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Monday, August 13, 2012

Celebrate The Moon and Stars in Julian This Weekend

If you want to experience something different and enlightening this weekend, check out the New Moon Circle event happening at Taurus Moon in Julian this Saturday, August 18th. Kimberlee from Taurus Moon is always right on it, arranging these monthly events to help us celebrate and honor our beautiful earth and universe, and the opening of our hearts and minds. Personalized horoscope readings will be offered to help set your Leo intentions. Check out the details here.

Right after the New Moon Circle event, the Julian StarFest will be taking place. Several telescopes will be set up on the starfest grounds to view the heavens. Experts will be on hand to explain what you are looking at. Afterwards you can wander over to the Menghini Winery for a Star Party!

What a fun and illuminating way to spend a summer evening!



Monday, August 6, 2012

Monday Meditation: 28 Day Meditation Revolution

This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.

Are you one of those people that can form a habit if you repeat the action every day for a month? 

I recently exhibited in the Yoga Journal Conference: San Diego and was reading their August edition on meditation. There is a great article that helps unravel the mystery of meditation. 

I love the idea of meditation; and although I try, I must admit that it doesn't feel totally natural, I can't seem to find consistent time for it, and I am sporadic in my efforts. In essence, I can't help feeling like I am trying to force it.

What I loved about this article is that it explained that there are so many different ways to tap into that "meditation current" (as meditation teacher, Sally Kempton puts it). I was happy to read that my challenge most likely lies in the method that I keep pursuing. There are so many methods one can use and I just need to explore these other methods and find the one that is right for me and that I look forward to practicing on a regular basis!

I know this sounds obvious and we've all heard it before, but, seriously - where you meditate, what is in your presence when you meditate, what time you meditate - ALL have a huge bearing on your being able to access that inner flow. 

For instance - I have always felt like I should be meditating in my room upon awakening. However, morning time for me is very rarely an optimum time - I've got to get the kids out the door for school; my husband's morning schedule varies so I can't count on a consistent time to be undisturbed; the dogs hear my movement from downstairs and start whining to be walked...etc. The list goes on and on. 

After reading this article though, new ideas of creating a successful meditation environment abound. Why not meditate in the guest bedroom so I don't have to worry when my husband wakes up? Why not wait until after the kids go to school, the dogs have been walked, and my husband has left for work before I try to really empty my mind? Why haven't I created a "meditation space" that stimulates my senses of sight, touch, and smell - placing pictures of people or things that inspire me and make me feel loved; lighting a scented candle that can help me focus; draping a soft blanket around myself...basically, setting the stage to create a place that my body and mind yearn for and find comfort in?

I signed up to receive the 4 free audio meditation techniques led by Sally Kempton. If you feel like you need a little push, try it! You might just find a technique that resonates with you and helps you create a healthy habit. Namaste.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Italy 2012: Pritti Graffiti

Part of Cocoon's Summer in Italy series.


Even the graffiti in Italy is pretty!!

Taken in Perugia, Italy - August 2012
Fino alla prossima volta (until the next time)!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Italy 2012: Gargano

Part of Cocoon's Summer in Italy series.


We always take one major side trip when we are here. This year we decide to explore Gargano which is in the Puglia region in Southern Italy. When you look at the map of Italy, Puglia is the bump above the heel, on the Adriatic side.

The Baia Delle Zagare. Gargano, Italy
We stayed at a hotel in the Bay of Zagare. The views from the hotel on the cliff were stunning. We did a lot of laying on the "beach beds", swimming in the warm Adriatic Sea, and of course eating our hearts out. 

Inside one of the caves
One afternoon we took a boat tour of the caves and couldn't believe the beauty. Each cave had a name such as "The Cave of the Snakes" (because there is a rock pattern that resembles a snake on the ceiling of the cave), "The Cave of All Colors", etc. 

How you hold a jellyfish without getting stung
Our driver, Gigi, filled us in on all the details. He even showed us how it was safe to pick up a large jellyfish with your hand as long as you didn't let the tentacles touch your arm! Unbelievable!

The dramatic white walls along the coast
The cliff walls are white - not because they are made of marble, but because they are made of mud which gets bleached by the sun and turns white. The mud is as hard as rock, I suspect because it is petrified. Gianluca and Massimo were brave enough to jump from about 40 feet up! 

Family photo op inside a very large cave
You can see more photos of our trip to Gargano here

Fino alla prossima volta - until the next time!