Tag: Peace

Teacher, Teach Her.

.Reading time 4 minutes.

If it were ever a mystery, allow me to make it quite clear – I absolutely love nature.

It’s where I find comfort, inspiration, and the persistence to be more of myself with each given moment. It feeds my desire of releasing my inner child through play and laughter. It feeds my desire of balancing a light heart with peace of mind. In nature is where I become alive, and it is through my art where I am able to express my gratitude for life. I take what creates an impact on me, and I attempt to extend a form of flattery by imitating nature through creativity. It’s a cycle.

DMC Original Art is a world of my emotions in color. It’s a world that depicts my deepest frustrations and my highest joys. It’s a world where all of my hopes and dreams seep through my body and onto any blank canvas, transforming them into little pieces of my soul. It’s such a profound experience, and the end result is honorable. Artists literally create from the spirit, and then tangible pieces of our spirits are sprinkled out into the world. We truly become reflections of our environments, and we’re brave enough to share variations of ourselves with the world, as the world so shares with us.

This has been a year of deep gratitude and reflection. It has been a year of collective spiritual pain and disgust. And, in my “gotta look at the silver lining” frame of mind, it has been a year of beautiful growth. This year, I’ve literally witnessed myself evolve. I don’t take this realization lightly. It’s not a simple task for me to look at myself and say, “Wow, you’ve changed so much” and to be quite honest – it’s a phenomenal feeling. From the trees, to the sky, to the stars, I am rooted, but I flow.

My art is my teacher. It’s within each creation that has ever come into fruition since 2012 that has guided me, taught me, and showed me my true self. I’ve learned about what’s been below the surface through the colors I’ve been drawn to working with, the shapes that have appeared in series of paintings, to now even the power of fluid art and resin. I’ve gone from wrapping myself up in darkness and shapes, drawing boundaries of where I do and do not belong, to allowing the colors to blend as they wish, and becoming inspired by their free spirit. I’m proud of myself. I’m proud of the artist I am growing into and out of and I embrace the ongoing flight that will continue as I fly through nature becoming inspired to use paint as my way of giving thanks. I’m so grateful.

DMC Original Art is my baby! It is the world in which I learn the most, and the world that I am so proud to share with everyone else. It’s the world where I have zero rules, zero expectations, and ALL of the peace, love and light. It is everything, and nothing at all. That type of joy can’t be wished for, you just have to keep yourself open to receiving all that you don’t know you want and need.

My mission during this human experience is simple, it is to be in service of my soul. That is the definition of honor. That is spiritual freedom. That is living. That is receiving and giving. That is flow and alignment.

It is.

Perfect Vision

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Visualize. Materialize.

The rain is gone. The view is clear. Perfect, almost. It’s time. Measure. Strategize. Set the tone. Dive in. Do the work. Manifest the dream. Prove that it’s possible. Live the life always imagined. Take the risk. Be great. Be Epic.

Dear Mirror:

The love in your eyes runs down long passageways, that stems from your soul. No one could ever find the root. It’s universe. Stars burst. The love in your eyes, magnetize, heart’s gravitating, catapulting from chest, to the source of spirit. Up. Out. There. Somewhere. The love in your eyes spoke my language, finally. We can communicate. Safe, in the open. The love in your eyes reminded me, vulnerable me, it’s more than okay to peek. It’s more than okay to be free. The love in your eyes easily unlocked a door, without trying. Thank you, for cleaning the mirror. I can see clearly. I see, perfectly.

Dear Sun:

Thank you for always shining. Even when clouds thought they rained on your parade. They passed. You were unbothered. You were steady. Thank you for teaching me stillness. Consistency. Your glow is everlasting. Undeniable. You bring hope, and you don’t even have to try. Thank you for being the brightest star. Inspiring me to share my light, regardless of the clouds that trickle through space and time. I am powerful. Steadfast. Similar to the makings of you. You bring the heat, the fire, the light. You do what is only meant for you. No ego. No idea of competition. With you, it is what it is. You are desired, respected, admired, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for providing light. I can see clearly. I see, perfectly.

Dear Self:

“Within you is the light of a thousand suns.”

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.”

“You get what you focus on, so focus on what you want.”

Beauty in all things. Color in darkness. I am the light. A responsibility to seek possibilities. I am hope. I am power. I have the key to open the doors. Seeking more, and more. Unstoppable. I can see clearly. I see, perfectly.

Keys to Outside.

.Reading time 2 minutes.

Tuscany, Italy. 2017.

Once upon a time, I didn’t understand stillness. The kind that creates a simple balance by blocking out the noise. The noise of faces, words, actions, and ideas. The kind that makes you feel born again, entering the world anew, conscious of your spiritual presence. The kind that is unaware of “ego.”

The way the universe is set up, I know for sure I’m not alone. We are experiencing detachment from self-importance. Since we’ve begun to indulge in moments of stillness, our forever mood is abundant peace. We have become self-less. We have become silent. We have become our own meditation. We’ve had our epiphanies, our awakenings, our moments of reflection, our tastes of fulfillment. Our stillness has opened up the doors of joy, deeply rooted, and growing beyond our wildest dreams. We have become honest and forgiving. We are loyal to our heart’s desires. In any moment of dis-ease, we have grown up onto a level where we remind ourselves to breathe. We know it’s not supposed to be difficult, and when life presents itself to us as the unexpected game of pinball it is, we handle it.

We’ve decided to no longer pay for tickets to get on the emotional roller coaster, when we’re the one in control of the power button. We’ve learned to let the emotion run its course, and we have learned to gracefully move right along! We’ve matured into giving ourselves about a day to feel the feels, and then we get back on our feet, check in with our heart’s greatest desires, and we push through. We’ve been still. We’ve learned lessons. We’ve grown, so much, and we know our best days are ahead of us.

The greatest advice I’ve heard to date is to “Fall upwards into the embrace of the supreme. Stay low in the arrogance of person-hood, and we will taste the suffering. Choose the higher, even not having any firm conception of what it is. Overcome all attachments.”

Be Still. Be Free. Be You. Be True.

With love.

Yes, You.

.Reading time 2 minutes.

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I am a butterfly, because I said so.

I’ve painted my own colors, and I fly where I wanna. 

No one owes me a thing, and I sure don’t owe anyone else. 

I owe it all to myself. 

Many people quote “Living my best life,” and they should.

Why shouldn’t YOU? 

My prayer is for everyone to find peace.

Within.

Everything will then fall into place. 

Give yourself permission.

Allow your dreams to come true.

Allow your love to be wild.

Allow your life to speak volumes.

Allow yourself release to your inner child. 

Yes, YOU! 

xoxo, DMC

Philosophies of Indian yogi, Sadhguru:

  • Stop thinking so intensely – that causes depression.
  • You’re not mad at somebody, you’ve just gone mad.
  • Nothing is stressful, it is the inability to manage your body, mind and emotions.
  • The problem is irresponsible growth of the human population.
  • It is not a privilege to be depressed so that you’ll get attention from somebody.
  • Life is not outside of you. You are life.
  • Every breath you take, you’re getting closer to your grave, every breath you take, you’re also getting closer to your liberation.
  • Spirituality is empowerment.
  • It would be wonderful if this world was guided by little children, because they are closer to life than anyone else.
  • Joy is a natural phenomenon. Misery is your creation.
  • It pays to be joyful!
  • Don’t be dead serious about your life. It’s just a play.
  • If there is something in your life which means something to you, you should not postpone it for a single day. 
  • Whatever happens, ultimately, life corrects itself.
  • You can either live logically or magically. It’s your choice.
  • You know everything about the world, but you do not know anything about yourself. This is a ridiculous way to live.
  • Do not try to fix whatever comes in your life. Fix yourself in such a way that whatever comes, you will be fine.
  • The more conclusions you have, the less you experience life.
  • Do not try to be the best, just do your best.
  • Yesterday only lives in your mind.
  • Be the light of your life.

YES, YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

Her Words.

.Reading time 4 minutes.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina – on what would have been her seventy-ninth birthday. 

My grandmother would always say, “I wish you all the lucks in the world.”

On every card, for birthdays and graduations, she faithfully wished me all the lucks in the world. Her simple words, were not so simple to me. I wondered why she wished more than one luck. Deep down inside, I felt touched by her spirit – and even when it was written in a card, I could hear her voice saying the words so clearly. Sweet and simple, with grace and confidence. She wished it for me, because she knew it was possible to have luck in the world. That pleasant memory of her is etched on my soul.

In some selfish way, I began to believe that she actually wished me the world. That she wished me great purpose in the world. That she wished me to see the world. That she wished me to make a difference in the lives of people in the world. I translated her words to mean that she wished for me to learn as much about the world, and to travel the world, and to share my spirit with the world. I’d like to believe that she wished me to seek out my talents and place them ever so humbly in the world. Perhaps she wanted me to see the world as my school, a place where learning never-ends. What if she meant for me to see what the world has to offer, and confidently go after whatever I desired? She could have easily meant she wished for my safety in the world. Perhaps finding genuine love in the world. Having good health. Financial stability. Peace of mind. I believe she wanted me to do some of the things she wished for herself, but she would never say that. She would just wish me all the lucks in the world. She would have never disclosed to me that she wished she could have been a dressmaker, if I didn’t ask. It wasn’t about her dreams and her sacrifices. It wasn’t about her past decisions. It was a message of hope to her granddaughter, that the world has so much going on, and she simply wanted me to be well in it. I believe she wanted me to live purposefully, not letting too much time go by without seeing my dreams come true. She didn’t place any specific ideas in my mind. Her words were careful. Perhaps, general. I believe they were plentiful. Those words were full of love, hope, and imagination.

My grandmother passed away shortly after her seventieth birthday. I’d like to believe she had many experiences in the world. One may see her message as simple, as something anyone would wish for their loved ones. It’s true. Many grandparents must wish this for their grandchildren. Many parents must wish this for children. The variety of life experiences in this world are inevitable. There’s much good, bad, and ugly. Wishing luck or blessings are prayers for peaceful paths. The luck brings about a light of hope, it brings about a purpose to inspire, it brings about the drive to live before you die.

In the case no one has told you once before, accept this message:

“I wish you all the lucks in the world!” – my grandmother

 We can all use a little luck… 

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.”

Deeply Overthinking.

.Reading time 2 minutes.

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Somewhere in the world. 

Having a moment. In my feelings, thinking deeply, overthinking. Curious and confused. Inspired and ambitious.

Early mornings, with a swollen face after some hours of sleep, looking at myself in the mirror and wondering about the new day. How shall I spend the time?

Glancing at the words hanging next to that mirror, paired with the voice in my head. “Keep moving, keep flowing.” (Do as water and light.) “Let things come to you.” (But never remain idle.) “All things with love.” (Even when you don’t understand.) “Stay humble.” (For better or for worse.) “If it doesn’t open, it’s not your door.” (Don’t ask any questions, just trust, and move on.)

Slipping into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. I somehow feel a need for it to join me as my thoughts land on the pages of my journal, during what seems like a very long five minutes.

Stepping out into the streets of the world, it’s the wandering of my mind that forced movement of my feet. What will I find? What will find me? No way to be certain. There’s a lot of noise out there. Lots of lies. Then, there I am, in the midst of it all. There we are. Each one of us, and our 70,000 thoughts. It can be overwhelming.

With the day flying by, stepping back over to that mirror, wondering if I spent too much time thinking about whether or not I used my time wisely. Wondering about time being a complete illusion. Thinking that it’s more than okay to have some days when I do absolutely nothing but overthink everything. Considering my thoughts, and those of others – and wondering where to draw the line. Checking in with myself, making sure that my peace is secure.

Falling into slumber, upon my lavender oiled pillow, looking forward to the time I’ll spend, not thinking too deeply.

 

 

 

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.

Split Did It.

.Reading time 4 minutes.

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Split, Croatia. 2017.

Right now, in this moment, I am no place other than where I belong. Right now, in this moment, I feel an extreme sense of gratitude. Simply for the now. With worries about no one thing. Love gives me that courage, to move about as though I am floating through, as butterflies do…just being. Not missing an opportunity to simply feel.

The morning wake up, to the orange sun, shining through the glass doors of the balcony, high over the Adriatic, within a blend of light blue sky, and deep blue sea, I am alive, and I am grateful.

Connected to the way the sun and the moon share their light at varying points of the day, and knowing that it doesn’t last forever. Adoring the precious timing of when their light becomes paired with bodies of water, and the revelation of that glistening “path-like” reflection. The sparkling, glittering effect, reminding me of diamonds – it’s that type of experience that has become my best friend.

I’m constantly finding myself so “at home” in places that bring me closer to nature. It is within those times, I’m given hope, inspired to have pleasant thoughts, discovering a sense of purpose, encouraged to have a sense of awareness, paying attention to the when’s and the why’s of life, understanding the questions that go unanswered, the reasons that remain unknown, and the sweet, sweet possibilities.

So, right here, right now, from the lands of the Adriatic Sea, that cool breeze is telling me, to always stay in the moment. Listen to everyone, all the time, with intent to understand. Listen to self, and stay true. I wouldn’t be where I am, if I were living a life of trying to please others. So, during these continued months, of my 30th year, I will cherish the moments, and create news ones, in foreign lands, meeting new people, gathering new outlooks on life, and the world, and spending as much time doing as I please, with a heart of compassion.

I’ll judge less, and embrace more. I’ll keep my heart open. I’ll keep my mind open. I’ll allow my senses to heighten, soar to a new level of life, and take in what is meant just for me. I will not forget, that my experiences, are just that, mine! I can share what I wish, yet the reasons are not for everyone. I’ll keep in mind the boomerangs, the ricochets, the karma gods, the flower bouquets, the aisles chosen to walk down, the patterns, the trends, the smiles, the frowns, the habits, the words, the voices unheard, the activity, the lack-tivity, the signs and symbols in between, I’ll keep them in mind.

Learning lessons every which way, and recently, in the last few days, I am constantly reminded that everyone has something to teach, and everyone has something to learn. Remain humble, and know when it’s your turn. 

In this moment, I know for sure, I am not all that I’ll ever be. The Split, Croatia experience will shape me, reveal me, and maybe even heal me. Like separated puzzle pieces, of the bigger picture, seeking where they fit. At the end of this month, in the ways that I’ll grow, there will be many thanks to Split!

Soft Pink Sand

.Reading time 3 minutes.

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Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda. 2017

This is the way I choose to live my life, as a wanderer. To wander, is to explore. “I  have places to go, people to see, and things to do.” I remember my mom always saying that, and it still sticks with me. I’ve got things to do! Bermuda was next up, and just a direct flight from NYC. I decided to put Horseshoe Bay Beach as the number one place to find. This is the beach that has soft pink sand. Let’s recognize the parrot fish for all they do to create beautiful white and pink sandy beaches. Keep on pooping! So, as I write here, toes in soft pink sand, I’m feeling pinkfully peaceful. The water is gorgeous, with layers of teal, aqua, mint, and sea blues and greens. I’m a beach gal. No matter where I travel, there’s got to be a beach within some walking distance. It’s one of the places I choose to use for meditation. It’s my place of peace. At this moment, I’m too distracted to write, because the way the aqua blue water is crashing onto the soft pink sand… I’m feeling very ready to paint! I also have this thing with having “been there, and done that.” I’m just very preferential, with no apologies. Once I’ve done something, that’s it, on to the next. There’s so much to do and see, and I’m all for mixing things up, all for giving things a chance, all for spreading the love, and all for living with an open mind and heart. Although there’s so much to see, I came to Bermuda for the soft pink sand. Now that I’ve seen it, buried my feet in it, tried to get photos of it, I can carry along. I love making lists, and not checking things twice, but checking things off! Bermuda, the place known for being a volcanic sea mountain, the place known for the triangle, and so much more of whatever else, but please excuse me because, I only came for the soft pink sand. Oh, and when I say pink, I mean the lightest hue of pink you can imagine!