Chapter 1: A Journey Through Childhood Illness

As a child, I was often unwell, resembling a poster child for illness during the dreary winter months in the UK. Battling one cold after another left me perpetually fatigued, with dark circles under my eyes and a face that seemed perpetually plagued by mucus. My caring mother, while nurturing, was also a notorious hypochondriac, fervently believing in Chinese remedies. Unlike most families with a simple first aid kit, our cupboard overflowed with peculiar fungi and pungent roots.

I dreaded opening that cupboard. At the first sign of a sniffle, I would be subjected to her infamous black herbal brew, which tasted like a foul concoction of brackish seawater and bitter vegetables. Despite her good intentions, she employed various 'voodoo spells' to treat me. An eye infection would result in her tightly wrapping cotton thread around my little finger, while a bump on my head meant rolling a hard-boiled egg against it.

None of these remedies were effective, of course. It was only a matter of time before I caught another bug. This led me to dismiss alternative therapies entirely, a stance that shifted dramatically when I set foot on Koh Yao Noi.

Now, facing the end of my travels after three months in Asia, I was grappling with profound questions about my future. I had traded a comfortable expat life in Qatar for a 65-litre backpack and a Lonely Planet guide, all following the sudden loss of my mother. Overwhelmed with grief, I sought my version of 'Eat, Pray, Love.'

The clock was ticking, and I had much to contemplate—most importantly, my path forward.

My adventure began at a retreat in North India, where I was a bundle of regrets and self-doubt. Traveling had made me resilient, and like Liz Gilbert, I was determined not to return to the corporate grind that had once suffocated me. The thought of revisiting that world filled me with dread.

I needed time to reflect.

The first video delves into the fascinating realm of black magic and witchcraft in Thailand, exploring its cultural significance and real-life implications.

Chapter 2: The Allure of Koh Yao Noi

As I arrived on Koh Yao Noi, I felt an immediate connection to paradise. The long-tailed boat dropped me onto a pristine beach, encircled by limestone cliffs that seemed to guard the island from the chaos of mass tourism. Unlike the bustling scenes depicted in 'The Beach,' Koh Yao Noi remained unspoiled, with a modest population committed to sustainable living.

The Island Yoga Retreat, where I stayed, was tucked away in the jungle, run by David, a laid-back Brit who exuded a hippie vibe. My accommodation was simple, but the retreat offered a serene environment perfect for exploring my inner self.

With no distractions from technology, it became the ideal setting to discover my 'Chi.'

What is 'Chi'?

"Chi is your life force," David explained softly as he demonstrated energy movements with his hands. Our small group attempted to follow suit, though it was challenging to visualize a glowing orb when we were constantly bumping into one another.

David then shifted our focus to pranayama, or breathing exercises, which felt more grounded. As I lay there, breathing deeply, my mind wandered to my past, filled with memories of a life in London that no longer felt like home.

Chapter 3: The Fascination with Reiki

In a quest to awaken my dormant 'Chi,' I decided to try a reiki session with Akiko, our Japanese healer. Initially skeptical, I watched my fellow yogis emerge from their sessions with tears of joy and newfound clarity. Intrigued, I decided to give it a chance.

During my session, I lay on a mat surrounded by seven metal bowls, each aligned with my chakras. Akiko's soothing voice guided me through relaxation, and as she struck the bowls, their haunting sounds resonated deeply within me.

As I drifted into a semi-trance, I experienced a vision that transported me to a tranquil space, where I encountered my parents, free from the ailments that had taken them from me. A little girl who resembled me at five appeared, suggesting a connection that felt both familiar and profound.

But just as quickly, I was pulled back to reality, leaving me to ponder the significance of that moment.

Years later, I still reflect on that experience, unsure if it was a dream or a premonition. Following my time in Koh Yao Noi, life took me to Singapore and back to the UK, where I faced loss and heartache, often thinking of the little girl in my vision.

Despite the uncertainties of life, I emerged from that session with a newfound sense of peace. Whether through 'voodoo' or genuine healing, I became a believer in alternative therapies. Life is a complex mystery, and perhaps, some mysteries are meant to remain just that—mysterious.

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." — Albert Einstein

Thank you for joining me on this journey! If you're interested in my 'Eat, Pray, Love' adventure, feel free to start here.

The second video uncovers Koh Yao Noi Island, one of Thailand's best-kept travel secrets, showcasing its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.