Grounded and Earthy

By Paloma Hombravella (Yona) 1991, Madrid, Spain

"When I first saw Samuel, something in his eyes seemed familiar to me. I stayed in Boulder for two weeks. I felt ecstatic. I was so happy and interested in learning more about myself."


My name is Paloma Hombravella; I am from Madrid, Spain and am 36. I have a boy, who is 17, and a girl, who is five years old. I met Samuel for the first time in 1981. Some friends told me about him and his workshops, the thought of which made my mind click. While I was in Mexico City, visiting a friend, we talked about Samuel. We decided to phone him and to attend some of his workshops. In 1981, we took the chance and came to Boulder, Colorado.

When I first saw Samuel, something in his eyes seemed familiar to me. I stayed in Boulder for two weeks. I felt ecstatic. I was so happy and interested in learning more about myself.

My friend and I did not really understand why we were there. We were not actresses or dancers. We had never had anything to do with mime, but it was something beyond mime that attracted me. I was feeling a lot of love and wisdom.

At the end of the workshop, I had to return to Spain, but my mind was focused on only one thing: how to save the money so that I could go back. I felt that I had found my way, even though I couldn't 'explain' it. I went back for a workshop where we worked directly with our creative potential. I wanted to absorb more of his wisdom. I was willing to spend a lot of time with Samuel, but I again had to return to Spain urgently.

Since then, I have practiced what I learned. The Plastic Cycle has been especially important for my life. It is a tool for keeping me healthy and energetic. Since I began practicing the cycle, my energy has flowed well within me. It works well in my spine and eliminates negativities in me. My energy centers are more open.

'Silent day,' the first and last thought exercise causes my thought and emotions to be clear and harmonious.

I am happy that I have had the opportunity to talk with Samuel again. When I write him, he answers me with fresh air and words of wisdom.

As a result of working with Samuel, I feel grounded and earthy. Whenever I re-read his books, his ideas make more sense to me. His work is very important.

Samuel taught me to be happy and proud of what I really am. I learned that my primary responsibility is to know who I am and to know clearly what my purpose is in life. I still draw much inspiration from him, despite our geographical distance, and he will always be present in my heart.

Editor's note:
Paloma is an actress and writer now lives in Costa Rica. Samuel called Paloma (dove) Yona, also means dove in Hebrew.