In December during a trip to Mexico that was extremely disappointing because of the amount of commercialism and American influence, I had the fortune of meeting a dear friend and partner of a former client. Magically, the timing worked out perfectly.
Taro Gold was not new to me however, as not only had I read 80% of his books prior to meeting him, but had one with me on the trip. Taro’s work is largely a series of small, simple books that move you to not just reflect on your core, but act on it in a way that will bring more joy into your life.
Living Wabi Sabi was one of the few books I had not yet read until recently. It’s an enchanting, educational and inspirational book about an ancient Japanese practice that can be integrated into your life regardless of what religious belief system you have — or none at all.
Wabi Sabi is about embracing your imperfections. He writes, “regrettably, many of us are taught early on to be uncomfortable with the differences in our lives, to make sure we always color inside the lines that other people have drawn. Few of us are taught to use imperfections for our betterment, to seek the hidden lesson that every difficulty holds……”
A few quotes to supplement this way of thinking…..two of my favorites below:
“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” –Reinhold Niebuhr
AND, this quote from James Allen which I have always been a strong believer in.
“We do not attract that which we want, we attract that which we are.”
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.