"When you understand who and what you are, your radiance projects into the universal radiance and everything around you becomes creative and full of opportunity." - Yogi Bhajan
"Il coraggio è fatto di paura" (Courage is made of fear.) As somebody who interviewed top world leaders during the 60's, 70's and 80's, including Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979 & North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap during the Vietnam War, Italian journalistOriana Fallaci, might know a thing or two about courage and fear.
The idea of courage and fear coexisting and even going hand-in-hand might not be a new one, but it has enjoyed more popularity lately thanks to the work of Dr. Brené Brown, who came into the spotlight for her TEDx talk on vulnerability, and her appearances on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, and Lifeclass. She is also the author of several books, notably "The Gifts of Imperfection" and her most recent "Daring Greatly." One of the central points of her research is the idea that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather being authentic and willing to stand up and be seen, and in order to be vulnerable, one must be courageous. Being courageous does not require eliminating fear, but rather embracing it and using it to one's advantage. The truly courageous experience fear, but act anyway, using their core values as guides to keep them "on course."
Often times, we experience fear in the face of our soul's greatest desires, so turning away from fear is essentially denying ourselves the joy of life's most fulfilling experiences. In an effort to say "yes" more fully to life -vulnerability and fear included- I've made the commitment to be more courageous and make some "big jumps."
This must be an important lesson in my life at the moment, because it seems to be popping up everywhere I turn. (Ok Universe, you got my attention!) In addition to the above Oriana Fallaciquote (which I found researching something completely unrelated for my Italian language learning blog Didattichiamo!) -recently, Mom discovered the artist Emiliana Torrini and in particular her song "Big Jumps" (which we included as our song recommendation in Volume No. 01 ~ Issue 03 of our digital magazine, pgs 11-12.)
I reacted immediately to the song and analyzing it a bit more in depth, it's easy to see why: it encapsulates the themes of being courageous and daring in a straightforward and simple way, and sets these "lofty" themes to an upbeat tune and a charming video.
It's become my own personal theme song, and I think you might enjoy it too:
launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. ~Henry David Thoreau
Living in the present moment. It's such a beautiful place to reside, yet how often are we there...not regretting the past, not worried about the future? It's an ongoing challenge of a lifetime – some 2.5 billion or so seconds we have on this earth to practice – each moment another opportunity. Animals and children naturally dwell there and I find when I'm faltering, I only need to look to them to show me the way.
Loving the light in this bedroom and the downy white duvet . . .so inviting. I can see myself lingering with a favorite book in the morning or inspired to write a good old-fashioned letter here.
What a treasure the handwritten letter these days.
Such a rarity in our modern age, it hardly matters how eloquently composed —the feat itself makes poignant work of any prose!
This book contains some of the most passionate and romantic poems and love letters ever written. Explore the private longings and passions of the greatest men and women in history, spanning a period of five centuries. . .letters of great Kings and Countesses, War Heroes and Philosophers. -excerpts from the publisher's description. Release date Feb 5, 2012
{Cast iron deer plaque used as wall hook} 9.5"x8.5"x3.5" - $29.
Might I suggest?...
Caprese salad is traditionally made with fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese –burrata cheese takes it to a whole new level...
Essential Oils ~ Gifts of Nature - linenalvenderlife.com
There is something at once familiar and mysterious...
Appennino by Giambologna
Between 1568 and 1586 Bernardo Buontalenti built a great palace at Pratolino...
John Saladino Feature
"Every home should be a sanctuary...
Thinking Outside the Box on linenlavenderlife.com
...you'll be greeted by a peaceful storehouse of colors and textures —Feng Shui Heaven!
The Heart of the Home
In art and design, we refer to negative and positive space...
Dream Weavers - Rumi
I found my dreams but the moon took me away...
Wind and Water
A balanced living environment generates well-being and a balanced life...
"It's a mystery."
Even when all indicators seem in opposition to what I want...
Rose Tarlow, The Private House
...interspersed with enchanting memories of her childhood home "Windrift" and inspiration garnered from the green fields of Ireland to antiquing jaunts in the heart of Paris.
