literature – 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

Creativity

To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it. Osho

In Grade 1, I was first introduced to the children’s literature author – Robert Munsch. Every afternoon, my teacher had designated story time for the classroom. With enthusiasm, I would run to the reading circle, and wait patiently for a story to be read. The narratives of Robert Munsch always evoked such delight at a young age. There was one particular story called “The Paper Bag Princess” that had hidden messages of self-love and empowerment.

At the tender age of 6, I felt my imagination was being expanded. Everyday we heard tales to enhance our vision. Although I was still learning how to read, I was drawn to literature. Hearing something daily elevated my spirit. My mind would visualize all characters and was swept away. As an adult, I reflect on the importance of “story time”. It was tapping into that creative genius, we all have within us.

The Story:

The Paper Bag Princess is about an unconventional Princess named Elizabeth. She is to be married to Prince Ronald. Prior to the nuptials, this feisty lass ends up being held captive by a dragon. While in the castle, she patiently awaits her Prince Charming to come and rescue her. Twist to the plotline – the protagonist ends up misleading the dragon and saving herself. She encourages the dragon to fly and use up all its energy. A little heroine in the making. The Prince see’s Elizabeth, wrapped up in a paper bag, unlike the usual Princess attire. Upon seeing this, Ronald criticizes Elizabeth and chooses not to marry her. Her reaction – she calls Ronald a “bum”. Lo and behold, life takes a new direction for Elizabeth.

Celebrate who you are in your deepest heart. Love yourself and the world will love you. Amy Leigh Mercree

Why am I sharing the story of The Paper Bag Princess? I recently read it again, and it sparked something inside me. There was a message I needed to receive. First and foremost, it was a nudge from the universe to remember how much I love to write. To keep writing, honour that creative genius even if my articles are not published. Secondly, the reminder of self-love and empowerment. You are in charge of our life. Similar to Elizabeth, you empower yourself daily by the choices you make and the company you surround yourself with.

In children’s books, there is always insight for adults. It was a blessing to acknowledge the importance of self-love. This was not your usual Fairy Tale ending but perhaps one many can relate to. Elizabeth creates her own happiness, and dances towards the sunset – the light.

What sparks your creative flow? Is it travelling, journaling, cooking, singing or writing? There are multiple avenues that will continually speak to your spirit. Perhaps its numbers or gardening that make you tap into your higher self. Whatever it may be, I ask you to keep discovering more about yourself. You could be the next Picasso, Einstein or Vivaldi!

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Albert Einstein

The more you are in tune with your creativity, you allow parts of yourself to expand. Your brain creates new pathways when you are in this flow of energy. When you are in that space of creativity, you are receiving wisdom beyond yourself. Channel that inspiration into what makes you feel euphoric. The hobbies you have are here for a greater purpose. These are you innate gifts. Your task is to do this daily. Allot time to do what makes you feel empowered.

How can you expand on your creativity:

Visualize, see how you want your day to unfold
Journal – appreciate where you are in life today
Create, this could be drawing, doing a DIY project or anything that puts you in a state of equilibrium
Have fun, play, be in joy as much as possible
Ask yourself how can you be service with your creative talents

The Paper Bag Princess, reflected on the theme of self-love. The relationship you have with yourself is connected to your heart. As you love yourself, this energy is felt outwardly. Knowing your creativity is endless. You may be the most effective communicator, designer, builder or entrepreneur. There are ceaseless possibilities being birthed by you. Remember to trust, you have known all along what ignites that inner flame. Make time for the life you have always imagined. Your creativity is asking you to reach beyond yourself. Never stop learning, at any point in time your life can change.

Journeying Through – The Wizard of Oz

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