Tag: Inspiration

Paint Your Portrait

.Reading time 3 minutes.
Mexico City, Mexico. 2018. The Frida Kahlo Museum (The Blue House)

When I think of self reflection, Frida comes to mind. A woman, a seeker, a dreamer, a fighter, an artist.

“I paint myself because I am alone, I paint myself because I am the subject I know best.” – Frida Kahlo

How well do we really know ourselves? It only becomes complicated when we spend so much time looking outside for answers about the world, our world, and who we are in it. We are force-fed identities, and molded into their shadows – unless we are stubborn enough to know better. It pays to be stubborn. Stubborn people know who they are, and what they want, and very often refuses to subject themselves to a sort of change that does not align with their beliefs.

Let’s imagine a world where Halloween is everyday, and that persona we’ve been anxious to disguise ourselves as is us, everyday. Who would we be, then? What’s our “uni brow?” We all have something unique to offer. And, let me just say – cliches are necessary; reinforced and overused statements for reminders of what’s real.

We’re all yearning for more and more people to reveal themselves. We celebrate that. We celebrate people like Lizzo, which is amazing – but what are we waiting for? Have we truly accepted our differences, are we still trying to somehow “fit in,” are we waiting for someone else to “do it first?” Why? When we think about who inspires us, what is it that we’ve found in them? Do we not already have the courage, are we fearful of taking off the mask? Is it possible to express ourselves and amplify our own voices to a level of authenticity, for greater clarity on the lives we are to be leading? If we are not our authentic selves right now, here, today – then anything that lies ahead is deceit.

Are we spending enough time alone to truly get to know ourselves, without the distraction of other people’s authentic or false identities? We owe it to ourselves to be certain of who we are, where we stand, and what we have to offer.

“Your playing small does not serve the world, there’s nothing enlightened about shrinking.” – Marianne Williamson

“I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to better.” – Frida Kahlo

Are you your own muse? Are you expressing yourself, fully? Are you waiting for the right time? Do you have time?

Be You. Be True. Paint Your Own Portrait.

Rise Up

.Reading time 2 minutes.

August 27th blogedit

Isla de Barú, Cartagena, Colombia. 2018

“Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide.” That’s what the storm says. That’s what time says. That’s what nature says. (That’s what The Fugees say).

Well, we can try to hide, but not well enough. Sometimes it’s better to just stay out in the open, where we find ourselves vulnerable and forced to face the changes. Hiding from these changes will only make us feel small, because we were afraid. Also, because we’d be left with a mountain of “shoulda, coulda, wouldas.” In hiding, especially from the storm, we lose out on the universe’s offer to cleanse us of anything that no longer serves us. All it wants to do is lighten our load. Free us of conscious and subconscious burdens. It wants to condition us to become fearless, and embrace change. The storm; the change in weather is just a metaphor otherwise, of the possibilities in life.

The oceans run deep, and at times they rise up. They become stormy, because there’s a sort of tension that needs to be released. We, as humans, have oceans of emotions. They run deep. They become stormy, because there are sorts of tension that have a need to be released. We have to face those storms to move on, to grow, to become stronger.

It’s all temporary. The weather, our feelings, our circumstances. When we embrace that, it’s likely because we have not forgotten about our sunny days. We have not forgotten the rainbows. We have not forgotten how clean the air has become after the storm. We have not forgotten the pleasure of breathing easy.

We can’t expect the sun to shine on our days, and not have the water rise as well. It’s a responsibility. We all have rhythm, we all move. It’s in how we interpret our experiences, that transform our livelihoods.

We are the ups and downs, the ins and outs, the comings and goings, because we’re alive. We are supposed to dance. We are living art. So, whether the weather is stormy, sunny, or sorta funny, be fearless. Weather, the weather. Rise up.

 

Everything is Everything

.Reading time 4 minutes.

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Cold Spring, NY. 2018

“What is meant to be, will be. After winter, must come spring. Change, it comes eventually.” – Lauryn Hill

I’m so ready for it. I feel ready for a lot of changes. Especially now that I’m sitting still. The fast-paced life I was experiencing, moving from country to country has come to create a greater sense of stillness within.

I went hiking on Sunday. Left the city scene, to become engulfed in nature. I needed that. It was a dose of medicine. The feeling I have right now can be metaphorically compared to a caterpillar. I’m in a place where something is happening, I feel a shift coming – but I don’t really know how or in what way things will change. My hike through the trails, up the rocks, walking swiftly pass the trees, I would see caterpillars every few feet. They were symbolic of my stage of life. I am getting ready for a transformation. Some people would confuse a time like this for the end of something; complete darkness and uncertainty. I’m more hopeful. I can feel a beginning of something new about to occur. I feel ready for whatever it is. I can see myself embracing the new experiences and giving my all, doing my best, and showering each moment with an abundance of love and appreciation. I’m in my caterpillar phase, and I don’t feel worried at all. I’m just going through it. I am in the moment. Always. Feeling appreciative. Feeling grateful. When I reached the top of the hill, I felt so free, like a butterfly. Whatever is coming, just know, I’m ready to fly.

“What if that change you’re avoiding is the one that gives you wings?”

“A season of loneliness and isolation is when the caterpillar gets its wings. Remember that, next time you feel alone.”

“Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she began to fly.”

“I wonder if the caterpillars know they’re gonna fly some day, or they just start building a cocoon and are like, ‘why am I doing this?’”

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.”

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”

“Your time as a caterpillar has expired. Your wings are ready.”

“Within you is the power to rise above any situation or struggle, and transform into the brightest, strongest, version of you ever.”

“How does one become a butterfly?” she asked. You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”

“Trust the process.”

“Like a butterfly, I am growing and changing and finding my true colors in life.”

Hello Again, Goodbye.

.Reading time 4 minutes.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2018

Saying “hello” to goodbye is a constant in life. We always find ourselves meeting people for the first time, sometimes for a short period. We visit some places temporarily. Feelings come and go. Hello again, goodbye. You have the same consistency of time. The flow of your appearance is sometimes premeditated, but more often spontaneously consistent. You’re always around, sometimes lurking. You appear when you want, when you know it’s best. We are forced to acknowledge you. Sometimes we’re stubborn, but you are well aware of those moments. Yet, you don’t budge. With you, it is what it is. You’re blunt, yet sweet. You’re precious, because you introduce us to “new,” often. You prepare us and remind us that nothing is forever. You provide a dose of reality as often as possible, as often as necessary. You keep us awake, reminding us to savor moments. We love “hello,” but goodbye – you’re the one we appreciate most. Hello prepares us to enter and experience something new, and with you comes deep reflection. We are encouraged to practice gratitude. We need that. It’s critical to our growth that we’re reminded to be grateful for all things – the people we meet, the places we go, the things we do. We need you to paint a picture for us to see what was, and imagine what could have been. We anticipate you most when we’re experiencing things that are painful, failing to realize that you’re always right on time. We must go through all that we do, because we need those experiences to nurture our growth in preparation for what’s to come. Goodbye, you’re a genius.  If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have the emotional intelligence to depict our feelings that exist in this moment in time. The right here, and right now. We’d just take it all for granted. We’d express our feelings less. We’d never know what it’s like to savor something. We wouldn’t think critically. We’d fail to grasp time. We’d lose our sense of imagination. We’d be stagnant. Growth would mean nothing to us. Hello, goodbye – thanks for joining us, and for giving us hope.

We say “hello” to goodbye every single day, with each passing minute. Each tingle that flows through time, each thought bouncing through our minds. There’s much good in goodbye. There’s much power in the drama of closure: the end of a chapter, the credits of the movie; the exit sign, the period at the end of a sentence, the last minute of the day, a graduation, the arrival at the departure gate.

Hello again, goodbye. Nice to see you. Thanks for showing up, reminding us to practice gratitude and appreciation. Thanks for reminding us that nothing lasts forever. When given deep thought, you are the force behind the courage we’ve gained to do our best at living this human life.

There will always be unforgettable memories behind each goodbye, and we’re some of the lucky ones if we find it difficult to leave…

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Angkor Wat Temple Complex – Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2018

 

 

 

The Sun

.Reading time 4 minutes.

84DFA172-5D87-48FC-A6A0-DE1A78E622C7.jpegMae Ra Moe, Thailand. 2018. 

Today, once again, from a tent on a beach, at 6:42 AM, I watched with amazement, the sun presenting itself to the day, as each time is the first time. It reminds me of the opportunity we have as people to enter the day, brand new, with style and grace. There were hues of light blue, purple, orange, and pink that were sprinkled throughout the sky, almost as if it were a red carpet for the sun’s arrival. When it happened, when I noticed the first sight of the tip of the sun, I became excited yet again, for something I’ve seen multiple times before, and when it came into full view, just like the ending to a classic movie, I wanted to give it a standing ovation. I almost wanted to cry. Just like that, taking in something so simple, as a sunrise, has reminded me yet again of the possibilities in life.

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Phuket, Thailand. 2018

It’s the 27th day, and from the sands of Phuket, I sat still until the spirit moved me to write. During that stillness, so much flashed through my mind. I remembered moments of being in love, moments of mourning, moments of celebrating new life, moments of celebrating personal successes, moments of experiencing new things for the first time, moments of landing in countries I’ve always dreamed of visiting, moments of witnessing my very own dreams coming true. Then I was moved to pick up a book and continue reading, when it hit me.

I’m reading an inspiring story written by Bill Strickland, “Make the Impossible Possible.” This is becoming one of my favorite reads after The Alchemist, The Four Agreements and The Book of Awakening.

In the book, Bill Strickland shares his story of building a dream that he didn’t originally plan for himself, but because he’s a man who simply follows his heart and trusts his intuition, has been led to unveil an inspiring reality that has come to positively impact and transform the lives of many people, people who would have never believed in themselves if it weren’t for the opportunities Bill Strickland was able to present to them – had he not listened to his gut and fought to make all that seemed impossible, possible. It’s a story that reminds me of the powers that lie within the combination of harwork, faith, determination, consistency, and a heart to do good.

The chapter I just finished reading was the fuel I needed to keep the flame burning of all of the new dreams I have for myself, and it said to me ever so clearly that I must not scale back any of my hopes and dreams, because they’re all possible and necessary.

I have goals of connecting with more people, of presenting an opportunity for students to learn in a new way, of reaching new levels of creative artistic expression, of immersing myself in new lands and cultures, of learning new languages and carving a path that will lead me to connect my way back to my roots. There’s so much more to this life, without a doubt, and impossible is nothing as long as the sun is out.

Grapes to Wine

.Reading time 5 minutes.

 

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Portugal. 2017.

Go outside. Find a wide open space. Imagine there are no people around. Everything in sight is a part of nature. The colors are rich, and beautiful. It’s quiet. Clutter-free. This space you are in, becomes your state of mind.

Listen to your heart, and pay attention to your body. How are you really feeling? Emotionally. How are you really feeling? Physically. What are your thoughts? You’re alone, so it’s okay to be vulnerable with yourself. It’s okay to take out a pen and notebook and write down whatever it is that you need to release. Sometimes, there are feelings that can’t even be expressed or processed in thought, but once the writing flows, surprisingly, words form to help make sense of all that is happening. Sometimes, these feelings are dormant burdens. They’ve been asleep for so long, you forgot about them, but they didn’t forget about you. Figure out what they are, acknowledge them, and drop them off in this space. These are burdens that cannot continue on with you in your life journey. They must evacuate the premises. As these feelings are released into the universe, you are then engulfed by a sense of liberation. Something amazing is about to happen.

Okay, so you’re outside in nature, writing, reflecting, and lightening your load. Now what? Well, what are your desires? You got rid of something, so now what would you like to attain? Write that down. The best part about the things in life that you may want, is that it’s either already lined up for you to have it, or there’s something better waiting. Sometimes, you may not allow yourself to want certain things because you’re too busy looking at all that you already have going on. There’s beauty in that. It’s not that the life you currently have doesn’t matter, it’s changing the perspective and realizing that you, as the sculptor, can shape your peace.

You are in this world, as one tiny person, out of billons. You can live very simply, and yet still make a major contribution to life on earth. You can make an impact. You can do this by tapping into your personal dreams, goals, and desires. You can become inspired by the peace and beauty found in nature, allow it to seep into your soul, and reap what you sow.

You’re outside, in this wide open space, in the middle of nature, surrounded by a clutter-free and quiet beauty. This has become your state of mind. Therefore, this will become your life. It doesn’t have to remain in this phase, but the transition is necessary for you to gain perspective on what in your life will change. This is the space where you become focused on unity, clarity and manifestation.

Taking time in this space is about the break. It’s the matrix. You’re watching your life play on an imaginary screen, in slow motion. The plot is either thickening or twisting. The shift is coming. In this moment, in this space, during this transition period, you have the power to reach in and change directions, or to simply say, “I am okay with this. I approve. I am ready for what’s next.” Taking time, in this space, is about returning to your roots. It’s about remembering where you’ve come from, where you are now, and where you are going.

The way grapes travel through various stages to become wine, discover your life’s main ingredient and create something special, something only YOU can offer. It can be anything! It can be many things!

While you’re outside, in this open space, embracing all the things you need it to be, pour yourself a glass of wine. Think about the grapes, and the journey they took to get to you. Think about the process; the steps they had to go through to end up in your glass. Think about how the wine makes you feel, the impact it has on your life, in that moment. Reflect on the journey of the grapes. Then transition those thoughts, and reflect on your own journey… It’s not necessarily about the grapes, or the wine, it’s not necessarily about where you were and where you are now, it’s simply about the possibilities.

Cheers.

 

 

 

Like a Bird

.Reading time 3 minutes.

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Rome, Italy. 2017.

Every morning, when I wake up, I am reminded that I am magic. I am powerful, over my thoughts, my words and my reality. I’d like to think that my sense of freedom has elevated in the last few weeks. I am soaring to new heights, and this feeling is extremely liberating. I’m not questioning the wind. It’s guiding me, and I know for sure that my wings were made for this!

We all know many who are afraid to leave the nest, afraid to spread their wings, afraid to soar. The view from the nest is just not good enough for me. There are some things I want to see up close and personal. I’ll never forget home, but I’m also not obligated to stay there. My spirit is pulling me to fly and experience life around the world. My spirit is pulling me to become immersed in the possibilities of a new life each day.

From the skylines of Croatia, to Montenegro, to Italy in the last week, I am feeling free, and embracing the dream. The added beauty that comes along with this experience is the pleasure of being surrounded by others with the same intentions, the same ideas, the same outlooks, the same dreams, and the same visions. We are out here in the world, flying together – because it’s possible.

Each day, I further understand Maya Angelou’s eloquence and sentiments. I too, know why the caged bird sings…I’m remembering the moments of feeling stuck, and my subconscious whispers of  songs, wishes, hopes and prayers, and then realizing that the locked cage was an illusion. How many years of life does one lose, as they trick themselves into believing they are supposed to live with limitations? The limits of the home, the job, the family… we are not obligated to these things. These are circumstances placed to help shape us. As we develop from them, it’s wise to know and understand that the circumstances will shift. My circumstances are shifting!

Fear is nothing. The locked cage is an illusion. The wings are too. But, the dreams, the visions, the passions, those are real! When you realize you’re as free as a bird, you walk, run, fly, soar, and float. The perspectives are limitless, the views leave you speechless, and your soul is grateful because it has become even more alive. Let’s be as birds.

The Root is Only the Beginning…

.Reading time 3 minutes.

fullsizerender-10Brooklyn, NY. 2016

Thank God for the morning sun.

It’s gotten me through many days. Shoved its way through my blinds. The rays reaching…touching my heart and my mind. Bringing me to my feet, to defeat, yet another day. Rise up. Make a way. Make a mark. A new start, toward making yet another difference. The part where I’m in yet, another instance of something so indifferent – and turn it into gold. I don’t always agree, but it’s not up to me, because when God speaks… I listen. I rise to my feet, and walk the walk. And the talk, oh, the talk. A woman of little words. Find more secrets in what’s written than what’s heard. I’ve learned to flow. Ain’t no shame in this way I choose to grow. I AM LIGHT. Walking the path where trees line up. Tall. What a greeting. What a meeting. What a way to treat a woman who’s Queening. I am reminded of the reasons for the seasons. People leave. Gravity. Growth is inevitable; steady changing. Rearrangements. Life calls upon. Shaping my character. Bringing to life, my purpose. Change, you’re welcome here. Just as much as a root is only the beginning, we need the nurturing. Love of all kinds – from a mother, from a partner, from an offspring. They all ring, a different bell. Let’s talk circle of life. Let’s walk, a mile, together. Noticing the leaves, changing. The leaves that have fallen to the ground, to create opportunity for new ones to grow from the branch, with permission from the root. Let’s take a moment. Extend your understanding. Nothing lasts forever. Not you, not me. I trust this…the road traveled. I trust the obstacles faced. Lessons unraveled. I am all for the journey, with my backpack filled of no expectations, just a space to collect memories. I remember you. My heart is an unlimited safe haven with open doors and cracked windows. I have so much love flowing throughout, plenty to share. It floods my soul. As the rain pours to nurture trees, flourishing from a root that didn’t give birth to itself, yet it grows. Acknowledging what is, never forgetting what used to be…

Thank God for the morning sun.

It’s gotten me through many days. Shoved its way through my blinds, touching my heart, and my mind. Bringing me to my feet, to defeat, yet another day…

Open Secrets

.Reading time 2 minutes.

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Prospect Park, Brooklyn. 2016.

Anxiety. It sometimes gets the best of us. Our hearts take off running and jumping, in no particular direction. There are instances when we set ourselves up by setting expectations. No, let’s not do that so much. Let’s live, moment by moment.

Change. It sometimes manipulates what’s best for us. Our hearts stop, and we become nervous, concerned, even fearful. There’s something about what’s happening that appears too unnatural. Then it happens again, almost becoming a cycle. We’d hope to understand that it’s inevitable, only to find ourselves in anticipation.

Aspiration. It sometimes prepares the best in us. Our hearts direct us to search for the passion. There’s a fire that burns, and we calmly seek ways to keep it burning. We understand that the fire serves as light, warmth, and possibility. We need that.

Delight. It sometimes affects our best judgments. Our hearts are satisfied when we listen. There’s a particular attention span we’re supposed to have when it comes to our desires. We’re to be faithful, loyal, and optimistic. We’re to walk the path of satisfaction, with peace and joy as our footprints.

Tranquility. It sometimes encourages our best ideas, especially in times of uncertainty. Our hearts need regular moments of stillness and silence. There are pieces of us that we dive deep for, hoping to be strong enough to bring them to surface. All we’re really looking for is direction, to inspire our next move.

Vibe. It sometimes simply attracts the best energies, for us. Our hearts are in charge. We understand that, so we listen, and we follow. Harmony then exists. Doubt then exits. We’re able to extend ourselves, to experience joy on a level that goes beyond the universe. In those moments, we don’t ask why, or how.

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Light.

.Reading time 3 minutes.

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New York City, 2016.

When our nighttime thoughts are opposite from our daytime thoughts, let’s acknowledge there being no coincidence that darkness changes the energy of our minds. We’re dependent on light, because it serves as an advantage of being able to see. If in the daytime, when the sun shines and we can see down the street – we feel confident in knowing what lies ahead. That confidence then reflects on the way we view ourselves. During the day, we know who we are, and where we are going. We find time to laugh and smile. Then the sun sets. Our energies change, and we are faced with a reminder that we can’t see as clearly in the night. The universe emphatically impacts our behavior. At night, we ask ourselves different questions. “Who am I?” “Where am I going?” We spend time feeling sad; having pity on ourselves. There is a bit of an identity crisis. These moments can be intense. In some cases, depression is fed. If we view ourselves as icebergs, we may finally realize that we all have more commonalities, than differences. We are growing in various directions. Some of us choose to develop rapidly, on a narrow and erect path; quick to abandon disliked portions of ourselves. Some of us are growing deep and widespread; genuinely focused on understanding thyself and connecting the dots between where we’ve been and where we’re going. Some are ignorant, and the others are conscious, many are a mixture of both. If we don’t acknowledge every piece of ourselves, we will forever deceive, be deceived and live in delusion. If we know that we have the power to manipulate our surface, then let’s take that to the next level. Instead of falsely attracting unwanted energies and becoming the unwanted energies – change the energy! Icebergs have hidden portions. It’s unhealthy to leave reality in the dark. During the night, we are forced to find our own light. The light of the soul. The only light that could ever shine brighter than the sun. When our nighttime thoughts begin to resemble our daytime thoughts, let’s acknowledge there being no coincidence that we, in fact, have the power to change the energy of our minds. We, in fact, are light.