Let’s talk about L O V E!
Last week 3 clients, 2 friends, and 1 random stranger whom I met in a cafe, all started telling me about their desire to find love. Yet this desire feeling very unfulfilled. So I decided to create a resource around finding love.
When we women want love in our lives, it’s much more than simple companionship. We want to be wanted. We want to feel desirable and beautiful. We want to be supported in our dreams and ambitions. We want to be held, touched and passionately made love to. And above all that, we want a deep soul connection.
All of the women that I spoke to last week, were feeling defeated, tired and frustrated in their quest. Finding love seems ubiquitous and yet simultaneously unreachable to them. Yet in this distress, nor forward motion can happen. But I know, from experience, that finding love doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be really very easy. We have to become clear channels for receiving, in order to call in the love that we want.
Broken down into two parts, here are the first 3 of the 7 steps to finding love.
7 Steps to Finding Love. (Part 1.)
1. Stop Looking.
It is in the surrender of what you want, that you will find it. While we are desperately seeking to fill a man-shaped-void the energy that we carry with us, is one of lack. The sensation of lack is one that pushes away, rather than attracts what we want. It is when we release our desires and know that they are coming to you, at exactly the right time, that the manifestation of finding love accelerates.
2. Release Blocks.
More often than not, there is a reason why the love you seek isn’t finding its way to you. The reason is that you have some kind of subconscious, invisible barrier up, that is stopping that love to come to you. In order to be able to receive the love you want, you have to resolve the blocks that are stopping it from getting to you.
3. Give Yourself That Which You Desire.
When you fill you own well with the things that you desire, you interact with the Universe from a space of wholeness and completion. It warrants that you receive more of what you are already giving yourself, which isn’t possible when you are waiting for someone else to fill that void. One of the best ways to find love is the work on the lower three chakras.
When we are unresolved in the lower three chakras, then we are always hungry for energy. This energy can come in the form of money, attention from others, emotional neediness, or energy acquired through sex. When we are unresolved in the lower chakras then we feel we want more energy and that we are not getting enough. In finding love, this becomes the major source of resistance and conflict.
You can get a basic understanding of chakras in a post a wrote some time ago here.
Part 2. of the Finding Love can be seen right here.
Author: vienda
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7 Steps to Finding Love. (Part 1.)
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Travel is like a truth serum. It is the best cure for being self-centred and close-minded.
I was recently interviewed by the Australian Natural Health Magazine for an article on the benefits of travel on self-development, and wanted to share these answers with you too, because, if you’re anything like me, you might not get a chance to read the magazine.
Please introduce yourself.
I am a lifestyle coach who helps creative professionals create a semi-nomadic, unconventional life that is both soulfully and financially fulfilling.
1) Can you briefly describe your professional background?
I have a background in psychology matched with an intense curiosity on how we create our lives through the beliefs we have, and therefore also the limitations we create for ourselves. I then started travelling around the world, and had first-hand experience in how transformational travel can be, in not only expanding your horizons, but also getting to know yourself, and your life purpose in the process.
2) And your travelling background? Where have you been? What have you seen? What inspired you to travel the first time? What inspires you to travel now?
I have essentially travelled for most of my life. I was born in Austria, my father is Italian, I lived in both those countries as well as Portugal and the Canary Islands as a small child. Then, when my mum married and immigrated to Australia, I was travelling between my parents in Europe and Australia. So to continue travelling as an adult was somewhat a natural progression. I originally went travelling on my own to discover the differences between people and cultures, but what I actually learnt, was about what truly unites us as a species. Its such a beautiful thing. Now, I travel to keep being reminded and inspired by the beauty of the world, and to fulfil my natural tendency to live a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
3) Is travelling beneficial and why (would be great to have a psychology-skewed answer here)?
The most powerful benefit of travel is that it helps open up your interpretation and understanding of the world, giving you a wider range of choices and pleasures in life. The experience of other cultures helps loosen the chains of cognition, making it easier to see things in a new light. Whether it’s your own life, or other experiences, we stop be so judgemental of ourselves or others and recognise that there is an unlimited wealth of possibilities and opportunities in each and every experience.
Because of this, we are able to organise our lives and what we want to do with them, with much more clarity and optimism. So essentially, travel is a really good way to get to know yourself and learn about how you do, and how you want to, show up in all areas of your life. You finally get to see what’s truly important because the constricted thought processes are gone. There is something intellectually liberating about travel.
4) Do you know of any studies that back this up?
There are quite a few, but the one that comes to mind is Lile Jia at Indiana University. He randomly divided a few dozen under-grads into two groups, both of which were asked to list as many different modes of transportation as possible.
Jia found a striking difference between the two groups: when students were told that the task was imported from Greece, they came up with significantly more transportation possibilities. They didn’t just list buses, trains, and planes; they cited horses, triremes, spaceships, bicycles, and even Segway scooters. Because the source of the problem was far away, the subjects felt less constrained by their local transport options; they didn’t just think about getting around in Indiana, they thought about getting around all over the world, and even in deep space.
In a second study, Jia found that people were much better at solving a series of insight puzzles when told that the puzzlescame all the way from California, and not from down the hall. These subjects considered a far wider range of alternatives, whichmade them more likely to solve the challenging brain teasers. There is something intellectually liberating about distance.
5) Would you recommend travelling alone, with a partner, as a group or do all of these travelling arrangements have different benefits?
I personally would recommend travelling on your own to really have that experience of self-discovery. Certainly, all travel arrangements have different benefits, but if you want to grow as an individual, you have to get comfortable with being by yourself. Learning to like yourself and even love yourself by spending time alone is invaluable. You see the world through your own personal filters without being influenced by others and get to see who and how you really are. It’s a truly beautiful life journey.
6) Travelling to a non-English country can be tough. Do you have any tips? What can one learn from such an experience?
I know that people say that travelling in non-English speaking countries can be challenging, but its really about being resourceful. In the end we all have the same needs, and communication is only 40% verbal. You’d be surprised at just how much you can communicate through body language, sign language and generally just smiling and connecting with one another. Human beings are naturally driven to help each other and share their world with one another, making being a traveller in a foreign, exotic place such a heart-warming, inspiring and fulfilling experience.
As long as you are willing to be friendly, open and curious, other cultures will welcome you with open arms and share a special kind of hospitality that is rare to encounter in your own town or city.
7) Is there anything we can do to approach travel as self-discovery or is simply travelling enough?
From my experience, and working with clients, the inclination to travel usually happens at an exquisite juncture of one’s life. Be it a break-up, a death or changing career, the impulse to travel often comes at a time when there’s already tremendous change. Because of this, the introspective self-discovery elements that occur with travel generally happen quite naturally. However, simply by setting an intention for one’s journey is enough. We always attract what we focus on, so if you have decided that you would like to travel to explore yourself, that’s exactly what you’re going to get.
8) Do you recommend people incorporate travel into their lifestyle for learning purposes? How can people make this a reality?
I think that learning is a naturally occurring side effect to travel. Unless of course, you lock yourself up in a private resort and don’t interact with the local culture! All it takes is a little bit of curiosity and willingness to be inspired and learn new things about the world. Human beings are predisposed to want to learn and understand about the world around them so it just becomes a part of travel.
9) What are your top cities to visit for a self-discovery experience and why?
1. Hampi in Karnataka, India: This city is purely magical! It’s the original capital of India 500 years ago, which now lies in ruins. It’s one of the most magical, resonant places I’ve ever been to. This place just does things to a person!
2. Prague in the Ceck Republick: A visual fairy-land, Prague is the perfect place for self-discovery and introspection. Doing all the spectacular walks, while rediscovering yourself is such a powerful soul journey. I particularly recommend going there in Autumn when all the leaves are turning golden. It’s a visual feast, and so enriching for every part of your being.
3. Tulum in Mexico: This part of the world is essentially setup for the self-discovering traveller. Yoga retreats, shamanic ceremonies and detoxes on every corner, plus the beauty of the Caribbean beach-side, its such a wonderful time for reflection, learning, healing and growing.
Having said that, your experience of every place is also dependant of where you’re at in that moment. Whatever you’re feeling, travel tends to amplify.
10) What are some of the lessons one might learn while travelling (acceptance of other cultures, religions etc)
Travel is like a truth serum. It is the best cure for being self-centred and close-minded. Through travel we step beyond those limitations created by living in your own bubble and experience the wealth of possibilities in the world. Our approach moves away from being culturally defined to being universal. It’s an opening of the heart. Non-travellers are more susceptible to being stuck in their monotonous patterns. Travelling jolts us awake. So we learn to see ourselves and others in such a different light, and thereby expand out mindsets and the possibilities available to us in life.
11) Do you remember a key experience that you had while travelling that you learnt something valuable from. Can you please tell me about it?
Having spent some time in Muslim cultures in both Morocco and Turkey, I always had the impression that a woman travelling on her own would be quite dangerous. Yet’ I was so beautifully surprised that many men would feel protective of you, and take you under their wing as a sister, because of their culture rather than in spite of it. I felt very safe and taken care which completely opposed the perception I had of Muslim culture up to that point. In that time I learnt that many of the views we are fed through the media are entirely untrue, and never to believe these stories. Have you own experiences, make up your own mind. The world will surprise you.
12) Anything else you want to add, particularly pulling from your psychology knowledge?
Travel not only invites us to see the world anew, it gives us a fresh look at ourselves. The greatest benefit of travelling is the unique view it give us of who we are a human being in this world. By placing us outside of ourselves, travel provides us an objective view of what we have been habitually doing, as well as the anonymity to risk new ways of being in the world.
We cannot travel to get away from ourselves. As the adage goes “Wherever you go, there you are.” Travel fails as an escape but it succeeds as confrontation. Confrontation with ourselves that is. Which challenges us to rise up and become someone far more in alignment with ones dreams and values. -
Spirituality Is A Four Letter Word
I’m just driving back from a weekend trip in Byron, which was wonderful and beautiful. Obviously, I’m not the one in the driver seat, but am frantically typing on my iPad, willing this idea that I’ve got, to form in a way that’s communicable.
This little trip has brought me some beautiful clarity on my own journey, which I can thank the souls and companions that I’ve had by my side over the last few days for.
I’ve always erred on the side of spiritual growth and guidance. This is one of those things that didn’t feel like a conscious choice, but rather something that was encrypted in my soul. In my early 20’s it grabbed me, shook me up, threw me around a few times and shattered any proportional illusions that I might have had about life.
I came out the other side of that experience, a completely different human being. One that now, I am really proud of, and I love. Not because I’ve got it all figured out, because really, it’s far from that. But because I understand the messiness, the holiness, the all-ness of life, and accept it in its entirety.
My biggest lesson was to experience life from the perspective of an observer. To interact in life, as well as simply observe those interactions without expectations, without attachment. Just to watch. This position of the observer, brings an infinite, constant state of joy with it. An exhilaration which makes every sensation and emotion ecstatic.
Happiness and sadness might be two end of the spectrum – as are love and fear– but they are only experiences for the soul part of us, neither judged as good nor bad. Simply the experience of life in the form of a human body, and all that comes with it. Which is what we are here for. So our souls can have a body to play in.
This state of experiencing life not just as an active participant but also as an observer, means the highs are higher, and the lows are lower. Our senses are imperceptibly heightened and everything feel so strong, so powerful, so all-encompassing. And yet the inner part of us, is always still. Always overjoyed simply by being able to have these experiences. What fun it is, to have such a wide range of emotions, of sensual perceptions, of interactions and relations.
There have been many times in my life, where I have been in my knees, not wanting to go on. Wishing for all the pain and suffering to stop. And even those darkest moments sparkle in a shade-of-night beauty. Even those times of deep human hurt, are something that our soul delights in. Because with it, we grow, and we feel in a way that is otherwise, impossible.
Being in Byron, I brought into my experience a beautiful Ashram hidden in the hinterland, which attracts many people who consider themselves spiritual seekers, all on their own journey to understand and experience this life. I think this is a beautiful thing – I believe inner growth and soul development is a powerful facilitator to compassion, love, and true inner peace and freedom.
I also believe there’s no separation between the “seekers” and the layperson. I think we are all on the same path – however on different parts of it – with journeys that reflect how and what we each need in this time.
So I feel compelled to counter any suggestions that people who actively seek out spiritual growth are in any way superior than anyone else. The most connected, spiritual people have most often been people who didn’t consider themselves spiritual in their minds, but rather just had an intense appreciation for nature, life and each momentary experience.
Spirituality is a four letter word that has been thrown around as a shield, as an excuse for bad behaviour, a “holier than thou” attitude, and a myriad of other things. Under the guise of spirituality, there has been control, manipulation, people not taking responsibility for themselves and their actions, disempowerment, power games, and as we have seen across religions, even mass-murders and war.
It is the nature of anything that has been separated from its original context that its significance can be twisted and turned to suit the egos of our human pitfalls. Pitfalls which are also the poignant springboards to our greatest growth, if we allow it.
Being spiritual, is part of being human. How we choose to use that aspect of ourself is each individual’s sacred choice. But using spirituality as a form of separating yourself is again, creating the problem that we are learning through our inner soul growth to overcome. The illusion of separation is the only thing keeping us from being at one with all there is and what we are.
Spirituality therefore, is recognising the unity of all things, at all times. Nothing more. Nothing less. It is not the amount of mantras that you sing before 6 in the morning, or the number of flagellation’s your body can withstand. Those are tools and distractions on the path, which are easily misused like so many others.
Spirituality lies in the constant practice of unity. Instead of gaining power from the separation of self from soul. From you and me. Rather, we recognise in each moment, what makes us all one and the same. -
The Gypset Guide to Reading Your Tarot Cards. Even When You Don’t Have A Question.
Sometimes, as in most of the time, I don’t want to ask my cards a question, rather, I want THEM to tell ME what I need to know. I simply want some guidance on a certain topic. In the reading above, I asked to be spiritually as well as practically guided around the topic of money. This is what’s called, an open tarot card reading.
And this is how you do it.
PREPARE
To begin, have ready: your tarot cards; the layout for the spread you have chosen (my favourite is the 3 card spread: past > present > future); and the card and spread information pages, if required.
SET THE MOOD
Prepare your environment as feels good to you. Candles, incense, essential oils, feathers. Or not. Sit down with some empty space in front of you. Relax and still your mind. Breathe deeply several times.
SET YOUR INTENTION
Remove the deck of cards from their casing. Hold the cards cupped in one hand. Place the other hand on top and close your eyes. Decide on an intention for this reading (i.e. I would like guidance on… / Please give me clarity on… And say your intention out loud as an opening statement.
SHUFFLE THE CARDS
Shuffle the cards until you feel ready to stop. Keep your mind free and open while you shuffle.
CUT THE CARDS
Place cards face down in front of you with the short edge toward you. Cut the deck in one unplanned action as follows:
➳ Grab some number of cards from the complete pile.
➳ Drop this smaller pile to the left.
➳ Grab part of this second pile. Drop this third pile to the left.
➳ Regroup cards into one pile in any fashion.
LAY OUT THE CARDS
Hold the cards in your hand with the short edge toward you. Then turn over the top card as you would turn the page of a book. Lay out the cards according to the spread you have chosen. Turn reversed cards around if you are not using them. (I never use reversed cards…but some people like to.)
RESPOND TO THE CARDS
Note your responses to individual cards. Note your response to the whole pattern of cards. Analyzing the cards; analyzing each individual cards: find the information page for the card, read over keywords and actions.
SEEK THE WISDOM + MEANING
Look for signs that trigger thoughts and emotions within you. These are the concepts that are important and poignant for you right now. Write down the thoughts and feelings, if you wish. Use your intuition to interpret what each card, and the relationship between all the cards, mean to you. Be sure to take note of inspired ideas and additional insights.
CREATE THE STORY
Based on the revelations through the meaning you have uncovered in your reading, tell the story that the cards are showing you, in relation to your current life. Let it flow out of you spontaneously either in written form in your journal, or spoken out and recorded for you to review. This will uncover a theme identified by the cards.
CLOSE THE READING
Clear the deck (tarot cards are very sensitive to energy which they store very easily) by gathering the cards together, and holding the cards cupped in one hand, with the other hand placed on top.
➳ Close your eyes.
➳ Say out loud what you have learned from the readings expressing gratitude to your Inner Guide and the cards for their insight.
➳ Put cards back into container, and tidy up your environment if you’ve brought out lots of ornaments the share the experience with.
USE WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED
Let the message of the reading guide you in a general way, throughout your days following, and specifically around the things that you set your intention for the reading on. Observe how this tarot reading is opening up your view of possibilities, insight and ability to perceive a new way forward.
If you loved this you will also really enjoy my Gypset Guide To Hand Reading and my Gypset Guide To More Magic 7 Days A Week. -
33 + Three Quarter Fantastic Films That Will Ignite Your Fantasy
It’s the holiday season! And considering this list has taken me almost a year of careful consideration and revisions to compile, now is the perfect time to sit back and soak in some inspired artwork in the form of film. I give you 33 + three-quarter fantastic films that will ignite your fantasy:1. Pan’s Labyrinth
Produced in Spain by a Mexican director this dark fantasy film delicately intertwines reality with fairytale, leaving you wondering what is really real, the way that dreams do. The directly translated name of the film is The Labyrinth of the Faun which is set a few years after the Spanish Civil War a young girl has to pass through the trials and tribulations of the Labyrinth in which she has to make moral choices in order to save her mother and unborn brother, eventually sacrificing her life. The actress who played the main character, Ofelia, when she was only 11, said she thought the film was “marvellous”, and that “at the same time it can bring you pain, and sadness, and scariness, and happiness”. Even though it is a fairy tale, I wouldn’t recommend this film for young children as the dark parts are quite gruesome, but the story itself and the beautiful scenery and special effects are heavenly and delicious
2. Cloud Atlas
This film pulls a very tender and special cord in my heart because it reflects a love story of my own and was passed onto me by the very beloved who was involved in this story. I fondly recall our first date in which he shared with me his intuitive feeling that we had met in many lives before and that we will again in many lives to come. Yet, somehow, our love story never gets to finish. In Cloud Atlas, we follow the love story of a couple who reincarnate across 7 different lives to meet, recognize each other and fall in love, only to have something come between them. It’s a love story that never ends, exploring the many threads that connect us across space and time all of which lead us to love, and spans an enormous expanse of life and fantasy. So truly beautiful and touching, I have tears in my eyes every time I even just see the trailer.
3. The Fountain
A spiritual odyssey of sorts on death, love and feeling whole and enlightened when the time comes to leave our bodies and this planet. Again, The Fountain is a love story of sorts, and the cinematography and concept are breathtaking. Presented across three stories which appear as past, present and future, we follow a man who is in pursuit of eternity to hold on to love. For me, the message here is that it is once you let go, that you realize that the idea of separation was merely an illusion after all. Love is eternal and everlasting, whether we are physical with that person or not. Let go of the idea that there is an end and become aware that everything is light, and you are released from the shackles of suffering for love. Directed by the creator of Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan, you can imagine the bitter and twisted turns this love story will take you on, only to finish on an ethereal plane of freedom and sheer abandonment.
4. Moonrise Kingdom
The sweetest of stories you might ever see, I recommend watching this film when your brain needs some downtime and loving care. It’s easy to watch, the story and characters are incredibly endearing and the film has been put together beautifully. Naturally, this is not a surprise since the director is the one and only Wes Anderson, who also created The Royal Tannenbaums. A comedy-drama set in the mid-1960s, we follow two “troubled” children embarking on adolescence as they discover their own distinct personalities and run away from home together to explore the little island they live on. An all-star cast brings colour and life to every character, no matter how small and will leave you with a sweet smile on your face and a skip in your step for the rest of the day.
5. Marie Antoinette
Oh, the cinematography, the costumes, the hair, the lighting and the effervescent decadence of it all! There is nothing that I don’t love about this film, except maybe that I want it to go on forever. Director Sofia Coppola fulfils a girl’s cotton candy-coloured dreams of a true love story that goes terribly wrong. Born in 1755, Maria Antonia, an Austrian princess (I like to believe we’re distantly related, ahem) fulfils her duty to unite the two countries and marries the Dauphin of France, Louise-August. Bound by her obligation to bear children and ensure an heir she is severely disappointed at her difficulties since her husband, is rather cold and awkward around her. I personally believe that he was secretly gay, but the film never touches on such ideas. In rebellion, for the lack of attention received from the Dauphin and the coldness of the people in the French court, she begins to live a decadent lifestyle spending money frivolously on hair, costumes, parties, gambling, champagne and begins to hang out with “colourful” characters to keep herself amused. This is a beautiful film that you must watch, which will leave you wanting to be an eccentric show pony full of eclectic ideas and tastes!
Speaking of Sofia Coppola, I adore all of her films including 1/4: The Virgin Suicides, 2/4: Lost in Translation and 3/4: Somewhere. If you’re enjoying a rainy day at home, make sure you see these!
6. Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind
The power of love is truly something. This film is so touching, heartbreaking and real. Serendipitously a man and a woman fall in love after meeting on a train, yet for whatever reason, they cannot be together. But being so deeply in love and not being able to let go can be a painful experience and so Clementine, played by Kate Winslet decides to erase her memory. I’ll leave the rest up to you to find out but be prepared to be enchanted and to shed some tears.
7. Perfumé: The Story of A Murderer
I read the book about 8 years ago and was mesmerized by the exquisite writing style that left me smelling every scent that was described throughout the story. Then, a few years later when I was living in Barcelona, I stumbled across a film set, which serendipitously was the making for the movie version of Perfume. Obviously, I had to go see it and was pleasantly surprised to discover that the film was curated so well that it didn’t leave me saying, like I normally would, “Well, it was nice, but the book was much better!”. No, this film fills all your sensual, visual and fantasy needs with a colourful and twisted plot full of incredible scenery, costumes and unbelievable cinematography. The storyline? It’s a bit complicated to explain but as one film critic articulates, it’s a story about “an obsessive French perfumer with a highly developed olfactory sense and an all-consuming drive to capture the essence of love eventually resorts to murder in his unrepentant quest to find the key ingredient for his recipe”.
8. Chocolaté
I have mentioned my everlasting love for this film before here and can only urge you to go see it as so many parts of my life feel like they reflect the sentiments of this film. And in my next life, I want to be a chocolate goddess/healer/magician just like Vianne Rocher played by the seductive Juliette Binoche. And clearly, my plans involve falling in love with a river gipsy, just like Roux played by none other than Johnny Depp. This story is about the whimsical sentiments of family, love, gipsy and Mayan magic melded together and infused with chocolate. It will leave you with a spring in your step and the inspiration to conquer the world with your own magic!
9. Walk the Line
This film brings back the funniest memory: I think I was 23 or 24 when my sister and I started dating these two best friends whom we renamed Whaley and Penguin. Willy (renamed Whaley for no obvious reason) was my date and Penguin (whose real name I simply cannot recall, but was named thus because of his walk) was my sister. One day Whaley decided to take me out without his doppelgänger Penguin, and he took me to this film.
Walk the Line is incredibly powerful and Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely spectacular in representing the wild and worn life of Johnny Cash. I really don’t like country music but somehow that wasn’t even an issue as I was mesmerized by the love and pain of a creative man who just wanted to give his talents to the world and be loved for it. Mangold’s story of the relationship between Johnny Cash and June Carter, played by Reese Witherspoon is deliriously romantic, and exhilaratingly entertaining, as a musical, it invites and earns comparison and profoundly moving–all set to a spectacular soundtrack. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are both brilliant as Cash and Carter, but not only in the ways you would expect. Their most impressive achievement is to convincingly portray two people falling in love in a manner that’s sincere and sweet but never cheaply sentimental. Please watch this!10. Secret Window
You may have noticed that there is a theme here, but I simply can’t help but love the films that Johnny Depp chooses! This is a psychological thriller about a writer who holds a secret. Even though it’s quite dark, the cinematography is sensational and the storyline was really well written which will leave you thinking. I love that early in the movie, Mort (Depp) walks around his house on a typical day when he’s working on his latest novel. He does nothing. Sleeps. Talks to his dog. Then finally sits down at the typewriter and writes a single paragraph. He then reads it, realizes it’s bad writing, and deletes it. But he does it with a SMILE. And he goes back to sleep happy, because he DID something on that day. Ha! The bane of being creative!
11. Brave
Animation is clearly not just for children and I can’t wait to watch this film with some little girls to see if they love it as much as I do. Who doesn’t want to be wild, free and accepted the way they are? Merida is the red-haired and fiery daughter of a Scottish king, who loves to climb trees, shoot arrows and explore her kingdom on horseback. While her mother is trying to mould her into becoming a suitable princess Merida rebels and accidentally places a terrible spell on her mother. The story follows the mother-daughter relationship as they start to see each other’s point of view and become closer to the effect of a happy ending. Charming in every way!
12. The Lorax
If you were ever a child, you are probably familiar with Doctor Seuss’s ‘The Lorax’, a tale of a world where man’s greed and selfishness have eradicated all the trees in favour of their escapist man-made town. It’s a charming yet somewhat depressing book as the main character realizes what he’s destroyed, yet leaves a glimmer of hope at the end as he passes off the last tree seed to a young boy to plant. I loved the bittersweet end, as it got the message across and made me want to care about preserving nature. The premise of the story is in proper Seuss fashion as we realise that the environment is very important to humans and nature, corporate greed can lead to losing yourself within the mass amount of madness you created and most importantly, if you don’t care enough to change the problems you see in today’s society, nothing will change. And I like that message.
13. Avatar
Make no mistake about it, Avatar is a deeply spiritual movie. While giving us a natural world of beauty, it also forces us to deal with the shadow side of life. It vividly depicts and condemns the blindness, selfishness, and destructiveness of the path of warfare, violence, and the use of technology to destroy the Earth and others considered to be subhuman or “collateral damage.”
This story celebrates diversity and other ways of knowing. The “People,” like other tribal cultures, value harmony, simplicity, community, the spirit in nature, the sacred feminine, and an Earth-based cosmology that is totally in sync with contemporary spirituality movements: reverence for Gaia (earth) as a living being and the Oneness movement that celebrates the interconnection of all beings.
Spiritual Lessons from the Na’vi:
1. Seeds, trees, animals, insects, water, and leaves are all part of the web of life. Everything is alive and conscious and interconnected.
2. It may be necessary to kill for food. A clean kill involves respect and a ritual for any animal that gives itself to you for food and other uses.
3. Even vicious and seemingly violent animals have the right to protect their turf and participate in the dance of life.
4. Having a good heart and being fearless is part of being a warrior.
5. Signs are all around us in nature and in our own experiences: they are meant to be read and interpreted.
6. Using the power within us is the way of the sacred feminine.
7. A greeting is an act of engagement with another. Open and active presence is conveyed by the words “I see you.”
8. It is important to listen to the voices of the ancestors.
9. Everyone is born twice: once at birth and once again when he or she earns a place within the community.
10. Energy is pulsating in and through all forms of life.
11. Mother Earth doesn’t take sides; she protects only the balance of life.
12. Healing is an act of the community calling upon the divine.
13. Everyone needs to train in attunement to the spirit in nature.
14. The magical flights of the shaman invoke spirit helpers.
15. The world is a collaborative work in progress in which each individual in the tribe has something to contribute to the whole.
14. The Golden Compass
To be completely honest, I haven’t watched this film all the way through. But I really want to! (I have this amazing ability to fall asleep within the first 10 minutes of any film, which just shows how good this list of movies actually is, as this is the only one I haven’t completely watched at least once!) The Golden Compass is set in a retro-futurist version of the real world: a faintly Gilliamesque place of bizarrely crowded neo-classic cities and Heath Robinson flying machines. Here, human beings all have their own “daemons”, like witches’ familiars, but benign, shape-shifting essences that incarnate that person’s human spirit. It is a world ruled over by the Magisterium, a powerful mind-control cult. Boldly contesting the Magisterium is Lyra’s adored uncle and guardian, the gallant Lord Asriel, who, like Indiana Jones, has a glamorous career portfolio. Asriel is a man of action, mystical seer, anthropologist and Oxford don. From his travels in the frozen north, he has found evidence of other worlds and other existences. He is thus suspected of heresy by the Magisterium, keen to impose a kind of Vatican-Caliphate-Soviet rule over all minds. Its agent, Mrs Coulter, is set to work on Lyra and also pursues a horrible plan against children generally. I love the spectacular colours, sci-fi special effects and grandeur of all the characters and can’t wait to watch it again in full.
15. V For Vendetta
In those moments when we need a little bit of girl-power oomph, and encouragement to stick up for our beliefs and values, V For Vendetta will come in perfect timing. I love Natalie Portman in this, as she gracefully displays her skilful acting and completely embraces her role, fighting for freedom and liberty in the widest sense of the word. The movie is multiply layered, filled with symbolism and deeper meanings but with one clear main message in it; People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people. It shows that if enough people are behind something, things can be achieved. Even killing and acts of terrorism can be justified. As the character V says; A building is a symbol, as is the act of destroying it. Symbols are given power by people. A symbol, in and of itself is powerless, but with enough people behind it, blowing up a building can change the world.
16. A Good Year
My sister put me onto this film and it gives me that nostalgic feeling that we al sometimes get when we miss our families. Besides that, it’s a beautifully narrated film about a high-flying stockbroker (Russell Crowe) who cares about no one, loves money and especially loves being an arrogant git. But when his uncle Henry dies and leaves him a vineyard in France his initial thoughts are how much can he sell it for; over the course of the film awakens within himself distant memories he thought he’d buried and begins to see things a little differently. Splashed with a little tragedy as well as humour the film does make you think about some of life’s big questions such as; is money important? Or is love important? What makes someone happy? Ultimately it is a film about one man’s struggle with his identity in a world where he thought he had to behave a certain way. It is his interaction with the people he meets and the lessons he realises he learnt from Henry as a child that in a way were detrimental to start with but eventually lead him to make the right choices.
17. The King’s Speech
I love, love, love this film. Its innocence, sweetness, and naturally awkward clumsiness of the characters completely fill my heart and make me tear up every single time. I especially love the part where King George learns to swear and instead of saying fuck, he says fornicate. Makes me laugh so hard!
The story gives us a fascinating look into the struggles faced by George VI on his way to becoming king of England. The storyline is all about his stuttering, but underneath all that are suppressed memories from childhood, growing up in the shadow of an elder brother, perpetual negative reinforcement from a domineering father, etc. The heart of the movie, however, is the relationship between George and Lionel Logue, an unconventional speech therapist who is helping him overcome his speech problems. Firth is brilliant as the aloof, initially reluctant and distrustful monarch, while Rush shows wink-of-the-eye humour and irony, relishing the sheer inequality of their positions yet knowing the extent to which George is dependent on him. Ultimately a true friendship develops between the men, and since they are both such endearing characters, it’s a joy to watch.18. Finding Neverland
A fictionalized account of the love story that led to the infamous creation of Peter Pan, not only do I love Peter Pan, as I feel like I’ll never grow up either, but as you may have noticed by now, am in adoration of many of Johnny Depp’s works of art. He has incredible taste in scripts and knows how to bring characters to life in the most authentic and vulnerable ways. This film is full of sensitive moments between the family and playwright, James Barrie which will leave you filled with love, creative writing impulses and the desire to speak like Shakespeare.
19. Closer
Closer is an unusually honest film, which is why I like it. It strikes you in the heart and makes you question the frailty of the human condition. This is a film that focuses less on individuals and more on the relationships between those individuals. If the four characters in Closer were represented by four points on a map, this movie would be a study of the lines that cross between those points, rather than the points themselves. In this way, we can easily see ourselves and each other in what happens on screen: you don’t have to be a photographer to relate to Julia Roberts’ self-loathing adulterer, because the film doesn’t strive to tell the story of where she came from or why she takes pictures. Her character strives to tell the story of someone completely overcome both with lust and with the guilt that accompanies it. These two compulsions feed off of each other so feverishly that she cannot find happiness either in acting on her lust or in abstaining. Telling this side and only this side of her story helps it become more universal, as do the stories of her surrounding characters. If you want to philosophize about life, this will inspire you.
20. Inception
I love dreams. I love dreaming. I love talking about dreams and this film is all about living in the dream world. From architecture to storyline, this movie will have you on edge and wondering even more, how much of our other dream lives are part of our everyday reality.
21. Hearts in Atlantis
This is a gentle, innocent film about the reflections of an ageing man, who returns to his home town after the death of his best friend. This film is perfect if you’re ready to get all cosy and shed a few tears on the love and wonderment of life. I’m not usually a fan of any of Stephen King’s work because I generally find it too gruesome but the paranormal is quietly and beautifully woven into this story in a way that makes it believable and relatable to me. If you look closer, Stephen King is not just a mere auteur of horror but rather, all his stories are melancholic tales about the loss of childhood innocence, which you can see as you become gracefully enchanted by the characters in Hearts in Atlantis and led into opening your eyes wider to the beauty of life. By the many subtle touches throughout, filmed in gloomy blue and grey tones, and golden sepia treatment, you are left with a sense of incredible, heartbreaking and shattering beauty.
22. Memento
If I told you the entire plot of this film it really wouldn’t matter as it is an exquisite paean to the subjectivity of memory and therefore is in itself ambiguous; the ‘truth’ of it is up to you. You come out questioning yourself, your memories, and your truths. Nothing in this film is as it seems, and yet paradoxically everything is as it seems. We see everything through Guy Pearce’s character’s (Lenny) eyes, unfortunately, he has no short-term memory so cannot form new memories. He would have already forgotten the first sentence of this review. He lives in snapshots of life; his only form of memory is his Polaroid camera, just like in the excellent German film Wintersleepers; also (partly) about a short-term memory disorder.
23. Amelie
For 20 years Jean-Pierre Jeunet collected small astonishing and intriguing moments in his life, taking notes in his diary, not knowing that he was up to co-write and direct one of the most successful films in French film history. Jean-Pierre Jeunet fell in love with the story and the film he titled Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain.
This movie is for everyone who understands passion or who has lost his/her childhood somewhere along the way. If you love art, music, sunshine and poetry then you are qualified for seeing this movie, be warned though… It will change your life.24. The Princess Bride
This film marks the first time I ever fell in love. I was 6 years old and completely enamoured by the man in the mask and had fantasies of growing up and getting married to this mysterious stranger. It seems my affinity for the mystical has never changed and I still prefer my life and men to have a magical, alluring sense to them.
The story is a classic tale of love and adventure as the beautiful Buttercup, engaged to the odious Prince Humperdinck, is kidnapped and held against her will in order to start a war, It is up to Westley (her childhood beau, now returned as the Dread Pirate Roberts) to save her. On the way, he meets a thief and his hired helpers, an accomplished swordsman and a huge, super-strong giant, both of whom become Westley’s companions in his quest.25. Almost Famous
There was a time in the US rock circuit before music videos and online marketing. That was the time when several little-known bands toured all over the country… accompanied mostly by drugs and groupies. Writer-director Cameron Crowe takes us to that infamous scene of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll in the 1970s with this semi-autobiographical work, which is not only equipped with his brilliant direction and screenplay but also with amazing performances by some relatively lesser-known actors. It’s a terrific coming-of-age story, it’s a bittersweet love story, with beautiful dialogue, but it’s Crowe’s obvious love for the music, and for the people who love it, that makes ALMOST FAMOUS the best thing ever.
26. Stand By Me
Stand By Me takes place in the summer of 1959, the general time period that Stephen King is most skilled at presenting, and four friends set out to find the body of a kid who was killed by a train, hoping to find what they predicted would be astronomical fame. Unfortunately, the town’s bullies are also out to find the body for the same reason, which leads to the film’s ultimate final climax. Even though this is a very clever story with which to tell a fall from innocence story, it is the brilliant characterization and the incredible acting that really make this a classic film. It is extremely rare that a film comes along that stars young kids and is so moving and powerful.
27. Hugo
Magic. Art. Love. Paris. Amazing cinematography. Martin Scorsese. And the most beautiful child I have ever seen. What more do you need to know to go and watch this film immediately! Hugo is a young boy who lives inside the walls of a train station in Paris in the 1930s. His father dies, leaving behind a mysterious automaton that, when fixed, can write. Hugo makes it his mission to fix it, believing that it will reveal a message from his father. With the help of an eccentric girl named Isabelle, he tries to uncover a magical mystery about the old man at the toy booth (Isabelle’s godfather) and enchanting early films. If you love imagination, mystery and wonder, you will fall in love with this film, just like I did.
28. Much Ado About Nothing
Some love stories are built on passion, some on courage and some on hope. Very rarely do you come across a love story that encompasses itself around an Elizabethan comedy. Much Ado About Nothing introduces us to the world of Shakespeare, who mirrors the most innocent of sentiments which lie locked up within the depths of our hearts. He wins us over in the first frame because he is one among us. It is not his heroism which makes him surreal, but his vulnerability which makes him endear-able. We fall in love with these characters because they are scared of the unknown just like us. What makes them heroes is their conviction and spirit, which makes them embark on a widespread journey in the search for love and faith.
29. Romeo and Juliette
I think the best thing about this movie is that it brought Shakespeare to millions of people who would never have normally appreciated it. Baz Luhrman took the story and threw it into modern times, cast fresh young actors, gave it a modern soundtrack and directed a masterpiece. The story otherwise remains exactly the same, word for word. Most of the people who see this don’t even realise they’ve just had an English lesson by the end of it!
30. Waiting For Forever
This might just be my favourite love film of all time. The characters are honest and real, with insecurities, emotions and problems that we can all relate to, but towards the end, when the boy realizes that loving without expecting to be loved in return, is what true love really is, shatters my heart as it splinters in many little pieces. I love the vulnerability of it all, the honesty and the fact that life is raw and messy, and confusing and we can love on top of all that and then still let go. My words are not enough to share the deep feelings evoked through this touching tale, so you’ll just have to see it for yourself. It’s a bit slow, and an indie film, which is exactly how I like it.
31. August Rush
I remember coming across this film years ago, when I was sick at home and looking for something to entertain me. What a surprise it was to discover this beautiful film about a child who has unbelievable talents as a musician. “August Rush” is sort of a feel-good, modern-day fairy tale involving a parent/child separation and a boy’s unrelenting search to be reunited with his parents. But the primary theme is Music as a healing force in the Universe that draws us all together. The film stars Freddie Highmore, as the orphaned musical prodigy; Keri Russell, as the sheltered cellist from Juliard; Jonathan Rhys Meyers, as the Irish singer/songwriter/guitarist; Robin Williams as Wizard, the street performer who takes August under his wing; and Terrence Howard as the social worker who works with the orphan boy and his mother.
32. The Island
The Island is a futuristic action thriller. Set in the year 2019, residents of the last human city live sheltered lives after a disease has contaminated most of the globe. They know the ocean, grass, insects, and all of the world’s wonders only from pictures and looking outside the window. None of them has ever smelled fresh air. The only drive in their lives is that someday they could move to the last habitable island in the world. I like this film especially because it highlights how we are being programmed and brainwashed to believe things that are entirely untrue, and how much strength and courage it takes to break out of the mould that we are ever so comfortably squeezed into. The Island will leave you thinking about the choice you make in your life and whether you’re actually living on your own terms or not.
33. The Labyrinth
My first memory of this film is being 5 years old, at a friend’s house, and being so scared of the creatures in the labyrinth that I cried. I’m a sensitive child! My friend teased me for being such a baby but the film left such a strong effect on me that a few years later, at the ripe old age of 7, I was compelled to watch it again and this time was mesmerized. David Bowie is incredible and I will forever adore complex labyrinths and mystical creatures that surprise you over and over throughout the tale.
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Manifesting 101 Gypset Style: How To Write Notes To The Universe
I’m about to let you in on a little secret. The number one method that I use, to bring more of what I want into my life.
It’s very simple. I write notes to the universe.
Normally, I just wrote them into a special notebook. But then I started emailing them. Every day. And so much more magic started happening!
HOW IT BEGAN
We were sitting around the kitchen table one afternoon, laughing about some anecdotes and sharing stories about our latest miracles and manifestations. When one of the girls shared her little secret. She had set up a special email account to which she wrote an email every single day, asking for what she wanted. And tells us about how she always gets everything she asks for. We asked her for examples and she gave us many.
A clothing brand that she wanted to start selling in the shop she works in, suddenly appeared because of a mix-up. A man that she once had a crush on and wanted to date but hadn’t heard from for years, contacted her suddenly, after she asked the universe for it, in an email. Right now she’s asking for a husband. She says the universe is still working on this one because it’s a big one.
And I liked the idea. I loved the idea so much that I wanted to share it with you. Because you are the special ones. Because I trust and love you. And because we all deserve to ask the universe for what we want, and really start manifesting big things.
WHAT ‘NOTES TO THE UNIVERSE’ IS
Notes To The Universe is a sacred space to which you can send your hopes, dreams and wishes. It’s an email address to which you can send your notes full of prayers, wishes and plans, every single day of your life, to give them a voice, clarity, and a tangible possibility to become reality. It helps define and focus on what it is you want and gives you practice in asking for the things that you know you deserve.
Notes To The Universe is an email address: notestotheuniverse@gmail.com. Your own personal manifestation station.
WHY IT WORKS
Writing out what your hopes and dreams are, means that you have to get really clear and specific in your head, about what it is that you want. Writing helps you to identify the little things that are important to you, that we otherwise might not be able to articulate and put in words, with clarity and brevity, what we wish to manifest.
The universe loves it when we are clear with what we want because that makes the manifestation process so much easier and faster. Writing emails also means that we identify where we are in relation to our dreams, which gives our subconscious space to start finding solutions for us. Also, the writing process also helps us focus on our goals and remember what is truly important to us.
HOW IT WORKS
To receive the things that we dream of, we first have to prepare ourselves for them. Learning to RECEIVE is as important as learning to ASK for the things that we want in our lives. When we start to focus on the things that are really important to us, we become more sensitive and open to opportunities relating to those things, as well as more aware and able to respond when opportunities arise.
By writing down and creating a focused intention, we clearly let the universe know that we are ready for said thing, your attention for receiving becomes refined and you subconsciously begin to create space in your life for this thing. By creating the space and letting go of the stuff that is holding us back and no longer serves us, we, as if by magic, begin to manifest our desires very simply and easily.
WHAT TO DOWrite an email to notestotheuniverse@gmail.com. Make it a daily practice. I do. It means that things start moving faster.
1. Start your letter with a greeting. Dear Universe works. Sometimes I get all flamboyant and call her darling, sweetness and goddess.
2. The next part is your gratitude. Write all that you are thankful for in your life. Say thank you for all the manifested magic you’ve already received. Really delve into your appreciation for all you have, until you bask in a warm glow of abundance and gratitude. Manifesting works from how you FEEL and to receive abundance and fulfilment you have to feel abundant and fulfilled already.
3. Finally, write with great clarity and in as many finite details as you can, what you would like to manifest. Get really super clear on the what.
- What it looks like.
- What it feels like, and
- Why you want to bring this into your life experience.
4. Then sign off with loving gratitude and be ready and open to receive.
IMPORTANT NOTES- Remember that the Universe always has our highest good intended for us, which means that we need to let go of the HOW and the WHEN of our dreams and manifestations. The experiences we wish for will always, always show up, but how they reveal themselves in our lives can often be a surprise.
- Everything always happens at the perfect time. Also, since time doesn’t exist, except for in our minds, the time it takes to for our dreams to realise, depends entirely on our clarity both in intention and in our subconscious. Sometimes we say we know what we want, but there are actually limiting beliefs and blockages holding us back from receiving what we want, so we need to go back and clear those out until our energy field is completely and resolutely certain that this is what we want to manifest.
- Doubts and fears arising are completely normal. Acknowledge them as they pass through your mind, give them a nod but no meaning, and continue in focusing on what it is you choose to manifest.
- Be careful what you wish for. You will always get it, and sometimes you’ll realise that it’s not actually what you want.
- This email address is completely secure. No one will ever read your notes. They are completely confidential and private.
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Make More Magic. 7 Days A Week
Imagine if every single day was lived out to its full possibilities and potential.
Imagine how it FEELS when life is easy, and in the flow.
Imagine what would happen if you lived in alignment with each days’ energies.
More magic. 7 days a week.
I recently had an astrology reading with the extraordinarily astute and intuitive Zoe from Astrozo.com, who introduced me to the meanings of each day of the week and the energetic vibrations each of these hold. Understanding how to access the potential of each allows us to live a life more in the flow, with more ease, and more joy. Which means we can make more magic, every day.
This got me thinking about the days of the week, and how I am intuitively structuring my days, in tune with what feels like comes most easily. By tuning into the natural flow.
For example Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days on which I schedule most of my coaching calls; Fridays I like to indulge in creative outlets; and Saturdays are filled with social activities, going to the market to get the weeks supply of organic fruit and vegetables and catching up on any meetings or calls that couldn’t take place during the week. Sunday I like to keep completely un-scheduled (as you will learn at The Winter Nurture Workshop, you’re coming, right?!) and just be spontaneous whereas Mondays are about inner-reflection and spiritual practices, and doing the inner work that’s necessary to shift anything that’s holding me back.
MONDAY. MOON.
Monday’s: Get in touch with your feelings, be mindful of your moods, purify your surroundings, show compassion.
Monday: Monday is a moon day, and so we are dealing with emotions, moods, intuition and the shadowy side of life. Many people report Monday as the most challenging day of the week. It’s no wonder, as the moon carries with it erratic and sometimes unpredictable energy. We can counteract fast fluctuations in lunar energy by taking note of the phase of the moon every Monday. This lets our logical mind know “where we stand” in a metaphorical sense.
Best tasks for Mondays: Meditation, dream analysis, quiet time, personal indulgence, rest, relaxation, sleep.
TUESDAY. SPIRITUAL WARRIOR.
Tuesday’s: Express your passion, get some exercise, release pent up frustration/energy.
Tuesday: Mars is an aggressive planet. In fact, its namesake in Greek myth was the god of war. Tuesday is a driving force in the workweek, and will auger a sense of productivity, competition, effectiveness, determination and completion. With these kinds of energies in the forefront, Tuesday is the perfect day for finishing long overdue tasks. Conversely, Tuesday is also a great day to start new projects.
Best tasks for Tuesdays: Building strategies at work and in career, marketing, acting on new ideas, starting new projects, cleaning out clutter, exercising, finishing to-do lists or catching up.
WEDNESDAY. ODEN.
Wednesday’s: Study, travel, research, meditate, teach, talk, write, hold meetings.
Wednesday: Mercury is the messenger of the heavens. It facilitates clear communication, and carries new information to our awareness in extremely precise and effective ways. Mercury also augers higher perception too. I love the synchronicity of Wednesday landing in the middle of the week because it gives a pervasive sense of connectivity. In a way, Wednesday is the vital communications link to all other days – it’s like the network server of the week (to use computer terms).
Best tasks for Wednesdays: Communication of course! Catch up on emails, thank you notes, letters, phone calls, etc. Wednesday is a good day to sign contracts (that is, if Mercury is not in a retrograde) too. Mercury is also a beneficent energy for short travel, so plan your day trips accordingly.
THURSDAY. EXPANSIVE.
Thursday’s: Donate to a charity or worthy cause, make an investment, show your appreciation.
Thursday: Jupiter. A survey concludes Thursday is the most productive day of the week in business. It’s no wonder, as Jupiter has a way of lighting a fire under us and getting us moving. Jupiter is the planet of enterprise and expansion. It’s also an extremely optimistic planetary energy that can be felt all through the day on Thursdays when we tune into it.
Best tasks for Thursdays: Socializing, networking, marketing. Working with financial tasks such as the stock market or even checkbook balancing will lead to positive results in the long term when done on Thursdays while ruminating in Jupiter energy.
FRIDAY. VENUS DAY.
Friday’s: Appreciate the people in your life, go on a date, show your love, recognize beauty, make new friends. Enjoy fashion and creative pursuits.
Friday: We all know Venus energy, and when it comes to the symbolic meaning of days, Venus is a highly appropriate vibe for Friday, the traditional end-of-the-workweek day. Venus is about love, connection, belonging, comfort, sensuality and passion. If you think about it, the majority people who have traditional Monday – Friday workweeks tend let their hair down and really celebrate on Fridays (points for kicking off the weekend too). Friday is an all-around-feel-good day, replete with the energy of friendliness and kindness. Interestingly, Friday is also the most popular (romantic) date night too.
Best tasks for Fridays: Romance, romance, romance! Did I mention romance? Fridays are also perfect for expressing your love amidst friends and family. This is a great day for pleasure and appreciation, so trips to places that make you feel indulged, luxurious or pampered are good too (like a spa, salon, the movies, a jewelry store).
SATURDAY. STRUCTURE.
Saturday’s: Clean your house, take a break, finish a project, meet a deadline. Today is about structure, workshops and planning.
Saturday: Saturn can be a stern energy and a real taskmaster too. This makes Saturday one of the most advantageous days of week because opportunity for productivity and completing tasks is optimal. Unlike Thursday/Jupiter however, Saturn isn’t as jovial when working to get a job done. In fact, Saturdays are best put to use when we thoroughly plan for prevention. Preparing for the week ahead on Saturday will align our Saturn energies and bring about satisfactory results for each consecutive day in the week.
Best tasks for Saturday: Housework, preparation for upcoming events, academic tasks like studying and homework, catching up on a backlog of work (I’m always working Saturdays.)
SUNDAY. SUN.
Sunday’s: Take time for you, take a nature walk, get in touch with your spirit, meditate.
Sunday: The Sun is notorious throughout time and cultures as being a day of rest, the sun shines brightly on our Sundays with clarity, vitality and a sense of well being. This day is optimal for soaking up some social-warmth by being with family, friends and neighbors. It’s also a perfect day to catch up on our rest and relaxation. The sun is all about radiance, sharing, expressing, expanding, illumination and growth. The sun is also about provision, as it insures the continuation of life as we know it.
Best tasks for Sunday: Rest, relaxing, having fun with loved ones, gardening, grocery shopping, cooking and worship for the purpose of illumination.
All images are courtesy of Free People. -
The Gypset Guide to Understanding Moon Cycles
The way that the moon affects our tides, our feelings and emotions, and our monthly cycles, is a mystical wonder to behold. I have always been fascinated with the moon and, like the Greeks and Romans, I see it as some kind of powerful force that both supports and guides me.
The moon affects the Earth in physical ways; its gravitational pull helps to create our ocean’s tide. The Earth and Moon are attracted to one another like magnets. The moon tries to pull on everything on the Earth to bring it closer, but the Earth is able to hold onto everything except the water. Since the ocean is constantly moving and the Earth is unable to hold onto it, tides form.
I have always believed that the moon’s gravitational pull not only has an effect on our oceans but it also has an effect on our brains and emotions — after all, the human body is mostly water.
Whenever I look up into the night sky and see the moon, I know that, by understanding the cycle the moon is currently in, helps me to understand and guide my decisions, emotions and the way I am feeling about, and responding to life right now.
Here’s my guide to understanding the moon and its effect on our daily lives.
NEW MOON
New beginnings, fresh starts, optimism, hope and faith.
The New Moon, or “low ebb” of the Moon, signals preparation for a new cycle. The actual day of the New Moon is an ideal day to write down a simple list of what we hope to achieve or to manifest in our lives—to put it out there in the universe.
From New Moon to Full Moon is a good time to initiate new projects and plant seeds. People in general are more receptive to new ideas. This two-week period is the time to make plans and get supplies, to gather our strength, to let ourselves be fortified by getting plenty of rest. The New Moon is also a good time to replace negative habits with new buy levitra online healthy habits. The New Moon is very positive in nature.
If you want your hair to grow more quickly this is the ideal day to give it a trim. It’s also the most auspicious time to start a new health or exercise regimen, make lists of your aspirations for the coming cycle, plant seeds, or start new creative projects.
WAXING MOON
Building, accomplishments, creativity, strength, growth and learning, positive transformation.
For the two weeks from the New Moon to the Full Moon, the Moon is increasing in light. This is the waxing Moon. Our bodies tend to absorb and retain water as it nears and responds to the hot and dry influence of the First Quarter Moon.
It is easier to gain weight during the waxing phase of the Moon, even if we take in the same amount of calories. That is partly because we are expending less energy as our bodies are in a naturally restful phase as it is replenishing and storing energy. This tendency to gain a little weight is also because everything taken into the body is more effective now, including the absorption of calories, vitamins, and nutrients. This goes for the good things as well as the bad, and the nearer the waxing Moon gets to Full Moon, the more effective our absorption becomes.
FULL MOON
Abundance, harvest, wish-fulfillment, manifesting desires, sexuality, achieving all dreams, protection.
The few days when the moon is full or close to it, are kind of a crescendo as evidenced by all that full moon lore. On the evening of the full moon it appears on the horizon exactly at the moment the sun sets on the western horizon.
Full moon is a good time to plan parties and social activities, as well as sales for businesses. Creativity and intuition can feel heightened. Energy is at a peak.
WANING MOON
Letting go, clearing away, cleansing, releasing, shedding old patterns, undoing bindings, opening up problem-knots, making space.
Once the full moon is over, it begins to shrink down again, and this is known as a ‘waning’ moon. Tasks of wrapping up and completion of a project can flow more easily during this period.
For us, this can mean a natural time to turn within a bit, taking stock of the growth during the past cycle – sifting through the experiences, cleaning up, documenting. As the dark of the moon approaches you might notice a dip in your energy level, more of an inclination to rest, sleep and replenish.
Finalize projects, take care of last details during a waning moon cycle. If you’re wanting to declutter your home, it’s easier to do it during these weeks because you’re naturally more inclined to let go and throw things out.
Waning moon is also a good time to undertake a cleansing diet program or fast. Your body will more naturally accept the cleansing.
DARK MOON
Rest, Peace, deep wisdom, divination, contacting the guru within, letting things die away completely.
The dark new moon – when you can’t see it at all – is an ideal day to complete and prepare. There’s a natural lull in energy levels, similar to the waning moon during the previous week, making it an ideal time to organize and take stock to complete the last cycle and prepare for the next. -
The Gypset Guide to Hand Reading
It’s my birthday today, and so I wanted to share something with you that’s very close to my heart, a skill that I cherish, hone, study and embellish as it is a craft that protects me in my wayfarer life. Palmistry, also known as hand reading.
I have been slightly obsessed with palm reading ever since I was 12 years old and I met Donald Ingram-Smith, writer, ABC Radio personality and author of many of Krishnamurti’s books and biographies, who read my palm and taught me the amazing and fascinating things that can be seen simply by looking at a persons hand.
What caught my attention the most was the fact that he noted that I have very unusual hands, in that, unlike most people, my head and my heart line are one, known as a simian line, instead of separate. Apparently the only other person whom he had ever seen that on was Krishnamurti himself. Clearly, I felt very special indeed! Basically it means that I live my life synergistically on both my head and my heart. There is no confusion about which one takes precedence, because they are the same for me. What I think and feel is combined to make one.
Since that very acquiescent age, I have been fascinated by reading hands, my own and other people’s and have studied it for years. I use it almost daily, whenever I meet someone new, on dates, when agreeing on contracts and making big decisions that involve other people. I like to find out what the other persons strengths and weaknesses are, based on a few sneaky glances at their hands, so I know where I stand.
As a gypsy-jetsetter, one vital ingredient is being able to pick up on people very quickly, to read them and decide what level of inclusion they can have in your life. The ability to quickly understand someone new, is what keeps us safe, secure and protected at all times. The ability to understand ourselves is even more valuable!
The reading of ones hand, or palm reading, works in that all the nerve endings from your brain, end up in your hands and thereby evidence of what is happening in your life can be seen in your palms. The lines show the direction of your thought patterns, potential, and current actions. What’s wonderful is that, once you’ve gotten to know your hands well enough, you can actually observe them change, as you choose to change certain habits, patterns and choices that you make in your life. Your hands will always reflect where you’re at in the current moment, and change with you as grow and blossom.
If you look closely you can see how my left hand (Other) and my right hand (Dominant) are different from one another.
ABOUT HANDS
Dominant hand – What we do with our lives; the actions we take; our public self.
Other hand – What we are born with; what happens to us; our private self.
Your dominant hand (commonly the right hand, depending on whether you are left handed or right handed) is the hand that shows your current life experience.
Your other hand (commonly the left) is the non-dominant hand, which will show your potential, also thought of as your past and your future.
In my case, I am right handed which is my dominant hand and therefore the hand that I look at to consider my current path, whereas I look at my left to see what might be arising for me in the future. To do an accurate reading you have to look at both hands.
HAND COLOUR
The color of the palm is a good indicator of the vitality and strength of a person:
A pale palm often shows a lack of strength and vitality.
A yellow palm might indicate a hostile or even cynical nature.
A pink palm show good vitality and strength.
A red palm shows an extremely aggressive nature as well as hyperactive tendencies.
I have an Air hand.
HAND SHAPE
The palm shapes represent our basic motivation in the way we live out our lives.
Earth Hand: Physical – A square palm with few and clear lines. Earth Hands are down-to-earth, practical and responsible, but can also be materialistic, serious and stubborn. They are comfortable with the physical and the tangible, and will do things the tried and tested way.
Air Hand: Mental – An oblong palm with many and clear lines. Air Hands are sociable, talkative and witty, but can also be shallow, spiteful and cold. They are comfortable with the mental and the intangible, and like doing things in different and radical ways.
Fire Hand: Instinctive – A triangular palm, with few and fine lines. Fire Hands are spontaneous, enthusiastic and optimistic, but can also be egoistic, impulsive and insensitive. They are extroverts, and prefer to do things boldly and instinctively.
Water Hand: Intuitive – A fan-shaped palm, with many and fine lines. Water Hands are creative, perceptive and sympathetic, but can be moody, emotional and inhibited. They are introverts and tend to do things quietly and intuitively.
FINGERS
Square finger – represents a down-to-earth quality in respect to the attributes of the finger.
Pointed finger – shows an artistic and sensitive nature.
Spade-shaped finger – represents an inventiveness.
Cone-shaped finger – represents an imaginative quality.
In the situation of a mixed finger type, for example, if a person had a square type of ring finger, they would generally be artistically inclined, however if they also had a pointed index finger, then their occupation would probably not be art related.
Straight fingers represent a person who is honest, direct and clear-headed.
Crooked fingers show a devious and malicious quality.
In regards to the nails, long nails show a soft heart; short nails show a paranoid and uneasy nature; wide nails show quarrelsome qualities; narrow nails show a conservative and refined nature.
My hands are unusual as they don’t have a defined life line as I explain below. I’m creating my life as I go, but am protected by positive forces. Most people have a clear life line that runs all the way down as see in my other hand.
HAND LINES
There are four most important lines to look at on a hand.
Life Line – Health; how we take care of it; major events in life.
Head Line – Mental health; mental capabilities; intelligence; character.
Heart Line – Emotional attitude; romantic profile; all things love + heart related.
Fate + Fortune Line – Career outlook; milestones; ambitions; major events in life.
Deep, clear and smooth lines are best, and indicate that one’s life would be positive in the area of life represented by the line. With such lines, success should be accomplished, accompanied with happiness and contentment.
Breaks, gaps, islands, crosses, spots and cross-bars indicate possible problems or events at whichever points these marks appear. Broad, fuzzy or chain-type lines indicate a negative outlook, a dissipation of energy and low morale.
If your life line on your dominant hand ends around the timeline where you’re at right now (like mine is) but your potential hand has a long, healthy one, it means that you are creating your life as you go. I have a bunch of spine diseases that give chronic back pain, mostly in the lumbar region. And this pain hinders to perform basic tasks. I can neither sit, nor walk, nor lay down. Painkillers at http://www.shaynahiller.com/buytramadol/ or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect. In the end, the neurologists prescribed me Tramadol. And that, my friends, is magic. You have the power and the freedom to create absolutely anything! And with that power and freedom comes of course, great responsibility, because everything you say, do and believe matters.
Extra lines are often noted as vitality lines. If your life line is doubled, or even tripled, then this shows a great vitality in your life, and positive forces around you.
Hand mounts, clockwise from left to right: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, Mercury, Mars (again) + Moon.
HAND MOUNTS
Mount of Venus – Emotions; close relationships; family ties.
Mount of Jupiter – Status and authority; sense of achievement.
Mount of Saturn – Responsibilities and duties; sense of destiny.
Mount of the Sun – Creative impulses; wealth; happiness; fulfillment.
Mount of Mercury – Mental and communicative abilities; rapport with others.
Mount of the Moon – Moods and mental state; sense of freedom.
Mounts of Mars – Energy and assertiveness; sense of vitality.
The mounts reflect our basic values, upbringing, leanings, and the personal traits we develop.
Mounts should be clear, moderately raised and well-formed, indicating that the positive and balanced qualities of the mount are being manifested.
Low or flat mounts mean that there is a lack of the qualities of the mount. High or over-developed mounts show an over-expression of a mount’s qualities.
And there you have it! Keep this little guide close to you, to review your own hands from time to time, and witness how you grow and change, which is reflected in your hands. And if you learn these basic elements, you can use your new-found knowledge to quickly figure people out, and decide whether they’re a potential lover, business partner, friend or foe! -
6 Life Changing Kindle Books I’m Loving Right Now
Miao!
Hello love-bugs!
I don’t know about you but I spent this recent Mercury Retrograde hiding away under the soft, luxurious covers of my bed, getting my soul-nurturing on, in place of gypsetting around at a high pace. As I mentioned a few of weeks ago, I’ve moved to a new pad in Venice, and am taking in the luxury of having a space to call home, by resting my body and soul.
Luckily, too, that the lovely twins from Astrostyle (my go-to astrological site) recommended that I do exactly that. In their words “Between now and July 2014, you’re at the end of a decade-plus chapter, taking inventory on all you’ve accomplished since 2001. Meantime, your job is to let go, heal, allow yourself to be divinely guided (rather than forcing things), and focus on your internal self rather than forging ahead blindly.” I take that as a sign that it’s ok to hang my flag and just nurture myself for a while.
Which brings me to the books I am reading which are real soul-busters. Just when I thought I knew it all (ha! just kidding!) these words shine out and bring life to a whole new level.
E-Squared: Nine Do-It-Yourself Energy Experiments That Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality
I have a client who is a psychic that recommended this book to me, and because I believe in signs from the universe, I knew that her recommendation was one that I must follow. And I am so glad I did. E-Squared is funny, entertaining, scientific and spiritual all at the same time, which I think is an incredible feat when talking about things such as metaphysics and the law of attraction. As the title suggests, you do 9 different experiments that literally PROVE you have the power to create your life through your thoughts. I’ve done the first two so far and can confirm that yes, they worked, though sometimes is the most miraculous,unexpected ways.
Get Rich, Lucky Bitch!: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First Class Life
I’ll be honest with you. The title really, really put me off, but author Denise Duffield Thomas is a fellow B-Schooler, we actually did the course together, had a day where she gave her book away for free and I jumped at the chance to see what it was all about. And unlike the title, the book is very sweetly written, funny and full of really great exercises and money practices to release your blockages around financial wealth and freedom and create as she calls it, a “first class life”. As all things do, this book has come into my life at just the right time, and I am deeply grateful to Denise for penning it and sharing her wisdom and knowledge with us. If you’re ready to make some changes in your life and start making some serious money, read this book!
I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are
This gorgeous book explains how and why each of us has created our unique and individual experience of reality, and offers a practical and empowering process for taking complete control of the creative process of life from this moment forward. I mean, what more could you want, really!? Woven throughout, is the story of how a spiritual counselor transformed his life from being a stockbroker with little religious experience to a man profoundly shaped by his journey to explore the nature of existence. It’s essentially a beautifully written guide that offers advice on understanding one’s purpose in order to achieve fulfillment. And I liked it.
Reaching for the Moon
I’m not exactly sure how it happened but I was gifted this book some time ago, but only read it recently. I’ve been wanting to learn more about women’s cycles, and though this book is written for young women who are just entering into the moon phases, it’s a very sweet read and I learnt some important things about how to nurture and care for yourself during menses. Wether it’s for you or for someone you know, Reaching For The Moon is perfect for those moments of self-love and awareness around being a woman and the blessings that come with that.
Getting Sh*t Done: How to Stop Procrastinating, Let Perfectionism Go, & Harness Your Creative Superpowers
I think I read this book in under an hour which just shows how to the point it is. Really well written, I found the words nail the creative process and the tricks we use to try and stall ourselves and procrastinate, with obvious, clear and effective solutions for getting your sh*t done. I actually really loved this book, it’s clarity and straight-talk. Read it. Then get sh*t done.
Do the Work
In a similar stream as the one above, Do The Work is about creative inspiration and the role that resistance plays in getting your work out there. The advice goes something like this: Act, act, act without reflection, then after a while, go back and reflect and edit, edit, edit. And while you’re working on your project, be realistic that you’re going to come up against different forms of resistance. Realize that that resistance is just as much a part of life as rocks and trees are. Push through it anyway, and don’t let friends or family or anyone else tell you that you can’t do what you want. And by the way, when you fail, the product fails, not you. So just do it again. The author’s energy is contagious and will have you at your computer until late at night with renewed vigor and self-belief. Do The Work really works!
I hope you enjoy them too!
Vienda x
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you are ready. more than you know.
you are ready. more than you know.
you are ready to take the leap into the unknown simply because the desire exists in your heart.
do that thing that your be-ing is yearning for.
let go. attachment to what the future holds will only clout you. let it be.
trust. have faith. close your eyes + go.
because this is for you.
the universe conspires to give you all that you need.
synchronicity transpires when you follow your heart.
let go. allow yourself to feel that faith.
remember to breathe. remember to feel.
take a small step. + then another. this is all you need to do.
uncertainty is your friend. your tender companion along the path less travelled. embrace him. he will bring you exhilarating surprises. uncertainty is also known as the unknown. or variety. he will be your saving grace. you shall see.
the future will be what it may. it will most likely be more expansive, + more impressive than you can even imagine.
let go. allow your heart to lead you.
the outcome is completely irrelevant as long as you follow your heart. your dreams. your desires. your passion.
everything falls into place. know it. believe it.
you are ready. more than you know.
Image source: my own taken at Gilli Islands, Indonesia 2011.
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6 amazing books I’m reading right now
The Magicians Way
A very wonderful friend of mine actually gave me this book to read and quite serendipitously it was exactly what I needed at the exact right moment. I finished the book quite quickly and then wished it had lasted longer so perhaps I need to go back and read it again! Every single page gives me one of those aha! moments that clarify certain things I have been thinking, wondering or experiencing but not yet been able to put it into words myself or have it reflected back to me. The book outlines the 7 Secrets of Magic and is a novel type guide on how you can manifest your life through positive thought, focus, feeling good and listening to your intuition by staying in your heart. An excellent and entertaining read which I would recommend for the men/ man in your life who is interested in taking charge of his life but gets disgruntled by all the woo woo self help books out there.
You Can Create an Exceptional Life
It is no secret that I have a mega girl-crush on Louise Hay. She is my absolute idol in every single way and I admire here so deeply. She is the mother, grandmother and wise counsellor that I dream of having in my life. So when I heard she was publishing a book on her own practices in living the life of her dreams, I knew I must read it. The book is very sweetly and simply put together, with Cheryl Richardson very humbly interviewing Louise on certain areas of her life. My favourite part is when they meet at Louise’s house in San Diego and Cheryl briefly describes Louise’s sanctuary of a house….. it sounds absolutely gorgeous! Ok, so maybe that’s not my favourite bit but I certainly did fall a little bit in love with the home she has created! Many of the practices I know of and use from time to time but haven’t been doing as a daily practise which I actually want to incorporate back into my life. It was a good reminder, one which I really needed and the book itself left me feeling all warm and happy and full of hope anticipation for the future and gratitude for my life.
Kafka on the Shore
My sweet friend Rachel has started a book club and the first book for us to review is Kafka on the Shore. I friggin’ loved this book and as you can see it was the only novel in the stack beside my bed so it had to to be fun and lighthearted as well as entertaining. Murakami writes like a poet, full of vivid imagination and shades of every colour in emotional prose. You fall in love with every single character and are entranced and find it quite believable when fish fall out of the sky and a human has conversations with cats. The book contains quite a lot of depth, and being set in Japan explores modern culture which is inextricably intertwined with ancient folklore and spiritual beliefs. Every page has a little bit of a philosophical tinge to it leaving you wondering about life in a beautiful, mystical and mysterious way. Gorgeous, gorgeous read! Just go ahead and buy it if you’re looking for a good book.
Opening Our Hearts to Men
I was recommended this book by Tom Starke, the quantum physicist that gave the workshop on Understanding Men which you can read about here. I….. hmmm, let me be honest. I find this book really wordy, boring and kind of obvious but I can see how it would be very helpful for women who actually have issues with men. I haven’t finished it so I can’t give a full review just yet, but I think perhaps the book would be essential for women who have a lot of anger and resentment around men and don’t believe in their own ability or desirability to attract and keep the type of partner in their life that they want. It’s about releasing your negative beliefs around men and moving onto higher ground as well as seeing things from all perspectives and improving and widening your communication skills. A great book if that’s the sort of thing you are looking for in your life right now.
The Art of Earning
I bought this e-guide at least 6 months ago, which I read straight away, and then stumbled upon it when I was doing a clear out a few weeks ago, which was one of those subtle reminders that perhaps it’s time to review this beautiful and important message written by the clever and intelligent Tara Gentile again. If you are an artist, a creative, an entrepreneur or dabbling with making money in a different way, then this is for you. Tara clearly and carefully demonstrates how our beliefs and thoughts around money affect our ability to throw ourselves into the prosperity stream. Often we restrict our ability to make more money by believing that the only way we can get paid is from a salary or even by under-estimating our own worth. She gives simple and clear guidelines on how to get out of your money rut and start being the prosperous and financially abundant person that you deserve to be. Hurrah! (I sent this e-guide to my mum who loved it and all her neighbours asked for copies of it too which made me laugh when she told me; clearly this fabulous fabulous e-guide became the talk of the town in their little neighbourhood!)
The 4 Hour Work Week
This book has been sitting on my bedside table for about a year and for some reason we seem to have this on again, off again relationship. Tim Ferris is brilliant and every single page is jam-packed full of very succinct and practical advice on how to make running your business or managing your work time most efficiently and effectively as possible. It is well written and for me I think, almost too direct with TOO MUCH practicality, which is why it’s taking me such a long time to get through it. Every few weeks I pick it up, open it randomly and read a chapter or two, nod with enthusiasm and valour, am whole-heartedly inspired and then have to leave it for some time to allow my mind and heart to digest it all and take the relevant parts out to practise myself. This book is definitely for left-brainers who would appreciate the way Tim writes and essential reading for anyone wanting to get more time for themselves from their workday. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter.
