Jan 7, 2026 — Trip Post 1

Thailand

So Wa De Kaa (greetings) from Thailand!
Thank you for joining us on this journey, guided by the animals and something far greater than ourselves. It has been an incredible experience—time spent in Chiang Mai visiting Doi Suthep Temple and Wat Pha Lat, as well as exploring the city itself. We are now at the Elephant Nature Park, about an hour outside Chiang Mai, living in the jungle alongside rescued elephants, dogs, cats, and water buffalo. These elephants are the very ones who called me to make this trip and share their communications with people like you.

Chiang Mai City — January 3–5, 2026

Arriving in Chiang Mai on January 3rd, I immediately noticed how different the city feels compared to others around the world. Chiang Mai carries a natural rhythm of synchronicity, congruence, and mutual respect—not the usual city vibe. Ancient walls and temples stand among modern buildings and scooters, yet the pace is calmer, without road rage. It is a fun, safe place to stay and enjoy the gentle bustle of the city.

Doi Suthep Temple

Legend says Doi Suthep Temple was founded at the resting place of a white elephant. The elephant trumpeted to mark the sacred spot, then died, and King Nu Naone built the temple there in 1383. The temple is said to house a fragment of Buddha’s shoulder bone with magical powers, making it one of the most revered sites for Thai Buddhists.

The temple sits atop a jungle mountain, with two serpents leading the way to its golden halls. Climbing the 306 steps is meant for reflection, symbolizing the overcoming of challenges to reach something beautiful—a state of mind I connect with through meditation and Buddhist teachings.

At the summit, the temple radiates honor: golden spires, Buddhas in various poses—seated, lotus, reclining—crafted from jade and gold, all overlooking Chiang Mai below. The atmosphere is breathtaking, calm, sacred, and deeply inviting.

Halfway down the mountain, hidden in the jungle, lies another temple: Wat Pha Lat.

Wat Pha Lat

Wat Pha Lat is built from more earthly materials, with one temple carved into the rock itself. Here I meditated among stone Buddhas, surrounded by the harmony of nature and spirituality. A creek runs through the grounds, with jungle greenery enveloping the temple, creating a profound sense of peace.

Instead of returning by taxi, we hiked the Buddhist monk trail through the jungle back to the city, near the University, where we caught a tuk tuk to our hotel.

Elephant Nature Park — January 5, 2026

Here, we wake and sleep to pigeons nesting on our roof and elephants rumbling their deep, soothing calls—reminders that we are immersed in the wild and deeply connected to nature. The dogs guard the sanctuary in large packs, ensuring everyone is protected. Each animal has its purpose: dogs offer vigilance and healing, cats hold space between the spiritual and earthly realms, and elephants ground the sanctuary with immense, territorial love—love that demands respect.

Our days begin and end with Buddhist prayers broadcast over megaphones, while birds serenade the sunrise and sunset. By 7:00 a.m., scooters stream into the compound, bringing locals whose work keeps the sanctuary alive. Here, nature, presence, and synchronicity meet the bustle of tourists eager to connect with the ancient elephants.

The vibration of this place is undeniable. As guests for a week, we feel something deeper happening beneath the surface—a palpable connection back to earth, nature, and humanity. Visitors from all over the world gather here with a shared purpose: to help the elephants, whose grounded presence reminds us of our deepest reasons for being. Their presence, along with that of the other animals, offers healing to those who practice presence—a window where time seems to stop.

In all my travels (over 45 countries), I have only felt this suspension of time and complete presence in one other place: the ocean, while diving or surfing alone with the waves.

Reflections

Recognizing the impact these creatures hold reshapes how I view the ancient relics of India and Thailand. Hindus revere the elephant, Thai Buddhists revere the elephant, and even the rescued animals here revere and protect them. What is it in humanity that fails to honor these beings—the holders of ancient knowledge—with the respect they deserve?

I am honored to be here, to spend a week volunteering, amplifying the voices of elephants and other animals, and to have been called by them to do so.

Listen to the insights and wisdom shared by the elephants, dogs, and cats on my YouTube channel.

Khob Khun Ka (Thank you)!