be present to life
January 31st, 2012 § Leave a Comment
While on the road, there were many thoughts in my heads. About the past, moments missed, doors opened and closed, the future, what entails and what will be under controlled. For the last 3-4 years, I was fortunate to visit about 25 cities and lived in 5 of them. Moved so many times and finally hit the privilege status on mileage card.
Though, I try to absorb as much culture and experiences as I can without loosing myself, there were instances where I stopped to ask, did I do enough? But what is ever enough? To eat beyond limits, indulge extravagantly and visit every iconic structures, only to realize, that’s it? A photograph of you and the structure, upload an album on Facebook or share with your entire family, but nothing deeper within.
This trip, though was a slight rush, taught me to be present and be aware of the surroundings. Through observations of people who were either on the run or taking their personal time, I learnt to find my pace. In forest and along the chilly coastal road, the solitude moments were priceless. Giant redwood trees bare their souls in wet soil and glimmering sunlight. 350 feet from where we stood, we felt small. Looking up, glistering silver pockets of light shine elegantly between the leaves; tilting my head back more, the blue sky becomes clear but only for as long as you can hold your head.
Watching the eager waves hit the stern rocks, I felt attached to the horizon. Tide comes and go, powerful wind blew in my hair, whispering sharp soothing sound into my ear. It reflected the fight I put up for the last few years, searching for myself, slipping in and out of places and pondering over matters, people, and nature.
Somehow, it doesn’t matter if I am in England, Paris, New Zealand or here, my thoughts run the same. Letting the begone, be gone; being a part of the moment and not apart; forgive mistakes made by people or yourself but do not forget the lessons learnt. Finally, not forgetting that you are loved unconditionally.
So, eat with a pinch of salt, sip coffee with a teaspoon of sugar, do yoga and let your thoughts flow without judgement. Happy days lay ahead.
road trip
January 30th, 2012 § 7 Comments
A much needed break to start the year. A refresh or restart button pressed, under great company and mother nature.
day 1
drove along highway 1
saw elephant seals
took a lot of pictures
had a detour due to mudslide
arrived at Monterey
day 2
carmel
big sur
pfeiffer falls
big sur bakery
day 3
san francisco
blue bottle coffee
walking
day 4
muir woods
golden gate bridge
cable car ride
millenium restaurant
day 5
ritual coffee
Ethiopian food
day 6
lovely foggy morning
had two shots of espresso and drove non-stop from SF to LA
feeling very rejuvenated
ready to embark another chapter of life
more thoughts to come
my cup of tea
January 16th, 2012 § 4 Comments
Slipping out of my dirty kitchen shoes and unbuttoning the chocolate stained chef coat, with upbeat footsteps I swiveled into the tiny kitchen. Opening the cabinet doors, an entire shelf of jars filled with dried herbal teas, waiting patiently to be used.
I first learnt of herbal remedies with a group of homestead ladies who takes pride in everything made from scratch. Usually, popping a pill takes unnecessary symptoms away but the side effects come later. Anxiousness & butterflies in my stomach, somehow became part of my daily life. After work, where I still feel stressed from the day; before a meeting, when it required speaking to a group of unknown people; pressure, from chasing time and getting things done.
On various occasions, I wished there was something to calm me down. To take the pills away, to diminish the uneasiness. When a cup of home blend was brewed for me, I sip the luke warm cosiness and knots in my shoulders gradually began to loosen up.
Turning the tap on and listening to soothing water run into the kettle. Whilst it boils, I change into comfortable clothing and damp warm water on my face. Putting tea leaves into the sifter of my black teapot, and catching glimpse of aroma from the jar. As I pour hot water into the tea pot, leaves float and release scents of flora and fauna. Once again, I sip from the warm cup and my muscles relaxes.
Now, I simply cannot live without not having a pot of tea somewhere in the house, reaching within distant or in a tumbler when I’m outside. Look for tea bags in your local groceries. Brew a cup, sit down, enjoy the process and share.
peppermint, great to cool the body
camomile & lavender, so lovely for a night’s rest
licorice, balancing your liver
ginger & lemon, keeps doctor at bay
chai blend, preserve your energy
