Let’s Start at the very Middle

Jan 20

Jan 20 Let’s Start at the very Middle

They say to write about what you know. And what I know is this: I am continually striving to attain balance in my life. I’m not talking about navigating all the directions that others (profession, parents, kids, friends) pull a girl in; I’m referring to the diverging paths between which I, myself, waver. Specifically speaking, I’m referring to the two seemingly contradictory sides of myself: the seeker, the yogini, the spiritual girl vs. the shopper, the spender, the material girl. I am constantly attempting to find the middle ground between a life of spirit, worship, yoga, philanthropy vs. a life of shoes, shopping, art, and all other sparkly temptations of the corporeal world.

And so I ask: Is there a way to live a life of meaning without completely shunning materialism? Is it possible for a girl’s heart to belong to the Buddha, but her feet to her LouBoutins? Eastern philosophy urges us to let go of attachments to worldly things, and of course, when I had not a penny to rely on (okay, very few dollars), this was a convenient philosophy upon which to lay my head at night. However, I have always—and I mean, since the day I wore a silk slip -circa 1979- of my mother’s to preschool (belted, of course)— been quite obsessed with fashion (Shoes being my expertise). And so, as an adult, as a practiced and “professional” yogini, but also as an unrepentant lover of earthly delights, it is my goal to seek a balance between the mystical and the material; what’s meaningful and what’s merely entertainment. In my heart, I know that it my connections with others (my hubby, my beautiful daughter, friends and family) and with the ever embracing energy of the universe that brings me true contentedness. And yet my head continually plays tricks on me, urging me to type in the secret, magical code of my Amex card and “purchase” the latest Rebecca Minkoff clutch, Vince cardi, Miu Miu platforms, and Current/Elliot denim flares; that the arrival of these items in their caramel colored cardboard UPS box will bring me happiness. And so it is time to balance head and heart. To honor my spirit, but appreciate my “stuff.” To remain loyal to the tenets of ancient wisdom, while embracing the glories of modern culture.

Because, every once in awhile, even an old soul could use a pair of new shoes.

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