This weekend I walked in the steaming heat enjoying Summer Streets while traversing Park Avenue without cars. I will miss the next two Saturdays, so it was a pleasant reprieve to have more than enough room while walking among pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. I am going away. Initially I packed for a hot summer, but according to the lower temperatures in Dublin I was ill prepared. Following my lovely and tiring walk, I unpacked and repacked for a ten-day trip to Ireland. Instead of tank tops and sandals I’m bringing sweaters and socks.
I am very excited. Reading Edna O’Brian and Roddy Doyle, starting in high school, have instilled in me a love of Ireland, though I’ve never step foot on the Island. It was my college friend, Shawn Wilson’s idea. We had been trying to get together for years. We both have busy professional lives with very different schedules. Shawn threw out the idea and the trip was planned within a day. Not only did we agree on the one week that was good for both of us, but she found an amazing local tour that appealed to both of us. Since I am usually the planner in my family, it was an extra luxury to have my friend take care of the details.
We’ll meet up in Dublin and go from there, probably taking too many pictures. In the meantime, I have a few off-the-beaten-path pictures of New York City, pre-vacation.
Self-Care Tips:
Hugs. If you know a good hugger exchange a great hug. If you are on your own, wrap your arms around yourself for a self-loving embrace.
Seek out something unusual for you. Read an article from another point of view. Look up an unfamiliar country and find out about its culture, foods, landscape and customs.
Enjoy in-season fruits and vegetables. The peaches are divine. The strawberries and blueberries are at their peak. And summer squash is sweet and versatile.
Having lived as long as I have, visiting friends and family sometimes means travel. Following our amazing time in Mexico City we took a drive to the Teotihuacán Pyramids, which were magnificent. It’s a pre-historic Mayan city. To walk in the same steps as those who resided there thousands of years ago is a powerful experience. From there we traveled on to San Miguel de Allende, a lovely small city with an artistic soul.
It was there I enjoyed a reunion with Annie, a friend for almost forty years. It had been decades wince we saw each other. What a joy to share our memories while catching up with life now. She, like many expats, has made San Miguel her home.
Year after year Travel and Leisure names San Miguel de Allende one of the best places to retire. Though stunning, warm, and inviting, the cobblestones alone, not to mention the hilly landscape, are a deterrent as a retirement destination for me. Even so, it is easy to see the happiness of so many retired individuals.
While in San Miguel, thanks to Annie, we had a wonderful time sitting on porches and balconies, catching up while city life passed by. She created an amazing trip for us. We saw markets, architecture, historical churches, art galleries, resorts, and flora and fauna. We were all exhausted with the wealth of activities. The food and drinks were delicious, and laugher was our soundtrack.
I am so grateful for my wonderful friends, near and far. It makes for a rich life, indeed.
Self-Care Tips:
Reconnect with friends, especially those with whom you can laugh. It’s always a joy when laughter is shared in our relationships.
As the weather gets warmer, sit outside to people watch, read a book, or just enjoy the scenery.
Rub your hands together until the palms are warm, then place them on tired eyes, on your heart or belly. It can be a self-soothing act.
I’m sitting here watching Barbra Streisand on PBS in her Back to Brooklyn concert. The first time I heard her voice was in 1968 when the movie Funny Girl came out. I was enthralled, though I wouldn’t have known that word as an eight-year-old. Since then I’ve been a fan, attending her movies, and watching her tv specials. I only had the opportunity to see her in-person once when she came back to Brooklyn in 2016. It was magical.
This week I had the great privilege of attending a performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company at City Center. It’s been a while since I saw them last. The powerful bodies dancing with strength and beauty is a sight to behold.
The arts are essential. Not only do they transform us to higher heights, but they expand our sense of self and the world. I’ve been on a high this week after attending the dance performance. And now, to listen to Barbra’s voice, I am in awe.
There were a number of boring afternoons in elementary school when we went on field trips to the Philadelphia Museum. However it piqued my curiosity about the artwork that spoke to me, like Rodin’s The Thinker, and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Since then I’m an avid museum and gallery goer.
I’m so grateful to live in one of the best cities in the world, especially when it comes to the arts. I still get excited to attend the theater, enter a gallery, or see live music. I believe that the eight-year-old in me finds her joy when I take her to the movies, a show, a concert, a dance performance, or an art exhibit. And my present self joins her in joy and gratitude.
Self-Care Tips:
Watch Back to Brooklyn on PBS. Or, if you prefer to see someone different go to YouTube or Netflix.
Go to a local art gallery. If not, go to https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection to see some online Met pieces. Or, during the pandemic art institutions worldwide created online galleries to view their art. Choose one and see what they offer online.
There is a distinct feeling of “hygge’” a Danish word for contentment that comes from comfort and an easy friendliness, that perfectly describes the vibe we encountered in Copenhagen. Last week we had taken advantage of an Icelandair special to visit Copenhagen. I have always wanted to go to Nordic countries, but they seemed so remote. This deal with a stopover in Iceland was exactly what I needed to bridge the gap from a dream to a reality.
Throughout the years I’ve read food and travel blogs about Denmark and Copenhagen. And Copenhagen did not disappoint. The food was excellent. It’s so much fun to visit the outdoor markets, the covered markets, the cafes, the bakeries, and the restaurants. And, like New York, Copenhagen is a great walking city. Every chance I had I walked for miles, getting lost, finding myself in unknown neighborhoods or parks where there was always something new I encountered.
Our very first day in Copenhagen, jetlagged and hungry, we set off for a foodhall. The closest good one, we were told, was only one stop away on the “S” train. We dutifully walked the 15 minutes to the train station, bought our four-day pass for public transportation. The machine preferred European credit cards, so another ten minutes were spent trying to obtain our cards, but we prevailed. Next, we set off to find the S train, only to see that there were multiple tracks. We were flummoxed.
Luckily, a passerby helped us out and though we ended up on the Subway, we eventually found our way to the market. She was the first of many who embodied the hygge vibe. She was friendly, considered our request, and offered the best way she knew to get there. Even though we stopped others who had not known the directions we needed, all were kind, pausing from their morning commute to listen fully to our request. And, though it was our first hour in the city, there were many interactions that reflected the hygge mentality.
Right before we left for vacation, I had read a post that was critical of those who share their vacations on social media. She, the poster, saw it as bragging. It’s possible my posts can be perceived that way. Though not my intention, I do understand that traveling is a luxury, and it’s not always accessible to all. And, yet I love traveling and it’s an aspect of my life that always feels enriching. However, I did wonder if it was appropriate to share my travels.
After considering her post, I decided to share my experience. Travel means a lot to me. It gives me joy. Not only do I get a great deal out of traveling, the least of which was learning more about hygge on this trip, but I do bring back what I learn and do my best to apply it to my everyday life. I’m happy to be home. There is a hygge in sleeping in my comfortable bed, though I do miss the feather beds on our mattresses in Copenhagen. I am grateful to apply a new type of ease to my daily activities. There’s a good reason Denmark is the second happiest country in the world. I hope to visit Finland at some point, as that was rated number one. I look forward to seeing what I can learn on that trip.
Self-Care Tips:
If you listen to or read someone who has a very strong opinion, see if it applies to you. What they say is reflective of their point of view. So often we shut down our expressive selves because someone else says it’s not okay. Do your best to be okay with your choices and live your life fully as you, while not purposely hurting yourself or other. And understand not everyone will be okay with your choices, only you have to be okay with them.
Apply “Hygge” to your life. Find ways that bring ease and comfort. It’s simple but not always easy to take the path of least resistance.
Create a savings account for a specific goal or dream. For instance, I have a separate travel account. Even if your budget is small, set aside a dollar a week, less if that’s what’s needed. It can make the goal seem more real. There are many no fee apps and banks that allow for this type of account. Or you can use a specific change jar for a goal. This is great at any age.
It’s Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The year is 5784. Back in 5734, in my teens, I worried about my clothes. Was I going to wear my new wool dress, or was the warm September day going to deem it irrelevant? I knew it was going to be a long day of prayer followed by a huge family meal. I went to Synagogue, but I did not feel at home in the dressy world of the fancy Schul. I felt more at home in the down-to-earth synagogue of my friends. But members paid dues, and there was no seat for me in their sanctuary.
Over the years I’ve moved away from observing in a house of worship. It can be a deeply meaningful experience for many, but I prefer to pray and meditate in private. Nonetheless, I do wish my Jewish friends & family, friends or family of other beliefs, acquaintances, and readers, a year filled with freedom from suffering. I wish you peace. I hope you enjoy a sweet New Year.
Self-Care Tips:
Enjoy the sweetness of honey to remind you of the sweetness in life. Tradition has us dipping slices of apple in honey, but feel free to create your own sweet reminder.
Try releasing something that’s been hard to let go of. It can be an item, or it can be an attitude. This will create new space for some peace of mind.
What does freedom from suffering look like to you? Like me, does that mean inserting more kindness and forgiveness for myself and others? Or does it mean taking an action that will allow for more ease? Don’t suffer in making a choice, just choose the best course for you and see if it relieves suffering.
The small, Nordic island country of Iceland is around 5 hours away from New York City. It’s a magical place with other worldly terrains and natural wonders. We left the city for a long weekend with the hopes of at least getting a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. We were not disappointed. And we got so much more.
On our Icelandair flight we saw the Northern Lights dance above the clouds. I love sitting by the window, and I kept my shade up on the off chance I might view something. And, yes, swirling above the cumulus cropping were green lines of other worldliness. The trip was off to an auspicious start.
We booked a place in Husafell, having read that they have some of the best sightings of the Northern lights. We found out it has to do with the wind in the volcanic valley that clears the air, along with the territory’s moisture combined with the chill, creating the air quality that makes for fertile observing skies.
We thoroughly enjoyed a trip to volcanic baths, naturally heated from the hot springs. We were alone in a volcanic crater in a warm outdoor pool in the middle of Iceland. Fabulous and surreal. We also took a tour of a huge lava tunnel. Beneath the earth was a fascinating as above. The rest of our weekend will be spent in the small, welcoming city of Reykjavik. So glad we came.
Sometimes I have to get away to come back to myself.
Self-care tips:
Go away. If you can’t physically take yourself to another vista, whether it be a neighboring town, a lake, a park, another city, or the beach, then check out photos on the National Geographic website to enjoy another perspective. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/pages/topic/best-of-2022
When having self-critical thoughts, rather than continue the loop of degradation, treat the criticism like an overly tired child. Tell it to go rest. It needs to take it easy. Be gentle but firm.
Access you inner explorer. As in our younger years, take a magnifying glass and view surfaces and objects for a closer look. Wood grain is great, as is a blade of grass or a stone. So much fun to see from our inner child’s eyes again.
I swam for an hour, my head submerged in the warm pool with tiny, wavy prisms, iridescent in the sun-drenched water. The luxury of having a pool to myself is priceless. Being able to move seamlessly underwater, thanks to my swimmers’ mask, allows me to stay beneath the surface, enjoying what I’d describe as a meditation in motion.
We’re on vacation. That in and of itself is a gift of relaxation. I had become rather snippy the first weeks of January, which is always a sign that I need a reset. I’m still noticing some sharp edges that have yet to be smoothed completely, but the warm air, the sun and the tranquil atmosphere are working their magic.
There’s a simple ease to being in the Caribbean. Being able to swim with my mask adds a layer of delight as this vacation kneads the knots of stress from my body, mind and soul. Sometimes in life there’s a simple fix that changes an experience from okay to wonderful. That is true of my swimmers’ mask, a device that looks like an outer space unicorn. It takes up the entire face, so unlike a snorkel, I can breathe just under the surface of water from either my mouth or nose. There’s a stop at the tip of the hose at the center that prevents water from entering. And the hose at the center means that swimmers like me can stroke our arms without hitting the tube. All in all, I am so grateful for this wonderful addition to my swim.
Life hacks can really help us when they make life easier or more enjoyable. Years ago, Larry taught me that having the right tool for the right job matters. He showed me how a well sharpened knife makes a huge difference in the joy of cooking. Or the correct screwdriver can shorten a belabored task. Now I have my swim mask, less a tool that a piece of equipment that provides a panoramic view of the pool or the ocean. A few more swims and the last of the sharp edges will disappear. At least for now.
Self-Care Tips:
Check to see if there’s an easier way to do your chores or activities. A silicon spatula is helpful to scramble eggs while being gentle on your pan. A group or family calendar is useful for scheduling. And a small packet of wipes in your bag or car are good at any age.
If you feel overwhelmed, rather than power on, take a short break. Walk around the block, meditate, take a power nap, or stretch. Breaks help us to refocus.
When on the phone, smile while speaking. It brightens our tone and communicates a softer nature.
I have always found great pleasure in walking the city streets. Throughout my 43 years in New York City, I’ve seen a lot. And, yet, I always find something new. This past week I started to notice the ubiquitous iron work on so many buildings and railings. There’s a long history, centuries old, of metal and iron works. On closer inspection there are common patterns. Chances are they’re cheap. But not all buildings have the less expensive options. There are stunning pieces of craftsmanship.
Decorative arts can easily be underestimated. In terms of New York buildings iron work tends to be architectural embellishment. For me, they’ve usually gone unnoticed. But to the trained eye, the metal works stand out as a separate entity. A craft in its own right.
Funny, but as often as I go to museums, a repeated walking destination, I have rarely visited the decorative arts galleries. I’ve walked past them to see special exhibits, but like the iron work covering many brownstone doors and windows, I walked by them not giving them a second glance.
There’s so much we don’t see. Whether we aren’t in touch with our compassion and neglect to notice the pain of a bothersome neighbor, or we fail to see the beauty in the ordinary, as we continue to walk this earth we have so many opportunities to look again and appreciate what’s here in plain sight.
Self-Care Tips:
Go on a treasure hunt. Look for beauty in places that you take for granted. Notice what you find. Enjoy the surprises that come your way.
Check out decorative arts when you visit a museum. It will be a quiet gallery with a virtual private viewing
As an act of body love, go over your physical being and notice it’s beauty. It can be something small like a lovely crease on your elbow, the curves in your hair, or your hips, or you can look at your body anew, appreciating its presence, its strength, its capabilities
I don’t like the phrase at the end of a vacation, “Back to real life.” I think vacations are real life. It’s a break from the everyday, but enjoying that break is very real. Coming back to my work and apartment, and New York City after this vacation was a terrific reentry.
What I will take away from my vacation, and the Galapagos in particular, is that everything has an impact. That systems change and even if we think of the good in the short term, the long term might not be served by our actions. This is nothing new for me. I do understand if I savor a delicious meal but eat beyond my hunger, I’ll be uncomfortable later, even if I don’t want to end the delicious mouth experience. In the same way if I read the news, I’m informed, but if I keep digging for every opinion piece on any given subject, I can become over saturated and can start to feel anxious.
In the same way, if I push myself to be “productive” I end up having to redo some of what I’ve done because my good judgement wains. Slowing down actually helps in my productivity. I will do my best to remember that, too, from vacationing. And, if I don’t, I need look no further than an impulsive purchase or a task I must do again.
I like the idea of balancing rest with activity, another take-away from vacationing. I will continually identify and work on calibrating that balance with the demands of life between vacationing.
Self-Care Tips:
When rushing to get everything you need done, slow down by taking a couple of breaths and then do the next thing focused on each step in the moment.
When hungry, chew slowly, savor each bite, and listen to your body for signs up satiety. Stop when you feel full.
Turn on music when busy or when you’re able to uplift everyday chores. It brings joy to the mundane.
I’m sitting at the Quito airport in the wee hours of the morning. This past week I had about one hour total of internet. It was divine. I thought I had overcome my reliance on electronics, but I have been habituated. And, as much as I enjoyed the downtime, I also am happy to be on my way home to enjoy the benefits, while cursing the downside of being “connected.”
There was a lot to do in the Galapagos. By the time we returned to our lodge, I was way too exhausted to turn on my phone or Macbook. Had I known the amount of time I would be going on and off boats, let alone the climbing, hiking on volcanic rock, and learning about fauna and flora, I may have opted out of this trip. So glad I didn’t fully comprehend the rigor of this trip beforehand.
The Galapagos is spectacular. I am not able to describe the splendor of being so close to the unique wildlife, while learning about this ancient eco system. More than the countless breathtaking moments was the simple fact of pushing past my fears to be able to enjoy this trip of a lifetime. Actually I did not push past my fears. They were in close proximity throughout the days in the Galapagos and in the Andes. I heard them but did not heed them.
I am afraid of falling. Careful to watch for cracks in the sidewalk in the city, it felt harrowing to navigate the stony paths and uneven surfaces in the Galapagos Islands. Plus, I am not much of a sailor. Which is pretty much an understatement. I get seasick easily. I am naturally clumsy. When we had to get on and off small boats, I needed assistance. When getting from small boats to bigger vessels, I needed more assistance. I was embarrassed and grateful.
As the week went on, I had more and more gratitude. Needing to be helped, and having it come with no judgement and endless generosity was a gift I didn’t know I needed. Yet, this gift is invaluable. It’s come before, but there was some old belief that hadn’t allowed me to take in other’s kindnesses with grace. I will continue to work on that. But the nature of this trip meant I had no choice but to accept the kindness of travel buddies, crew members, naturalists, and strangers. I hope I came out of this trip a better human for having discovered so much about our planet and having learned something about myself.
Self-Care Tools:
Say “yes” when someone offers to help. See how that feels. And see if you expand your experience thanks to the assistance.
Schedule downtime from electronics. Give yourself something in that time you couldn’t have if you were online.
When you have fear, challenge yourself to feel your fear while simultaneously taking a step outside your comfort zone.
janetzinn 