flying 101

For many, flying any distance can trigger an array of worryful emotions. Here are some “Fly Safe” tips that I’ve acquired over the last few years of world travel.

This is how you want your flight to feel like - smooth, serene and drama free.

I have flown in and out of the world's scariest airport, Lukla in the Himalayas of Nepal, more than once (first time in 2011 footage is here) and feel I may have learned a lesson or two on perfecting the peaceful art of flight. We're not talking about divinely inspired astral projections through the quantum leaps of spirit travel, but if you have that gift and haven't mastered how to stay cool on land, I'd strongly recommend meditation.

Here are some tips on how to ensure a smooth transition from one reality to another while not getting too lost in the no-mans land of departure lounges and loud monotonous voices on repeat.

1. Start from the ground.

Time can move at a different rate when one is on tour. Days, weeks, hours, minutes, oh how they like to stretch and squeeze. My tip is to set a reminder in advance for your trip. Print out or write down your destination, transfer trains/stops and pack the day before. Be prepared and grounded.

Starting from the ground gives one the opportunity to gather some momentum, to feel your feet without the risk of leaping out in to thin air and hitting a solid surface full frontal with an emotional winding and a sore head.

2. Surrender to the lights.

Airports are the no-mans land of the modern age (or if you're a dreadlocked buddy of mine; 'a transdimensional porthole from one mindset to another').  Airports can all suck in their own kind of way and there’s nothing dignified about taking shoes off and going through a pat down in the ghastly-lit terminals of the transient but it’s a necessary discomfort for travellers to become accustomed to.

Eventually you will train yourself to not have liquids on you whether or not the rule applies in that country or not. Warning: letting out a sarcastic sigh going through the metal detector may also receive suspicious glances.

3. Run, but don’t panic.

Should one get too soaked up by the free wifi or the perfume tester section of Duty Free and find their name being called for an imminent departure; Run. Run like the prostitutes handbag you probably stink of. Do your best to make that flight, but whatever you do, don’t waste oxygen panicking. Or if you do, take deep breaths and know that by panicking, that flight isn’t going to be any slower.

This is a learning experience. Be cool. Sweat a little and look like a muppet running through departures but inside... be cool. Hit that curve ball home run.

4. During your flight… Sit back… meditate.

The best thing about flying for me is the choiceless time it affords between toilet visits, food and tea breaks.

When food is served on the flight I recommend the vegetarian option - you will be guaranteed to get your food before everyone else, be doing something good for the environment and importantly will probably avoid bloatedness too.

The world can be a paradox of choices and having less space and distractions, despite somewhat enforceably, can open up an endless choice of the very little. This is worth appreciating if you’re from a world of ‘mass choice consumption’.

If you’re on a flight with a decent film selection that will entertain and not overly sensationalise the end of the world with blood, gore and zombies, then you may be able to just aimlessly relax in front of the screen and allow time to pass and meditate i.e. consciously breathe nurturing a stillness within.

The last movie I recall watching is Breakfast at Tiffanys for the first time, it's a sweet lady movie to get jet-lagged to.  I find fly time as my meditation and gaze in the right direction when the lady tells me how to put a life jacket on and where the exits are while somewhere in my consciousness I know what I'll be doing should there ever be an emergency.  

5. Coming in to land.

If you can’t pilot the plane then you may as well relax through the descent and avoid wasting your imagination with ‘what ifs’. If the plane’s going to crash, it will crash. As someone who’s flown in and out of the most dangerous airport in the world, tucked up in to the Himalayas, I trust my authority on this one.  If you decide to believe that you have any influence at all on the plane’s landing, please take some seriously deep breaths, think happy thoughts and stay relaxed. That’s some big responsibility you’ve given for yourself there.

6. Put down your landing gear. Eyes wide open.

Let whatever experience you had from one contrast to another, one paradigm, one world, one way of being; just let it all wash over you. It may require a lie in, a shower and a decent local meal. For me a sunrise tea and a bath is a wonderful slow way to reset and start again. It’s always good to know someone where you are going to first (couch-surfing is great for that) although it’s also fun wiping the slate clean and working it out for yourself with a map and a cool head (and some useful local words). Don't look for your name on a card as you get through arrivals, you survived the fuzzy headed queues and the grilling from customs, walk out head high and find the bus stop, train station or taxi rank. The signs just there in front of you. Remember: Stay in the love dimension and "happiness is a way of travel, not a destination" (Roy M. Goodman).

You made it so pop your shades on and get on with it.

Here are 3 lessons from traveling that lead to everyday happiness.

save the world with design & politics

“I believe that utopia is actually possible - but we’re led by the least noble, the least dignified,
the least tasteful, the dumbest, and the most political”

I wonder if man has lost his way, been poorly conditioned and programmed stepping too far in to the lands of fear, greed and destruction from what was abundance, love and care. Its sad how this thinking has created a world where even the human species can envisage its own demise and the separation between people is a catalyst for violence and pain.

"I really do believe that the world can be saved through design, and everything needs to actually be architected," proclaimed Kanye West to Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, a statement that has since garnered widespread criticism from the world design community. But ah bless, he stood on a table and everything. While Oxfam's Design for Change had to swallow their pride by allowing a celebrity to endorse their vision, there's so much truth embedded in this.

Ask yourself what could you DO for change?

As someone with a strong kinship with dearly beloved Polar Bears and ever being reminded of the devastating affects that Global Warming is having on the world, especially the Arctic, I hope that people will wake up in time to do whatever it is within their power to address this issue. That people with power will step up and commit their lives to something greater than themselves.

According to the influential AVAAZ online campaign community, we can stop this eventual decline of our planet, if we act fast and all together to step out of this extinction nightmare. We can pull off one of the most inspiring futures for our children and grandchildren; A clean, green future in balance with the earth that gave birth to us.

"There's 24 months until the Paris Summit, the meeting that world leaders have decided will determine the fate of our efforts to fight climate change. It might seem like a long time - it's not. We have 24 months to get the right leaders in power, get them to that meeting, give them a plan, and hold them accountable. And it's us vs. the oil companies, and fatalism. We can win, we must, but we need to blast out of the starting gate with pledges of just a few dollars/euros/pounds per week until the summit - we'll only process the donations if we hit our goal. For the world we dream of, let's make it happen."

According to Avaaz Scientist Julienne Stroeve has studied Arctic ice for decades. Every summer she travels north to measure how much ice has melted. She knows that climate change is melting the ice fast, but a recent trip surprised even her. Vast areas of Arctic ice have disappeared, beyond our worst expectations.

Fatalism on climate change is not just futile, it's also incompetent. The hour is late, but it is still absolutely within our power to stop this catastrophe, simply by shifting our economies from oil and coal to other sources of power. And doing so will bring the world together like never before, in a deep commitment and cooperation to protect our planetary home. It's a beautiful possibility, and the kind of future Avaaz was born to create. Facing this challenge will take heart, and hope, and also all the smarts we have.

Here's their game plan: 

1. Go Political: Elect Climate Leaders - 3 crucial countries have elections in the next year. Avaz wants to make sure the right people win, and with the right mandate. Avaaz is one of the only major global advocacy organisations that can be political. And since this fight will be won or lost politically, it could be at some points just us vs. the oil companies to decide who our politicians listen to.
2. Make Hollande a Hero - French President Francois Hollande will chair the Paris summit - a powerful position. The community will try every tactic and channel - his personal friends and family, his political constituency, his policy advisors - to make him the hero we need him to be to make the summit a success. Smart move.
3. Take it to the Next Level - The scale of this crisis demands action that goes beyond regular campaigning. It's time for powerful, direct, non-violent action, to capture imagination, convey moral urgency, and inspire people to act. Think Occupy. 

4. Out the Spoilers - Billionaires like the Koch brothers and their oil companies are the major spoilers in climate change - funding junk science to confuse us and spending millions on misleading PR, while buying politicians wholesale. With investigative journalism and more, we need to expose and counter their horrifically irresponsible actions.
5. Define the Deal - Even in the face of planetary catastrophe, 195 governments in a room can be just incompetent. We need to invest in top quality policy advice to develop ingenious strategies, mechanisms, and careful compromises so that when the summit arrives, a critical mass of leaders are already bought in to a large part of the deal, and no one can claim that good solutions don't exist.

If you wish to contribute to Avaaz's pretty impressive "Change the Game" plan and save polar bears much to my inner child's delight - please pledge your support here. 

Personally, I find this a great incentive to focus my energy on a children's book I've been working on (most my life) titled "Snowflake the Last Lost Polar Bear" in the hope that perhaps it might also encourage parents and children to care more for the environment and consider the impact their choices and actions are having on the rest of the world.

the musician comes first

Recently I met with an old colleague and friend from my advertising days. He was quite the inspiration then and continues to be a kind mentor for me now. He's also been mistaken for David Grohl much to both our amusement!

As we sat in a hookah bar in New York City late on Christmas Eve, after an amazingly fun packed day (the brief was: 'Vibrant') of festive wonders from MoMA's latest exhibit: Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary 1926 - 1936,  fancy champagne and nibbles at the Ritz-Carlton (a special treat for this nomad), a cool stroll through Central Park, Indian cuisine at the most gastronomically delicious Tamarind restaurant, a few games of pool at the Fat Cat and my open admission that I trusted his judgement - he finally gave it to me real.

"Just do it Jess" was what he said pointing out the obvious while I somewhat reluctantly accepted his call (given my tendency to take the 'scenic route' to decision making). He was telling me to get real.

Making the transition back in to this reality has taken some effort after spending a long time reflecting on life, traveling to remote corners of the world, seeing the heart breaking severities of poverty and natural disasters while integrating some powerful experiences and awakenings over the last couple of years. It's not always easy but I certainly feel alive. It's been a joy to explore and finesse my creative spirit through writing and photography, while also training and practicing as a holistic therapist in the beautiful ancient teachings of energy healing and yoga. Nevertheless applying these lessons and coming back in to the modern world takes focus.

His persuasive words sang true and he pointed me to this beautiful Keynote given by the real David Grohl at SXSW earlier this year. It is an incredible speech and well worth listening to as we get closer to the start of a new year. I hope for all the artists out there (which I'd like to say is everyone) David Grohl inspires within you faith and strength to keep on going, to remain true to yourself and realise that creative energy within which can too often be stifled by the world around.

"Come forth from your cloud of unknowing and kiss the cheek of the moon" - Leonard Cohen

happy baby jesus day!

The beautifully talented Katey Brooks recorded this for Bernardo's Children's Charity and its a wonderfully angelic song to feel Christmassy to. Bless.

I've become accustomed to being away at Christmas time and this year I'm quite excited to be experiencing my first Winter in while in New York City. If there's anywhere to be 'Home Alone' - it's got to be here. Last year was a very challenging one for me as it was the first Christmas I'd ever spent totally alone (Buenos Aires).  So much came to surface, nevertheless, little did I know at the time that I would have had the joyous moments that have passed by since then, met the beautiful souls I have on the road and found contentment and gratitude for the real gifts that life offers. So lifting and powerfully revealing. Those realisations are important sometimes.

So I'd like to wish jectaspecta readers a beautiful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Its a great opportunity to reflect upon the last year and allow oneself to let go of the past and bring oneself in to the NOW. That real gift of being present.  Life can throw some curve balls and they're not always easy to catch and sometimes sadly aren't worth chasing but I sincerely believe one is always where they are meant to be, for their greatest growth. That doesn't mean we can't love and support one another as we face psychological shadows or the very real challenges of living in the world at this time.

Katey Brooks is an incredibly brave and humble UK artist. I love her work and am delighted to share her latest EP which is so powerfully moving and true. Choosing to focus on one's dreams, harnessing talents and working hard on developing and sharing those gifts (rather than taking the path of least resistance) takes a lot of courage and that's one thing Katey Brooks has so much of. Please enjoy her latest EP which you can also buy here for 2.99.

Happy Christmas! May all your wishes and dreams come true.  Be cherished.

namaste india

India2012 from Zachary Reinert on Vimeo.

Ahhh blessed India. India she is such a wonderful mother. A country that taught me so much about life, love, surrender and truth. A country that filled my cup to the brim.  I feel a large part of me grew up in India and while, like many countries around the world she still has her downfalls; extremities of poverty and the influences that the Western consumerism movement impresses; she still has a devotional quality that permeates the soul beyond reason.

What is truly humbling about traveling in India is the incredibly conscious travel community that exudes a mutual respect between strangers no matter where they are from, how old they are, their background, their status nor their clothes and chosen path or way of being. The love between brothers and sisters who can hold hands in prayer and say 'namaste' to one another is so beautiful: "I honor the place in you where Spirit lives, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light, of Peace, when you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, then we are One."

This is so precious and can be lost in the world of the fast paced urbanised environments that western capitalist society seemingly encourages. I truly felt at home in the northern regions of India, the Himalayas, where the people are so beautifully shanti and kind. Words can't explain the experience of joy, peace and serenity that living amongst such magnificent giants can create. The Godliness of natural phenomena and the sound of waters charging down giant boulders in a place of constant change. One might feel the Earth between the toes while something magical is allowed when 'letting things be' even while the external world might challenge.

Floods of emotions hit me in India like tidal waves of karmic knots coming to be undone. A big wall I had built around my heart crumbled and even now I know, while in essence I am still the same old 'Brookesy' I always was (complete with flaws and funky dance moves); my sensititivities to the world around me, how I connect to people, to what I do for a living and what I see; is truly a new reality. I'm thankful for it despite struggling to fit back in the box at times.

This beautiful video created by Zachary Reinert captures some of the most magical moments to be had in that wonderfully divine place. I met Zachery's sister at a relaxing yoga retreat and farm in Buenos Aires and reconnected with her recently whilst in New York. I was buzzing in love as she shared this video with me. It features Mountain Cleaners NGO (now Waste Warriors) who I'd managed to persuade to come to Parvati Valley when the team launched recycling clean ups. It also features people I have connected with deeply on the road incidentally. Sometimes things just can't be explained but I hope the video illuminates a little of a world beyond form and brings some Indian magic to those yet to go.

Here are some photos taken from the recycling campaign we ran there. I've had some amazing jobs in my little lifetime although I must admit; I was never so genuinely in love with my work as I was picking up plastic bottles, making decorations and teaching children about recycling in the Northern regions of India. I don't know if I did it to cleanse my soul, to be the change I wanted to see in the world or to let go of someone I had been deeply in love with, but I do know that it was the most amazingly cathartic 'puja' (sanskrit for prayer) that I've ever performed in my life and I'm pretty happy to share that and hope anyone reading might take inspiration from it too.

believe in miracles

I recently decided to study "A Course in Miracles" (pdf) and its a beautifully empowering course that in essence is founded upon forgiveness and the grace of prayer and meditation.

Given it is the time of year 'for giving', I thought I'd share this wonderfully inspiring TED talk from Gabrielle Bernstein that my old colleague and friend Farrel Brest sent me.

I have found one of the biggest cathartic miracles in life has been to forgive myself for... well... urm... everything... including things that probably weren't my doing but I felt responsible for them nevertheless. Before traveling at times I slipped in to self-doubt whether it be in my career, in association with my body, my mind and my ability to live my truth and pursue my dreams... as ridiculously unattainable as I thought them to be.

There have been many moments on the road where I wondered "what is this for?" and "where am I going?" while also sensing a world that doesn't always reflect what I'd like to see; witnessing needless unkindness between people, towards nature, towards children and the conditioned systems in place that seem to bind more than liberate the human spirit. Dealing with shame has been a powerful lesson.

My work now is more focused on being a conscious miracle worker, as yours can be too. Waking up and being grateful for life, for friends, for family, for the lessons one must learn is important; as I have found letting go of what doesn't serve the highest good be it an emotion, person, place or material item - as much as a very human part of me might want to cling on to it.

It becomes a living practice to consciously “empty your cup,” again and again and again. The cup fills up easily, especially on the road; we want to fill it with the tea we “like” and it takes fierce courage to choose love over being right or comfortable. It takes a commitment and courage to be empty, open, and receptive. It takes courage to hold out your empty cup to receive something new and unexpected, including what seems to us the dark, not-so-sweet side of the 'Mystery of Life'.

For me it whittles down to being kind while learning to tread lightly on the hearts of others and the land we rely on to survive.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. 

~ Dalai Lama

man test: save the world

When I was at University, those many years ago, my housemates and I stayed up to watch the American Superbowl. The boys, Jay and Steve, had brought in some beers and Beth and I cooked up food for us and brought along our added bit of lady banter to the late night's gathering.

Given we didn't really know what was happening in the small hours of the morning in this American Football game; we created an even better game to accompany the scene that brought us together.

This was a game of chance involving a giant orange dice. The boys would take it in turns to roll and the girls imposed some naughty rules which went something along the lines of:

1 = man test
2 = remove a piece of clothing
3 = truth
4 = put some make up on
5 = wear a piece of ladies clothing
6 = man test

I remember "Man Test" the most. It ranged from eating soil, snorting vodka, 10 press ups or doing a shot of Tabasco.  It was a bit of 20 year old fun, we had a great night and by the end of it the boys were being rather amusing; Jay ended up naked with a hat over his privates while Steve was wearing a lot of make up.  An amusing memory to reflect upon and giggle.

My father used to say "My House. My Rules" and what a great way to create a mini dictatorship in the family unit. Nevertheless I'll always appreciate his adage "a family that eats together, stays together" however admittedly the moment I was able to be out of the dictatorship, I was.  From University, to London, to Sydney, to now.

For me, the home serves as a beautiful symbol of unity.  

Metaphorically speaking, how wonderful would it be to realise that all the people in the world are our family and the roof has been extended to encompass everything under the sky not just the old man's rooftop.

And if that be the case, I'd love us to throw away the dice and put some real man tests out there rather than getting drunk to football. To encourage us all to step up. To open our eyes to what we have co-created; a world headed towards its own self-destruction. Where nature is plundered and money is worshiped.  Where sex and god are tools for manipulation to buy or hate as opposed to creating loving togetherness and joy.

Marianna Williamson reminded me that perhaps eating soil isn't a great man test anymore, that we can all do our bit to heal ourselves and extend that loving kindness to the people around us, if not the world. That we do not have to live at the mercy of a megalomaniacs fantasy nor behave like badly brought up children.

At this time the great market segment of Baby Boomers are facing their mortality. They also have acquired a lot of wealth in the West and yet, in their older age, there seems to be an acceptance that the 'kids will take care of things' as Western society hides the elderly away (compared to places such as remote India where the feet of the elders are touched as a mark of respect).

Just the other day a lovely mature woman in Woodstock, explained to me how she's relying on 'my generation' to fix things. I was pretty stumped. Everyone is an equal part of this story and boomers have so much to give the world beyond their immediate family that can dramatically change the way we perceive it and the lives of others around the globe.

Much of mankind has emotionally entangled itself with the impermanent, to the 'sins of the body' and not been brave enough to forgive, let go, move on and heal while seeing the bigger picture; this is not a game anymore.

I too feel this need for a 'love revolution' - a united consciousness.  The world needs it.  The disparities have got too wide, our minds too manipulated by greed and our hearts lost in attachment to the impermanent.

I propose a new man test for our home: Save the world.

God, the ultimate commodity

Money is a huge story in the USA at the moment (and obviously for a vast amount of the world) and while I feel we all must search within for the cause of this global drama we are playing our roles in, overlooking the money story would be naïve of me, because it evidently pulls a lot of strings and pushes a lot of buttons. It also has powerful society figureheads printed upon it.

There seems to be a mentality along the lines of “lets keep destroying the world and hope someone else will take care of it after I die” mentality aided by a powerful country’s ability to price up food, have a massive FMCG market and rejoice in the superficial while 1 in 6 people are going hungry. I sincerely hope people wake up and step out of their drama and see this political misuse of power.  Even small steps like eating healthily, recycling and volunteering would be something or even becoming a conscientious objector...

The American Dream is like an oversized melting sundae, the cherry’s already slid on to the floor, the straws blocked up with a chocolate chip and the ‘have a nice day’ that the gentleman at the counter said with a smile is ringing in the ears but lacking in authenticity and heart.

While love, devotion, inclusiveness and faith are beautiful facets encouraged by religion, there are some dramatically interesting ways in which God and commercialism have joined forces in the United States - from car parking billboards (above) to words inscribed on a powerful currency that also cites “In God We Trust”.  But perhaps, dare I suggest, this "God" may actually be a false God in light of the fact that 'money' itself is being callously printed without the gold in the banks to support it as we live in a world that trades the debts of its citizens?

I’m certainly not positioning myself to debate on religious ideals nor economics (eek), however a tight association with mass consumption in a country where the biggest epidemic is obesity while it also manages a ridiculous amass of debt, tells me that perhaps it’s worth checking who or what one places their heartfelt trust in. Transforming fear in to faith is powerful, as is evidently manipulating people in to having faith in something that may not truly have the welfare of its people at heart in a time of unprecedented economic inequality.

a taste of the raj in rajasthan, india

Amber Fort, Jaiselmer

I had a fantastic time exploring Rajesthan in India. Its a beautiful place with incredible architecture, an eye opener with an incredible desert to sleep under the stars in and interesting people to learn from. The palaces, the camels, the remnants of an empire that was so powerfully abundant before the British colonisation still permeates aspects of the culture and ways of being.

My tips for traveling anywhere are to surrender to the flow and follow your heart, things will happen, interesting opportunities unveil themselves and the more local the experience, in my humble opinion, the more real your appreciation for it. If you find that; rejoice in that rare and beautiful opportunity.

Let it all wash over you. 
Don't get all righteous if someone rips you off. It can happen to the green travellers. Rickshaw drivers love taking you on a ride but if you're lucky you'll have a cool dude who plays funky music or will share a tale or two and make you giggle.

I travelled with my 'gay jewish husband' Farrel through a lot of Rajasthan and, as one might imagine, enjoyed it immensely despite needing a few breathers from one another every now and then. Solo time's important co-pilot or not.

Here is a skeleton guideline for anyone passing through:

New Delhi
Gandhi museum
Stay in Bahar Ganj.
If you're brave enough, go and sample some of the local street food in the food market nearby.

friendly police in a jaipur palace

Ranthambhorne
National Park · Tigers + wild life
If you're crazy, try a bang lassy for the first time with a friend before doing the safari.

Bundi 
Hire a bicycle and get out to a remote temple. Watch the sunset from the palace. Get chai from the chai place next to the bike place. You will know what I mean once you are there.

Pink City Jaipur 
Just wander around the city and get lost down back alleys and see what the locals are up to. Check out the Amber Palace, stay all day and watch the sunset glow reflect off the incredibly ornate building. There are a few more palaces worth checking out, one on water, the other you'll hear about.

Pushkar wedding ladies in the street

Pushkar 
Sunrise and sunsets at the temples. Make prayers at all the random temples. Check out the amazing lake.

Jaisalmer 
Explore and camp in the desert. Stay within the city walls. Walk around bare feet on the warm sandstone and be in love with the crafts, textiles and beautiful golden glows. 
I stayed and ate at Shiva's Restaurant. It was magical.

I repeat again: let it all wash over you.

anything is possible

A great great man passed away yesterday and yet his spirit, his legacy, will continue to live on. A wonderful tribute to a man who changed the game, who persevered, who endured, who lived a life of grace and let go of bitterness. What a beautifully remarkable soul. May his life continue to inspire and enlighten us to a more inclusive, loving and respectful global community; empowered to challenge the status quo and move us forward out of conflict in to care, acceptance and a more nurtured world.

Its wonderful to be reminded that one can make a difference. That we don't always need to rely on a government to make the change for us, that people can move mountains when they have faith in humanity and such a powerful love in their heart. What a man.

Rest in peace Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. 

treading light on politics in washington dc

Is it?

Recently I spent a few days in Washington DC.  I thought it'd be interesting to visit a place so worldly renowned;  a place I've seen on screens with 'important people saying important things'.  Where the buildings are white, vast and crisp and the grandeur of a destination where the 'founding fathers' made their mark on history is still prevalent. Seeing it now at a time of hegemony brought up so many questions for me on our collective future and my somewhat 'dreamer inclination' wish for peace in the world.

I loved strolling around the mall, going in to a couple of free museums and just wondering around and enjoying the expansiveness of central Washington DC as winter sets in, the bare trees are still and the sun shines low alighting the monuments with a golden hue.

I wish I could say I was truly romanticised by DC, but to be honest, I didn't feel much soul there. In fact what I sensed was more a story of a perceived price of freedom to be proud of war and walking through the National History Museum of America it seemed really to focus on the battles between mankind and made me feel a little sad that such a powerful nation still rejoices in telling a story of conflict when beside that old story being over and unuseful, the new one isn't much prettier on the battlefield.  I don't really know when it comes to politics what is right and wrong, even though I studied it long ago, the only thing I really connected with besides feminism, was the idea of utilitarianism and the transcendentalist movement.  I do fall in to that 'give peace a chance' category sometimes. Its an awkward inner hippie one might say that I tend to keep to myself.  I feel finding peace truly starts with finding peace within oneself and freedom is a state of mind, perhaps even beyond mind, which I hope to see reflected in the world around us more and more.

Yesterday I spoke to a homeless War Veteran in the street. The conversation was quite intense and started by me innocently picking up his photos to look at and him taking them back, explaining there were pictures he didn't want me to see. "I'm a big girl" I said. "Its ok" and he explained that there were pictures with prostitutes he didn't want me to see. Fair enough, I thought.

I asked him "Do you think peace is possible?" his answer was no. He has issues he explained and I can't imagine what his soul has endured being a part of something so dark out there that has lead him to the streets. His brother is still out there he explained and asked that 'my country send more troops'.  I guess my idealism got a big punch in the gut.

The housemate of a friend in DC said he felt peace would only be possible with more war. Dear God, do we need more men living in the streets in a state of trauma and pain asking passers by to "spare some change for a war veteran?"

Its a pity to think that in order to get an education in the USA many people have to 'serve their country' i.e. go to war for a few years in order to pay for it and I suppose meeting Jackson in Vermont has inspired me that there is a way out for people who don't feel comfortable with war. I pray we can all find peace within ourselves and that the words of America's founding fathers can be truly listened to; not just heard.

"The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing." John Adams 

"Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself." John Adams  

"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen." Samuel Adams 

"The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." Thomas Jefferson  

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln

The real ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz

More photos of Washinton DC on the travel photoblog.

what do you mean "you don't have a phone?!"

When I was in Austria I managed to lose my hard-drive in transit along with my mobile phone charger who was in bed with him. Then my spare phone charger didn't make it to NYC. I figured this was a message for me to have some time out and face another challenge. Being phone-less.

Its not often I lose 'stuff' but it does happen to travellers occasionally and I found treating the missing items as the Buddhist monks do their mandalas which they spend so much dedicated time and discipline towards creating before destroying and burning in prayer as beautiful way of letting go of the fact that the edited images, videos, books, music, poetry and films collated from a huge part of my travels have gone. I hope I have as much fun starting again :)

I have however found a lack of mobile connection to be a blessing in disguise and a rather interesting social experiment. I have been based in a very progressive city, New York City and whilst reconnecting with old friends here and making new ones I realise not having a phone has presented a number of challenges yet equally massive perks. And of course, like many periods of time I've had abstaining from anything, I find myself a little subjected to social ridicule and "no waaaays". Nothing new for me I suppose.

Here is how, quite simply, I tackle not having a mobile phone in a major city where so many are addicted to their devices.

• Noting down directions, drawing mini maps, using a diary, wearing a watch, a compass would be cool too (no joke!)
• Pocket subway map
• More time reading books and writing 
• Emails/skype instead of texting/calling

After watching the video above, I must admit that I am happy to have surrendered having a mobile for the last month in the USA.  I'm sure I've done my mind some favours and given myself a greater opportunity to connect with the present while probably spending more time working out which way I need to go.

Plus, I do wonder what the impact of mobile phone signals can have on our electromagnetic field and sense of balance... inner granny moment.

tofu meets broccoli for a pan dance recipe

Rosie and Jim are my old housemates that I lived with in Sydney. They were a pleasure to live with and we'd have our little memorable picnic gatherings and tea time inspirations together. I had the lovely opportunity to revisit them both whilst in New York and Rosie, being the wonderful gastronomic dazzler she is (also running a great foodie blog called Foodoodle), cooked up a little dream for us using two of my favourite ingredients; Tofu and Broccoli.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Tofu
• Broccoli
• Steamed Rice
• Soy sauce
• Sesame seeds

Simple Instructions

Fry tofu in hot oil & add sesame seeds once toasted

Steam rice

Steam broccoli

Combine with soy sauce
Serve with hot chilli sauce & chopsticks

ENJOY!

lighting it up with thanksgiving hugs in NYC

I wonder whether we all get to hit a wall at some point in life, where one makes a conscious choice between a selfish childlike 'me' and a selfless mature care and respect for another. And so it seemed really apt that the time I reflected on this, was a unique time when the festivals of Hanukah and Thanksgiving were on the same day for the first time in 125 years and I was celebrating it New York City.

My thanksgiving started the night before when I spent the evening with a couch-surf host named Evan and his family for Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights. Evan and I immediately hit it off and had that wonderful kinship of 'brother from another mother' that was so heartwarmingly welcoming.

The evening was magical. We shared stories, chants and moments of awe. Candles were lit and traditional Jewish snacks were had. Its not often I get to share the family experience and when those occasions happen, I feel so grateful. My host's mother was beautiful and we just understood one another. She reminded me of my Mum and I gave her the biggest hug of gratitude in true appreciation for the wonderful mothers out there. My Mum, Eggers, being one of them not to mention my second Mum, Julie and my God mother, Aunty Sarah along with Mother Nature of course, the Super-duper Mum.  I feel incredibly lucky and yet on days of family celebrations, while on the road, I can be a little sentimental because unlike a lot of people, I am rocking it solo and despite it being a conscious choice; I obviously miss my family at times.

Thankfully, as they say, love transcends space and time.

So as a tribute to all the Super Mums, and as a little random act of kindness from a wee traveler, I decided to share some love on the streets of NYC. I stood in the chill, smiled from my heart and with my glittery sign said "Happy Thanksgiving" to people who passed me by. I hugged big people, little people, jews, blacks, pinks, whites and oranges. There was a toothless homeless guy and a fur-coated lady. They all got a hugging. I even accidentally said "Happy Birthday" to one guy but we both kind of appreciated that too. It was a joy to see people's faces light up, to give a real fearless hug and to just say thanks.

Two men proposed to me. One asked for my number. Another lady tried to give me money and a guy offered to buy me a coffee. One girl from Singapore joined me for a while. But having a few people say "Thanks, I really needed that" really made me appreciate how important it is for us to support and love one another and also see how powerful being united truly is.

I hope everyday can be lit up with gratitude as opposed to missing what's not there. 

Big love and hugs to the motherhood... there are some naughty children out there... some mistakenly believe that sex or money equates to love; may they learn the power of a good snuggle!

Boo Bear's Dad just sent me this inspiring quote:

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to pay you back" - John Wooden.

Happy thanksgiving.

isn't racism amazing?

The divide between skin colour is one of the most challenging conditionings of humankind. A fear of the unknown. An alien tribe or community. Someone who is new, who is different, who's culture has rewarded different behaviours might feel challenged or uncomfortable when stepping in to another world or differing paradigms. And sometimes those stereotypes get reaffirmed by mass media to reinforce an idea and a projection of fear.

Richard Cohen is now famous for reporting in his Washington Post editorial that, “in New York City, blacks make up a quarter of the population, yet they represent 78 percent of all shooting suspects – almost all of them young men.” A couple weeks previous, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office released a set of statistics to corroborate his claim that the NYPD should stop-and-frisk fewer white people and more black people. They reported that 90% of those identified as murder suspects were blacks or Latino, and only 7% were white.

But here’s the even more important finding. In both of those studies, whites who were pulled over and searched were actually more likely to have illegal drugs or contraband in their vehicles. In New Jersey, whites were twice as likely to be found with illegal drugs or contraband than blacks and five times more likely than Latinos. The same thing held true in Maryland. (via Big Think: Racism, Damn Racism, and Statistics: Using a Truth to Tell a Lie).

I recently learned, from a family who chose to adopt in America, that it was significantly cheaper to adopt a child of 'ethnic minority' than a 'white' child.

Nothing amazing about that besides it being a remarkable fact.

But what is truly amazing. What is something magical and equally cheesey, so cheesey, is this kid who got up on stage and did some mind-blowingly against the grain stuff. Despite it being shown on TV and doing that overly exaggerative US thing of making a sing and dance out of the fierce vulnerability this kid demonstrated, it also is AMAAAAZING. Forgive the stereotype.

Imagine if we lived in a world where all we saw was to the key of awe rather than to the key of fear of something different, of something unknowable or against the status quo? What a beautifully inspiring world we would live in.

I wonder what if our projections, beliefs and ideas could create reality? If we could choose. Why not believe in togetherness? Why not have faith in humanity? Why not challenge what the media may want us to believe?

I have the virtue of traveling to different worlds to remind me to go 'oh wow'. The precious moments though, especially those when I feel well and truly out of my comfort zone, are absolutely amazing as are those different rituals, cultures, ideas, skin tones, dance moves and different children too often misunderstood.

My friend Kyle recently described my speciality as 'getting lost' much to my amusement and I suppose I enjoy the challenge of being in the vortex of endless possibilities and often taking the scenic route back home.  And I guess also, we all can relate to that feeling one might experience as a child, when one loses their way in wonder and finds their parents have gone.  It might instil a sense of fear, abandonment, worry but it needn't have to. My favourite time getting lost for me as a child was when I lost my Pops and second Mum on the Eiffel Tower on a holiday in Paris with my little brother.  But perhaps that's what made it so special, because despite being lost, I still had a brother (and we secretly enjoyed it). Love to the family.

I say we embrace the unknown. 

Literally. 

Like go hug a stranger... I did it the other day and it felt so amazing.

home of divine pancakes

After a delightfully inspiring week together in his hometown, I invited Kyle to share his take on his place in Vermont.

For me, there are countless reasons why I love my hometown. The difficulty lies in distinguishing the most important, the ones that best evoke the image of Norwich Vermont that I have created. Through the rustic, small town memories of my childhood; the crisp fall days of playing "ball"; the lazy, swimming summer days; and the waxing and waning of seasons, the memories pile one on top of another like pancakes until you have a stack miles high. Here is my attempt to find my "favorite" pancakes (banana chocolate chip and blueberry are the clear winners).

The blueberry pancake: Upon returning to Norwich for the first time after living for a year in Argentina, I was struck by the quiet and stillness of the place. So few cars on the roads, open expanse of forests, the quiet rustling of fallen leaves on the cold November earth. November is probably the bleakest time of year to visit Vermont, the days are short, the bright-colored leaves have long since faded and fallen, there is bitter cold but little snow. 

I like to think of this time of  year as the "intermission" between Fall and Winter. 

Yet even at this time of year there is a stark beauty that spreads over all feeling like a blanket, warming the soul. Perhaps part of it is the sun, maintaining a purple twilight, beams of light dancing through blue openings in the clouds, moving swiftly through the fresh autumn air. 

One is driven to move "slower" in this environment. The frenetic pace of city life has thankfully not yet been adopted and I find the slower pace allows for a greater stillness of mind, clarity of thought, and sureness of action. When dipping in to a maple soaked bite of blueberry pancake, one can slow down and savor the melding of flavors. The way the syrup blends and complements the blueberry, or how both soak deliciously into the pancake batter. Sometimes it can be such a relief to just disconnect for a while, slow down and enjoy every angle of the present experience, which too often seems forgotten in a world of time management and capitalist efficiency. 

That's the blueberry, now for the banana chocolate chip!

Coming back to Vermont after spending extended periods of time away fills me with all the feelings and sensations characteristic of one reconnecting with the deep pool of childhood memories. Driving along the tree-lined streets, through the picturesque towns with the old congregational churches and 19th century town houses, past the children playing soccer or tag at recess, the fond memories I associate with this wonderful state come bounding back.

I love the fact that I can go to work at the daycare that I once attended when I was just a tiny tot, and how I now work alongside some of the same teachers who once watched me grow up. 

I love how my town still has only one general store, and their motto is "if we don't have it, you don't need it." 

I look forward to returning to the winter hiking in three feet of snow, knowing you're the first and only person on the trail because no other human tracks precede you (sometimes one gets a moose, but not often).

Most of all though is the deep sense of community one feels for the town, the people, friends, family, even people you've never seen before. This strong community connection could be due to an abiding Vermont culture, one that lives on in the "local" demeanor, the architecture, and the traditions, new and old, that continue to build lasting memories year after year. 

I've never found pancakes anywhere else in the world that can quite measure up to a hearty, thick, dinner-plate sized maple soaked buttermilk and blueberry pancake (please excuse the excessive adjectives) that one is greeted with at any local breakfast establishment here in Vermont or New Hampshire. Much of what one finds in this wonderful region is unique, just like the pancakes, and it is in these unique cultural experiences that these lasting memories are created, and it is why I am constantly drawn back to Vermont.

If home is truly one's anchor in the world, then Vermont is my anchor. It is the foundation I return to time and again to find balance, to reconnect with my memories and find peace in the deep pool of experiences that I've built as a "Vermonter." 

You can read more from Kyle on his blog here.

verving in vermont

a lovely lighthouse in Vermont.

Vermont is an incredibly beautiful, beautiful part of the United States. It was established in 1777 and has charmed the life out of me with her colours, perpetual twilight and golden hues. My friend Kyle kindly invited me to join his family there and roam the areas showing me some of the highlights of his hometown.

This week my gastronomic behaviours weren't the healthiest but they certainly were a wonderful insight in to some of the local cuisine. 

Dear waistline... please forgive me.

The Fort
Naughty naughty blueberry pancakes and pumpkin muffins with real locally made maple syrup at this lorry stop cafe. Coffee refills. Do not try this at home.

VINS Bird Sanctuary
We wandered through a lovely sanctuary where birds of prey had been rescued. I made friends with a snow owl and we had a glorious trek around the lake and through the surrounding woodlands.

Visiting Woodstock & Kyle rocking out with the kids.

Need I say more? Besides enjoying some meditative moments in the local church, I found inspiration at a beautiful antiques store full of birdsong and nests that inspired a little photo project to the name of 'home'.

Being serenaded in Strafford's incredible Town House by an amazing gentleman, Jackson Beecham.

West Peak Trek
Incredibly stunning golden brown leaves coated in snow. We sat on a waterfall and I ate my very first peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Wow.

Chocolate Heaven, Hot chocolate
Apparently a must after a hefty trek through the breeze and over snowy rocks. I drank it with a teaspoon. Enough said.

Ben & Jerry's Ice-cream Factory
My inner child was in heaven and said her farewells to the ice-creams that didn't quite cut it at the Ben & Jerry's Ice-cream graveyard. I'm not going to lie. I was incredibly excited and may or may not have had not one but two ice cream samples...

Burlington Dobra Tea House
We had such a delicious time taking inspirations for a pot of the 'iron goddess of compassion' oolong tea. This lovely teahouse boasts teas from remote areas of the world and Kyle, being the tea connoisseur, was delighted to teach me a thing or two about the tea brewing process while mulling over some of the profundities of life.

Badmington at the local school gym

Being in an America gym kinda reminded me of being in an american movie involving vampires and Buffy. Apparently my game of badminton is 'tenacious'. Clearly inspired by my grandmother who gave me my first shuttlecock. Go inner granny.

Watching the game
I admittedly had very little understanding of what was going on but shouted and screamed good things at appropriate moments while Kyle gave me the insights in to American football strategy, which was a bit like getting dating advice, I decided I'd leave the thinking to the players and enjoy the atmosphere, snow and banter.

SNOW. My last day was a white out. The first snow of Vermont and a glorious send off.

Aiden, the naughtiest wild child in Vermont. But the best!

More photos on the photoblog.

Old article on food consciousness.