Stillness

The Fall has been here for a while now. Trees shed their leaves. The sun sleeps in a little longer. Cooler conditions emerge. Wind speeds up.
And I wonder if you can hear it. The hush.
Close your eyes, and inhale.
Hold your breath for a few.
And exhale.
It's like the lull in surfing. That moment of calmness between sets.
It's the stillness, the stillness of your soul.

Enter the stillness of your soul.

Mesmerizing.

Another day. Another year.

Time. Where have you been, lately? You really fly when I wear nothing but smiles. But it's you also going in slow motion when dark days appear. Time, did I get the most out of you? And most important, did I spend you wisely enough? 

Dear 2013, you have been ridiculously amazing. It never ceases to amaze me how three hundred and sixty-five days pass by so fast. So many words have been spoken, lessons have been learned, things have been taught and many people were met. Opportunities. Love. Smiles. As well as, goodbyes. Failures. Pain. All these things brought me closer to something. Something so good, tasteful and powerful. It all brought me closer to the person that I am right now and would love to become. An immense desire to do more, get more and be more. More than I am today, will I be tomorrow. I have become part of the bigger picture and I can feel its connection. I can't wait to inspire more.

First a little story:
"My 6yr old cousin came home with her drawing. A picture of this huge furry and fluffy animal, which she collored orange between the lines. I loved the drawing, yet she didn't. There was this tiny orange outlier right outside the line of the animal's left ear, she told me. Therefore the drawing wasn't good, at all. Zooming in, I did see an orange outlier, but seeing the bigger picture, I still loved the drawing and I could see the effort she'd put in."

The biggest lesson 2013 taught me, is to see the bigger picture. Seeing the bigger picture gives us a chance to see the connection and can also make things more bearable. Of course, we love to be perfect in many ways [which of course, is so unreal as it gets] and be critical about ourselves (and others!) as much as we can so that we can improve everything too. But sometimes, zooming in too often will kill it. It drains energy and it gets overdone. 

There's nothing in this world that has only to do with you. Everything is connected, in every single way. There's no need to take anything personal, just because [fill in your reasons here]. Every single soul on earth is living his/her own dream and seeing his/her own reality. Don't be offended when someone acts in a way that does not suit your reality. Or don't get too mad when someone speaks words you did not expect right away. This is it. Look at the bigger picture and try to understand that everyone is different. Inside out. Try to understand where the other person is coming from and it will save you energy. You will get less annoyed and you will be more at peace. It brings so much harmony.

Reflect. Accept. Embrace and Evolve.

Another day. Another year. Feel free to change.

Dear 2014, you are right around the corner. I welcome you.

Happy holidays

Wishing you and your beloved ones happy holidays.

May you enjoy eachother's company and may you all be celebrating this beautiful journey.

May you be thankful for these days. 

The opportunity if you can share these moments, together.

May you think of those who have less and those who are in pain during these days.

May you taste your foods and drinks with such a grateful heart.

Be thankful.

Namasté, SRP

Word du Jour: Love

The Free Soul

"The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it - basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them." - Charles Bukowski

Word du Jour: Haast

"Haast? Daar heb ik helemaal geen tijd voor!" - Sarai Pannekoek

Blijf in het moment en accepteer het. 
Liefde.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my favorite authors. He wrote The Four Agreements and another book, The Fifth Agreement. 

Five agreements that can deffinitely lead to personal freedom, full of self-love, integrity and peace. The Five Agreements are:

1. Be impeccable with your word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Think about the message and the words you use. Does this add truth and love to the conversation?

2. Don't take anything personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering. 

It's so easy to take many things personally - which may lead to sad situations. Remember that everyone lives their own reality. You do, and I do too. And if in fact you are hurt by others opinions, there's always a way to communicate about it. Please, don't take anything personally.

3. Don't make assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life. 

Life is more beautiful when there's no room for assumptions. Communication is the key. Do not assume, for you can not look through the other person's mind. Ask questions and communicate when you want to clear things out. 

4. Always do your best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment: it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret. 

Give your best under any circumstance. Get the most out of it, with your own capability, every single moment. When you do your best always, there's no room for regret.

5. Be skeptical but learn to listen
Be skeptical, but learn to listen. Don't believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: Is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words, and you will understand the real message.

Learn to listen, don't ignore your feelings and use your heart too.