A Decidedly French Way of Living

I must say that one way I can happily live in New York is by pretending I'm Parisian. France is, after all, only an ocean away and its cafes, language, fashion, film, food and savoir faire has pervaded our little island like the fragrance of lavender en provence. My heart was stamped with the hexagon of France even before I was born, and I am partial to a kind of living that prizes the sensual delights of the everyday and reveres the beautiful. What can I say? Whatever their faults, I do believe that the French know what's important.

What does it mean to live a la francaise? I'd say to slow down, first of all. Breathe slower, eat slower and walk slower. Take in the sights and sounds of what is around and enjoy the details that have gone into the making of all that you see. The buildings of New York are phenomenal in their structure and design. Great care, skill and attention has gone into the architectural feats all around us. Not every city has been so fortunate to have the wealth and talent that make the city such a joy to walk around in. Moreover, history gives each building a specific feel that is worth taking the time to enjoy.

Relish the buying, preparation and eating of food. What a great joy it is to look at fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cheeses that we have in abundance. Tasting it all takes the ecstacy to another level. Farmers' markets are feasts for the senses and how wonderful it is that we have so many of them. Recipes abound on the internet. Trying new dishes in the kitchen is such an adventure. Invite some friends over, dine over boeuf a la bourguignonne and pick a nice wine to go with it all.

Dress to celebrate yourself. Take care into what you put on every day. Feel good about your appearance and express your personal style. Adding color into your wardrobe gives you added zest and energy that makes everyday living such a pleasure.

Make work less of a priority and enjoy friends and family. Though it is nice to have enough money to pay the rent, one doesn't need to go off the deep-end. Regulate excesses and know what you need to balance your life. This may mean taking more leisurely walks in the park or indulging in a melon gelato. Sensuality and pleasure are actually essential to our vitality.

To be French is to be present in the moment and happy within it. Life and its abundance is here right now.

Creative Ventures

Is there anything more fun that picking up a paintbrush or guitar and just going for it? Sometimes I wonder why people would rather just watch t.v. and be spectators when a world of possibilities exists in creative ventures. One can create one's own vision - unique and soulful - and possibly even have a cathartic experience doing it. I mean anything - dancing, scrapbooking, sewing, baking, gardening, wood-working, etc. -would do. There's so much satisfaction in self-expression that far surpasses the usual entertainments offered by our culture.

My suggestion is to just to follow one's natural attractions and predilections. I happen to like color and smooshy paint. Others may take to collaging words and images on paper. Singing show tunes might appeal to some, while banging on a drum may strike another. I admire shear genius- type haircutters and crafters of glorious cakes for their imaginations and hand skills.

Whatever tickles your fancy and excites your soul. Remember to keep the critic in the corner. Don't think too much and just go. What's left? So much joy for the taking.

Unconditional Happiness

In my quest to find that unmistakable lightness of being, I have travelled far and wide only to realize that everything exists within me. When all externals are stripped away, what is left but one's consciousness, the part that can see and appreciate and experience? The part that continues from lifetime to lifetime? The vastness that has no end?

It is this part that I identify with and from which I continue to watch the many emotions and thoughts that pass my way. Realizing that everything in this world comes and goes, there is no need to fight anything that happens. Not even fear or anger or stress. Everything eventually dissipates like smoke.

Sometimes though, a certain act is in order, like a good work-out or primal scream therapy. I like to go to the park and swing as high as I can. If I feel really stuck, I'll ask Ganesh (the remover of blockages) for extra help.

Ultimately, a feeling of peace prevails, the default state of my entire being - and everyone else's for that matter.

Amma, the hugging saint from India, is in town this week and I am so looking forward to getting a dose of her unconditional love. She is an amazing being, dedicated to serving all of humanity. Her embodiment of the Divine Mother comes through in all that she does - satsang (gatherings), darshan (blessings) and so many projects to help care for the poor and the sick. She travels all over the world to give millions of hugs, which are infused with divine healing power. We are so lucky to have her for three days in New York.