April 17, 2015

FOCUSED ATTENTION

Most of the time it feels like I have a million things to do. I’m very good at adding projects into my life haha However, I find that I am not able to make progress on any of them unless I focus my attention on one task at at time.

As I said to a friend recently, I believe there is really only one thing that we can do at a time. Therefore, I find the notion of “multi-tasking” to be flawed. Even if I have multiple windows on my computer open, I have to close one before I can get to another. As we spend time going back and forth between tasks, I think it takes us longer to actually complete one task (if we finish at all).

However, if we set aside dedicated time to give our attention to one thing, our chances of completion are higher. So, too, is the quality of our output.

I do my best work when I have space, time, fresh air, and food to keep me going. Hurrying through life is not a healthy approach (I am sometimes guilty of this!), and we don’t allow ourselves to actually enjoy the present moment because we are too busy rushing around.

So, in this moment, I encourage you to slow things down. Take a deep breath (in through nose, out through mouth), call to mind three things you’re thankful for, and determine the most important thing for you to do in this moment. And then focus your attention on whatever that is ;)

When you are hungry, eat. When you are tired, sleep. This is Zen.   -Roshi

Photo source: Spring Equinox at Salk Institute by Sameer Mundkur

April 15, 2015

SILENCE IS BEAUTIFUL

I am thankful for the friend who asked me today what was up with my website. Sometimes I forget that other people actually read my posts haha But I remain so thankful that you do :) And so, at 1am, I’m inspired to share a little something ;)

After weeks upon weeks of, what I’m now calling, extreme travel, I find myself…in another hotel room haha! This time a little closer to home in San Diego. I was actually home for two weeks, but it felt like only a few days. The exhaustion of traveling around the world, with a hectic schedule, in such short time frames is hard to describe. However, I remain thankful that I am able to continue to have these extraordinary experiences!

The last stop on my most recent trip to Asia was Bali. And it was incredible. The lush beauty of the land was amazing, and I woke up every morning to many different types of birds happily singing! Though I had some great adventures while I was there (like having a monkey on my head!), I most enjoyed experiencing Nyepi. Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence in celebration of the New Year. It occurred on my first full day in Bali (I arrived the night before during the elaborate parades and festivals), and I was not allowed to leave the hotel grounds. Since I was only in Bali a few days, I originally thought this might prevent me from seeing all of the sights. However, it ended up being the most relaxing day of my two week journey.

I stayed in a beautiful villa (at Jamahal Private Resort), and during Nyepi, my only communication was to order room service. I slept in, listened to relaxing music, read a little, and wrote a lot. It was fantastic! I had not realized how much I needed to stop. I needed rest.

No phones, no conversations, no television.

Only beautiful silence.

In the silence of the day, I found peace.

(I now plan on incorporating days of silence into my everyday life.)

 

 

Photo source: My camera :) Rice terraces of Ubud in Bali 

Fun fact: Shortly after I took this picture, I got rained on (the storm clouds are pretty obvious now that I see it through the lens of the camera haha). And it was glorious :)

March 20, 2015

SINGAPORE

During my time in Singapore, my new friend Xavier (Chief Concierge at the Sofitel) encouraged me to experience life as a native Singaporean would. Since I’d visited all of the main sites of the city during previous trips, I thought it was an excellent idea.

As a Singaporean would, I took the MRT subway (very nice, clean, and easy to follow — similar to Tokyo) to Tiong Bahru and hopped a SMRT bus to the Tiong Bahru market. The heat was intense, but I had lovely conversations with native Singaporeans (including the most hilarious Ringo Star!) and soon escaped inside for an ice cream and a (great!) massage. Following that, I wandered a bit more and discovered an art studio and book store. At “Books Actually,” I was inspired to discover works by Singaporean artists and was introduced to the works of a photographer named Nguan (work pictured).

The book was entitled, “How Loneliness Goes,” and I was struck by the emotions captured. I could immediately relate to each person pictured and I was moved. Since purchasing the book and viewing some of the photos once more, I am still moved.

At times, I think it is possible to feel alone…even when surrounded by many people. A sense of loneliness creeps in when we feel disconnected from everything and everyone. We may feel that no one understands what we’re going through…or that no one cares.

The reality is that nothing you could ever possibly feel is new. It has all been experienced before. Becoming reconnected only requires that you remember that we are one. When you recognize creation in all that is around you — including people, plants, and animals — you will be reminded that you can never be alone. Love always surrounds.

Thus, my adventure in Singapore was a beautiful reminder that not all who wander are lost. And also that getting lost is sometimes the only way to find real treasure.

May you be lost in the beauty of life and find that you are love :)

 

Photo source: From ‘How Loneliness Goes’ collection by Nguan (Singaporian photographer)

March 18, 2015

PERSPECTIVE

I am considering the importance of perspective from my hotel room in lovely (but very hot and humid!) Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. I think that life largely gives you what you expect.

If you are expecting a difficult situation, full of conflict, that is often what you will receive. Alternatively, if you view the situation as easy and fun, you will have a more enjoyable experience.

Of course if you are open and without expectation, you make room for magic to happen :)

How are your perspectives influencing your reality?

Photo source: Have a rest by Kevin Voon (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)

March 13, 2015

STILLNESS

As I travel about the world, I feel it is becoming difficult to catch my breath! Even now, I am writing this post while on my way back to Narita airport after one night in Tokyo. Next I will be in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Whew! :)

The opportunity to see so many places, and meet so many people is incredible. But, like everything else in life, it comes at a price. The physical and mental toll on my body is extreme. Returning home to LA for four days earlier this week actually felt like a vacation! And I am thankful that I was able to recharge my batteries a little and squeeze in an acupuncture treatment with Dr. Wu (my Taoist monk guru and friend). I was also able to begin a new vitamin regiment, recommended by an awesome healer I visited in NYC (the incredible Ms. Heidi Lovie!).

The message is that it is incredibly important to take care of yourself. Without doing that, we are incapable of enjoying ourselves or helping others.

Fortunately, I was able to see the cherry blossoms in bloom at Oena Park in Tokyo during my brief visit (pictured). I was struck by the beauty of the tree in the midst of the hectic city. The beauty, calmness, and stillness of the tree created an oasis that so many people were drawn to appreciate. I think the critical question is how can we become more like this cherry blossom tree?

Photo source: my mobile phone

 

 

March 10, 2015

THREE REMINDERS

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the world. I was happy to return last week, and as before, I left with many wonderful memories.

While reflecting on the trip on the (long) journey home, I was reminded of three things:

1. You cannot get moments back, no matter how special.

2. When you aren’t feeling well, rest.

3. It is better not to wish for different outcomes. Everything is happening for your highest good.

 

Photo source: Sagrada Familia in Bacelona, Spain.

When I think of Barcelona, the famous Gaudi church — Sagrada Familia — comes to mind.

February 27, 2015

GIVING THANKS

Sometimes I feel that I’m on the road more than I am at home! It is through these travels that I have been fortunate to make new friends and gain new perspectives. It has been my practice to stay in hotels I enjoy (with people I click with instantly), particularly in cities I visit often. This has been my salvation.

It would be impossible to name every person in every city who has made a difference in my life. There are so many! But over the past two weeks, there have been two friends in the hospitality industry to whom I must provide special thanks:

In sickness (this week in Cleveland), my friend DeBorah has gone out of her way to make everything easy for me in a way that I truly appreciate. She is, without a doubt, my favorite person in Ohio and a source of many laughs and good times. I’m so thankful for her friendship!

In health (last week in San Francisco), my friend Miguel was so kind to help me see two of my favorite basketball teams play. Miguel is one of the coolest people I know. I now eat at the bar instead of calling for room service just to hang out and chat with him and other guests when I’m in the Bay. Super thankful to know him!

Friends like these have helped me to see that when I travel alone, I am not a lone tree in the snow. Rather, I am simply a branch among many, connected through creation. We are one. I am so thankful.

 

Photo source: Balance by Todd Klassy

 

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