What the Ocean Would Never Say…

I was enjoying a walk on the beach yesterday, and a funny dialog popped up in my head, revolving around how pure the ocean is as source energy and how valuable it would be to try to emulate the ocean a bit more often.

The dialog went something like this. Things the ocean would never say….

“Does this wave make me look fat?”

“My waves are never perfect, I may as well not even try.”

“I can’t afford another wave, I am going to have to cut back.”

“If no one is going to appreciate all the effort I put into making waves, I won’t even bother.”

“This just wasn’t my day to make waves.”

You get the idea. The ocean doesn’t judge itself based up on its wave making capabilities and doesn’t get upset if every wave isn’t perfect. and yet somehow all of them are.

The Best Valentine’s Day

I had the pleasure of being a casual observer of a Valentine’s Day Date that reflected the essence of pure innocence and appreciation that are at the heart of this holiday.

I have a habit of being energetically tuned into those around me, and yesterday was no exception. I overheard this very mature and upfront conversation happening between this adorable little couple and I couldn’t resist tuning in to (and stealthily photographing) their date.

Honestly, some portions of it could have come out of a couple 10 years their senior, both were so adult in conducting their date. They discussed favorite school subjects and teachers, the merits of various after school programs. He anticipated that she would have to share her candy heart with her little sister, and asked her what her favorite video games are. It was all very heart affirming, that young love springs from such an authentic place.

And this scenario is in such stark contrast to what would seem to be the norm for kids in today’s world. You would believe all are bullies, mean girls and show offs, based upon tv and the general media.

To be a witness to such sweetness and innocence on Valentines Day made it one of my best ones ever.

Proud Sister

This Sunday marked a huge milestone for my younger brother – James Maravetz  His first Superbowl commercial aired for Met Life.   I know this was a collaborative effort, for example I know James isn’t an artist or an editor, so there were plenty of animators and a whole team involved in the editing process.  But this marks a pinnacle moment for James in that his career efforts have been raised to another plane, a higher level of recognition that he has worked hard for and fully deserves.

You only have to see the response from this fan to understand what James’ vision was all about.  Andre (the raving fan) totally understood the cultural context in which James crafted this ad. And that is really what my brother is best at doing; talking to the next up and coming audience: the millennials; this is a generation that is a little cynical and snarky; but also has a soft spot for their childhood, a bit of nostalgia for a not so distant past that was safe and assured.

So for one more day, I will brag up a little on my little bro and be the proud sister I always am, just a little louder and more public than usual.

Unstructured TIme & Peace

As far back as my memory will allow me to reflect, I have lived a life of fully-structured time. Even when I’ve had an “unstructured” career, such as providing personal coaching or teaching Pilates, I still had a great deal of structure to my day-to-day routine, since it was important for me to make appointments on time and fulfill my obligations.

For the past several days, I’ve been living in the complete unknown. The great unknown of zero formal obligations. Don’t get me wrong, I have some expectations of myself and what I should accomplish every day, but I have no meetings, client appointments or even a work place that I need to show up for. I am starting to realize how foreign non-structure is to me. And perhaps a bit uncomfortable for my psyche.

A few years ago, my business coach introduced me to the concept of “big stones.” The idea is if you want to get everything accomplished, you have to pick which of your to do’s are the “big stones”; ie. the most important things that must happen in order for you to move forward with your goals. I took this concept a step further and have always made sure the big stones were the first things I worked toward every day. Without this concept, I would probably not be getting anything done during this unstructured period in my life, so I am grateful for this concept, but I am also wondering about those less fortunate little stones and grains of sand. Perhaps I want more sand and small stones in my life right now and fewer big stones?

What is showing up for me during all this relaxed time, is that magic shows up when I am free to flow from task to task, from moment to moment, without expectations or obligation. More time to meditate, contemplate, process, read cookbooks, bake, read, talk to friends, think big thoughts, make peace with my past, set new goals and envision even bigger dreams. This is a luxury that won’t last forever, but for now, I am appreciating the experience and not getting lost in the fear of non-productivity, which is a wonderful thing.

Namaste!