7 minute read
Keisha's giant leap for Antigua & Barbuda
Thanks to winning an online competition, Keisha Schahaff from Antigua has shattered a couple of out of-this-world records-literally. As the first Caribbean individual to voyage to space, she’s etched her name alongside daughter Anastasia Mayers, forming the inaugural mother-daughter cosmic duo. From childhood stargazing to a grounded, holistic lifestyle of meditation, yoga, and veganism, Keisha now shares her path as a wellness coach. Triumphing in the Omaze contest, Keisha and her daughter –currently studying physics and nurturing ambitions of becoming an astrobiologist-launched into space on 10th August with Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson’s pioneering space flight venture. Ahead of this incredible journey and in its aftermath, Keisha shares her firsthand space odyssey with us.
BEFORE
You dreamed of travelling to space as a child. How do you feel now that this seemingly impossible dream is becoming a reality?
I am thrilled and grateful to see my dream come true through self-dedication and positivity. Now that my kids are grown, I am ready to focus on my passion for space exploration, adventure, and empowering women. It is simply magical, and I am so excited for the spaceflight on 10th August. I am now at a point where I can actively pursue my passions, and I am determined to inspire others to do the same.
How special is it to share this experience with your daughter?
It’s remarkable how closely aligned our dreams are, both centred around space exploration and the love of discovery. When I entered the sweepstake, it never crossed my mind to consider her, assuming she would be wholly focused on her studies in physics and philosophy at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
My husband dismissed the idea of accompanying me, thinking it was too far-fetched to come true. I later confided in Ana, my daughter and to my surprise and delight, she immediately declared, “Mom, if you win that trip to space, I want to go with you—no one else.”
There could not have been a better person to venture into space with than her, so I’m grateful she made that choice. This experience taught me a valuable lesson—to pay closer attention to my child, to keep asking questions, and to observe her closely. Sometimes, these precious moments can slip away unnoticed if we’re not attentive.
This could be a terrifying, albeit incredible, experience for some people. Would you describe yourself as fearless in other aspects of your life?
I have engaged in a lot of self-healing and self-development work. There was a time when I wasn’t brave, and fear dominated me. Today, as a certified coach, I am incredibly happy that I’ve invested time in developing practices such as meditation, transformation coaching, brain healing techniques, and other tools. I have a spirit of adventure and curiosity about life, making the opportunity to go into space thrilling and exciting for me. My mission is to inspire others to transcend fear and step out of their comfort zones, as that is where we find success in life. I am also proud to represent my nation, Antigua & Barbuda, and bring it positive exposure to the world while sharing my message.
Can you tell us more about the training involved?
We embarked on a five-day adventure in New Mexico, which was like stepping into a realm of wonder and awe. We met the extraordinary staff and explored the spaceship and the majestic mothership Eve. As we prepare to return there, our excitement only grows, knowing that our training will continue, taking us one step closer to our ultimate spaceflight experience. The countdown has begun, and our dreams of venturing beyond the stars are about to become a thrilling reality.
What are you most excited about for the flight?
I am looking forward to the aweinspiring ‘overview effect’ during our space journey. Beyond gazing at Earth, I yearn to immerse myself in the depths of the universe, absorbing its energies and expanding my presence. The idea of experiencing zero gravity, floating freely amongst the stars, is exhilarating. Yet, the most cherished aspect will be the lasting bond shared with my daughter, braving the g-forces together. This extraordinary adventure promises to be a life altering and unforgettable experience.
As a wellness expert and health coach, how do you hope to use this experience going forward to inspire others?
I firmly believe that healing ourselves is the key to healing others and our communities. Through this transformation, we can make a positive impact on our planet and bring about healing on a global scale. I am determined to motivate and inspire others - especially young adults and children - to dream big and push their boundaries. As a space ambassador, I aspire to reach as many people as possible through speaking engagements and advocacy.
How has your life changed since you discovered you were going to space?
Amid my everyday routine, I’m hustling as usual. But deep down, I hope to make a difference in the world and bring positivity to my communities.
How do you hope this event will inspire other Caribbean people to aspire to greater heights?
Let my journey into space serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone. Witnessing that even the grandest, most magnificent dream of leaving this planet has become a reality should ignite the belief that anything is possible. No goal is too big or wild to manifest; all it takes is to say, “I am going to space.” Your dreams are within reach – let the adventure begin!
You often hear about peace and enlightenment through meditation, but the peace I felt up there was beyond this planet.
AFTER
Everyone is dying to know more about how it feels to enter space. Can you talk us through the experience? What was it like to look down on our planet whilst experiencing zero gravity?
You often hear about peace and enlightenment through meditation, but the peace I felt up there was beyond this planet. Perhaps the others had different experiences, but for me, the experience was one of sheer peace. I sensed a stillness as if everything had lifted off my body – all worries and thoughts simply vanished. Since thoughts are tied to gravity, and there was no gravity, they just dissipated. Then, suddenly, you could feel a magnetic pull emanating from Earth. It was like you were a being floating in space, and then Earth captured your attention and sucked you back. It was so beautiful; it was impossible not to be captivated by it. A blue fire – a pulsating aura – shimmered around the planet. Scientifically, we understand this to be because of the abundance of water on Earth, but it was an energy – full of life. Now I’m back here; all I want to do is keep returning to that zero gravity. I could have stayed there forever!
What’s next for you?
My next step is to stretch myself further, going beyond my fears. One thing that was holding me back was public speaking. I think the best way I can serve humanity is by inspiring others. And I have done something amazing and want to share that with people – to demonstrate that you can manifest your desires and dreams. It isn’t selfish to do that – if you manifest something that can also benefit humanity. We need to unite people and put an end to all this division.
I understand that this is a significant task, but at the same time, it feels attainable if I focus on one breath after the other and see where it leads me.
I am also contemplating wellness retreats and would like to create a place in Antigua, involving all the talented people we have here. A place where people can break free from the habits that hold them back and form new, positive habits.
I also love travel as I love exploration and adventure, so I would love to be able to connect with the entire globe. If I have been able to gain such a large audience worldwide – and indeed I did see the entire planet! – why not continue sharing this incredible experience with the entire world?
You can follow Keisha on www.facebook.com/KeishaSchahaff
