DAY 597

in {and out} Week 31: Soft drink

The first time I saw the water with pieces of fruit or vegetable, I found it appealing and I thought it was a clever idea to enjoy water (something that I cannot easily do). So I decided to give it a try, but when I drink my first glass I thought: salad!. It was not tasty and fresh as I expected and I didn't like it. Every single person all over the blogosphere seemed to be enjoying it, storing new varieties inside  big mason jars and drinking it with delight, except me, so I decided to forget about it. And then one day, almost by chance, I prepared just a single cup of water with a slice of cucumber and another one of lemon, I took a tiny sip and it was not too bad, then another one and -by doing that- I finished the cup.

The same persons who had written about that were already busy with another thing: chia puddings, raw breakfast bars or maybe homemade granola (you get the idea) and I was still trying to become used to naturally flavored water. And -being analytic as I am- I started to think about how this could be possible. 

I was not unhappy with that (on the contrary I always appreciate inspiration) or concerned by my slowness ( it takes me time to make changes and I have clear criteria about things). I didn´t feel uneasy either (I know that quite often a small post is just the final step of a longer process), I was simply curious about how a this movements and trends worked.

I started a blog in order to find a space where I could be myself and other's blogs became a mirror where I could see the same determination that was moving me. It was a way to stay outside the conventional paths and to be creative, but of course, nothing escape the market’s clutches and now blogs are part of a wider scheme that involves many social nets, trending topics, trend setters, big marketing teams… you name it. 

Of course, this doesn't invalidate that kind of proposals, if perhaps makes them a bit more predictable. However, blogs still allow connection, the sense of belonging to a big community of kindred spirits or the possibility to overcome the gap that existed before depending on social origin or cultural background. They also help to make the world visible  as it is, to increase personal opportunities and spread knowledge… but –because it is in market interest- there are now a sort of (increasing) equalization that was less evident years ago. 

The good new is that regardless of this, there are still many persons making the most extraordinary things on a regular basis, showing us that there is a spark of brilliance in all of us, promoting awareness, advocating creativity, reclaiming their own strength, their vision,  and -through that- making us connect to our inner warrior, encouraging us to fight our  everyday battles. 

Yes, there are still lots of authenticity and uniqueness out there.  And I love having the chance to contemplate it. 


This entry is part of a project I am developing with my friend Montse Gallardo. We'll share 52 photos. Her photos will be always taken outside and my photos will be indoor shots only. We have created a Facebook page: In and Out. 52 weeks where you can see all the photos of the project. 

DAY 365+40

Why?

Why am I doing this? 

I should be productive and efficient and much more ambitious. I should target my energies towards improving my professional career. I should be checking my schedule, developing important projects. I should be trying to meet the right people, to stay in the right place and finding ways to achieving new merits. I should be interested in reputation, success or influence. I should be looking for the sort of prestige that gives glamour and social status. I should build up a conventional life

That´s what many persons around me are doing: they are trying to gather tangible evidences of their goodness, of their competence, of their charm... and maybe I should be doing the same. But I don´t manage to persuade myself to do it

I want time to bring conciousness to my life

I want to do my work slowly and enjoy the tiny moments of awareness of my students

I want to slow down and make pauses

I want to muse on the meaning of things. I want to hear the big silence inside me and pay attention to the whispering voice of my soul

I want to experience moments of reverie and moments of sudden revelations.

I want to be open to what comes to meet me. I want to cultivate presence and intention. I want to learn more about the world around me and to let go what have imprisoned me. I want to have fun and play.

I want to feel amazed. I want to cultivate joy and simplicity

I want to give up futility

I want to relinquish vanity

... I want time to come here and make the hidden beauty of my life visible


Linking to:

Inspire me Fridays   Favorite Photo Friday   Photo Art Friday   Friendship Friday