warmth

 this. so great. so, so great.

"Beauty and seduction is nature's tools for survival, because we protect what we fall in love with. It opens our hearts, and makes us realize we are a part of nature and we're not separate from it. When we see ourselves in nature, it also connects us to every one of us, because it's clear that it's all connected in one.

When people see my images, a lot of times they'll say, "Oh my God." Have you ever wondered what that meant? The "oh" means it caught your attention, makes you present, makes you mindful. The "my" means it connects with something deep inside your soul. It creates a gateway for your inner voice to rise up and be heard. And "God"? God is that personal journey we all want to be on, to be inspired, to feel like we're connected to a universe that celebrates life.

Did you know that 80 percent of the information we receive comes through our eyes? And if you compare light energy to musical scales, it would only be one octave that the naked eye could see, which is right in the middle? And aren't we grateful for our brains that can, you know, take this electrical impulse that comes from light energy to create images in order for us to explore our world? And aren't we grateful that we have hearts that can feel these vibrations in order for us to allow ourselves to feel the pleasure and the beauty of nature?

Nature's beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude..."

 (here is the TedTalks version: gratitude.)

see + feel

Robert Irwin's art is so mesmerizing to me. this is a disc fixed to the wall illuminated with lights, two on the ceiling, two on the floor. the disc becomes a part of its own shadows, skewing your perception. ah, it's so calm and simple, but thoughtful, too. i think i'll sit here for a while and meditate.

this will be on view until tomorrow, january 5, at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. go! go! go!

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speaking of art, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco will be having an exhibition on yoga. it is the only museum on the west coast exhibiting this and will be up from February 21 - May 25, 2014. let's urdhva dhanurasana our butts up there!

"Millions of people around the world practice yoga to find spiritual insight and improved health. While many are aware of yoga’s origins in India, few may know about its philosophical underpinnings or its fascinating history over thousands of years.Yoga: The Art of Transformation goes beyond postures and delves into how yoga has evolved into a global phenomenon through an exploration of its visual history. Borrowed from 25 museums and private collections in Europe, the U.S. and India, the artworks featured in the exhibition date from the 2nd to the 20th centuries. Images ranging from benevolent deities and gurus to Tantric goddesses and sinister yogis reveal how yoga practices—and perceptions of them—have transformed over time and across communities. Exhibition highlights include stunning masterpieces of Indian sculpture and painting; pages from the first illustrated book of yoga postures (asanas); and a Thomas Edison film, Hindoo Fakir (1902), widely regarded as the first movie ever produced about India."

it's a wrap!

au revoir, 2013! it was fun and crazy being with you, on you, below you, above you... you gave me many unforgettable memories and experiences that slapped me upside the head, and i'm ready for even more!

every new year, i am offered the universe and this year, i will make love to it like i've never been hurt before. my dear universe, handle my love with care. it is just as infinite and intense and deep as you.

cheers!

because kindness

let's not dismiss or hold a grudge against each other over issues that can be so easily overcome. at the very least, at the most basic human level, treating others with courtesy and respect should be a given. let's communicate with one another, especially if there's a misunderstanding, no understanding, or even an understanding. we're not here to wage war against each other or create unnecessary pain. we all want to give and share our love and be good to each other despite feelings of rejection, feelings of wasted energy and effort, whatever... so why the grudge? why take it a level down instead of helping each other grow from it?

because

“I have my mother’s mouth and my father’s eyes; on my face they are still together.”

“You are terrifying and strange and beautiful, someone not everyone knows how to love.”

“The ego hurts you like this: you become obsessed with the one person who does not love you. Blind to the rest who do.”

“My alone feels so good, I'll only have you if you're sweeter than my solitude.”

–Warsan Shire