GYPSY GIRL'S GUIDE

Lands' End Labyrinth, San Francisco, 2007

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First of all ~ Vote for My Marrakesh!!! ~ If you have not discovered this enchanting blog yet, take my advice: Grab a nice cup of coffee (or Moroccan Mint tea) and be delighted as you peruse through Maryam's exotic colorful pictures and charming posts. Then, vote for My Marrakesh as Best African/ Middle Eastern Blog at the 2007 Bloggie Awards. Voting will close at 10:00 PM EST on Friday, February 2. Do it!!!

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This weekend I decided to dedicate my entire Saturday to working on my GLOW.

I started my day with a carrot, apple, parsley, ginger juice! YUM! Have you guys discovered the joys of juicing yet? I got a fabulous juicer a couple of years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Of course, I owe it to him, my "Juice(y)man" who bought me the machine, and who is sweet enough to treat me to his specialty elixirs every weekend. I'm afraid not all these machines come with a "Juice(y)man"... But perhaps could attract one? =)

After my energizing drink, I went on a healing walk starting at the Sutro Baths and ending at Eagles Point. I highly recommend this walk if you are a visitor looking for a less touristy view of San Francisco, or even if you're a local interested in some moderate exercise and fresh air. This beautiful 2 mile road starts at the north end of Ocean Beach and goes along the water all the way to Land's End (on the west side of the Golden Gate Bridge). About half a mile in, you get to Mile Rock Beach, which is a quiet spot surrounded by cliffs and trees. On low-tide clear days, it is possible to walk by the water, sit on the rocks and gaze at the Marin Headlands.

Thankfully, I was able to do just that. It was kind of an overcast morning and everything looked rather silver and mysterious when I arrived there. I walked towards the south of the beach and sat on the tallest furthest rock I could find. One of the special features of this walk is the fact that even though you are technically inside the city, you don't hear any traffic whatsoever. So I took the opportunity to be alone there, to slow down and listen to the continuous sound of the waves gentling rolling in and out... I tried to match my breath to it and relax deeply. After about 30 minutes in the chilling air, it was time to start walking again to generate some heat. I noticed a path leading to a plateau over the water, which I had never explored before. To my surprise, there it was: The Land's End Labyrinth. The Labyrinth was created in 2004, but I'd never heard of it until recently, when she mentioned it to me... What a pleasant new discovery! After I walked my way in and out of the Labyrinth's center, I climbed the hill behind it and watched its magic from above. I finally witnessed why Labyrinths are considered a shrine to peace. In order to go through it, everyone gets into somewhat a meditative state. It was fun to watch people walking through it with a smile, taking their time to figure it out and paying attention to their every step. For more information (and photos!) on San Francisco Labyrinths go here.

Following my wholesome morning, I headed to Cafe Gratitude for a nutritious and delicious meal. Meggy says "nobody cares what you had for lunch". But I suppose that when your lunch is called "I'm flourishing" you must mention it. Check out the menu to get an idea of what to expect from this alternative cafe. Definitely not an option if you're a big meat eater or seeking pub grub. Instead, be prepared for a very (I mean VERY!) "new agey" vibe and tasty healthy food.

My next stop: Mani and Pedi. How can you glow without them? Here is my favorite salon for those special days when you're willing to pay what it takes to feel like a princess. More importantly, it is right next to another haven in the city. Ladies and Gentlemen (Yes! Gentlemen too!) I'm thrilled to present the best massage spa in town. Therapeia is the place where I indulge ocasionally, in the hands of my beloved therapist, Jeannelle! How can you not melt? Byzantine chants creating a soft mood in the background... And among other treats, an eucalyptus scented hot towel placed slowly on your face, right before your head-face massage. Ahhhhhhh...

You might be wondering... Is that day over yet? Well... I warned you that this was about glowing! So for the "grand finalle" and for the good night of sleep that followed it: hot tea, sake and sushi! If you live in the city, check out Sunset's best kept secret: Goemon! Here you'll have an authentic sushi bar experience and perhaps a few too many sake cups...

Needless to say... I started my week GLOWING!

How about you? Is it time for you to dedicate an entire day to "working" on your GLOW?

New beginnings, Black Rock City, NV, 2005

"Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

First of all, I wanted to thank you for your comments and e-mails regarding my last post. I appreciate you taking the time to write and offer your support. You are the best! =D

This week I came across a couple of articles in the Yoga Journal magazine, discussing intentions and the process of starting over. These articles totally changed my attitude. In fact, they brought me the first sunshine after the monsoon!

In one of these articles, Phillip Moffitt described the means of setting an intention as "aligning with the deepest part of yourself while surrendering to the reality that you often get lost in your wanting mind."

This was such an eye opening phrase to me. How often do we make resolutions and fiercely go through our lists until suddenly, life happens! At first, our "wanting mind" sets targets that are crisp, clear and very ambitious. Soon, reality kicks in and we get overwhelmed, we miss our marks, we become frustrated and possibly even give up on our dreams.

I certainly have done this in regards to the gym, yoga, relationship, savings, eating habits, work and my art. I've set unrealistic goals at pretty much every area of my life and got disappointed when I couldn't cope. It is hard to keep up the good work 24/7, isn't it? And for me, it's even harder to deal with the notion of failure. I never surrender and forgive myself right away.To the contrary, I am fast to judge myself and complain. Does this happen to you too?

When I fail a couple of times in a row... My God! I start feeling like I don't even know who I am anymore. I allow 'purple gremlins' to quickly gather around to tell me the craziest things: "You'll never pull that off. What a fraud! Maybe just give up. This is stupid. Why bother? You can't change, silly!"

But what I realized (thanks to Phillip Moffitt!) is that I'm just resisting the best part: I CAN start over anytime! What if instead of reacting emotionally, I could just notice that there is need for re-alignment? Doesn't it feel much more positive that way? It also implies that I do know where my center is. All I have to do is reconnect with my intention. From that perspective, I can start over joyfully every time, because it really isn't a brand new start, it's the continuation of my practice. Ahhhhh...

If I'm meditating and my mind starts wildly jumping away... I can refocus on the breath and... Start over. If I'm loosing my patience at work and getting frustrated... I shall step back and... Start over. If I have been missing yoga and feeling unbalanced... I can show up and... Start over. If I am not eating healthy this week... I can grab an apple and... Start over.

This was such a revelation to me. We can start over, guys! It's okay. We all do it, right? So we might as well enjoy the opportunity to try once again, and re-discover the truth and beauty in our hearts.

I'm hoping that this exercise will lead me to more acceptance and self knowledge. I'm also getting the feeling that if I'm connected with my intentions and willing to start over, I'll stay on the right path, and therefore, I'll more likely achieve my goals.

How about you? Are there any areas where you need to start over?

Monsoon, Kerala, 2004

"You are all drenched for it is raining hard. In my world it is always fine weather. There is no night or day, no heat or cold. No worries beset me there, nor regrets. My mind is free of thoughts, for there are no desires to slave for."
sri nisargadatta maharaj

We had lovely weather here in San Francisco this weekend. However, I chose this image and quote for my post, because together they combine successfully, a couple of ingredients I am struggling to balance in my life: softness and strength.

I reflected on the areas of my life where I've had lots of "rain" lately. Why am I feeling drenched?

The truth is that I'm striving for a work life that will nourish and support me on my inner journey. I am a little hesitant to discuss my professional life online, but it's been very hard to steer away from it, when so much of my time is devoted to my job. So, without getting into the specifics, I decided to raise here some of the questions I have, to see if any of you out there would relate in any way.

I currently have a leadership position in a field where most of the "creatives" and decision makers are older and male, or else, very aggressive females. I feel constant pressure to prove myself through my assertiveness. I feel a huge challenge to keep my guard up on negotiations. I don't like having to expect the worse from people. I like to believe they will be honest in their part of the transaction. I find it really discouraging when trusting is not an option. I dislike seeing individuals call out weakness in others, in order to make themselves look good. Witnessing the "finger pointing" instead of team work. I don't like being on defense/offense mode all the time either. And I feel horrible when I find myself slipping into these sort of actions as well. Does anyone out there feel the same? Is this a common scene in business relations? It seems like the ego is ruling the workplace. Men and women alike are letting their competitiveness win over their core values. I am also afraid that the corporate system is encouraging this destructive behavior, with their uneven compensation and benefit system. Is there a way to be strong yet gentle, in this kind of environment?

I've given this a lot of thought and a major part of me just wants to develop my own "soul supporting" business. In the meantime though, as I was discussing with a dear friend yesterday, how can we all help to reverse this formula? Could it be our purpose, to help change this business model through developing our own inner strength?

As you can see, I have a lot of questions, as usual. =) But at yoga the other day, I had a little epiphany (or at least an idea!). When we are holding a pose and we start perfecting it, we ground ourselves through our feet and at the same time, lengthen through our arms and the crown of our heads. This beautiful concept of opposition creates more stability from our center, and allows us to hold a stronger pose in balance. Would it be possible to apply the same theory at work?

The process would be similar to the practice on the mat, I think. We would need to take a breath first, before reacting. Once we knew clearly where we wanted to go, we would ground ourselves in our thorough knowledge of the situation. We would initiate the move with intention from our center, and not from our ego. Then, consciously, we could perhaps expand and offer a firm solution with a soft heart. What do you think? Something to try out...

When I was taking the boat ride above and it started to rain, I was a bit upset and thought the weather was ruining the experience. Instead, the simplicity of the man above, changed my point of view with his very clever insight and bright attitude. He calmly opened his umbrella and cheerfully continued to guide us along the backwaters. He did not feel bothered by the rain at all. He told us stories about the monsoons and countered my whining, with a very confident lesson. He said: "Every experience is an opportunity for devotion, madam. This is the point of living: to find God and good always and everywhere."

The practice continues...

Can I gracefully open my umbrella at work and sail through the storm?

Fierce Sky, Maui, 2003

It's Thursday and decided to join the fun here.
We were asked to choose a phrase suggested by a poet and run with it...
I chose Becca's. Thank you for the inspiration, Becca!

Here it is:
A line and a voice

I've been searching
endlessly
for this voice of mine.

I've been meaning,
not beginning
to open up.

I've been looking
for a place in me
with honest words
images and colors
thoughts
overwhelmingly
bright.

I've been searching
endlessly
for this voice of mine.

I've been tossing
and turning
throughout the night.

I've been looking
for a place
in my dreams
undoubtedly
kind.

I've been searching
endlessly
for this voice of mine.

I've been wondering
When will I wake up
Where is my spirit and
What am I so afraid of?

I've been searching
endlessly
for this voice of mine.

And I'm sorry to say
I've been wasting my time
looking solely
at the world inside.

There is no point
in finding a voice
when I can be silenced
~ everyday ~
by the sunrise.

Magic Pond, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, 2006

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Maggy Mason, San Francisco's Mighty Girl of Might Goods, instructs on page 31 of her blogging book: Share your expertise!

When I first read that chapter over the holidays though, nothing occurred to me. I quickly turned the page and felt inadequate and incapable of prescribing a magic recipe of any kind. What do I know after all?

But what I realized since then, is that we all have our special ways of doing things... And as a matter of fact, this gypsy girl here, has no shortage of curious habits either!

This weekend, for example, I had some friends visiting from out of town and I was showing them different neighborhoods and favorite local spots. While doing this, I noticed with how much conviction I recommend my places of choice in the city. I take all my guests to have brunch at Zazie, coffee and delicacies at Tartine, picnic at Dolores Park, free wireless, music, arts and crafts @ Canvas Gallery, the magic pond at Golden Gate park (above)... My list goes on and on, and I'm sure that with a little work, it could even turn into my own little handbook with "100 Gypsy Tips to San Francisco" (no pun intended ;P)! More important to observe however, is the fact that we seem to take our expertise for granted. We end up bypassing ourselves as legitimate resources for all that is juicy and fun...

Could we all hold much more knowledge than we give ourselves credit for?

Another fun silly tip I'm willing to share is my "3 minute rule". I started experimenting with it last year and I swear by it these days. As most of you probably know, San Francisco is a "pain" to park. Or shall I say it used to be? I have tested and proved a brilliant technique to solve that problem. (No... I no longer call on the "parking fairies"!) My rule is that if I am willing to wait only 3 minutes anywhere, or more precisely, in front of where I need to park, a spot will free up for me within that time. This rule has never failed me once yet. It is pretty funny to watch my own disbelief in wanting to circle the block after only a minute. All I need is the patience to hang in there a little longer. If I do, I always get the perfect spot. During the holiday shopping spree, as you might wonder, it was no different. There was even one particular day, December 23, when I waited somewhat doubtful for 2 and half minutes and no cars moved. With my rule practically expired, I turned my engine and was ready to circle the block. Surprisingly, before I pressed on first gear, the sweetest lady came running towards my car and said: "Wait! I see you've been waiting on a spot for a couple of minutes. I'm just picking up my daughter. I can circle the block instead, since I'm not sticking around. A spot is hard to come by around here. Go ahead and take my space, please!" And just like that, I had my confirmation": the 3 minute rule works every time. No stress and 100% success guaranteed!

How about you? Do you have any miracle tips? I'm ready to try them all!!!

Somewhere between LA and Houston, 2003

Although I fully recommend The Secret, this post is not about the movie. I'm here to open up and uncover something that has been bubbling inside me. In other words, I'm ready to talk about my secret.

It feels that since I started blogging, I suddenly feel more alive. I'm happier in general. I'm connecting with kindred souls and feeling less frustrated with the fact that not everyone around me shares the same interests. I feel less alone when I go on my usual walks and stop to take a picture, for instance. I have more tolerance for a frantic work day. I'm more aware. I listen more.

Before finding the blog community, I always felt that I was the only one contemplating, daydreaming and looking deeper at everything happening in my life. I used to feel guilty about that too. After all, there are so many things that need to be done! Now I find comfort in your stories, you poetry, your images and the beauty you share. I feel like I belong.

I also realized that blogging is transforming how I look at my day. There have been times when I was so disillusioned with the lack of creativity in my life, that I had no motivation to go outside anymore, which is not at all the gypsy girl style! Now, I want to get out of bed and go live a fun adventure, just so I can share it here. I want to explore and dare doing the things I am passionate about, just so we can look at it together. I want to go traveling to show you the world as I see it. And I long for the support and growth we will create, despite all doubt and fear.

So I'm walking around with this secret. I have this treasure that is worth billions of smiles... No one knows... I'm the secret agent that discreetly logs in, and with stealth, logs out... Full of inspiration...

My secret to the rest of the world is that I'm a blogger now. And somewhat a geek. But somewhere between the two, I recognize the real me, living a fuller life and sparkling with hope!

Is your blogging life a delicious secret?

Mongolia - Image kindly provided by Danielle Rubi & Stewart+Brown

I'm told that the experience of going to Mongolia is more appropriately described as stepping into another century. About forty percent of the country's population continues to live a traditional nomadic lifestyle, looking after farm animals and managing to coexist in harmony with the environment.

When I'm thinking Mongolia, I am daydreaming about the vast land of blue skies, Ghengis Khan, yurts, camels and dinosaurs at the Gobi desert, horse galloping, camping, hiking and of course, delicious cashmere!

But today, I'd like to promote a couple of unexpected Mongolian finds in perfect "Gypsy Girl" style.

The Mongolian Buryat Band: I was lucky enough to see their performance at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco recently. Their music is a beautiful prayer. The incredible singer Badma KhandaIkh is accompanied by four other musicians playing exotic instruments such as: horse-head bass, harp, horse-head fiddle, iochin dulcimer, yatag zither, the lute; and are lead by throat singer and flute master Battuvshin Baldantseren. I'm not exactly drawn to art-folk music, but these guys took my breath away and literally had me in tears by the end of their show. Here is a link to their CD in partnership with trumpet player Roswell Rudd.

My find of the week: Stewart & Brown and their Mongolian cashmere collection. Could this be the perfect opportunity to indulge and get some warm, soft and stylish treasures? San Francisco's winter is promising some really cold nights this year (currently predicting 20F over the weekend). My favorites are these gloves and shoes! Gypsy Girl Style all the way! Make sure you do not miss the about and sketch book sections. Their mission and art are equally inspiring!

Last but not least (oh goodie, was that a cliche phrase for Poetry Thursday??), another great indie biz link: Check out Danielle Rubi's photography site. I am in love with her portraits and she is responsible for a lot of the eye candy on Stewart Brown's site, including the images shown here (Thanks, Danielle!).

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week. I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything rather than beautiful images and words on the web...

* Images used for this post were kindly lent by Danielle Rubi and Stewart+Brown. Thank you!

Namaste, Rishikesh, 2004.

I've been inspired by my fellow bloggers to think and write about gratitude. I must admit that this has been quite a challenge. What I realized, with some embarrassment, is that I am more often making lists about what I'd like to have, rather than showing deep appreciation for all the wonderful things that constantly bring me happiness.

So I started sitting with that word everyday: Gratitude. I learned that gratitude is a "magic token". The more I focus on the beauty around me in gratefulness, the more I am able to silence my anxiety and improve my well-being. Suddenly I am enough and I have enough. Hmmm. I can rest on that yumminess whenever I need to? Wow.That is such a comforting feeling!

Also, some other interesting questions have surfaced... Could I finally be learning that just being thankful is not enough? Perhaps acknowledgement is the first step towards gratitude. However, I am feeling that I am only truly grateful when I start doing something to put all the kindness, love, nourishment I receive, back into the world. Is it possible that I've been just plain lazy? All those thank you cards I did not send, the birthday parties I did not attend, remembering it's Tuesday and taking the trash out... for God's sake! Could that really make a difference? In me? And to the ones I'm sincerely grateful for?

Hence, a new intention. I shall bring this recognition into my yoga practice for the next month to breath into it, sweat it out and put all that warmhearted energy into action. I want to give, value and treasure more all the infinite sources of joy in my life.

Here are some treasures and opportunities for me to practice gratitude with: my loving supporting family, my lovely man, my artistic and splendid friends, this blogging community, my job, my comfy bed topped with fluffy blankets, all the incredibly delicious meals I'm lucky to have, warm clothes for the winter ahead... But I'm not going to bore you with all those things which ought to be my own life-long practice...

Below you'll find some juicy and less ethereal reasons for me to be grateful: (Caution: plain vain!!) I'm writing it down because I'm so lucky to have these things. Life is swell! Find these guilty pleasures in your own life. It feels good to know how we live in abundance without even knowing it. More importantly, it can change the way we look ahead...

Salty kisses from my love, after he's done surfing. Priceless!

Every sunshine day - Something to definitely be grateful for. Must be the Brazilian genes, guys... What can I say? But if you know me in person, you probably know to avoid me on some of those cloudy days...

My GAGGIA - For that much needed kick in the butt in the mornings! When did I get this picky? I'm not sure... Buying a fancy espresso machine certainly does not fit my nomad style. Although one thing I know. I like my crema and 140 degree foam! Secret: Since I took the plunge on this extravaganza, I am so much happier... So why not?

Juicy Couture - I told you this was gonna be vain! May I just say it for the record? Most of my much needed relaxation (and writing!) happens when I'm wearing these delicious pants, my friends! Yep. Try it. Warning: Uncontrollable desire to lounge for hours...

Better Botanicals - I sure can rough it up on the road, but still... I love to be throughly moisturized at all times. This,this and this are highly addictive. Gypsy Girl loves Ayurveda goodness!

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How about you? Can gratitude play a bigger role in your life?

Early Morning ~ Peace, Backwaters, 2004

Peace

Peace of mind.
Peace when I sit with my thoughts and
Feel no anxiety about the future.
Contentment.

Peace in my words and colors.
Peace when I trust myself
And what is in my heart.
Solitude to create.

Peace in calm waters and quiet walks.
Peace when I'm at ease, instead of rushing.
Enough time to be kind
And grateful.

Peace of no regrets.
Peace in transparency and
Deep caring.
True Love.

Peace for the world.
Peace I bring when I'm in harmony.
All things considered.
Balance.

Peace to nurture the soul.
Peace to find and awaken
That divine spark, which is
Inside all of us.

Peace.

Purple Sunset ~ Best of 2006 ~ Lake Tahoe, December 2006

Happy New Year, everyone!

I spent the last 5 days retreating at a little cabin in Lake Tahoe. The picture above was taken from the porch. Isn't that just absolutely magical? It was truly a gift to have this view waiting for me when I woke up every morning, and at every sunset when I returned home, after playing in the snow. It gave me the opportunity to be grateful for my life every single day.

Whenever I am in a place of natural beauty like this, I'm always amazed at the clarity that immediately envelops me. Suddenly I know what is really important. That instance when I stop and look at the bigger picture, all the small stuff dissipates and I melt in wonder. In the last few days I experienced just that.

I was feeling calm and balanced, as I watched the snow gently falling down the road. The violet shadows on the white path, with no harsh edges, softening my heart. The branches of the trees feeling the weight, but gracefully taking on flake after flake. The crunchy sound I noticed, as my boots sank in at every step, and how I countered the slippery areas on my way with attention. The flatness of the lake as seen from my window, and at a closer look, its ripples and waves, reminding me of the need to step back for stillness. The sharp cold air piercing through my skin, proving me warm, and letting me know I was part of that moment.

There was hardly a need to think of New Year's resolutions in the greater scheme of things... I felt as whole as the world around me.

That's when I remembered a chapter in a book by Richard Carlson, where he suggests to ask a simple question everyday: What is really important?

So this is going to be my #1 intention for 2007: Focus on what really matters. When I'm rushing, working late, eating at my desk, skipping yoga, missing time with family and friends, facing a conflict, worrying... I'll try to observe if I'm loosing sight of what is important to me.

I believe we all know what we need to be happy. The real challenge is to be more aware of our decisions all day, all year long and throughout our lives, in order to appreciate and learn to be who we already are.

What is really important to you?