understanding through experience

Not as serious as it seems.

[kosta-photo]

“This Is Cuba” Volume 1.

shot in 2016, before the doors to USA opened.

looking back, before we start looking forward for volume 2!

[kosta-photo]

A challenge for this year has been daily yoga. Following two abdominal surgeries and a bike trip last year, my body had tightened up. Lower back, legs... it’s been a real journey to get some mobility and flexibility back in, and I see the challenge this year is pretty deep. It goes way beyond the physical. I’m working closely with my brother @phaonp to strengthen up and rebalance my body, and regular consulting my gurus @onestillness & @yogapranaokinawa, who guide me on the deeper principles of yoga and meditation; it’s definitely a journey of connecting the body, mind and spirit. The body is constantly giving us signs of what is going on in our internal environment, physically and emotionally. There are so many tools that help us build this awareness - like Ayurveda, Yoga, and so many others. Each challenge allowing us an opportunity to learn, realise and release the stories we’ve created, and grow into a more loving, present state of being. Seize those moments and know thyself to grow thyself. (at Naha, Okinawa) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByrDnPdHV0Y/?igshid=d0avhjlm80ek

[kosta-photo]

Sometimes you just gotta wing it! Grab your friends, Pack your food, Go watch the sunset, and eat together! Sharing these moments is the best way to make memories. Have a great Wednesday everyone! #Okinawa #Naha #friends #veganfood #sunsets #goodtimes (at Naminoue Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxvp3gHnF6X/?igshid=1isrviquxi4sm

[kosta-photo]

Somehow, wherever I went, I always found an interesting old man to talk with. Bonus of an ageing population. . #35mm #Japan (at くじゅう連山) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqdnfS6nSGm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=au42otn7epqn

[kosta-photo]

You end up in a hall with all the senior citizens of the town, in a once-a-year gathering, to see a new friend play guitar, then share a bento with some lovely grannies while they all take turns on stage to perform their favourite songs. . #Japan #Kamiyama #35mm #karaoke (at Kamiyama, Tokushima) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpDiyk7HbiY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2bbedsimpon3

[kosta-photo]

One thing that really brought me back to Okinawa is the people I would meet every single day. I just love carting around and seeing what’s going on in the community through a bit of street and shop chat (“Yuntaku” as its known in the Okinawan language, aka “Uchinaa guchi”). . I always try to give myself a day of this each week as a way to connect with my neighbours. I must be channeling my grandfather who was a bit of a positive “mangas” (Greek - “Belle Epoque counter culture known for behaving in a particularly arrogant/presumptuous way, dressing in a distinctive style with a moustache and beads, having a particular limping walk and listening to rebetiko music”). . This guy is also a bit of a “mangas” - he has a kind of style and cunning energy that seems to work in a charming favour. . #Okinawa #35mm #film (Okinawa｜沖縄)

[kosta-photo]

Following the vibe / Return to Okinawa. pt.1 Rolling off a 26-hour ferry ride into Naha last year led to a pretty crazy experience of a slice of Okinawan life. It was like every single day, something amazing happened. Something I was looking for. I don’t know if I had to ride a few thousand kms on a bike, spend countless hours in nature, or have way too many deep conversations across the country… but as I was getting off that boat that night, everything I was looking for was there to be found. /// Nearly a year and a half has passed, and I can’t imagine a better time to be coming back. Following off what’s been one of the most incredible experiences of my life: exploring more of Japan by bike with my best mate @phaonp. Now, I’m on that long boat ride again, leaving Kagoshima feeling whole, heart open, and trusting in that feeling I felt for whatever awaits. The vibe was there when I first arrived, and still strong when I left, so it’s time to go further into it. To be continued… つづく. . #theadventuresofkosta #vol13 #sunsetbicycleclub #followthevibe (at Kagoshima Prefecture)

[kosta-photo]

I’ve been working on a small photo series from a visit to the magic island of Yakushima, that I’m excited to share with you! . You can see the series on my site www.kostaphoto.com. A limited number of soft-cover zines and prints will be available for purchase on request. . ///Excerpt/// . Camping next to ancient trees inspired a certain state, and a new energy. A “fasted” hike with a new friend was a challenging way to reconnect with ourselves, and open up our senses. We wandered through, taking our time and engaging with the textures and constantly flowing change of the forest pathways. When you hike with someone for a more than a day, the conversation depth opens right up. Small-talk has no place on long hikes. “We are all minerals.” He tells me. “The rocks, the trees, the river. They all melt together over time. We consume the water, we pass back into these states.” The fog sets in, and yet the hunger and fatigue don’t seem to have any place. Each morning our eyes get brighter, and we are recharged by the forest. The wandering feels more like it is guided, and many times our way is shown by nature, and finally by the kindness of a stranger. “You always find what you need.” /// #Japan #Yakushima #35mm #film #photography #Nikon #believeinfilm #filmisnotdead #NikonF2 #50mm (at Yakushima, Kagoshima)

[kosta-photo]

Day 30. Tokushima>Momonga Guesthouse, Miyoshi. ~142km. . We’ve been on the road together for 5 days by this point, and it’s still a little surreal. At each moment as the nature rolls past us (Did these mountains of Shikoku get bigger?). Each climb regularly slaps me with a handful of reality. This is hard work, and I like it. Just when I need a reminder of what I’m here to do, I meet Sada-san. . Some context: We arrive in Kamiyama just before getting trapped in terrible weather, and as we roll in, from across a small bridge I see this man smiling at a friend of his, and I turn to Phaon, telling him: “that guy is actually glowing”. We hadn’t met yet, but I saw a kind of clarity in his eyes. Trying to get out of the rain for a moment, we drop our bikes off inside a furniture maker’s warehouse, where we are offered shelter for the night. With four walls, a roof, and a wood-fired heater, it’s a Business-class upgrade from a tent in the rain. We make a short sprint through the rain, back across the bridge to the nearby cafe, to see the live music event we were recommended by our new pal, Kensaku-san, that morning. . After the gig is finished, Sada-san sits on the deep brown wooden floor, playing on a djembe. I find myself drawn to this instrument, and start asking such generic questions, like “where did you learn? how much did you practice?” etc, etc… he simply tells me that he learned it by playing it on the street, every day for two years, to save money to travel. . And that there is no practice: “everyday is a stage”. . It hits like a wave, and brings with it a surge of inspiration. This guy knew what he had to do, and just turned up every day, and did it. . Everybody carries with them a moment of truth, that is instantly alchemised when shared. I am truly grateful whenever I can experience this, or share my own. . This trip has a positively different vibe about it, and the energy to create grows each day. Much like my legs after each hill climb. We’re taking a few days here at Momonga to re-focus, replenish the energy stores, and take some time to put some ideas onto paper. Cycling up Mt. Tsurugi turned us into rampant eating machines. (at Iya Valley)

[mrdiv]

cycloid

[berrymetal]

[kosta-photo]

Two great friends and like-minded explorers reunite. Now we are starting something we’ve been discussing for some time, to create a means to connect with friends and family at home, as well as build community on the road. We bring to you, @sunsetbicycleclub. More than bicycles. (at Tokushima Prefecture)

[kosta-photo]

Day 11. (What?) 31/03/18. . Today the riding begins. Osaka>Ise. After 10 days of dancing between “floating in a Sakura dream” and “diving into the Shinsekai grime”, I’ve said a short goodbye to my crew in the Shinsekai area. But I’ll be back pretty shortly. I’m beginning a little solo trek to Ise to reconnect with a magical space that was a huge part of growing my understanding of what it means to be immersed in the moment. This needs to happen before the bigger journey with @phaonp begins. . I start my day with a hot lemon water, some stretching and pushups, followed by coffee and my overnight-cinnamon-soaked oats. And a handful of almonds. The Energy requirements are going up! I take some time to meditate to be clear about what I’m doing before I take off. A quick cold shower will see me through to the first stop, likely Nara. I aim to write every day, appreciate and be grateful, and be open to the surprises that life has in store, even as I make my plans. This is a new chapter, in a somewhat familiar place, with a new purpose. I feel nervous, but it’s the kind of nerves where you know you have to do this to grow. Whatever this is. Find out your fears and go at them; don’t let them direct your decision making. Enjoy the process along the way. This is all meant to be fun. #theadventuresofkosta #vol13 #japan #onabike #film #photography #35mm #livingthedream #liveyourdream #biketouring #findyourpurpose #ishootfilm #staybrokeshootfilm (at Osaka Castle)

[kosta-photo]

It will be as fun as you like. Before the end of the day You get to choose. Isla Holbox, Mexico. Feb. 2016. #Mexico #Holbox Holbox, so well named. It means Black Hole. I got lost there, and found exactly what I needed. (at Holbox)

[kosta-photo]

What you will discover is love. A rose will bloom inside of you. In that place you couldn’t see the light. Isla Holbox, Mexico. Feb. 2016. #Mexico (at Holbox)

[kosta-photo]

2017 has been the best year of my life so far. A year of challenges, realisation, big decisions, and building a strong foundation to take some really important strides into 2018. It wouldn’t be the case without the community of amazing people in my life, whose love, support and perspectives have helped me achieve my dreams this year. Love to all of you. 🙏 . My question to reflect on 2017: What did you realise this year? . For me, I truly discovered that you choose the way you experience life. Whatever the conditions, how you respond is up to you. Take responsibility, and make your life what you want it to be. Here’s to making 2018 all of our best years yet! Have a wonderful new year, celebrate your successes and share your love. #happynewyear #2017 #love #realisation #newadventures #challenge

[kosta-photo]

This guy knew it. Back in Cuba, Feb 2016. “Today I will know that Love is the only reality. That Love, is the most important priority. When this truth takes route in my heart, I will not be tempted to waste so much time on trivialities.” -Deepak Chopra Good job, Australia. 👏 🌈 (at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)