Tag: happiness

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 

Journeying Through – The Wizard of Oz

See the source image

You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda the Good Witch

“There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home”.  How many times have you heard this famous phrase from The Wizard of Oz?  A novel written by Lyman Frank Baum in the 1930’s.  I recall watching this classic movie as a young child numerous times.  It invoked such magic and mystery.  All I ever wanted was a pair of ruby shoes and to time travel!  Wouldn’t be delightful to have those shoes, and manifest anything you desire?  Maybe we could go back to the past, or see into the future?  There is distinct symbolism behind The Wizard of Oz.  The storyline and characters have a deeper spiritual connotation.  Themes of love, friendship and trust are incorporated into this tale.  I invite you to dive into the journey of Oz.

Dorothy Gayle, from Kansas is the main character of the story.  A young spirit who is drawn to adventure and mysticism.  Her life changes in an instant, during a dramatic storm.  Everything is flipped upside down, as her home is lifted by a cyclone.  Dorothy, along with her pet dog Toto arrive in a city called Oz. An enchanted place, full of illumination and wonder.  Her home lands on the Wicked Witch of the East. The protagonist, feels abandoned and reluctant to trust others in Oz.  Although the cyclone breaks Dorothy’s foundation, at this moment is when her spiritual quest begins.  While she feels alone, there are pivotal characters that guide her towards self-discovery and “home”.  

Glinda -The Good Witch 

One of the first individuals Dorothy encounters is Glinda -The Good Witch.  This character represents one of Dorothy’s spirit guides or can be depicted as distant family.  Glinda, reiterates that Dorothy is always safe and guided by light.  Glinda, almost seems like a guardian angel watching over Dorothy.  The Good Witch gives Dorothy ruby slippers as a gift, to protect her from negativity.  On Dorothy’s sacred quest she also encounters the Munchkins, who represent innocence, positivity and happiness.  Glinda, reminds Dorothy to reflect inwards and pursue The Yellow Brick Road.  This will lead her to the Emerald City and eventually back home.    

The Yellow Brick Road signifies a spiritual pilgrimage.  An emphasis, on what is ahead of you.  Take time to visualize on your dreams, and the future you desire.  Pursue your path to enlightenment, however daunting it may be.  Self-discovery can be challenging at times, however you are ready.  There are critical experiences that connect everything in your life.  

The Yellow Brick road is yours to uncover and is uniquely woven.  You have the answers, and are all knowing.  Whatever path you take, you will end up exactly where you need to be.  In Buddhist teachings, the Golden path is referred to as the path to your soul.  The soul takes this journey in order to achieve enlightenment and return to the Higher Power.  Perhaps, collectively individuals like Dorothy are on this inner search to really understand themselves?

Don’t wait for the right answer and the golden path to present themselves. This is precisely why you’re stuck. Starting without seeing the end is difficult, so we often wait until we see the end, scanning relentlessly for the right way, the best way and the perfect way – Seth Godin 

Cowardly Lion 

Each character Dorothy encounters is critical in her journey.  The characters reflect emotions or parts of herself that she needs to acknowledge.  The Cowardly Lion, signifies courage – to take changes, be brave SPEAK YOUR VOICE!  We all have that lion energy within us.  Do you honour yourself & boundaries?  Take those risks and leaps of faith, you can accomplish anything you put your mind too!  It is rewarding to know you are capable of changing your life at any given moment.  Courage is something Dorothy needed while in Oz.  She had to trust in the unfamiliar,  surrender attachments and old versions of herself.  Have you ever felt this way?  In order to evolve, you may have to relinquish parts of yourself and give birth to a grander version. 

Tin Man

The Tin Man, is the sacred heart.  Are you tuning into your heart and inner wisdom?  For years we have focused on the mind which governs many of us at times.  The tendency is to get caught in ego mind, and  disregard that essential energy we hold in our heart centre.  The heart is a separate intuitive centre full of knowledge.  When you allow your heart to expand, you elevate as a human being.  That loving force is sensed by others instantly.  The Tin Man was afraid to listen to his heart.  When you are in unison with the mind and heart, harmony is created within.  Dorothy had to open herself up while being in Oz, as she did, healing began.  Do you feel like you need to connect with your heart centre?  The Tin Man is a reminder to soften, and gently allow your heart to guide the way.   

“Believe in Your Heart”  Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.
― Roy T. Bennett 

Scarecrow 

In essence, the Wizard of Oz offers the spiritual gateway to the divine mind.  Dorothy encounters the Scarecrow at a fork in the road.  It is here, the decision to remain the same or evolve.  The scarecrow is the reminder to connect to your consciousness.  One can see how each character in the Wizard of Oz has a deeper significance.  A phrase I am reminded of is: ”your mind is a garden.  Your thoughts are the seeds.  You can grow flowers or you can grow weeds”.  Fill your mind with seeds of knowledge and it will expand like a garden.  Being positive is the first step.  However, add an emotional frequency of elevated states of such as; joy, peace, love, gratitude can truly bridge the heart/mind connection.  Dorothy had to comprehend  her higher mind, this is connected to a deeper energy.   

True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid. – Wizard of Oz 

The Wicked Witch of the West

This witch represents a part of ourselves we want to neglect.  Our shadow self and the ego.  The Wicked Witch of the West, was related to Dorothy’s inner fear and darkness.  The witch wanted revenge on Dorothy has her home landed on her sister.  The ego is a part of us, this is unquestionable.  When we understand the ego, is here to teach us we break free from fear and attachment.  Your thoughts are just thoughts, and can be changed instantly.  

Dorothy was accompanied by all characters on pathway towards the Yellow Brick Road.  In essence, she was collecting fragments of herself together to reconcile.  The heart, mind and courage are elements we need to connect to daily.  All characters assisted one another to grow in a distinctive way.  They were sharing there story and elevated one another.  However, it was Dorothy who was in search of the Golden Path.  

The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn’t matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.”
― Barbara Hall 

One can assume that The Wizard of Oz was a dream sequence.  All Dorothy had to do was click her Ruby shoes together and be home.  Perhaps, she needed to encounter all the various characters, obstacles and epiphanies in order to truly find herself?  Life is never a straight and narrow path, sometimes there will be detours and roadblocks overcome.  

The Wizard in the Emerald City was unable to assist Dorothy for a specific reason.  Dorothy’s revelation was to tune into her own heart, energy and soul in order to return home.  She didn’t have to wish upon the rainbow, the rainbow was within her.  The Golden Path was always within her reach.    

You have plenty of courage, I am sure. All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty. – The Wizard of Oz

Ano Ano The Seed – By Kristin Zambucka

kristinzambucka Instagram posts (photos and videos) - Picuki.com

Life is full of change.

The good passes…but so does the bad.

Nothing remains the same in this unstable world.

Not a single element of anything…physical or mental…is the

same today as it was yesterday.

When we are down at the bottom of pit of despair…the only

way to go is up.

If we only wait a little…the cycle…the endless unfailing tide of

things will sweep us up again.

“Without darkness, “said the old ones,” we would not appreciate

the light when it comes.”

This excerpt, is taken from Ano Ano The Seed by Kristin Zambucka.  This book is full of Ancient Hawaiian wisdom & poetry.  Universal truths are conveyed throughout each page, that all can relate too.  The message is clear, to be light, love and oneness.  Stay blessed xo

Desiderata – Max Ehrmann

Be Gentle with Yourself by Max Ehrmann. $38.00, via Etsy ...

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

The Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927.  He was an American writer who wrote on spiritual themes.  I hope this selection of poetry provides comfort and peace during this time on Earth.  A reminder that the universe is working with you.  All things are coming together.  Stay humble, remember self-love and care. SHINE your radiant heart xo

Heal the Pain – George Michael

Image result for heal the pain george michael

Let me tell you a secret
Put it in your heart and then keep it
Something that I want you to know
Do something for me
Listen to my simple story
And maybe we’ll have something to show

You tell me you’re cold on the inside
How can the outside world
Be a place that your heart can embrace
Be good to yourself
Because nobody else
Has the power to make you happy

How can I help you
Please let me try to
I can heal the pain
That you’re feeling inside
Whenever you want me
You know that I will be
Waiting for the day
That you say you’ll be mine

He must have really hurt you
To make you say the things that you do
He must have really hurt you
To make those pretty eyes look so blue

He must have known
That he could
That you’d never leave him
Now you can’t see my love is good
And that I’m not him

How can I help you
Please let me try to
I can heal the pain
Won’t you let me inside
Whenever you want me
You know that I will be
Waiting for the day
That you say you’ll be mine

Won’t you let me in
Let this love begin
Won’t you show me your heart now
I’ll be good to you
I can make this thing true
Show me that heart right now

Who needs a lover
That can’t be a friend
Something tells me I’m the one you’ve been looking for
If you ever should see him again
Won’t you tell him you’ve found someone who gives you more

Someone who will protect you
Love and respect you
All those things
That he never could bring to you
Like I do
Or rather I would
Won’t you show me your heart
Like you should

How can I help you
Please let me try to
I can heal the pain
That you’re feeling inside
Whenever you want me
You know that I will be
Waiting for the day
That you say you’ll be mine

Won’t you let me in
Let this love begin
Won’t you show me your heart now
I’ll be good to you
I can make this thing true
And get to your heart somehow

A HEART warming song by the late George Michael.  Remember to love yourself each and everyday of your beautiful, glorious life!! xoxo

Life Is – Mother Teresa

Image result for mother teresa quotes

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

Words that stir the soul, written by beloved Mother Teresa.  A saint and angel who was an embodiment of pure light.  Life is what we make of it – choose wisely!

The Pursuit of Happiness

Image result for meditation and happiness

Still a dreamer, yet more of a realist than ever before, I knew this was my time to sail. On the horizon I saw the shining future, as before. The difference now was that I felt the wind at my back. I was ready.
—Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness

In the moment of conception, we enter into this world alone unaware of what is happening around us. We are oblivious to our surroundings, and of all the newness that is about to occur. The five senses—taste, sight, touch, smell and hearing become a journey of discovery throughout the aging process as children. We are at complete peace, oneness with the experience of life.

There is such an innocence and pureness when we are young. Happiness, confidence and self-worth are etched into our core. We are fearless, speak our mind and have no concern to what others think about us. There is a sense of resilience and creativity is what makes the soul blossom. We see at a young age how children are painters, chefs, writers and teachers. As one develops from being a toddler to adolescence and finally an adult there are many twists and turns. We sometimes forget who we once were and what truly made us content.

Let us liberate ourselves from any form of control. Let us focus at the inner drum, where the rhythm aligns with that of our heart. The measure of responsibility, equals to the need for evolution. Just listen, the inner child, let it whisper in your ear.
—Grigoris Deoudis

Are we born happy or do we have to work at it? Is it a conscious choice we make? These are the questions that have been pondering over the past few months. I believe happiness is an internal process and there are times we have to work towards creating it. There are numerous times when I would mask emotions of fear, anger or envy in order to keep that happy momentum. I was not being authentic whatsoever, and felt like I was avoiding parts of myself. I do believe happiness comes naturally when we are in alignment and we follow our hearts desires. When those moments happen, I bask in them and remind myself of the simple pleasures of life.

Our we a product of our environment and does epigenetics play a role in our development? I’m in no way a physician, however believe we absorb characteristics from our family relationships that determine some of our innate behaviours. Becoming an emotionally intelligent adult is clearing those blockages and experiences we endured as children. We are cleansing our spirits as we gain self awareness and personal power. We may blame our parents however there will be a time that you will see them as your teachers who gave you unconditional love. As they say the spiritual journey is coming home to yourself.

As we get older finish our education and follow a certain path, we live a certain way even though internally we have a deeper longing. We get caught up in the routine, work-life balance and forget about the importance of connecting to others. Is happiness in a job, car, relationship, or material status? Is that what makes life meaningful or is there something more?

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.
—Albert Camus

There is something more! I attended a Buddhist Monk Meditation in February and it gave me the direction I have been seeking, along with inspiration for the remainder of this article. What I learned from that significant meditation is that INNER PEACE = HAPPINESS! Meditation brings you back to your core of who you are and that stillness is the key to your happiness. I’m in the process of applying the principle of non-attachment to situations and outcomes . By just being still is the source to happiness.

Here is insight from the meditation session that has ignited clarity into my life:

We all have attachments, fears unfilled desires and this creates inner turmoil. Breathe into your discomfort and surrender. Inhale white light and exhale black particles that do not serve you

When you are wavering into anxiety or stress learn to get touch with your feelings

You have all the wisdom and knowledge within, when you meditate answers appear

Stop going outside yourself and trust your divinity

Stay close to the centre of your heart, the mind is like a diamond, nurture it, feed it and water it with love

Let go of expectations to the way you think life should be and be so engrossed in the presence

Appreciate silence, it is connected to your soul

Love and self-love is the antidote you are seeking

I leave you with the story of Gautama Buddha. He was born into a wealthy upper class family in India surrounded by prestige and influence. Buddha was inquisitive spirit and knew there was a deeper meaning to life and would ultimately forge his own path. One day, he decided to leave and became a humble man who lived the life of ascetic. As Buddha detached from everything, is when he felt truly rich. Meditation, prayer and living a simple life is what transformed his soul. Remember its your internal happiness that makes your soul light up just like the stars in the galaxy.

Is there a simple remedy for happiness? Why are we always searching? The concept of searching finally made sense – I had an epiphany! Happiness is not a destination, its a choice we make daily. It truly is the little things which add up to making us smile. Come back to your inner child, remember who you once were at that young age. Embrace that care-free, radiant soul who lived in pure joy. Make time and space for mediation, the more you practice you will settle into peace.

The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.

–Atisa

All You Need Is Love, The Beatles

Related image

 

Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love

There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It’s easy

Nothing you can make that can’t be made
No one you can save that can’t be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It’s easy

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Nothing you can know that isn’t known
Nothing you can see that isn’t shown
Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be
It’s easy

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

All you need is love (All together, now!)
All you need is love (Everybody!)
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Yee-hai! (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)

Yesterday (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Love is all you need (Love is all you need)
Oh yeah! (Love is all you need)
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah (Love is all you need)
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah (Love is all you need)

A beautiful reminder during the Holiday Season to reflect on LOVE!  Its simple and clear, love is healing, provides miracles, blessings and joy!  Be a messenger of love to everyone you encounter, this is your divine purpose!  Like the Beatles say – Love is all you need!