Falling leaves... Finding awareness

I shot these pictures Thursday, in the Cloisters, NY. It was a perfect fall day, with the sun warm and shining, the temp around 72 degrees and the leaves bright and falling through the air.

Reminded of me of this article I recently read, titled "Learning to Exhale," by Catherine Price, in Oprah Magazine. It was about this woman's exploration of meditation, in her quest to live a more aware life. After practicing daily meditation, she discovered each day is dense with experiences, that can often go unnoticed--the breeze against her skin, the play of light on the grass, the sound of her husband's laugh--and she said if she wants to stretch out time, all she needs to do is notice them.

Her goal is to avoid cruising through life as if on autopilot, too consumed by daily routine to notice the world. To be aware and mindful of her experiences and simple pleasures that life brings daily.

At the end of the article is a saying from meditation expert, Dr. Kabat-Zinn that sums up the significance of awareness:

"Mindfulness is about living your life as if it really mattered. Both figuratively and literally, we only have moments to live."

Beautiful, isn't it?

Wabi Sabi...

I came across the most interesting article about the principle of Wabi Sabi, in Whole Living magazine... the subject line said --
Simple strategies for embracing imperfection.

The article describes the Japanese philosophy as a way of celebrating beauty in what is natural -- flaws and all.
Wabi Sabi is the Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience... sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete"... which is a concept derived from the Buddhist assertion of the 3 marks of existence.
The article explains that Wabi is literally translated as simplicity, and Sabi is the beauty of age and wear. It's about embracing and really appreciating the beauty of what is natural... Freedom to accept the imperfect world. Reading that lots of images immediately come to mind. Perfectly well-worn old jeans... rustic wood floors... hand-me-down mismatched dishes with delicate floral borders... faded hand written letters and postcards... a lovingly salvaged kitchen table spray painted bright yellow by my dad in the barn...

Authenticity is a main theme of this principle...uncovering what is distinctive about you and highlighting that. Wabi sabi encourages thought and purpose behind each object. In order to truly appreciate what we have, we should find it beautiful and useful. Thus creating an environment of tranquility & harmony... then allowing that to flow into all areas of your life.

Tell a story...

Found this picture I took of these funky looking flowers in upstate New York this summer. Don't you just love them? They might even be weeds, but who cares -- they are beautiful and unique and the color is totally perfect.

Interior designer, Nate Berkus was talking about his approach to decor -- saying that he always repeats "A style should feel assembled & collected over time." I love that thought... well said.

Style can tell a story about you, and create a feeling. Whether it is a room or your clothing...one that no one else can tell and that speaks about you and what you love.

Very simple and cool idea.