In the Kakane extinct language "animaná" translates to a place in heaven. We couldn't agree more that these beautiful pure, natural fibers from Patagonia and the Andes must come from heaven. Explore animaná's story and product line here..
Altared Space
I love creating little altars of candles and rocks and flowers around my home and garden to remind me to take a moment to be present. I find the simplest of objects can ground and inspire me. I search for natural finds such as tumbled stones, driftwood and sea glass- objects that seem to get better with time and have a history or story to tell. The simple act of placing a few well-curatedtreasures around my home help me find a little moment of solitude and gratitude in my day.
Artful Meditations
Resting the mind can be accomplished by meditation, and also by artwork, which allows the intuition to flow: the conscious mind recedes. Meditation and artwork at their best complement each other, and true things emerge. - Candance Loheed
Poem: A Monk Sips Morning Tea
Photo by: Shinnosuke Tokuda
A monk sips morning tea,
it's quiet,
the chrysanthemum's flowering.
Matsuo Basho | 1644 - 1694
Translated by Robert Hass
Poem: Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird
I
Among twenty snowy mountains,
The only moving thing
Was the eye of the blackbird.
II
I was of three minds,
Like a tree
In which there are three blackbirds.
III
The blackbird whirled in the autumn winds.
It was a small part of the pantomime.
IV
A man and a woman
Are one.
A man and a woman and a blackbird
Are one.
V
I do not know which to prefer,
The beauty of inflections
Or the beauty of innuendoes,
The blackbird whistling
Or just after.
VI
Icicles filled the long window
With barbaric glass.
The shadow of the blackbird
Crossed it, to and fro.
The mood
Traced in the shadow
An indecipherable cause.
VII
O thin men of Haddam,
Why do you imagine golden birds?
Do you not see how the blackbird
Walks around the feet
Of the women about you?
VIII
I know noble accents
And lucid, inescapable rhythms;
But I know, too,
That the blackbird is involved
In what I know.
IX
When the blackbird flew out of sight,
It marked the edge
Of one of many circles.
X
At the sight of blackbirds
Flying in a green light,
Even the bawds of euphony
Would cry out sharply.
XI
He rode over Connecticut
In a glass coach.
Once, a fear pierced him,
In that he mistook
The shadow of his equipage
For blackbirds.
XII
The river is moving.
The blackbird must be flying.
XIII
It was evening all afternoon.
It was snowing
And it was going to snow.
The blackbird sat
In the cedar-limbs.
(Wallace Stevens, 1954)
Story: Between Air and Water
Sailing is complicated. Not the type of sailing you’re probably thinking about, which might include the irritatingly grandiose and self-important America’s Cup, or the painfully dull meandering wine and cheese bar that typically depicts “sailing” in Hollywood rom-coms. The type of sailing I’m referring to is the all-consuming kind. The kind that engages mind, body, water and air completely.
There is no activity as dynamic as sailing. It requires a communion and interplay of a wholly fluid environment. A dual environment of water and air that is entirely unpredictable, chaotic. And yet, within any given moment, when done well balance is struck, energy harnessed, and harmony achieved.
If ever there were a metaphor for mindfulness this might be it. This is why this photograph serves as such a powerful allegory. The sailor frozen in a moment of perfect harmony of mind, body, water and air. The interplay perfect and the entirety of forces at play unique to the moment. The only thing the sailor is required to bring to that moment is their full attention. There is literally no other way to play the game other than being present.
Written by Craig Wilson; photo by John Kelsey
Contemplative beholding of art
Contemplative beholding of art - indeed of anything - can lead to the animation of whatever is before us. New eyes, "the right eyes," suddenly open, waking us up, and consequently awakening everything around us. -Arthur Zajonc
Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665
Dirty Windows
Beauty found in a dirty window.
Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon is a meditative moment. You can’t help but pause. It’s easy for the mind to let go of a million thoughts and just be in awe of what’s in view.
But only a few park rangers work in an office with a view of the Grand Canyon. Some of us just have a dirty window looking at the building next door. But what if that’s all we need? What if simply finding a little bit of beauty, noticing the light in the room, finding the natural patterns and textures, the soft tones of shadows, is all we really need?
Growing is Forever
I have a deep affection for the Redwood forests of Northern California. This is my best attempt to capture the reverence I feel when in the presence of these giants
- Jesse Rosten
A film by Jesse Rosten, Words by Kallie Markle, Music by "Window" The Album Leaf
The Obstacle Is The Way
You need to know Ryan Holiday, not personally, just his work, although I'm sure a one-on-one conversation would be a great experience. His latest book, The Obstacle Is The Way, The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage explores the roots of stoicism and its impact on the Western world's greatest leaders, from Roman times to modern day.
For those looking to balance work and life, seeking to smooth out the highs and lows, and somehow differentiate between the things we can and cannot control, this is a practical guide steeped in the wisdom of history.
On Meditation
ON MEDITATION is a series of films documenting the inner journey and personal experiences of individuals that have developed meaningful practices. From teachers of meditation to everyday people, the work shares insights, experiences, and influences realized through the of meditation.
For a copy of the film, visit ON MEDITATION.com
Ocean Inspiration
For me, there is no greater source, no greater inspiration, no greater tool for meditation than the ocean. Whether the real thing, a photo or just the sound of waves on the shore. For me, the ocean is my guide, teacher and companion in mindfulness.
Presence Is Not Calm
Photo courtesy of Mr. Hicks
Being present is not the same as being calm.
Being present is being aware of how you feel. Calm is simply a feeling.
We often think feeling calm is good and feeling anxious, excited or disappointed is bad. In the same way we often feel sunshine is good and rain is bad. But it's all just weather, there is a time and place for each and lessons to learn and experiences to have.
Rather than trying to remain calm in this crazy world, maybe we cut ourselves some slack and allow ourselves to feel what ever it is we feel, without judgement, learning from the feeling, experiencing the full depth of the human emotion.
We can only accomplish that if we give ourselves the time and space to become aware of our feelings. That's where being present comes in.
Space To Think
Recently, I was lucky enough to spend some time in the Colorado Rockies, where my perception of scale was reconfigured by the towering peaks and open plains that stretch to the horizon. I was made to feel small in the best way possible. The kind of way that pushes the mind off the day-to-day and to that place of wonder that only comes when we feel like an insignificant spec in the vastness of nature. I have found that the feeling of insignificance that nature can conjure to be a powerful catalyst to searching for meaning in life and that that search for meaning continually leads me back to meditation.
Thanks Nature. It was nice to be led back once again.
Wise Words: A Bathroom Wall
"If you are lucky enough to live in the mountains, you are lucky enough."
- Unknown author, found on a bathroom wall
Good Morning
There's a special energy to the morning, a quietness and calmness, a slow metamorphosis from darkness to light, from cold to warmth, from rest to action.
When we wake up in sync with the natural rhythms, we can carry them with us throughout the day. When we give ourselves the space to transition smoothly, easily, we carry that with us throughout the day.
When we wake in the middle or end of that cycle, when we throw ourselves into a frantic spin, racing to catchup to time that has passed, we too carry that energy with us throughout the day.
Wise Words: Kurt Vonnegut
“I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the most interesting minds in history, we meditate with our own minds and theirs as well. This to me is a miracle.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
Connection
Steph Davis is a climber. Climbing being a lifelong love and pursuit. Here she captures the beauty and essence of practice and its role in connection...
Mindful Matter:
Summertime and the livin' is easy....
Mindful Matter:
Handmade eco-chic apparel for the global nomad...
Smoothing soft fabric, the grip of scissors, the wet soaking of color... This is what happens when you order a custom-made organic garment from Gaia Conceptions. Gaia Conceptions uses the 100% Lean or Made to Order method of production. Meaning that they make your garment for you upon order. Each piece is cut, sewn, and dyed by an amazing team of artisans. Absolutely beautiful. A mindful process if ever there was one.