Oaxaca, Here I Come!
Have you ever heard of Oaxaca, Mexico? I had never heard of it. I had a heck of a time remembering how to pronounce it until I saw the pronunciation, (Oh-hawk-ah)! Once I shared where I was going, sooo many of my friends and participants were excited, telling me it was there favorite place in Mexico!
So I am going to take you on the trip with me to show you why it is so special and unique.
I rented a beautiful Airbnb in Huayapam, a small village on the outskirts of Oaxaca. I was told It has quaint restaurants, fruit stands, and is just 25 minutes from the main market in downtown Oaxaca.
A Warm Welcome & First Impressions
At the airport, I was greeted by Hector, my friend’s son, who kindly showed me around. He’s gracious, fun, attentive, and even accompanied me on many of my adventures and . . . he speaks fluent English. That was awesome because I have forgotten most of my Spanish.
Hector first took me grocery shopping for my Airbnb, then suggested we try a chocolate soda at a shop known for its fresh cacao called Mayordomo. After a long travel day, it was the perfect treat.
Shopping & First Taste of Oaxaca
Being familiar with the best restaurants, he introduced me to Oaxaca’s incredible mole dishes, I was told by many that Oaxaca is the mole capital of Mexico.
The next day, we had lunch at a charming spot near the market with a unique menu—a must for me as a former restaurant owner and a serious “Foodie”.
Then, we explored downtown Oaxaca’s main market—a massive, vibrant space offering:
Fresh produce, meats, and seafood Handmade goods and traditional foods Unique items you’d never find in chain stores
I bought lots of mole packages and fresh-ground cacao chocolate to bring home.
I loved that small vendors thrived, with no major chains taking over. The place was packed and Hector said “You should see it during holidays and high seasons if you think this is busy!”
Shopping for Traditional Clothing
One of my travel traditions is finding a unique outfit. Oaxaca’s cotton clothing impressed me, aligning with my goal of wearing more natural, organic fabrics. Hector was very patient as I tried several dresses on.
I bought four beautifully embroidered dresses, perfect for St. George’s warm climate. Seeing women hand-stitch flowers onto them made them even more unique and special, but the price was even more appealling and very affordable.
Dancing in Oaxaca: A Humbling Experience
Before arriving, I asked Hector if there was dancing in Oaxaca—and he said absolutely, there is dancing every night. So a couple of days after I arrived, he told me about a friend who was taking lessons. That lit me up, so he connected me with a local dance class.
First Night of Dance Lessons
I had packed my special dance shoes and wore them only to find out everyone was wearing tennis shoes, even the instructor. I learned real quickly how fast and intense dancing was in high heel shoes for 2 hours. On top of that, I signed up for a beginner’s class followed by an intermediate one—which turned out to be too advanced since I didn’t understand the instructor’s rapid Spanish. My feet were feeling it and I was happy when two hours were up. That first night, I realized I needed to consider. . .
Latin dancing is much faster than ballroom. The leading technique is different—no firm handholds, just open hands. I had to watch & follow since I didn’t understand the instructions.
I adjusted by taking Beginner 1 & 2 classes to build a foundation. I attended two-hour sessions, three times a week, and occasionally got to dance with English-speaking partners, which was a treat.
Between dancing and daily walks, I stayed active without missing my gym or yoga routine.
Giving Back: Family Constellation Therapy
Grateful for Hector and his mother’s kindness, I offered to do Family Constellation Therapy for them. Hector is already studying it and eager to facilitate a session—I told him if he gathers a group of seven people I would facilitate it. At one point he messaged me that he didn’t think he could get the people there. I told him just trust the process, that everything will work out.
Next day we went to the venue and sure enough, exactly seven people showed up and represented for him. He was very excited at the results. Then I did a constellation for the owner of the venue. The seven representatives expressed they loved the shifts they felt energetically. It felt good to give back in that way.
Much love and Compassion
Shauna Lynn
Relationship Mentor, Shadow Alchemist, Tantra Guide
Next Adventure: Traditional Healing in the Mountains
Up next…
Tierra Sagrada Traditional Healing Meeting with a Shaman Staying in a Mountain Cabin
Stay tuned for more! 
I’ve been wanting to tell you how blown away I am about the work we did. Wowzers. It was more than I expected in a very good way. It’s helping Nina out a bunch too. We started Crack the Code class and it’s awesome. It’s refreshing to understand each other without blaming for behaviors. We literally never learned the better way and we don’t know how to. Its reassuring for each of us to admit this, drop the pride, seek good guidance and adopt better ways of being. I feel like you led us to the trailhead I’ve been looking for for decades. Thank you. Adin
