Sunday, December 4, 2011

Boundless living outside the box

To live outside of the box lends itself to a certain sense of adventure and newness. This past month has been a new mode of living outside of the box, or rather expanding the scope and size of the proverbial ‘box’ I live within. While I have always been friendly, honest and surrounded by deep friendships and acquaintances, I have always retained a sense of coyness and reservation in new situations and among people I had just met. It’s one thing to extend yourself to someone known with the possibility of plans never materializing, as in the ever popular expressions, “let’s get together sometime”, or “call me, we’ll do lunch”; but with people just met there is a greater sense of wanting those plans to actually come to fruition.

So over the month of November, the pledge I had long planted in my hopes finally began to sprout. Truly wishing and wanting to ‘put myself out there’ and just embrace new experiences and opportunities sounded much better in theory than in practice; but as I am continually learning, most things need time, patience and guidance to bear fruit, blanketed of course, in an assured  belief in its possibility.

Armed with the peace that despite the lack of true connected friendships en France, I could either dwell on what is missing or I could trust my whispering intuition chime “in time…”, while learning that it is much easier to allow life to unfold at its own pace and in its own rhythm as, “the surest way to make God laugh is to tell him your plans…”

While the concept of time is ever eluding and confounding, it is the one thing that holds limitless possibility. Instead we tend to view it with a sense of urgency and control and a fabricated belief that with perseverance and effort we can construct what we want, when we want it. Perhaps it is in ‘knowing’ that we see a glimpse of the uncertain future, but perhaps it is in ‘unknowing’ that we truly enjoy and appreciate the mysteries of what’s to come…

So this past month has unfolded with a renewed sense of confidence and a carefree attitude, with a shift toward a greater embracement of English communication bridged with French laissez-faire social precedence. A social butterfly of sorts is the simplest way to describe the latest experiences, complete with book clubs, wine tastings, re-exploring the city among fallen leaves and misty skies, and sharing meals and holidays amongst new friends…  A month that in many ways retains the connectedness of several years but that also reinvigorates and reminds of the importance of enjoying each moment with ardent hope that the next will undoubtedly unfold with as much possibility!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Soundtracks

Music is the one constant that endlessly inspires and soothes.
The unforgotten tune that incites and floods the soul.

Having always been influenced by music and its ability to define and lend a voice to emotion and feeling, while vibrating between altering perceptions and meanings; it is an enveloping transformation of the soul and our hearts desires.

Why do certain melodies, chords and refrains speak louder than others? Why does the once mundane soar above our wildest present wisdom? And how does it reach into our very being releasing emotions, feelings, thoughts and discoveries not present on the surface?

What would the soundtrack of your soul echo…
if only for a day, month, year or even your lifetime?

For me…. the past 14 months resonate here → The beauty of music is that it may seem straightforward and obvious, but in its simplicity, a shift in melody or the resonance of one seemingly insignificant lyric can alter the entire experience…

(**Each title is a link to the song)
 

“But if you never try, you’ll never know…”
 
“…my mind is open wide…”

…Musically awakening & unleashing the soul…

“My memories start to wander off…”
 
Passenger Seat (Death Cab for Cutie)
“I roll the window down, and then begin to breathe in…”

“Do you realize, that you have the most beautiful face…”

…The melodies transport and transform…

“I can gather all the news I need from the weather report…”

“Please Lord put a little spring in my step…”

…An unknown language envelops a shifting landscape…


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Unfolding Accomplishments ~ Random Successes

I am a firm believer in finding the silver lining and positives in every situation, and in each area of this crazy little thing we call life. Despite the doom and gloom, daily difficulties, mounting challenges, and grass is always greener convictions, if you look long enough, hard enough, spirited enough… there is always something to be learned about, laughed at, let go or let in.

This last year has brought with it lots of little delights and simple treasures that in and of themselves are simple and unassuming, but nonetheless bring a smile to my lips and gleam to my eyes…

Things learned about…
A never ending and unwinding list of situations and experiences,
some easy and others difficult… some previously recognized
while others new discoveries …. , including;
-navigating a foreign health care system,
-driving, somewhat safely ;) among the craziest roads in Europe, and
-solo travel and living beyond established mindsets and comfort zones…



Situations laughed at…
For a girl that is directionally challenged,
internally compass deficient, and timidly expressive in French,
 I am certainly approached with mysterious frequency
for directions and assistance that is
surely based on my commonly complimented
open and innocent eyes
and welcoming spirit.


Obstacles let go…
Like a loose thread or scratchy tag
occasionally or continually aggravating
with subliminal awareness…
while trudging forward into uncertain territory…
all the while trusting in the journey and believing in the dream…
 

Love let in…
Weeks of lazy days and tired disposition → so be it!
Immersed appreciation ← Overflowing emotions and tested feelings
Argued expectations and firmly held routines →take a hike!
Renewed perceptions ← Embracing instincts and intuitions
 
…………………………………………………………………………………………
 
And to think that when I originally thought about the random accomplishments
of this past year the first thing that came to mind
was my newfound ability to nurture plants!
And so I must include this new domestic discipline to my list of silver linings,
as just as I am thriving in personal spirit, openness, and growth,
so too are the flora that share the same nourishing air
and laissez fair atmosphere!