As I wander through the vibrant energy of Art Miami 2024, the colors around me blur into fluid, dynamic shapes, merging into something entirely new and unbound. People, dressed as if they themselves are living art, move gracefully, their silhouettes morphing and evolving as I experiment with leaving my camera’s shutter open. In these moments, the act of observing becomes its own form of artistry—an interplay of movement, light, and perception. The boundaries between subject and artist dissolve, and watching transforms into a deeply immersive and creative experience, where every glance feels like the creation of a masterpiece.
Rooted in Sanskrit, Kirtan chants embody the essence of “cutting through,” beckoning us to dissolve the illusion of separation. At the core of this sacred practice lies the art of repetition. A gentle yet persistent guide, Kishor Rico leads us 108 times back to the heart of the chant. As he sings a mantra, the group responds in unison, their voices merging into one harmonious sound.
Much like the intricate layers of glass in a camera lens that sharpen our focus and bring distant objects into clarity, each repetition of the chant adds a new layer of depth to our experience. With every round, distractions from the outside world melt away, and the clarity of our inner vision sharpens.
Nestled in the vibrant energy of Miami Beach, a cacao ceremony offers a unique opportunity for spiritual exploration and connection. Rooted in ancient traditions, these gatherings revolve around cacao—an all-natural, plant-based extract from the sacred cacao tree. But this isn’t just any cacao; it’s unprocessed, ceremonial-grade, and revered for its heart-opening properties. The ceremony is far more than sipping cacao; it’s a spiritual journey. Alongside this sacred drink, rituals unfold, including guided meditations, sound bowl healing, kirtan chanting, and aromatic experiences that immerse all the senses.
A vibrant school of swimmers gathers in the early morning light on South Beach, each donned in brightly colored bathing suits and equipped with personal buoys for safety. Against the pastel hues of the dawn sky, they prepare to dive into the waves, drawing strength and camaraderie from one another. As they glance toward the rising sun, they plan their path forward, charting a route that will guide them through the push and pull of the water disappearing into the white wash.
As I walk the early morning streets of Christiansted, my thoughts drift back to the urban colonial development of the Virgin Islands. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing one to appreciate the fusion of history, culture, and struggle.The town, steeped in history, features well-preserved 18th-century structures, each a testament to the Danish influence that shaped St. Croix Island. The architecture, with its bright, pastel-colored buildings and distinct European style, evokes a sense of old-world charm while seamlessly blending with the Caribbean’s laid-back atmosphere. The vivid colors of the buildings—vibrant mustard yellows, pinks, combined with lush green grass —are not just aesthetic choices but a reflection of the spirit of the Caribbean. The sight of chickens crossing the road might be whimsical, but it’s also a reminder of the island’s enduring vibrancy and charm amidst its deep colonial roots.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over South Point Park in Miami Beach, I watched as acro-yogis began their graceful practice. Silhouetted against the fading light, they moved with effortless grace, lifting each other into the air with the fluidity of birds taking flight. In that moment, as the day surrendered to night, they became more than just athletes —they were dreamers, daring to reach for the sky, reminding us all of the joy that comes from embracing the present and lifting each other up.
I invite you on a sensory journey through a collection that not only captures the natural wonders but also embraces the profound human connections found amidst its island beauty. “Lush” unveils the Caribbean’s wonders, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests. Each photograph reveals the vibrant colors and textures that define this paradise. Witness the interplay of light and shadow, the dance of hues, and the ever-changing canvas of nature’s masterpieces that transport you to a realm where beauty knows no bounds.
Embarking on a life-enriching yoga retreat to India was an extraordinary opportunity that opened doors to profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. When I finally made it home eighteen days later, I was ten pounds lighter but filled with a newly found spiritual richness.
Our Journey wound through Udaipur, Rishikesh, Vrindavan and countless other small towns and villages. We travelled by air on two local flights, over ten hours on buses, and countless rickshaw rides on dusty cobble stone streets. This was not a typical “Top 10 India” vacation. It was curated to be a back-roads spiritual retreat to hidden temples and out of the way ashrams. Our days were adorned with yoga and endless conversations with Hindi monks, Kirtan gurus, and musical sages, enriching our souls with profound wisdom and captivating melodies.
This magical mystery tour was guided by musical luminaries as we carried a symphony of instruments including bongo drums, harmoniums, flutes, violins, guitars, maracas, and symbols. Wherever our trek unfolded, our Kirtan chanting infused the air with soul-stirring melodies, enveloping the hearts and souls of our group and resonating deeply with those nearby. India felt like a dream come true, akin to fulfilling my teenage fantasy of being part of a rock and roll band.
As the trip evolved, we shed layers of attachment and became closer to the Krishna culture and spiritual world. Abstaining from familiar comforts and routines, sleep was relegated to just a few hours a day. Most of us abstained from eating meat, milk products, drinking alcohol, social media, sex, political talk/news, work, or following our customary religious activities. Coffee and other stimulates (like garlic and onions, which are prohibited in the Hindi religion) was also reduced dramatically.
Throughout this life enriching passage, the theme of “letting go” echoed persistently, from losing luggage, being prohibited from photographing temples, to mischievous monkeys pilfering our beloved belongings. Even in the face of physical injuries, the lesson of surrendering to life’s unpredictable currents resonated deeply, highlighting the necessity of embracing the ebb and flow of existence. Despite our clinging to the illusion of control, we inherently acknowledge that fate or karma often shape our destinies beyond our meticulous plans and strategies. I kept thinking, that if you take away all the things that are part of the “you”, then what is this other “you” that is left?
Submerged in the icy embrace of the mother Ganga river, a surge of serene comfort caressed my soul. While my breath anchored me to the present, I meditated on life’s meaning: to let go of past demons but more importantly to give thanks to all those loving souls and teachers who have been with me throughout the years. Ultimately, every traveler arrives here seeking to shed the burdens of the past, seeking fresh perspectives amidst life’s trials, and ultimately transcending to a higher realm. For some, it’s breaking free from the cycle of rebirth, while for others, it’s about embracing peace and infusing life with love.
In the kaleidoscope of India’s colors, every shade tells a story, the symphony of music and light orchestrates a mesmerizing spectacle, transporting one into a realm of fantastical euphoria and profound spiritual resonance. Whether it’s the flickering glow of candles adorning the sacred Ganga riverbanks, the ethereal chants in Vrindavan, the tranquil solitude within the hallowed halls of a Jain temple, or the resplendent Kirtan Ceremony at the Jagdish Temple, each experience is a brushstroke on the canvas of existence, infusing life with renewed vigor and celestial vibrations. India, with its mystical alchemy, transcends the mundane, turning the ordinary into extraordinary, and offering a gateway to boundless transformation and enlightenment.
At South Pointe Park in Miami Beach, Acro-Yoga blossoms into a captivating fusion of acrobatics and yoga, against a backdrop of panoramic sunset vistas, swaying palm trees, and the soothing rhythm of the ocean’s gentle breeze. Here, amidst this natural symphony, couples unite in a harmonious dance of strength and grace, their synchronized movements a testament to trust and connection. As they soar to new heights, their spirits lift in unison, transcending the earthly realm to touch the boundless expanse of the sky. In this sacred union of body and soul, Acro-Yoga becomes more than just a physical practice—it becomes a transformative journey of intimacy and exploration, where each lift reveals another level of self-actualization.
Amidst the bustling urban landscape of downtown Miami, Sarita(aka @Shimi_Pop), embodies the rejuvenating spirit of yoga. In a remarkable juxtaposition, an empty building floor is transformed into a Japanese zen garden, seamlessly blending the modern urban environment with ancient practices of mindfulness. The space, once cold and industrial, now radiates a profound sense of strength, agility, beauty, and courage. Each image becomes a visual narrative showcasing the enduring power of yoga to transform and inspire.
Do you seek solitude in secluded Caribbean coves? or yoga-chic beachfront bars? Puerto Rico offers a multi-sensory escape that beckons in paradise. Sun-kissed Caribbean shores, like nature’s own masterpiece, stretch out along the golden coastline. The sight of the deep blue waters merging with the sky on the horizon is a visual poem of kite surfing and sand soaked walks. In the heart of Old San Juan, the architecture is like a weathered storyteller texturing tales of Spanish conquests and colonial grandeur. Like a time-traveling ‘Bomba’ dancer, colonial treasures grace cobblestone streets, their pastel facades reminiscent of a tropical ’trinitaria’ in full bloom.
California Summer - on the cliffs of La Jolla’s sun baked shores, seals, swimmers and Kayakers catch the morning rays. Cool Pacific waters come ashore bringing effervescent waves to everyone’s delight.
Through the lens of my trusty bicycle, I embark on a journey along the small country roads of France, unveiling the charm of farms and little villages. My velo becomes my companion, offering an intimate connection with people, the picturesque French countryside, and its rich history.
Pedaling along these roads, I feel a profound sense of freedom and liberation. The simplicity of my bike brings me closer to the ground, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the surroundings. With every turn of the wheels, a world of new scents, sounds, and thoughts unfolds before me, inviting exploration and discovery. As I navigate through the countryside, the essence of rural France envelops me. The farms and fields exude a sense of tranquility, painted with vibrant hues of green and gold. The quaint villages tell stories of generations past, with their historic architecture standing as testaments to the enduring beauty of bygone eras. In this journey, I find myself both lost in thought and immersed in grandeur. The rhythmic motion of my bike fuels contemplation, allowing my mind to wander freely and embrace the serenity of the moment. I become a fearless wanderer, guided by curiosity and driven by the desire to uncover the hidden gems scattered along the path. Each pedal stroke brings me closer to the heart of this captivating land, forging connections with its people, culture, and the profound stories etched into its landscapes.
So, join me on this two-wheeled adventure, where freedom intertwines with the grandeur of lost thoughts. Let us traverse the small country roads, embrace the beauty of farms and villages, and savor the intimacy that my beloved velo provides. Together, we will uncover the treasures that lie within the French countryside and create unforgettable memories along the way.
Last week Sint Maarten celebrated the opening of Vie l’Ven - a new five star Caribbean resort. The fashion extravaganza beach party blended beautiful colors and flowing robes that washed across the blue sky while pristine white sands carresed bare laden manicured feet.
As I drive by Fleet Street in Kingston, Jamaica, the walls resonate with unity, passion, and a dreamscape where melodies and memories dance together. Bold shades of red, yellow, black, and green create a mosaic of feelings, with each brushstroke narrating stories of strength and beat. The aroma of history hangs in the breeze, blending with the rhythms of reggae reverberating through the alleys. A complex history of slavery and struggle intertwines with the aspirations for freedom and equality. On many of the walls a “Six Star with a Seven Inside,” is seen as a representation of the Jamaican national motto: “Out of Many, One People.” The six-pointed star represents the country’s six original ethnic groups: Taino, Spaniards, Africans, British, Indians, and Chinese. The seventh shape inside the star symbolizes the unity that arises from the diverse people coming together as one nation. It serves as a powerful emblem of Jamaican identity, inclusivity, and unity in diversity. It’s a narrative of liberation from the shackles of colonialism and the fight against gender oppression. Amidst it all, there’s a palpable sense of optimism in Jamaica for a brighter future, where diversity thrives and love prevails.
In this seaside reverie, Miami Beach umbrellas cease to be mere objects—they are strokes of inspiration on the canvas of Miami’s coastal charm. The beach, now an open-air gallery, invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of fleeting patterns and new shapes, reminding us that even the ordinary can become extraordinary through the lens of perception and the artistry of motion.
Miami’s South Point Park is a showcase of collaboration and mutual trust. Rooted in partnership, each Acro-athlete holds and supports one another in complex and graceful poses. Watching them rise to the sky inspires… to push past boundaries, to embrace challenges with grace, and to support and be supported by those around us.
In a mesmerizing intersection of art and nature, a sublime masterpiece of digital art transcends the boundaries of conventional beauty. This kaleidoscope of hues and fragrances floats gracefully through the vast expanse of the heavens, it sets in motion an enchanting symphony of colors and flowers. Each hue delicately dances with the other, allowing the viewer to harmonize in a breathtaking symphony of contrasts. It is as though the celestial brushstrokes of a divine digital artist have come alive, creating an ephemeral masterpiece that lingers in the memory like a sweet melody. With every inhalation, a symphony of aromas unfolds, transporting the soul to a place where time stands still, and the essence of beauty transcends mortal boundaries.
At Miami Swim Week the runway becomes a canvas, awash with colors and shapes, celebrating the boundless beauty of diversity. Models, like graceful sirens, glide along the catwalk adorned in swimsuits that epitomize artistic elegance. Each design is a masterpiece, a dazzling fusion of fabrics and textures that weave stories of tropical paradises and sun-kissed shores. Spectators are captivated, their senses enveloped by the enchanting spectacle. The rhythmic beats of Miami music, the shimmering lights, and the ethereal beauty of the models create a dreamlike realm where fashion transcends mere clothing, becoming a vibrant celebration of life and individuality.
Taking a stroll through Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden at night! The beautiful 23-acre gardens have been transformed into an enchanted wonderland with technicolor flowers and unique sculptures.
In the ethereal dance of Art Basel in Miami, feminine forms blend seamlessly with intricate patterns, creating a kaleidoscope of new sizes and shapes. Reflective fashion transcend the tangible, giving birth to a symphony of abstract art, an interplay of space and time. In this blended form of art, women become one with the paintings creating a mesmerizing journey through time, where the vibration of energy creates a captivating narrative that transcends the boundaries of conventional perception.
In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that… In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back. Truly yours, Albert Camus”
