Recently I read the following:

the pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness.

When I read it- I thought to myself: I don’t like that. It’s not true.

I thought these things because I believe in pursuing and searching and discovering what makes us happy. I think that it is one of our most important life objectives as I’m a huge advocate of being free to search and find and create meaningful happiness. But as I slowed myself to think beyond my initial reaction, I thought instead: why would someone come up with this saying? What can I learn from this? and  Is there anything about this that rings true?

And I realized while I do not believe the bulk of this idea, I recognize that there actually is a huge lesson that can be learned. And it is an idea that many of us forget about in all of our 1000 +1 ways that we put layer upon layers of things and projects and to do’s on our plates- all falling under the category of contributing to our happiness.

After thinking, I’ve come to recognize that for me, the lesson is in understanding that there needs to be balance in our pursuit of happiness. In all of the effort we are putting forth, we need to also understand that there needs to be time where we stop and recognize the fact that we are able to pursue these things is reason alone to BE HAPPY.

I’m beginning to see the small and large ways that I forget and sabotage myself from allowing this space and I think we all need to be better about recognizing and allowing ourselves to just be in that simple happiness.

So for now I am going to concentrate on the being part of my happiness, And committing to making a more balanced approach allowing myself to find, pursue, and discover. All the while enjoying the things I’ve already discovered and have brought me happiness as well.

Happy Travels….

It’s been years. Years and years, in fact.

But since getting reacquainted with the ukulele after receiving one as a birthday present this past year (Thanks Andre and Ka!)- I’ve gotten to put all of that music background from playing the trumpet in band, playing the bass guitar in a band, and singing in the high school choir and re-awaken it. It had been dormant for so long.

A few months ago, I got a little hands-on session with one of my oldest friends. He basically, gave me a tutorial on how to record in my very own makeshift studio using my trusty Mac and the garageband program which comes standard on all Apple computers.

It has been super fun ever since.

I’ve been recording tunes and singing songs that I’ve always loved and I’m having a great time doing so. I’ve even gotten good enough at figuring out and putting my own interpretations of the music down and it’s totally creatively fulfilling…

During this process, Justin (my friend who gave me the tutorial on using garageband to record) and I have been talking about the idea of creating sonic ideas and recording these ideas of sound. This somewhat intimidated me as he is an incredible guitar player and so much more knowledgeable than I. But the other night, he and his wife Shane and I all shared a meal and after dinner we picked up our instruments and simply played together. I hadn’t played with another person in years and it gave me so much joy remembering the kind of collaborative work and connection that happens.

So it has inspired me. Inspired me to stop and listen and try and capture melodies and ideas that I encounter in my head and then just put them down.  And tonight I recorded a couple of original compositions. This sort of thing hasn’t happened for me in years. I used to think melodies all the time when I played in a band. But it is awesome to simply reawaken and start exercising this creative way of thinking again. It is just pure joy and plain fun.

So tonight I sent an email to Justin attaching the compositions. I told him: I don’t care if they’re good or not. It’s the beginning of something. And I’m committed to finding and discovering with you- what that something is.

Take a listen:

searching

Happy (musical) Travels…

Over the last few days, I’ve been mulling over and practicing the idea of being still. Of stopping. Of listening, and paying attention to what is happening within me. And while I am generally pondering while I’m on the move it makes for an interesting discomfort when I find myself not moving- not out driving, not out on an airplane or some other random adventure that I can find for myself as it is not typical space I find myself in.

But recently I’ve been gifted some time and staying still is what I’ve decided to do with it. And as I’ve been here, I’ve begun to notice that I am tense and unsettled. I get frustrated not thinking about, discussing, or acting forward with an idea.  I get restless. And the redeeming factor at the end of it all is that I find myself asking: Why? What does it all matter? Am I spinning my wheels for no reason? Am I caught up in someone else’s idea of what I “need” to be doing?

And oddly enough, I get a sense of great consolation in this line of questioning. It helps me feel as if I am solving a greater bit of understanding. Because really, on a small scale level, I am asking myself. Is this it? Isn’t there more to me being still then tension, feelings of being unsettled, frustration and restlessness? I believe there is. And I cannot find out what that “more” is until I keep myself still, long enough to find out.

Besides its a being still-staying put-noticing thing. Not a who will blink first contest.

Cheers to internal adventures!

Happy Travels…

It’s amazing to me the amount of energy put into a particular random day. flowers, hearts, candy, balloons.

And honestly, I am guilty as well- because I believe that it is important to express our love and affection.

But what I don’t agree with , is the surmise that occurs. The kind of self-sabotage that tries and makes ourselves feel inadequate or less significant because of the way we celebrate a random day (it so happens that in 2012 it’s a Tuesday) in February.

Love should be celebrated every day. Happiness should be celebrated every day. The characteristics and qualities that we hold as most significant should be honored and appreciated every day. not just on Valentine’s.

So tomorrow (later today, really) I’m going to suggest that you start to celebrate. Be happy, and honor the people who manifest your highest ideals, every single day of your existence.

Say it  and Don’t save it for a later date. Express and share it now. and do not  leave it til Feb 14, 2013.

That’s just too far away. For pete’s sake Christmas will be here before then!

So just say it and express it.

Happy Travels…

Lately I’ve noticed the recurring theme of “taking action” hanging around me.

I’m noticing it because I’ve become aware of  a simple yet significant difference that makes people successful. It is the simple fact that people who are succeeding are often DOing. Successful people are able to create such momentum for themselves and this momentum keeps them in the process of taking action.

I believe that we have an inherent need within us, that requires seeing the manifestation of our thoughts. Whether we are conscious of this or not, I believe there is a direct link between the types of thoughts that we are generating within and the “product” of our lives. Whether we are manifesting our we are stuck is where our self esteem comes in- acting as a gauge, telling us where we stand- whether we are proud of what it is we are producing (and subsequently producing more positive feelings) or whether we are feeling lost knowing we aren’t manifesting the life that makes us happy.

Successful people do not have time or space within their thoughts for items that slow their momentum.  The key difference is that it starts with DOing. It starts with creating clear, positive and focused thoughts. and it starts with Moving toward manifesting those thoughts. Whether it be implementing simple ideas of making art, cooking a dish, or discovering thru travel; the fulfillment of this DOing will eventually come to exist in thought, in action, and in eventually in the physical make up of our lives.

So start. Now.

Do!

Happy Travels…

Food. Glorious food!

Lately I have been obsessing about it. Actually, who am I kidding, I’ve always been obsessed with it. But lately, I have been cooking and experimenting and applying my creative way of thinking to it.

My mind is constantly absorbing, experiencing, and noticing with sight, taste, touch, feeling or hearing.  My mind makes creative mental notes about these things until it is time to put them to use. I recall images, I remember hearing songs, I feel the gentle tropical breeze of Hawaiian adventures gone by, I remember the feel of the soft and warm,  stark white stucco walls against the Greek blue skies. I remember all these rich details about things just like I remember shared meals; quick, greasy, on the fly meals; and meals with rich flavors lasting hours and hours and hours long…

So yesterday I thought about meatloaf and stuffing them into peppers, and I decided that the idea needed to be implemented. So I did. And it was good.

I sauteed onions, garlic, green onion, spinach and cilantro in butter. took half  ground beef and half italian meat combo, mixed the sauteed greens and the meat and added sour cream, an egg and worcesterchire, salt and pepper, breadcrumbs, tomato paste and half a can of milk.  I stuffed the mix into red, yellow and orange bell peppers and had a little meat left for a small loaf . and know I did not forget to add a little shredded cheese.

It was absolutely delicious. The sweetness of the pepper mixed well with the savory of the meat. Mmmmm. I’m glad that there was enough for more…

I have no doubt there will be more postings about the food ideas I implement.  I am realizing how much fun and how easy it is to implement these creative ideas…All the more to add to life’s adventures.

Happy Travels…

I’m a bit surprised at myself as I sit looking at the screen of my blog- attempting to write in this spot that I have so neglected and not paid any attention to. 

And- it’s not as if I haven’t had any particular ponderings either. Pondering, thinking, considering is at the very nature of who I am- it is constantly happening- but I guess I have just felt like being quiet.

But I feel its time to create a little discipline, time to take action. Time to track a bit of what I am pondering, thinking, considering and time to document what I am feeling inspired by and time to document how I am implementing simple happiness in my bigger travel adventures and the adventures of the day to day.

Today for example, I started realizing that the following idea has been resurfacing for me. The seemingly small things are proving to be some of the most important things.  

I’m noticing Small gestures equating significant meaning. I’m noticing Small practices helping to create big actions. And I’m finding steps help you take action; any action small or big.

So it’s time to start. Time to take small steps and get back into the right habits.

Time to take small steps to make/find meaning in this life adventure.

Happy Travels…

…Since I’ve been to Italy; since I’ve blogged; since I’ve taken the slow leisurely time to notice things, taste things, think about things. And I’ve begun to notice in all my travels, there are different styles of approaching a destination. Of noticing, of wandering and slowing. Of becoming aware of the specifics of locations.

One thing in particular about this trip is the amount of time it takes around here. People find themselves waiting a lot. and honestly, it’s good. because not only am I being forced to take time, I’m slowing myself down and simply enjoying it…

It’s been awesome to be here with some really great people and to also get the opportunity to cross off another country of the travel list with Ali. over the years we’ve figured out an awesome way to share similar creative ideas and our eyes capture things in ways that result in a simple look and a shared smile. It’s a comforting thing.

My time in Italy ends soon. but you can bet I’ll take with me, all the little things. The visually rich things. And the “HEY, Slow yourself down!” things and try my best to apply it to my at home adventures…

Happy Travels...

Shooting Student portraits at a local dance studio this week. It’s been hectic and fun- yet I feel buried under photos! Still am working on the Inspired slide show in between it all…

But when I stop and think about it, there is nothing to stress over. I would CHOSE this over and over again. Because one of the greatest gifts I’ve discovered is the power we possess to change. We already possess what we need. It’s just at times we forget. All it takes is a single decision to change our lives and change the world in which we live.

I once read:
A thousand mile Journey begins with a single step.

It does indeed. However, I believe the first step happens long before our feet hit the pavement. It starts when we make the clear and decisive decision. It starts with one single CHOICE.

What are you choosing today?

Happy Travels…

To those of you who listened to the roundtable interview, here’s the video i talked about shooting in Athens, Greece.  It’s very simple yet I am transported back to that very spot when I watch it. The warm late summer day, the tired legs from wandering, the delicious Gyro that I ate 15 minutes later after stopping and capturing the moment… 

video.php?v=1391006655000

Now the important question:

Who wants to go back?!?

Happy Travels…