enough to notice it. This March, we spent our days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a place that rewards slowness. What follows are the daily mindful moments from the month — the sunrises, the conversations, the small rituals, and the unexpected kindnesses that made this month unforgettable.

Sunset

March 6, 2025

Here is a beautiful moment of a sunset in Puerto Vallarta, México.

These are the mindful moments when you take time to breathe and to connect with the world around you. Each night the sun sets and takes about 60 seconds to fall below the horizon. This gives you a moment to pause and reflect on the day that has passed. The beauty surrounds us and we can take time to appreciate it.

In Puerto Vallarta, the sunsets are particularly magical. The sky transforms into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, painting a picture that no artist could fully capture. The ocean reflects these colors, creating a mirror of beauty that stretches to the horizon. It’s a reminder of nature’s daily masterpiece, available to anyone who takes the time to watch.

Watching the sunset is a form of meditation. As the sun descends, you can feel a sense of peace settle over you. The day’s worries seem to fade with the light. It’s a natural transition from activity to rest, from doing to being. In those few minutes, you’re not thinking about tomorrow or yesterday - you’re simply present with the beauty of the moment.

These daily rituals of observation ground us. They remind us that despite all the chaos and complexity of modern life, there are simple, beautiful moments happening all around us. The sunset will happen whether we watch it or not, but when we do, we participate in something timeless and universal. That connection, however brief, nourishes the soul.

Sunrise

March 7, 2025

Waking up with the sun is a beautiful moment. The world is still quiet and the sun is slowly rising. This gives you a moment to pause and reflect on the day ahead. The beauty surrounds us and we can take time to appreciate it. As I look to the water where the sunset was last evening, I am reminded to be present and to take time to appreciate the world around me. Life is full of beautiful moments for reflection. Remember to breathe and to live with intention. Have a joyous day!

In Puerto Vallarta, the sunrise offers a different kind of magic than the sunset. While sunsets are about closure and reflection, sunrings are about possibility and new beginnings. The sky transforms from deep blues to soft pinks and golds, signaling the start of something fresh. The ocean, which reflected the evening’s fiery colors, now catches the gentle morning light in a different way - calmer, more hopeful.

There’s a special quality to the early morning hours. The world hasn’t fully awakened yet. The sounds are different - the distant call of a bird, the gentle lapping of waves, the faint hum of the city coming to life. In this quiet, there’s space for thoughts to settle, for intentions to form. It’s a natural time for meditation, for setting the tone for the day ahead.

Watching the sunrise is an act of hope. Each morning, the world offers us this gift - a reminder that no matter what happened yesterday, today is new. The sun rises regardless of our circumstances, offering its light equally to everyone. This consistency is comforting, a reliable anchor in our often unpredictable lives.

This morning ritual grounds us. It connects us to the rhythms of nature, reminding us that we’re part of something larger than our individual concerns. Taking these moments to breathe, to observe, to appreciate - this is the foundation of mindful living. It’s in these small, daily practices that we cultivate the awareness and presence that enrich all our experiences.

So tomorrow morning, consider waking with the sun. Even for just a few minutes. Notice the light, feel the air, set an intention. Let this simple act be the start of a more intentional, more present day.

Mindful Eating

March 8, 2025

It is easy to forget to be present while eating. We are often rushing to get to the next meal or snack. But taking time to be present while eating can help us savor the flavors and textures of our food. When we travel, we can feel rushed and sometimes we don’t have time to eat properly. Take your time to enjoy what is front of you and be prepared by having a reusable water bottle and healthy snacks on hand. There is nothing worse then getting “hangry” or dehydrated while traveling.

Some of our favourite on the go snacks are from the no sugar company, No Sugar. You can find the No Sugar Keto Bar (Amazon.com) on Amazon. We also like the Shellz (Amazon.com). Whatever you choose as a snack, make sure you take time to savour it. Water bottles are a must have while traveling. We use Hydroflask reusable water bottles (Amazon.com) because it helps to keep our water cold and fresh.

Meeting People

March 9, 2025

Have you ever stopped and thought of all the wonderful people you meet on vacation? Some become friends, some become acquaintances, and some become unforgettable memories. Some people have left a lasting impression that will stay with you for years to come. Through our travels we have met so many wonderful people and we have been blessed with the opportunity to make some of them life-long friends. Today take the time to intentionally connect with the people you meet and make the most of your time with them.

Travel has a unique way of bringing people together. When we’re away from our familiar environments, we’re often more open to connection. Strangers become conversation partners over morning coffee, fellow passengers share stories on a train, locals offer directions that turn into meaningful exchanges. These moments, however brief, remind us of our shared humanity.

What makes these connections special is their authenticity. We’re not meeting people based on their job title, their social circle, or their status. We’re connecting simply because we’re in the same place at the same time, sharing an experience. This purity of connection is rare in our everyday lives and precious when it occurs.

Some of these encounters lead to lasting friendships. We’ve met couples on vacation who we now visit in their home countries. We’ve connected with locals who have shown us their cities through their eyes. We’ve even planned future trips specifically to reconnect with people we met while traveling. These friendships, born from chance encounters, are among travel’s greatest gifts.

But even the brief connections matter. The smile from a shopkeeper, the laugh shared with a fellow tourist, the conversation with a seatmate on a flight - these moments enrich our journeys. They remind us that the world is full of kind, interesting people, and that we’re never truly alone when we’re open to connection.

So as you travel, be intentional about the people you meet. Listen to their stories, share yours, and embrace the serendipity of human connection. You never know which encounter might change your perspective or become a cherished memory.

Walking On Vacation

March 10, 2025

Walking on vacation is a great way to see new sights and slow things down. It is essential to have proper footwear for the adventures. But even the best shoes, socks and sandals can fail. We have had our fair share of blisters and bruises.The best protective socks we have found are feetures. We try to pack blister bandages just in case, but if you are like me these toe sleeves may help prevent the blisters. We also always make sure to wear a good hat, apply sunscreen and use lip balm to prevent chapped lips. Water and a snack are also very important on these day walks and to carry it all in we adore our Osprey backpacks they are lightweight, sturdy and durable

The Sounds On Vacation

March 11, 2025

Have you ever taken the time to listen to the different sounds when you are traveling? The sounds of the world around you can be so peaceful and calming. Today take the time to intentionally connect with the sounds you hear and make the most of your time with them. Today I am lucky enough to be listening to the waves of the ocean crashing into the shore as I write this. I hear birds that sing, dogs that bark and some Bob Marley music in the background. Telling me everything is gonna be alright. Take time to unplug and to listen to the wonderment of the world around you. Remember to breathe and to live with intention. Have a joyous day!

Morning Coffee and All Its Perks

March 12, 2025

First thing in the morning is our favourite peaceful moment of the day. Coffee in hand savouring in its aroma and taste. Every morning we start our day with a cup of coffee in silence. It does not matter if we are in the comfort of our home or on vacation. We have tried many ways to brew on vacation and the best way is to have a Bodum handy or an AeroPress with AeroPress Stainless Steel Filter both travel well. To carry our java on the go, we use the HydroFlask Tumbler. Something about coffee just makes us feel good. We enjoy tasting the different beans from around the world. Some of our favourites have included Dominican Republic, and Mexican coffee. So next time you are in the mood for a cup of java, try something new and different. Pick a bean from a different region and try it out, let it be the inspiration for your next trip. Dream, inspire and travel mindfully.

Reading On Vacation

March 13, 2025

When travelling we like to read books, sometimes with the sounds of the waves in the background. Reading is a great way to unwind and take a break from the world. We use Kindle Paperwhite to read books while on vacation. Reading can be a way to escape the world and to connect in a different way. Sometimes we read to learn and sometimes we read to be inspired. Be sure to take time out of your day to read as you can gain new experiences and travel the pages of a book to a new place. Read and travel mindfully. Have a joyous day!

Music - The Heartbeat Of The World

March 14, 2025

Listening to music is a great way to connect with the world and to find peace. Every time we travel we like to listen to music that is from the country we are visiting. While is Mexico the sound of mariachis fills our hearts. While walking through Puerto Vallerta we hear the sound of a tuba playing. Music connects us to the people and the culture of the country we are visiting. Music is the heartbeat of the world. Take time as you walk through the streets of a new city to listen to the music of the people. When home often we will play the different cultural music to remind us of the places we have visited. Listen and travel mindfully. Have a joyous day! We use our Bose portable speaker, or our ear buds to stay connected to the music of the World.

Travel Day

March 15, 2025

Going home at the end of a holiday can leave some in poor spirits. Not us! We always look forward to the next adventure. We look at travel day, or days as part of the journey and not the end of it. Adventures are found in the journey, not the destination. Being mindful and enjoying all the moments of our lives is what makes us happy. Travel mindfully and enjoy the journey. Have a joyous day!

The transition from vacation to home doesn’t have to be a letdown. It can be a time of reflection and gratitude. As we pack our bags and head to the airport, we’re not just ending a trip - we’re carrying memories that will stay with us forever. Each travel day is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, to be present with whatever arises - whether it’s a smooth flight, a delay, or a moment of unexpected beauty in an unfamiliar airport.

We’ve learned to build comfort into our travel days. We arrive early, not out of anxiety, but to give ourselves space. Space to breathe, to people-watch, to appreciate the unique energy of airports where thousands of journeys intersect. We bring snacks, entertainment, and most importantly, a mindset of curiosity rather than resistance.

The journey home is also a time to process. As the landscape changes from tropical beaches to familiar streets, we can reflect on what we’ve experienced. What did we learn? How did we grow? What will we carry forward into our daily lives? These reflections transform the travel day from mere logistics into meaningful closure.

So the next time you’re heading home from a wonderful trip, remember: the journey isn’t ending, it’s evolving. The adventure continues in new ways, and there’s always another destination waiting to be discovered. Travel mindfully and enjoy every moment of the journey.

Kindness Of Strangers

March 16, 2025

Kindness of Strangers Well my friends, yesterday was the start of a two day travel to home. As I sit in the airport on the second leg of our journey, I reflect on the kindness of strangers. While sitting in the terminal you tend to meet other travellers, many excited to share their experiences and offer new insights on places you may have missed. I am always delighted how travellers are so open to helping others to find gates, to give up a chair to someone who may need it more. Yesterday, like many travellers just about to board I went for a last bathroom run in the airport. I waited in line like I always do. Contemplating how we need more woman engineers they would conclude you need twice as many bathroom stales for woman then men, for multiple reasons. Even better just haves rows of closed in toilets for anyone. Ok rant over! When it is finally my turn I get into the stall and pull on the door noticing that the door gets stuck, the metal flashing on the side of the door lets go trapping me in the washroom. Well luckily the kindness of strangers kicks in. I hear « I think a lady is stuck in the washroom. » I calmly reply « I am. » The lady next to me says « I’ll help ». She tries and says I’m going to get assistance. She actually comes back to declare that help is on its way. Maintenance and the cleaning staff to the rescue. Within minutes, I am freed from the bathroom. I am back with plenty of time to realize there has been a gate change. When a lady gets on the intercom explaining what is happening with the gates, her words resonating with me « Please, don’t be stressed! »

Unpacking After Vacation

March 17, 2025

Unpacking after vacation

We are big believers in unpacking everything the moment we get home. Whatever time we arrive we unpack. We have it down to a science it takes us about 30 minutes start to finish, including putting the luggage away. While on vacation we carry a laundry bag to place the dirty laundry in so as not to contaminate other items that are clean. Also we bring laundry sheets that we can wash our clothes if we need to. The packing cubes keep our clean clothes divided bottoms and tops so easy to put away. Making every moment a mindful moment.

Mindful Moments: Embracing the Present

March 25, 2025

Finding Peace in the Now

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks and future plans. We often find ourselves rushing from one thing to the next, our minds racing with thoughts of what has been and what is yet to come. But what about the present moment? The here and now?

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment without judgment. It’s about noticing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise, without getting carried away by them. It’s about savoring the simple things, like the warmth of the sun on our skin or the taste of a delicious meal.

Cultivating Mindfulness

Cultivating mindfulness doesn’t require grand gestures or extensive time commitments. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths throughout the day, paying attention to the sensations of each inhale and exhale. It can be about truly listening when someone is speaking to us, or noticing the beauty of nature around us.

Here are a few ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life:

• Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath.
• Mindful Walking: Pay attention to each step, the feeling of your feet on the ground.
• Mindful Eating: Savor each bite, noticing the flavors and textures.
• Mindful Listening: Give your full attention to the person speaking.

The Benefits of Mindfulness

The benefits of mindfulness are numerous and far-reaching. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and enhance our overall sense of well-being. By learning to be present, we can find more joy and peace in our daily lives.

Let’s take a moment to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of the present.

This post is part of our Monthly Digest series, where we bundle daily mindful moments into indexed, long-form reflections. The individual daily posts are available in our Mindful Moments archive.