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?
Comments (11)
I am far too in love with your purple sunset--what an amazing view...cherish it for the lovely awareness, beauty and clarity that it gave you and that you are sharing with us.
Thank you...
Posted by Novel Nymph | January 2, 2007 1:02 PM
Posted on January 2, 2007 13:02
This photo is far too beautiful. But what I really want to know, sweet gypsy, is how did you get to be so smart at such a young age?
Posted by Maryam in Marrakech | January 2, 2007 3:40 PM
Posted on January 2, 2007 15:40
Vibrant Maryam! You are too kind... I'm actually 34 as of the 27th of Dec! Not that young after all. I'm glad you enjoyed the pic. I swear there was zero retouching! Only Pure Magic! :D
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 2, 2007 3:58 PM
Posted on January 2, 2007 15:58
Thank you so much for stopping by my site so that I could now discover yours as well. This post really resonated with me. Its just so easy living in a big city to think all we are distracted by are the most important things and then the clarity that comes from stepping away from it all is so vital to our lives, Thank you for articulating this so well and what a photo too! its breathtaking! Happy New Year to you!
Posted by Alexandra | January 2, 2007 7:08 PM
Posted on January 2, 2007 19:08
your words warm me and that photo is amazing! doesn't nature just put you in your place!?!!
i too want to just be and realize where i am in the moments more and more...
here's to peace in the new year!
xo
Posted by stef | January 2, 2007 8:13 PM
Posted on January 2, 2007 20:13
Stunning photo - it reminds me of a few days I spent in a cabin on the shores of Lake Tahoe, many years ago now, when we were on holiday with friends of my parents. I find clarity in nature too. Have a great new year.
Posted by Crafty Green Poet | January 3, 2007 2:01 AM
Posted on January 3, 2007 02:01
I'm also so glad you stopped by my place so that I could find you. My mind's eye is filled with delicious images of violet shadows on snow, mmmm. I am writing your words down in front of me and I'm leaving my computer in ten minutes to go and practice yoga!
Posted by Frida | January 3, 2007 4:38 AM
Posted on January 3, 2007 04:38
Sounds like you had a nice get-away too, and yes, your photo is magical! Happy new year (neighbor) and I love your positive intention. Continually asking a question is a great way to keep that focus.
Would you happen to have any yoga studio recommendations? A consistent yoga practice is one thing I intend to get back to asap.
Posted by Andrea | January 3, 2007 12:45 PM
Posted on January 3, 2007 12:45
Feliz Ano Novo Alex!
Tudo de bom para voceste 2007! A foto do Lake Tahoe 頭esmo linda! Vocꠤeve ter tido dias deliciosos!
Anotei tamb魠a frase "What is really important?" do livro de Richard Carlson. Parece uma quest㯠simples, mas 頭uito verdadeira e significativa! Focalizar no que realmente importa 頵ma postura muito sᢩa! Obrigada por partilhar!
Posted by Sonia | January 3, 2007 12:46 PM
Posted on January 3, 2007 12:46
Wow! My comment show up truncated! It didn't allow Portuguese language with the accentuation?
Anyway, the Carlson's phrase is very wise!
Hugs, Sonia.
Posted by Sonia | January 3, 2007 12:51 PM
Posted on January 3, 2007 12:51
lovely photograph. what a great place to spend some time. i loved tahoe when i was there...it's been a long time but i feel in love with it.
i've tried to not say in 2007 i'll do this or be more that but i love the sound of me spending more time, or really putting more energy into what really matters... gets my mind turning a bit as i am off to sleep.
happy new year and of course happy belated birthday alex.
jenn
Posted by jenn | January 4, 2007 8:02 PM
Posted on January 4, 2007 20:02