Astrophysicist Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked by a reader of TIME magazine, “What is the most astounding fact you can share with us about the Universe?” This is his answer.
Category Archives: Thoughts
Every day and every person along the way are such blessings.
Glowing. Blissful. Content. Grateful.
Happy Friday!
What do you want?
At yoga this morning I ended up having a little life discussion… My dear friend always calls me out when I don’t have “that sparkle” in my eye. I feel pretty sparkly today. Perhaps not optimum sparkle, but shimmery nonetheless. He has a way of drawing out my actual emotions even when I think they are under wraps.
One particular aspect of our conversation stuck in my head on the way to work.. what we want… When he asked if I wanted money, fame, a house, my own family…I found myself shaking my head without question. I mean a family maybe someday, but there is certainly no clock ticking within me. I’d like to fall in love and have my male counterpart for years before kiddies are even remotely considered.
He asked me again.. well…what is it you want for your life. All I could come up with was happiness and peace. Super meta, right? Could be the post-yoga glow talking. But really… I know what it feels like to NOT have money, fame, peace, happiness, even people/loved ones… and out of all of those peace and happiness are the only two that I can’t live without. When I lack them everything in my life suffers. Conversely, if I have them and cultivate them within myself then everything seems to improve, both internally and in all the other area…people are drawn to you, work is better, money issues don’t seem to matter as much, being alone is alright (or at least a broken heart is more manageable!)… So what I want is to be happy, find my own peace, love freely and live a long and healthy life.
So, what do you want?
This probably comes off as self-centered/self-involved, but I suppose I’m sharing it because it touched me. I want to encourage others to allow themselves to live freely…lightly…openly…and to always follow your heart. Cheesy. But true. I was having an off day and this comment warmed my heart, reminded me that of my drive to bring good into the world and to be the person I am striving to be…
“If everyone had your spirit toward life,
the world would be a better place..”
– a dear friend
To Remember Solitude
I happen to have some of the most amazing people in my life. Seriously. INCREDIBLE, fun, loving, compassionate, driven (shall I continue the list of adjectives?) friends and family. So first, thanks for adding so much to life and this world. With that said, this post is dedicated to being alone. I am housesitting for a while and last night decided that I would hang in. I’ve lived here before, so this place really feels like home. I forgot what it’s like to just bum around at home. Since moving back to LA I feel like I have been “on” the entire time. Between people and everything to do here, I find myself running non-stop. Note: I am completely ok with this and like filling days from 5am-11pm. Yep. that’s my day timeframe. I get tired around 9pm, sorry late-night friends ; )
Anyhow. I spent last night with bubble baths, music, tea and a book. We all know what being alone is like. You wander, you dance, you sing. Maybe not? Well, I danced around the house and enjoyed my own company and it was phenomenal. There were hours of reading and a cat to curl up with at bed time (these are the makings of a crazy cat lady). It was an excellent reminder of how wonderful being alone is. Remember the difference between alone and lonely! Stillness, being alone with your thoughts, just hanging out with yourself brings such a sense of calm and understanding. It’s a much needed meditative state. So often people crave the energy and presence of others. We hear the phrase “you are not alone” and are supposed to feel comfort in that. Yes, the human experience is a communal one. Life is truly about relationships, but we so often forget the most important one: the relationship with yourself. Once you live that then the others just get even better! Nurturing yourself, allowing your mind to wander, meditating…it brings a self-awareness and peace that spills over into other relationships. “You are not alone.” Well, yes, I am. I am completely alone. But I see the value and beauty in it. Embrace you.
I woke up feeling rejuvenated and ready to hang out with me more, hence wanting to share this post. It’s a throw back to a post and video I put up when in Shanghai (Fall 2010). Check it. I am a big fan of the vid. Life is amazingly exciting! Everyday holds something new and there is so SO much to experience. Embrace and love everything. I mean everything (even the painful and confusing). To conclude with a cliche: Life is short. Live it to the fullest {whether alone with surrounded by people}. I hope you enjoy another weekend in your life and take advantage of the time we’ve been blessed with.
Happy Girls
You may all remember my recent biking injury. Well, my face has been healing nicely, but thirteen stitches and lots of scrapping takes time to mend, so I have some pretty noticeable scars. This morning after yoga I was asked what happened to my face. I explained and showed photos… their response: “You look better with the scars. It’s gives character and edge. Otherwise, you’d just be another pretty face.” Who wants to be a pretty face?! Boring and so cliche in this city of angels! But really, I’m getting used to my face and it’s nice to add some edge to my appearance : )
This encounter made me think about how we define beauty. I can very honestly say that being back in LA does stir up more of an urge to look a certain way. Fortunately, I have, for the first time EVER, felt able to overcome those insecurities. I attribute this to being happy. Simple huh? Developing a strong sense of self, following your mind and heart, and living in contentment can lead you to a security in who you are. It feels great! Yes, my thighs are never going to be model-thin, and I am pretty cushy in parts, but I am focused on my fitness and health now rather than the looks and it is a pretty sweet deal. Moreover, there is tons of good stuff inside that is way more interesting than the physicalities. Plus, you have to put in more effort to get to the real meat of a person so that’s probably a good indication of the stuff you should focus on. SO, above fitness, confidence and self-assuredness, what makes a girl most attractive is the light/soul inside… happy girls are truly the prettiest. Smile ladies (and gentlemen!).
