meditation

I have found meditation to be a wonderful tool in my growth as an individual.  When finding myself in somewhat stressful situations, if I take the time to stop and meditate - the peace that I allowed circumstances to over-shadow soon returns to me.  Only in the quiet, can I then calm the mind and create space for peaceful zen to reenter. 

If you are looking for ways to create quiet space in your life, try meditation.  

Here are some easy tips to get started:

 - Start in a room that you can be free from distractions

 - Sit in a comfortable position... I usually sit on the floor under a cushion with my legs crossed, hands resting gently on my knees

 - Light a candle or play some soothing music if you desire

 - As you begin, set an intention for that time

 - Take a deep breath in and begin to calm the mind

 - As thoughts enter the mind, let them go... a to-do list, bills to pay, etc...  every time a thought enters just exhale it out and focus on the breathing until you find yourself free from thought

 - Allow yourself to just be and when you've finished take a moment to offer gratitude for the blessings in your life

 -  Time does not matter in meditation - you may sit an alarm or just sit and see how long you are able to go... it could be 5 to 10 minutes or even an hour.  

The more time created in life for calm stillness, the more peace one experiences in life.  

Winter Solstice

Winter is here.  As I return from Europe and visit my family, I'm enjoying the snow and the season.  Winter Solstice is a time of new beginnings... Dec 21 is known as the shortest day of the year with the longest night; it marks the start of winter.  In Yoga we use this time as a celebration of the seasons in life.  A time to reflect, connect, grow.  Many yogi's take part in the practice of 108 Sun Salutations.  This is a great way to connect the body & mind to the season of life you find yourself in.  Giving gratitude to where you are and having peace with where the journey of life is taking you.  During this season of winter - may you allow yourself to enter this new season with love for yourself and others - knowing that this is one season in life and our days our like a passing shadow.  Before you know it; you'll find ourselves in a new season... not rushing life - enjoying the season you are presently in...  Shanti my friends!

Being Who You Are

I came across this song (I Am Who I Am...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35HYlF74H8g&feature=related) and as I was listening to it, I opened up my Daily OM.  The two fit together so perfectly.  A lovely, inspiring combination.  Enjoy.  May you have the courage to BE...
  "When we are young children, we live authentically, seldom afraid or embarrassed to seek out what we want or to speak our minds.  As we grow older, we tend to tuck that authenticity away; putting it aside while we chase our dreams, afraid that it might hinder us in our success... but we never let that freedom go completely.  We have conform publicly to society's expectations while embracing secret passions when alone.  We may withhold certain opinions, although this does not change the fact that we possess them.
  It is important, however, never to stray too far from that youthful brashness and self-interest, for they are qualities that help make you who you are.  The authentic you is your true self; and in living authentically, you make time for the things you love and project who you really are.  The simplest way to live your truth is to leave the expectations of others behind and act in the way you feel is most worthwhile.
   To do so, it takes being selfish in a healthy way by doing what you know is best for you, regardless of the opinions of others - even those of close friends and family.  Living authentically means that you make choices without fear, trusting in your soul's wisdom.  If you value personal pursuits, do not feel forced into a certain job just to make enough money to keep up with your neighbors.  Conversely, if you prize success in business, do not let others' perception of what is right for you hold you back.  Denying your unique truth can lead to feelings of failure and dissatisfaction because you are not acknowledging your authentic self.  In living your truth, there are no pretenses.  Everything you do will reflect who you truly are.
  If you are unsure of who the authentic you really is, look inward and ask yourself what your purpose, values, and needs are.  Honor your strengths, and try not to let yourself be guided by what others expect of you.  Finally, discover your passions by trying new things and sticking with those that stir your soul.  Finding who you really are and then making the choice to embrace your true dreams and desires will take your life in a direction that is both satisfying and deeply meaningful."

London Heathrow

It's Christmas time.  I'm sitting in the London Heathrow airport.  Feel like I'm entering a scene from Love Actually, one of my favorite movies.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3GWzLpkVdg
There is something about traveling that I love.  I accredit it to my parents who instilled the travel-bug in me at a young age.  Ever since I was a little girl - I have traveled.  Being at the airport and watching people - currently with a cup of coffee in hand - so fun.  I love it.  Just today as I was landing in London from Vienna I looked out my window... it was an amazing site as we were flying through the bright blue and dashing through dancing clouds.  I thought it myself, "it does not get any better than this."  I love flying - seeing the world from above.  It reminds me that the world is truly a beautiful place.

And, since mi padres name actually is James Bond - I feel this special connection to England.  If it was not so bloody cold here I'd want to make this spot my next home.  But as I love the warm - this beach girl is glad to be heading back to Cali for the next season of life. 

I love Europe & it has loved me back

As I sit in Vienna, I have less than 48 hours before I leave Europe to move back to the US.  6 months have passed.  The time has been a series of ups, downs, good, bad, growth, love and reflection.  It has been priceless.  A journey that lead me to myself.  

So much can happen when one removes themselves from their comfort zone.  In doing so – I was given the opportunity to see things that I would have never been given the chance to see, had I not moved to Europe.  I would do it all over again.  I am so grateful for what I have learned and what I will continue to learn once I leave this place I have grown to love.  A part of me feels like I belong in Europe.  Yet, I feel at home in California.  I love both places equally.  I have come to see that I fit not in a box and can move about the globe freely adapting to places.  I love the simpler lifestyle of Europe… the class, the sophistication, the history, the strong coffee, the heated towel racks, the public transportation, the beautiful buildings, the various cultures and languages right at your fingertips.  I will miss those things; yet I know that I will always return to Europe.  It’s a part of me.  I can not explain it and do not even feel the need too.  It’s special to me.  Holds a unique place of my heart.  Maybe it’s because through various seasons in life Europe has helped me grow.  I have loved it and it has never failed to love me back.  I am grateful to Europe for helping make me the woman I am today.  A woman of international zeal, a thirst for fashion, a dedicated yogi, a desire to enjoy life, a love of wine and Notre Dame...

snow, snow, SNOW

Baby it's cold outside!
Walking in a winter wonderland...
There is something playful about snow.  Non-stop here for 3 days and I'm still not sick of it.  Trying to enjoy and take it all in as my time in Europe is fleeting.  Before long I will be back on the beach.  So, as cold as it is and as much as I'm freezing - I'm trying to embrace the cold and enjoy the season I find myself in. 
As I walked through the snow today going to my various yoga studios...I found myself wanting to play in it...just lay down and start to make a snow angel...or pick up a snowball and throw it at a stranger - but I refrained.  :-)
My time in Vienna is ending. 
As friends took me out for sushi tonight I was invited to go skiing in The Alps for the weekend.  Note... I Do Not Ski!  I immediately thought of the Bridget Jones movie scene as I heard myself say, "Sure...I'd love to go and give it a try?!?"  What am I thinking...  Snow makes you wanna do some crazy things.
Have a feeling I could end up like Bridget Jones... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5tpnHD6J-U

World AIDS Day

Two years ago I was in Kenya doing non-profit work with AIDS orphans on December 1... I remember thinking, "today is World AIDS Days and I'm in a country that is so infected by the disease." I was overwhelmed with thoughts, anger, emotions. Seeing little kids, so innocent, being given a death sentence. To this day I still cry over what my eyes have seen. I decided to do something, as little and powerless as I felt. Supporting a child with HIV seemed so small but a way to help.
Two years ago I was able to meet him. There are few things in life where you just know... once I saw him there was an instant connection and love. He is my African son. On this day, where recognition is given to the AIDS crisis - I want to honor my living boy who is sick with HIV - Anthony Mwendwa Muange... I have nothing but love for this child.

To learn more about World AIDS Day, please read the following:
""Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS.
The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world."" - Facts from www.advert.org
To get involved, locate a non-profit of your choice to sponsor a child. I recommend Tumaini International, World Vision, Compassion International.
The official website is http://www.worldaidsday.org/
Two years ago I was in Kenya doing non-profit work and I met one of the loves of my life...