San FranCelia

There are many reasons to be stressed, but none of them is more important than your health.  In my recent state of health flux, I have definitely felt this to the fullest extent, and decided that being healthy needs to encompass not just my body, but my mind, as well (I mean, we all know this, but what do we really do about it?).  All this being said, I’ve been trying to meditate and be super calm, but as you can imagine, this is always a hard prospect.  Determining that I could not do it alone, I decided to pull out the big guns in the form of a meditation class.  I found a great one near where I live in the Richmond District, and best of all, it’s free (donations encouraged, of course).  What a great way to bring everything back to center and create inner peace!  I am a San Franciscan, after all, and you know we’re about the peace.  The class I took is through Urban Dharma and is held at the Cultural Integration Fellowship center on Fulton Street.

As you walk into the center, a sense of calm washes over you.  The people attending are friendly and ready to relax their minds. Good vibes abound.  Once the instructor comes in (we had Gene, who was AMAZING.  What a comforting presence, and a cute smile, to boot…), you set straight to meditating.  It’s guided, so initially, Gene led our breathing.  Then you meditate on your own – take whatever thought comes in and reflect, observe.  An almost trans-like state comes over you as this occurs, and it’s truly empowering.  Taking 30 minutes to feel your body and feel your mind is incredible.  Why we never do this is now beyond me.

After the meditation ended, Gene led a discussion on participant questions, observations, etc.  Being a gifted orator, in my opinion, he brought humor, emotion, and comfort to all aspects of what he taught.  It was truly amazing to hear him clarify questions we all had on how and why to meditate.

This is one of those experiences that I feel blessed to have had.  Best part is, it’s every Friday at 7:30pm, and so I’m able to go back time and time again.  Definitely check it out if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or if you need to find some clarity.  The calm that meditation brings to the mind is a true gift, and thankfully for me, I’ve now opened the box.

Peace and love Xo

Tweet This Post Delicious Digg This Post Reddit

What a week!  I was recently admitted into UCSF Medical Center for low blood platelets, and while scary and random (in medical speak, that’s “idiopathic” to you), I feel like I’m finally on the mend and ready to enjoy the holidays in full swing!  Christmas in San Francisco is great, and if I had to miss anything, I’d have been a very unhappy lady.  With Thanksgiving just past, and Christmas around the corner, I feel like I need to give some great ideas on how to spend this lovely time of year in the City by the Bay.   Union Square is a must visit during the holidays, even in the madness that is “Union Square”, and once I go, I feel that the season has finally begun!

Taking a walk in Union Square is enough to bring out the holiday spirit, alone, but when you get to experience the sights and smells of the area, it’s even better.  Check out Macy’s of Union Square’s annual tree lighting ceremony (tonight!) and take a stroll through Tiffany’s and Saks for your visual delight.  With the weeks of decoration preparation that go into these classic places, simply being there is a way to feel more connected to your inner elf.  I wouldn’t recommend hitting the crazy after Thanksgiving weekend sales, as it’s simply too nuts, and no amount of “exclusive sales” is worth the 4am wake up call or herded masses, as far as I’m concerned.

For a non-traditional holiday feast while you are in the Downtown area, try The Oriental Pearl on Clay and Kearny.  While a wily little Chinatown hole-in-the-wall, their food is scrumptious and will leave you wanting more – must haves are the pork buns and the seriously perfect vegetable spring rolls.  It’s only minutes from the shopping madness of Union Square by foot, but will be so much more pleasant for your sanity than trying to wait in line at one of the Union Square hot spots.  Around Christmas, it feels reminiscent of  “A Christmas Story” where they go out for Chinese when the dogs eat their turkey, except with The Oriental Pearl, it’s much more deliberate I’m glad to say.

If you want to get out of the Square (and hey, I don’t blame you at times), try heading over to another tourist destination (they are so much fun at Christmas time!), Fisherman’s Wharf, where now through the 31^st of December you can view the especially set up “Holiday Festival of Lights”.  It’s a beautiful way to spend your shopping hours, albeit a little hectic as these destinations usually can be.

While I don’t hit up these spots often, as the masses of people generally deter me, it’s always fun during the holiday season to morph into a bona fide tourist and experience what our city is famous for.

Peace and love Xo

Tweet This Post Delicious Digg This Post Reddit

Fall, one of my favorite times of year in San Francisco!  I love the way the City smells when it’s turkey-time and feeling that particular crispness that grips the air.  The chill soon turns into the catalyst for pretending we’re in New England and busting out huge scarves and cute boots.   It’s divine.  It also seems that people are in their bustling winter spirits, giving a sense of purpose to everything done.  San Franciscans take their fall seriously, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.  Some of my favorite activities are even better when the leaves start falling.

To be outdoors but also keep you from freezing, take a trek and go boutiquing in Pacific Heights.  The hills are intensely steep, making the cold bearable.  It’s the only time of year that these hills don’t make you sweat uncontrollably when hiked.  This is such a fun activity this time of year as all of the holiday essentials are out and affordable in small doses.  Visit ‘Heidi Says’ or ‘Nest’ on Fillmore for some great holiday ideas – expensive, of course (being in Pacific Heights and all), but cute.

For a cozy meal in an eclectic atmosphere, check out The Café at Café du Nord.  Next door to the affiliate music venue on Market, they have great sandwiches and gigantic cups of coffee.  Delish!  The best part is if you are catching a show next door, you can finally grab a bite to eat for a reasonable price.  If you aren’t catching a show, it’s a great location for a Mission/Castro shopping break, as well as the obligatory people watching – my favorite.

Since being indoors is something to cherish during these months, I like to hold off during the summer and visit museums and art exhibitions now.  Next weekend, the Second Annual Erotic Art Exhibition comes to the California Modern Art Gallery, and is only $15.  What a fun way to spend a fall day!  I went to the Sex Museum in Paris once, and it was incredible.  The show will definitely keep the blood pumping, to say the least.

I can’t wait to experience more of the City as we delve into winter.   It’s the perfect time to explore and see what hidden treasures are at our fingertips.  While I love summer in San Francisco, the cold is starting to warm on me.

Peace and love Xo

Tweet This Post Delicious Digg This Post Reddit