“The things we reject tend to be colored by fear. Those grown from love will flourish.”
– MORGAN R Y A N
I took a deep breath in as I observed my surroundings. What a sight Los Angeles has become. Before the rainfall, this city had lost a bit of its luster in my honest opinion. Now I feel as though I’m experiencing one of the most beautiful moments since I first moved to California. I had to stop mid-walk to really absorb this momentary time. This story is about finding inner peace with impermanence.
I held my breath as I looked around. I was in awe because I thought I was just transported to Austria. The sky had not a cloud in it. The mountains stood majestic with snow-capped tips, which blended into the clear blue skyline. Just beyond the peaks lay layers of green hillsides that varied in shade.
The iconic landscape from “The Sound of Music,” rolled through my mind and I couldn’t help but smile as my thoughts amused me. I hoped Julie Andrews would pop out of no where, twirling me around aimlessly like in the movie. Much like Andrews chimes in the familiar song, I go to the hills when my heart’s lonely.
I spent this past weekend in solitude. Something I do often but always yearn for more of. This time I redecorated my apartment and entertained some of my innermost dreams. The Aquarius New Moon occurred this past weekend, which also marked the Chinese Lunar New Year. Living on the outskirts of Chinatown, I heard firecrackers going off all weekend. This added a kick of energy that ironically foreshadowed the energy of this year’s sign, the Fire Rooster. I felt the desire to take action while the Aquarian vibes got me in touch with my deepest desires.
FLOWING WITH THE NATURAL ENERGY AT WORK:
I. Write out your goals + dreams
II. Release something
III. Feng shui a room
V. Root and ground
VI. Do something communal
I.
Friday night I wrote out 6 goals to achieve in the next 6 months. Some were travel related, career/money focused or beauty inspired. I placed them next to my agate rock, hoping it would magnify their energy and ability to come into fruition. In two days I checked off one of those goals! I’m a bit superstitious but clearly it worked for me.
One of my major dreams is to have my own live/work space. Last week was the ideal time to work with this goal as I had my two bedroom apartment to myself. This really gave me the opportunity to soak it all in; what it would truly feel like to have a place I call my own. To experience it to the fullest I took it a step further; I redecorated to my liking to see what it would look like, making it an active visualization.
I arranged mason jars filled with my seeds and spices above my stove. Placed plants throughout my living room. Dried flowers from my cupboards doors and did yoga in the living room while burning incense. For the entire week, I slept sound and woke refreshed. I found the true definition of freedom is found in the little things.
II.
In college I randomly began calling my room the ‘Zen Den.’ It’s stuck ever since. That being said, one of my favorite interests is using artistic decoration as a form of energy healing or redirection. For lack of a better words most would refer to this as feng shui. I’ve always desired to switch up and refresh my room with new arrangement every so often. I’ve noticed it helped with the movement of energy within my space and my physical well-being.
This desire to feng shui tends to happen in line with new chapters of my life, or in this case, new moons. Besides bringing me joy, it has also aided me in the process of letting go. The Tao Te Ching says, “when we know when enough is enough, there will always be enough.” Much like art, this process works on the idea of impermanence; something that is born to be destroyed. Think of fresh flowers. They bring fresh energy to a room but only for so long.
III.
I tend to grow attached to things. My art, people, things, did I mention my art? Every time I must say goodbye I lament. (Side note: That’s probably where my nostalgia stems from). However I’ve become wiser and realized every goodbye allows for a fresh hello. A constant offering of a blank slate, now that’s my jam.
Next up was a space that felt stale, my bathroom. I added some energy with a sprig of fresh flowers and some bamboo. My second reaction was to throw something away. One thing led to another and eventually I was throwing out a handful of old products that had expired. I saw items that had accumulated dust and that simply irritated me. That was my cue that it was time to go. According to the Tao, by decluttering we simplify. By simplifying, we create greater power and peace by choosing beauty, order and health.
IV.
After this creative jaunt, I wanted to get outside for some fresh air. It was as though clearing out my material life had made room for more physical health. I felt this spaciousness within, an unbound freeness. I wanted to fill this newfound space with something new. I was reminded of my favorite park I used to frequent every day when I first moved to LA. The trails were calling my name.
I was shocked how much it changed since I last visited. ‘Simply Beautiful’ by Al Green played through my headphones and I felt the emotion of those lyrics as I looked out over the improved landscape I once called my stomping grounds. The pathways were now lined with clover and grass that reached to my mid-calf. I sat down in it and closed my eyes and just breathed. I felt grounded. I felt present. I felt re-aligned. In just an hour, I was re-connected to earth and my purpose.
V.
On Sunday, I attended a charity event organized by my friend, Brooke. Brooke is a fellow PM Insider and blogger who has dedicated her purpose to giving back. She hosted a beautiful wine tasting and food pairing that creatively raised awareness for some of her favorite charities. Dedicated to pertinent issues such as child hunger and autism, we learned about the love these brands are spreading around the world.
With conscious brands such as This Bar, Cheeky and One Hope, it inspired me to learn about brands and how they’re making a difference but more so, how I could be making a difference with everyday decisions. Oh btw, they’re all DELICIOUS! If you’re interested in healthy snack options, delicious wine or simply ways to do good, check out these sites!
How do you spend your weekends? Do you hope to give back or live in more alignment? Tell me in the comments below. I would love to get to know you and your inner most desires!
Xx,
M
| SHOP THIS L O O K |
Military Jacket | Turtleneck | White Jeans | Penny Loafers | Headband | Paul Mitchell Tool
| FEATURED P H O T O G R A P H Y |
| FEATURED L O C A T I O N |
You look beautiful and this photos are breathtaking!
I relate with you while reading through this post and the beautiful way you write. I love spending weekends on my own organizing and moving things around my apartment too!
Thanks for sharing about these businesses with a social mission, love learning about them!
Have a great weekend!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
So happy that we’re two in the same! Of course, glad you enjoyed 🙂
Xx,
M
Love the look and great details dear ! Super post!!
Love
Darya
http://www.thebloomingbouquetstyle.com
Thanks Darya!
Xx,
M
These is so inspiring! Thank you for tips, and the picture with the camera win my heart!
You are like a Audry Hapebern here!
Fantastic photos and you!
Aw thanks Olga! So happy that photo captured your heart and that the Audrey vibes were heavy! (I was going for her classic vibes).
Xx,
M
Hello dear, this post has been my favorite so far! You have combined a flawless look with retro vibes with a totally modern frame of mind. I could use some time alone too. I wouldn’t feel lonely, while I would engage in similar activities to the ones you described. I like very much your ethereal & down to earth approach to life. Sublime! Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose FASHION & BEAUTY
Valeria!
That’s such a sweet way to put it! So happy you enjoyed it and perhaps took some new ideas to incorporate into your lifestyle 🙂
Xx,
M
You are so inspiring! Your list of things to think about make me so happy and I love it!
Your outfit is also great and LA looks way too cool!!
xx
So happy to spread the well-being 🙂
You’re inspiring too!
M
Reading this lovely post was really a chance to get to know you better, not only through the lovely pictures, but as well as your innermost thoughts and how you deal with things! I loved reading it all and am spending my weekend relaxing and taking care of myself 🙂 Hope you have a good one too!
xoxo
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
So happy to open and share my perspective and view on life with you! Glad you enjoyed 🙂 Enjoy the peace and quiet <3
Xx,
M
Hello M, Wow. I love the way you write. I can’t praise you enough girl! This post is just beautiful. Also, all the photos you have are stunning. Your blog is just one big 5 star sign. I love coming here and learning new things from you. Hope you are doing okay. Thank you for giving me something worth the time and read.
Love,
Dom
Hey Dom,
Thank you for coming back and spending your time reading my work 🙂 So happy you enjoyed it and that you’re learning new things, yay!
Much love babe,
M
Oh my love! I was just having that same conversation with my BF yesterday. LA has regained it’s beauty and glow after the rainfall. How beautiful is that? I loved thst you wrote out 6 easy goals! I’m going to try that.
Yay glad we’re on the same wavelength! 🙏🏻 Yes yes yes, can’t wait to here about your progress! Xx
M
I love the vintage feel your posts five me!! AND I LOVE LA..I have a friend who lives in Koreatown and everything about the area was so chill. Not like how I imagined it would be.
Yeeee LA is fun and so versatile! Mountains, sea and desert all in one 🙂
Glad you enjoyed your time here,
M
Morgan, You look so lovely dear. I am really loving these photos and your location for photos. So beautiful and stunning indeed.
Thank you love bug! Glad you dog 🙂
Thanks love bug! Glad you dig 🙂
Absolutely love this post babe!!! So classic and elegant style you have.
You looks stunning in the pics.
xoxo
Marcy
Thanks Marcy, glad you enjoyed!
Xx,
M
You are the most original blogger out there. You are truly a star with these captivating photos and the amazing way you arranged it all! Thank you so much for inspiring !
Aw that means the world to me love! Thank you 🙂
Happy to inspire,
M
Looking gorgeous! http://vladacotorobai.com/
Thank s Vlada!
Hello babe ! I just discovered your universe I love your headband 😍 Xo xo
http://www.lacoquetteitalienne.com
Aw thanks sweetie! Glad we found each other <3
Xx,
M
Great blog
Thanks so much!
Xx,
M