When Machu Picchu leaves you Speechless

 

They say some places leave you breathless and sometimes even speechless. For a while I contemplated the experience I had while I visited Machu Picchu and I was really at a loss of words. It is not that I couldn’t write about its history or offer any recommendations of my trip, but truthfully, I am sure you can find better articles out there about that. You see, I am concerned with the human experience, the civilization that dwelled in this place high above the clouds.

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4 Simple Lessons I learned from Buddha

Some people regard Buddhism as a religion, but for many, it is actually a philosophy and a way of life. When I was in Thailand, I was intrigued to learn more about the ways one can incorporate some of the basic concepts into everyday life. I visited temples in different cities, observed many of its practices, learned about loving-kindness, and took a meditation class with a monk.

St. Peter’s Basilica: In a Quiet Room

Over centuries, so many great artists have contributed their talents into making the Vatican the treasure it is today.  The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, appeared as if the angels are revealing the heavens above.  I was perplexed at the precise details of art and design of the rooms.  Every year more than 4 million people visit the Vatican museums.

Florida Keys: Adjusting the Sails

 “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” -Jimmy Dean

                              

No matter how much we may plan our life, there are certain things that are out of our control.

Florence: Creating a Masterpiece

Every masterpiece goes through a few stages before it is completed.  Although the vision may be clear, it is inevitable to go through a few drafts to create the final piece. It is the same in life. Even the greatest artists went through turmoil and tribulations before creating their picture perfect moments.

Don’t Snooze Off

Ever find yourself watching a movie, reading a book, or listening to someone’s story and feel completely inspired? You think to yourself how you can do something like that with your life. Then the morning alarm reminds you that you’re back to the routine and no matter how many times you hit the snooze button, it is evident you must face reality. School, work, are necessary integrations of the community in order to thrive in any society. However, many times we forget to fill our life with moments that bring meaning to our world. We are responsible for the experiences we create. Whether this means to spend more time with your family, enjoy a nice candlelit dinner with your loved one, volunteer at a non-profit organization, or explore the world around, dare to step out of the mundane and create a life worthy of inspiring. The time to do so is now!

(Ecclesiastes 3:11) “He has made everything beautiful in its time…”

I’m fascinated by sunsets, to me it is a constant reminder that time is passing and I must stop and embrace its beauty.

(I took these pictures on different occasions on my iPhone. They were all taken in Miami, Fl except for the bottom right one that was taken at Isla Morada at the Keys.)

Purpose & Existence

Why is it so important to figure out what our purpose is? Is it so we just head in it’s direction without looking at what the rest of the world has to offer? What if from the beginning I thought that my purpose was to be a dancer. I wonder if I would have ever stopped to write or travel, or be the the crutch for someone in need. Maybe not knowing is a blessing in disguise that at first seems to cloud the mind with confusion but ends up opening a world of possibilities. In the end, our purpose is not just to be a mother, or an architect, or volunteer for a worthy cause. It is to realize that our essence of being alive allows us to be all that and more, to be able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  Aside from every culture, language, religion, skin color, we are tied to a common bond that connects our very own existence.  We are children of the Universe (whom I call God), given the present of living for today.