free spirit – Butterfly Spirit!

J’ Adore Paris

Travel Quotes Paris 25+ Ideas | Paris quotes, France travel, Paris travel

Breathe Paris in. It nourishes the soul – Victor Hugo

Is there a country or city that captivates your spirit? That instant, the airplane arrives at this sacred destination, you feel at home? Everything becomes clear. You begin to glow, exhilarated and full of possibility. For me, this is Paris, France! The moment my heart arrives in Paris, I am reborn. I recognize, there are many of us who have shared this calling when traveling. You can not explain it however, being in a specific city or country makes you feel utterly free.

Paris is not a city; it’s a world – King Francis I

Oui Oui Paris

I’ve been blessed to journey to Paris on several occasions. Have explored this sacred city in all seasons as well. Often, I am asked why Paris? The country of France has appealed to me for decades. I AM eternally drawn to the magic of Paris. The culture, food, art, history and fashion are a few aspects which are captivating. One of my favourite activities is walking along the Seine River. Sitting close to the water, and absorbing the energy. Getting lost in the city streets, people watching in local cafes are a must. Exploring Boulevard Saint-Germain is on top of my list as well. Having a baguette, trying every type of dessert is an absolute treat while in France. One of my fondest memories in Paris was watching a film at the Parc de La Villette. It was full of local Parisians, who were enjoying the simplicity of life.

My firm belief is that there is a calling to Paris. One trip does not suffice. You will rediscover other parts of the city and sites every time you return. I am sure many have seen the nostalgic film called “A Midnight In Paris”. Watching the movie evokes a yearning always. Every aspect of the film I can relate to. I feel the writer in me, is influenced by philosophical narratives that derived from Paris and France. There is an inclination that I will relocate there one day soon. The soul has an inner knowing of where it needs to be next.

Paris is a place in which we can forget ourselves, reinvent, expunge the dead weight of our past -Michael Simkins

Highlights of Paris

Traveling is a personal journey. Particular sites or attractions may appeal to you and are uninviting to others. My advice is to immerse yourself wherever you go. Learn the language, meet locals and be open to everything. Listed below are a few highlights that may be of interest:

Jardin de Plantes – A botanical garden located in the heart of Paris. The Museum of Natural History is also located in this garden. Be prepared to spend hours taking in the aesthetics of horticulture.

Rodin Museum – Visiting the Rodin museum in Paris will leave you in awe and inspiration. A must see in Paris.

Sacre Coeur Basilica – The Sacred Heart of Paris, located at the top of Montmartre. The interior of the Basilica is mystical, you will feel a deep connection to spirit. The Montmartre area will leave you breathless with artists, performers and shops in proximity.

Montparnasse Tower – Has one of the best views of Paris. You can take in the whole city of Paris from here!

At night I would climb the steps to the Sacre-Coeur, and I would watch Paris, that futile oasis, scintillating in the wilderness of space. I would weep, because it was so beautiful

– Simone de Beauvoir

Why do you travel?

What motivates you to travel? In my perspective it’s a soul calling. Spiritually speaking, could it be that you have had past-lives in a particular country, city or region? Perhaps your soul is being called back for some inner awakenings? Personally speaking, I have had vivid dreams of traveling to Paris. Sometimes it is unexplainable why we gravitate to particular places. The world is your oyster, it is meant to be discovered and explored.

Traveling is invigorating. I encourage you to visit all parts of the world. It is getting out of your comfort zone which helps you to learn and mature. When you travel on your own, it’s relying solely on yourself. You expand exponentially on a soul level once you venture out on your own. You answer to no one but yourself. This experience is worth traveling. You have the opportunity to evolve, make ever lasting contacts and discover a new way of living. When are you leaving for Paris?

I love Paris in the springtime
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles

I love Paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love Paris
Why, oh, why do I love Paris?
Because my love is here

-Georgia Gibbs

Eat, Pray, Love

Imagine that the universe is a great spinning engine. You want to stay near the core of the thing – right in the hub of the wheel – not out at the edges where all the wild whirling takes place, where you can get frayed and crazy. The hub of calmness – that’s your heart. That’s where God lives within you. So stop looking for answers in the world. Just keep coming back to that center and you’ll always find peace. —Elizabeth Gilbert

Do you ever feel like your life resembles a movie? That you honestly relate to a particular character or story line? Eat, Pray, Love – I feel that this is how to describe my life in the last 15 years. I read Elizabeth’s Gilbert’s novel in 2008 and have watched the movie countless times. It is such an inspiring story about a woman rediscovering herself and creating her unique story. One thing for certain, the author kept on moving forward, she was determined to find answers but truly lived her life every step of the way. I recognize that my life has mirrored the novel–Eat, Pray, Love and here is my story!

Let us move straight to the topic of travelling and Italy = EAT! Truthfully, I must have been Italian in a past life. I’m actually Indian, however feel a deep connection to the culture, art and history of Italy. Rome has my heart and I have been to every Geleteria in that country. Similar to the author I savored every café, croissant and let’s not forget pizza, as if it was a piece of art. I could write a book on just experiencing the sensations of the food. Italians make their food with passion and eat each meal with such love and devotion. They don’t rush this process as preparing a meal is likes sharing your heart. The true essence of Italy is love–for the fashion, food, and Italian dialect. Every time I visit Italy it’s like the divine is talking to my spirit whispering be grateful, honor the soul and live. Similar to the author, I feel such a pull to Italy and truly feel that deep healing has happened while being in such a historic country.

Moving along to PRAY! Prayer is my lifeline. Every morning when I arise, I do my best to start the day with reflection and connect to the divine, universe and angels. The moment I wake up, prayers start flowing. I feel peaceful and comforted when I start the day this way. Prayer is communion with the higher power, it can be a simple request as “Please guide my day for my highest good and healing”. I truly sense that someone is listening. Connecting with silence on a daily basis can be life changing as stillness provides the answers to our questions. How I connect to PRAY like the author, is that this year I will be embarking on a journey to India with my family. It will be a trip of a lifetime and one that my soul is being guided towards. India is the key which will unlock the door to my soul. There is such an inner calling as if ancestral energy is propelling me there. The allure of sacred temples, the mystic Ganges River, ashrams, and yoga are the heart of India. There is no doubt in my mind that my soul is being compelled there for a higher purpose.

LOVE, can be a challenging topic. I have yet to unite with that soul who ignites a twin flame union. Similar to Elizabeth Gilbert, I have had valuable life experiences with relationships in order to evolve. Some relationships have been downright heartaches while others have been valuable lessons. I have entered relationships to fill a void, and this pattern has changed. It is essential to reflect on self-love daily, is the essence of our being. When you are in alignment and in love with yourself you will begin to radiate. You may not see this at first but the life force you omit is vibrant, it’s almost as if you exude a ray of light.

I was recently at an appointment with my Aestheticism Sara H, a young woman who is wise beyond her years. While at the appointment we were discussing relationships and love. It dawned upon that we may be years apart but have similar experiences as women. It was such an enriching exchange of stories and emotion. Love is special, I was reminded that one should never settle or give in when comes to matters of the heart. For every human being there is a sacred union for you. Please remember your worth and know that there is magic occurring on your behalf.

The path to healing, is never easy there is no express line for this! The author had to patiently walk through each experience with utmost faith, and face darkness in order to find the solace she was seeking. What I want to convey is that everyone has a story, and that all the puzzle pieces will fall together. You have to let go of the life you desired to create space for all that is coming your way. The hurdles you face are going to make your personal legend so meaningful. Relax, breathe and let go! Stop putting limits on yourself and be grateful for everything that has happened to you good or bad. We have to trust that our destiny is in the making, and when in doubt remember to Eat, Pray, and Love its the simplest remedy to life.

We search for happiness everywhere, but we are like Tolstoy’s fabled beggar who spent his life sitting on a pot of gold, under him the whole time. Your treasure–your perfection–is within you already. But to claim it, you must leave the buy commotion of the mind and abandon the desires of the ego and enter into the silence of the heart.
― Elizabeth Gilbert

The Beauty of Traveling

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We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.–Anais Nin

Wanderlust, traveler and free spirit! These are all words that I call myself as an avid traveler!!! Traveling started at the age of 3 months; my very first trip was with my mother in India. Although I have no recollection of this holy adventure, I do know that it was monumental for my life. Up until today my mother always tells me how as an infant I was cleansed in the holy water in Golden Temple of Amritsar, Punjab.

Growing up my second home was the United Kingdom. There are so many memories of visiting family and creating new experiences. By my 20’s that’s when the traveling bug hit! It started with Cuba, and then I fell in love with Europe. I have been to Italy four times and love all things European. My dream is to live in Europe one day! The moment my feet hit the ground of each country it feels as if I’m walking on ancient terrain. Almost like I have traveled to certain places before.

In June 2016, I had the opportunity of to travel to Europe with my best friend! We had wanted to do this for years and finally were able to make this trip happen. It was a journey of lifetime and memories we will share forever. Prior to this trip the last time I was in Europe was in 2013, I went with a tour organization called Contiki Tours! With the tour group we explored the Mediterranean — Spain, France, Monaco and Italy. I was apprehensive about going on the tour alone, as I would be with a group of complete strangers and traveling with them for a lengthy period of time. There was something inside me was saying step out of your comfort zone and embrace this opportunity. This truly was a time of growth. Little did I know that these unfamiliar individuals would become my new group of family and lifelong friends.

The beauty of traveling is life experience! This past summer especially, while being in Europe I had no concept of days or time, I was so consumed in the moment – it was exhilarating. I was never concerned of where I was heading next or fear of being alone. This experience taught me to go with the flow. While on the Contiki trip to the Mediterranean, new faces became familiar friends. I met people from all over the world and connected on such a beautiful level. It was as if there was an invisible thread that connected each and every one of us together on the Contiki tour. Something extraordinary was happening, stories were exchanged new memories were created and lives were changed. Each individual had a special gift; something to share that made them shine their own light.

Find life experiences and swallow them whole. travel. meet many people. go down some dead ends and explore dark alleys. try everything. exhaust yourself in the glorious pursuit of life. –Lawrence K. Fish

There were two significant events that I will always carry in my heart. I have always felt connected to the country of Italy. As the Contiki group arrived to Italy I had the pleasure of walking through the terrain of Cinque Terre also known as the fisherman’s islands. At the Cinque Terre, while breathing in the ocean air, many of us hiked from the city of Vernazza to Monterosso. While on the mountains I felt so close to the sky, limitless, free and so engrossed in the feeling of peace. The Vatican City was another holy experience. When I was at St. Peter’s Basilica last summer, I felt oneness and connected to something far deeper then I can imagine. It was a spiritual awakening. Time stood still and all I could think was how blessed I was to be alive living a dream of traveling in Italy, with new and old friends.

Why does one travel? Traveling open’s the spirit and the soul. It allows us to find clarity, reflect on our own lives and embrace conscious living. We gain perspective while being away from the comfort of our city and home. We encounter souls who we share our stories with and ultimately we are on the same journey. So that being said, where will you be heading next? I’m off to France for the next adventure, hope to see you there!

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.
—Robert Louis Stevenson