While listening to a recent podcast about wellness travel, the guest mentioned the idea of “coastal grandmother.” Oddly, I related to the “vibe” she described. When you google it, the example that is given is someone like Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, which I haven’t seen but can imagine. In short, this person wears comfortable linen, drinks wine, attends concerts, enjoys walks on the beach, and is basically living their best life, with a few good friends nearby. They might also be a bit eclectic and eccentric.
To me, this person, regardless of gender, has been influenced by their life (and travel) experiences and has learned to enjoy the moment and not take things too seriously. At the same time, they’re still living with purpose and can be a force to be reckoned with. Can you relate? Is this the life for you?
For me, this shows up in ways like dressing comfortably but (hopefully) appropriately for the situation, modeling my bathroom after hotel bathrooms, enjoying yoga and bike rides, and having small reminders of my travels in my home. All the while, I am fiercely committed to my work as a voice teacher, singer, and travel advisor.
A potential new voice student recently asked what inspires me artistically, and I told him the quote I love by John O’Donohue: “Beauty is that in the presence of which we feel more alive.” I’m a seeker of those experiences that make us feel more alive, whether it is breakthrough progress for a voice student or standing in the architectural marvel of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the inspiration from one experience feeds the other.
Back to that podcast about wellness travel—it’s not just cucumber water and colon cleanses. I believe that travel is excellent for mental wellness by taking us out of our comfort zone, helping us clear our minds, and giving us a new perspective. Wellness travel can mean delicious food made with good ingredients and multiple daily fitness activities. It can also be about experiencing different cultures and lifestyles (i.e. Italian la dolce vita) and taking bits of that home with you. Finding the right experience for you is something I would love to do.
It reminds me of what Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, has named The Power 9: 1)Move naturally, 2)Purpose, 3)Down Shift, 4)80% Rule, 5)Plant Slant, 6)Wine at 5, 7)Belong, 8)Loved Ones First. If you are interested in longevity or learning from other cultures, I highly recommend reading The Blue Zones.
It is by being a seeker and cultivator of beauty and introducing others to experiences and opportunities that they might not have imagined or though possible that I hope to make the world a better place. I hope that my updated websites for music and travel will reflect this and encourage the right people to contact me. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Let me know if you're READY TO TRAVEL or READY TO SING!