"Everyone is creative, people are born creative, the human being is a creative species." 
-John Paul Caponigro

In his engaging TED talk, "You're More Creative Than You Think You Are," internationally renowned fine artist, John Paul Caponigro, encourages the viewer to celebrate spontaneity to spark creativity. 
His presentation revolves around three creative expressions - drawing, writing and photography.

In his opening statement, he tells the audience that everyone holds an abundant supply of hidden resources, that when uncovered brings magic. To rediscover our resources we need permission, passion and persistence. He highlights that creativity isn't just for geniuses - "Every child is creative, and if we can only celebrate and nurture that throughout our lives, reconnect to what's childlike within ourselves, not necessarily what's childish - what's childlike, major things can happen."

What I love most about his presentation is the emphasis on reclaiming our resources and having our tools readily available to start. We don't have to compare ourselves to Michelangelo, Shakespeare or Ansel Adams to do this. He encourages us to constantly take notes, chase our ideas and play. He dares us to fail and do things for the love of doing it. Inspiration can happen at any moment - be spontaneous, inquisitive and experiment.

“Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” - James Baraz

We lead busy lives filled with multiple priorities. Our schedules involve family, hobbies, relationships and work that we sometimes forget to notice the beauty around us. We are in constant movement. This week it was essential to make time for meditation, mindfulness and gratitude.

Every moment in our day is an opportunity to better ourselves. As I made time this week to meditate, I've noticed how much my mood has improved. I am more appreciative and patient. I feel calmer and optimistic. Most of all, in the face of a challenging moment, I was more mindful of my habitual response. I felt a deeper connection with myself and more accepting of others.

I've learned that no matter how busy I am, when I take time for what really matters, I am more appreciative of my surroundings and connected to the people I love. Being mindful of every moment and making time to meditate enriches our life.

Violet:  |ˈvī(ə)lət|  noun.  a plant having purple, blue or white five-petaled flowers; 
a bluish-purple color at the end of the visible spectrum opposite red, an effect of light with a wavelength between 400 and 450 nm.

I love the color purple, it's my favorite color. Purple reminds me of grape jelly on a peanut butter sandwich, my heart-shaped amethyst stone, lilac trees and orchids. I love noticing purple around me - the intricate designs on an orchid petal, an acai berry smoothie, a blossoming Jacaranda tree and taro frozen yogurt. When I see purple, I think it's uncommonly special and beautiful. The various shades of this royal color makes me feel calm, expressive and intuitive. What does the color purple bring up for you?

It's the Fourth of July weekend, the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. Families and cities around the country are celebrating this day with various festivities - barbecues, fairs, family gatherings, fireworks and parades.

When I was younger, the Fourth of July marked the beginning of my summer vacation. School was officially over. Summer was here for endless exploration, tennis camp, visits to the library, staying up late playing board games or putting together a jigsaw puzzle.

One of my most earliest memory I have of seeing fireworks on the Fourth of July was right outside my hometown high school. There would be crowds of people there - classmates, families, friends, kids, neighbors - setting up their beach chairs, blankets and towels on the grass to watch the show. I remember standing and waiting for the first spark to light up the sky.

I am still amazed when I watch fireworks - some shoot straight up before bursting, others whirl into a spiral explosion, some shatter into a shimmer of glittering light. I love the crackling and popping sounds too; the smell of smoke slowly pervading the air - it only adds to the visual excitement.

On that evening, I remember looking up and seeing a rainbow of color explode into different shapes. At one moment I thought the light would fall on everyone like rain. During the climactic grand finale, the air banged with a booming sound and fireworks were soaring through the sky like jets! I remember the glow of the fireworks on everyone's face - they were just as amazed as I was. It was definitely a night to remember.