Browsing category: Lifestyle

  • 14 oktober 2024

    The lady of the Mayan ‘Cenote’: Healing simplicity

    THAT SUNNY DAY OF LAST AUGUST WE WERE FINALLY GOING TO FULFIL A DREAM THAT HAD KEPT US GOING DURING THE TIME I RECEIVED CHEMO: VISITING THE CENOTES OF YUCATÁN. WE HAD PLANNED A ROUTE THROUGH SEVERAL LARGE, OPEN, AND BEAUTIFUL CENOTES OF CHICXULUB’S ‘RING OF CENOTES’, EACH ONE MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN THE LAST. HOWEVER, THE DAY LED US DOWN A DIFFERENT PATH TO BEGIN OUR JOURNEY. AFTER PASSING THROUGH SEVERAL MAYAN VILLAGES AND VENTURING ALONG DUSTY TRACKS, WE ACCIDENTALLY STUMBLED UPON A DIFFERENT CENOTE, HIDDEN UNDERGROUND, SMALL AND SIMPLE.

    There, I met “La Doña del Cenote” and her husband. The humble guardians of that place, which you could tell they regarded as sacred. Both were tiny and seemed a bit fragile, their skin weathered by the sun, with the characteristic features of the Mayan people. They greeted us with warm smiles, as if we were friends in everyday life. Everything, from the cenote to their presence, seemed modest. I admit, I was a bit disenchanted at that moment. I had no idea that this woman was about to give me an unforgettable experience.

    In the heart of the cenote

    Before allowing us to enter, La Doña asked us to shower, to safeguard and respect the purity of the cenote’s waters. Then, with an unexpected agility for her age, she led us through a small opening into the heart of the cenote. What happened next was even more unexpected for me.

    La Doña looked at me directly, with a confidence that felt like she knew me. As if she knew everything about me, as if she even had known I would arrive on that very day. She spoke to me in a voice reminiscent of a healer, and said:

    “Child, enter the water, let it embrace you. This is Mother Earth. Here, you are in her womb, as if you’ve returned to your mother’s belly. Stay here in peace. God brought you to this place, guided your path. This is where you are supposed to be now, stay as long as you need.”

    As those words echoed within me, she left me alone, immersed in the peace of the cenote. It was then that I felt something break inside me—but not in a bad way. It was as if a barrier had dissolved, and suddenly, the tears began to flow. Tears that I hadn’t expected, but that released a trapped energy. Like a waterfall breaking through a dam. My sobs mingled with the tranquility of the water. And so I felt invaded by a deep sense of peace. It was as if the cenote, and La Doña through it, had facilitated a healing I didn’t even know I needed.

    At the heart of the cenote

    Healing simplicity, natural energy, vital force

    When I emerged, she and her husband were quietly relaxing in their hammock, observing the surrounding nature. They had set up a small table and chairs for us to enjoy our lunch. They smiled at us humbly, as if nothing extraordinary had just happened.

    Yet, for me, La Doña had been much more than a simple guardian of the cenote. She had given me a profoundly healing experience. It may sound incredible, I know that. But I don’t care for an explanation; I’m not here to dissect everything with the scalpel of logic. All I know is that she handles life’s vital energy with a masterful simplicity. Connected to nature, she was able to connect my own energy to the vital force of that hidden place. Her simple, unpretentious wisdom reminded me that life force can be found in the most modest corners and in the humblest of people. That tiny old woman proved that the simplest in life can sometimes be the most extraordinary.

    Have you ever experienced something you can’t explain?
    Share your thoughts in the comments.

    Do you not recognize this Life Force in your own story, or do you feel like you have lost yours?

    Tell me. I am a message away.

    Life Force Stories | Part 4

    Credits: Pictures from my own files | Illustration ‘La Doña del Cenote’ generated with AI, based on my own pictures.

  • 7 oktober 2024

    Jorge el vendedor de sombra: La búsqueda de lo verdadero

    EL SOL DE LA TARDE CAÍA A PLOMO EN LA PLAYA DE SISAL. NOSOTROS LLEGAMOS DISPUESTOS A PASAR EL CALOR ENTRE EL AGUA DEL MAR Y UNA SOMBRA DONDE REFUGIARNOS HASTA LA PUESTA DE SOL. POR SUERTE VIMOS UNAS PALAPAS CON HAMACAS EN LA PLAYA, BIEN LINDAS. ACORDAMOS UN PRECIO CON UNA ENCARGADA Y NOS INSTALAMOS, DISPUESTOS A DISFRUTAR DE SISAL. FUE AHÍ CUANDO CONOCÍ A JORGE, QUIEN RESULTO SER EL VERDADERO ‘VENDEDOR DE SOMBRAS’. Y NO SE VEIA CONTENTO. 

    Nuestra interacción no comenzó fácil. Desde donde estaba sentada, ví acercarse a un hombre de melena entrecana, un poco curtido por el sol y de ojos negros, quizá ya pisando los cincuenta. Era Jorge, el dueño de las palapitas. Se acercó con una mirada algo desconfiada. Cuando lo ví llegar así, pensé: ‘Ya ‘chafeó’ nuestra idea de ‘disfrutar de la playa y la brisa marina en una hamaca sombreada. Olvídate’. Había un malentendido sobre el precio de la sombra y la hamaca que queríamos alquilar. Su compañera no le había dicho que ya habíamos acordado un precio con ella, más barato, y el creyó que no queríamos pagar lo que correspondía. Jorge se veía listo para un enfrentamiento.

    Pero en medio de esa tensión, algo cambió. Como si nos hubiéramos puesto de acuerdo, Jorge y yo nos miramos a los ojos, nos escuchamos de verdad. Y esto hizo que la tensión inicial se desvaneciera. Después de hablar con su compañera, Jorge se dio cuenta del malentendido. Volvió hacia mí con una sonrisa sincera y una disculpa honesta. “Quédense tranquilos por favor, disfruten del día”.

    La historia de Jorge

    Ahí es cuando Jorge me contó algo que resonó profundamente conmigo. En su mirada, ya más tranquila, vi autenticidad. Me explicó que pasó gran parte de su juventud impulsado por la necesidad, persiguiendo el dinero. Recuerda un período en los Estados Unidos trabajando en restaurantes de renombre, en el cual ganaba bien… y lo mataba la soledad. “Trabajaba mucho, ganaba bastante y bebía más.” “Pasé años corriendo tras trabajos que me dejaban vacío. Hasta que decidí cambiar mi vida”. Ahora, aquí en Sisal, alquila palapas y hamacas, y hace otros trabajos pequeños. No es el hombre más rico, pero va encontrando poco a poco lo que él llama ‘su paz’.

    “Ahora intento moverme por lo que realmente importa,” me dijo, con una calma que contrastaba con el choque del principio. “Después de tanto correr, me di cuenta que lo que estaba buscando no era el dinero. Era vivir de verdad. No siempre me resulta fácil, porque claro que vivir limitado de dinero es frustrante en ocasiones. O a veces me gana el ego, el aferramiento a lo material… Y me doy cuenta que es el temor de perder algo que ni siquiera tengo. Y que lo que me importa es vivir de verdad. Y ahí es donde vuelvo a ser consciente de que eso ya lo hago”.

    La fuerza vital de Jorge: el poder de la autenticidad

    Su mirada, aunque aún mostraba rastros de inquietud al hablar de sus temores, era cálida y honesta. Jorge, con su humildad y su integridad, me recordó que a veces es en lo más sencillo donde encontramos lo más importante. Gracias a su sinceridad, tuvo el poder de convertir lo que pudo haber sido un conflicto, en una plática memorable para mí.

    Ese día en la playa, vi el ejemplo de un hombre sencillo, impulsado por la fuerza vital de querer vivir con autenticidad.

    ¿Alguna vez haz perseguido un sueño que no era tuyo? ¿Te has preguntado si tienes lo que para tí es valioso de verdad?
    Comparte tus pensamientos en los comentarios.

    Si no reconoces la Fuerza Vital en tu propia vida, o sientes que la perdiste de vista en el camino:

    Dime. Estoy a un mensaje de distancia.

    Life Force Stories | Part 3

    Credits: Pictures from my own files | Illustration ‘Jorge in Sisal’ generated with AI, based on my own pictures.

  • 27 september 2024

    Ambar Adela: The power of the heart

    IT’S A WARM DAY IN AUGUST. LUNA AND I ARE WALKING THROUGH THE MAZE OF THE SANTO DOMINGO ARTISAN MARKET. A BIT DIZZY FROM THE HEAT AND THE COLORS (AND ME FROM ANEMIA), WE STOP TO LOOK AT SOME QUARTZ BRACELETS AT ONE OF THE COLOR-PACKED STALLS. THE BRACELET I WANT TO BUY FOR LUNA IS A BIT TOO BIG. “IF SHE LIKES IT, I CAN ADJUST IT TO HER SIZE,” SAYS A SOFT VOICE. FIVE SECONDS LATER, I’M STANDING IN FRONT OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN WITH INDIGENOUS FEATURES, HER FACE PERFECTLY MADE UP AND A BIG SMILE WITH DIMPLES. HER NAME IS ADELA, THE OWNER OF THE STALL, WITH HER OWN JEWELRY BRAND, “ÁMBAR ADELA.” HER VOICE IS OFTEN INTERRUPTED BY A CONTAGIOUS LAUGH. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHE SEES MY SURPRISE AS SHE EXPLAINS THAT SHE ALSO DESIGNS THE EMBROIDERED CLOTHING SHE SELLS. AT THAT MOMENT, I TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MERCHANDISE AROUND ME: EMBROIDERED CLOTHING, SILVER JEWELRY, AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES, ALONG WITH AMBER PIECES. “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! HOW DO YOU FIND THE TIME?” I ASK, AMAZED. – SHE LAUGHS AGAIN. – “WHY WOULDN’T YOU BELIEVE ME? WHEN YOU DO THINGS WITH LOVE, IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW SMALL THEY ARE. THEY ALWAYS TURN OUT WELL. STEP BY STEP.” AND THAT’S HOW WE BEGIN A CONVERSATION THAT FILLS ME WITH ADMIRATION.

    Adela’s story

    Adela comes from the Tzotzil community in a nearby village. Her mother taught her to embroider when she was a child. She married very young and had three daughters, who are now young adults. When she tells me her age (she’s only six years younger than me, though she looks at least ten years younger), I almost fall over.

    “What?! Forty-seven years old?! I don’t believe it,” I exclaim.

    Her laughter jingles again.
    “You don’t believe anything I say!” But when your spirit is well, and you do things with love, your body reflects that.”

    She tells me that she divorced her daughters’ father long ago. It must have been a difficult time, but I see no trace of bitterness or resentment on her face. Instead, there’s a serene joy.

    “Look at me. I live better this way. Things have gone well for me,” she says, the dimples in her smile reappearing. “I got divorced because I couldn’t rely on him anyway. Once I became independent, I had to decide how to move forward and support my daughters and myself.”

    “When your spirit is well, and you do things with love, your body reflects that”

    Adela Gómez

    From embroidery to beads

    That’s when I remembered my mother’s embroidery. I started by embroidering blouses to sell at the market, with things I love: flowers, fruits, and birds. My style of embroidery sold well. So, I began to embroider other garments, not just traditional ones, but also jeans, jackets, blazers—everything. One thing worth the mention: I only made things I enjoyed creating.

    I’ve always liked accessories, so when I could save a bit of money, I bought some beads and stones and started making small bracelets, earrings, little things. Those sold well, too. Over the years, my stall grew, and I was able to get a small shop here in Santo Domingo. My daughters also grew up; they had their own responsibilities by then. But between them, they helped me formalize my designs into a brand, “Ámbar Adela.” They created the labels for several lines, and well… here we are,” she finishes with a smile.

    Silver and amber
    Amber and Jade
    Embroidery and amber

    Life Force

    I listen in admiration, especially because I know firsthand how hard it is to build a jewelry brand—it’s no easy task. I tell her that years ago, I had my own brand, “Luna de Plata,” and that I gave it up when it was almost fully formed.

    “Why?” she asks.

    With some embarrassment, I admit,
    “Lack of experience, but mostly fear. Fear of failing.”

    Seeing Adela standing there so calm and full of confidence, surrounded by her creations, I rush to tell her that only now, years later, I understand that I can do whatever I set my mind to. That only now do I feel the confidence to face my fears head-on. I tell her I’m surviving cancer and that I’m filled with plans that feel very real to me: this trip through Mexico, my therapy practice, my communication work to support other cancer patients, and the psychology studies I will begin this year.

    She says, “Everything will work out for you, I know it. The things done with love, with motivation, step by step, always turn out well. Because that’s how God works.”

    And the way she says it, I feel a deep certainty in every word. My body vibrates with serene clarity, and in that moment, I understand that she is driven by the Life Force.


    Adela and her unbreakable spirit

    Adela shows that Life Force is not just about carrying on when everything is against you. It’s about finding joy in the small things, feeling love in everything you do. It’s knowing that no matter what happens, you always have the strength within you to start again.

    Her story is not just one of courage but a tribute to the strength of the heart. And so, she continues, with a smile and unstoppable energy, her hands never ceasing to create, her heart always open to her family and her customers. She is living proof of the power of the heart, of love for family, and of the unbreakable spirit of a woman determined to love life no matter what.

    How many times have you had to start again? Which are the little things that bring you joy?
    Share your thoughts in the comments.

    Do you not recognize this Life Force in your own story, or do you feel like you have lost yours?

    Let me know, I am a message away

    Life Force Stories | Part 2

    Credits: Pictures from Adela Gómez Facebook page | Picture ‘Santo Domingo Market’ generated with AI, based on my own original photo’s.

  • 27 september 2024

    “Ambar Adela: La fuerza del corazón”

    HACE CALORCITO ESE DÍA DE AGOSTO. LUNA Y YO CAMINAMOS EN EL LABERINTO DEL MERCADO DE ARTESANÍAS DE STO. DOMINGO. MEDIO MAREADAS POR EL CALOR Y LOS COLORES (Y YO POR LA ANEMIA), NOS DETENEMOS A VER UNAS PULSERITAS DE CUARZO EN UNO DE ESOS PUESTOS REPLETOS DE COLOR. LA PULSERA QUE LE QUIERO REGALAR A LUNA LE QUEDA ALGO GRANDE – “SI LE GUSTA SE LA PUEDO ADAPTAR A SU MEDIDA”. CINCO SEGUNDOS DESPUÉS ESTOY ENFRENTE DE UNA GUAPA MUJER DE APARIENCIA INDÍGENA, CON SU CARA MUY BIEN MAQUILLADA Y UNA ENORME SONRISA CON HOYUELOS. ES ADELA, LA DUEÑA DEL PUESTO, CON SU PROPIA MARCA DE JOYERÍA “ÁMBAR ADELA”. RESALTA LA VOZ CLARA Y SUAVE QUE SE INTERCALA FRECUENTEMENTE CON UNA RISA CONTAGIOSA. SOBRE TODO, ANTE MI SORPRESA AL EXPLICARME QUE TAMBIÉN ES AUTORA DE LA ROPA BORDADA QUE VENDE. EN ESE MOMENTO ME FIJO BIEN EN LA MERCANCÍA A MI ALREDEDOR:  ROPA BORDADA, JOYERÍA DE PLATA Y PIEDRAS SEMI-PRECIOSAS, APARTE DE LAS DE ÁMBAR. – “NO PUEDO CREERLO! DE DÓNDE SACAS EL TIEMPO?!”. – VUELVE A REÍR – “POR QUÉ NO ME VAS A CREER? MIRA, CUANDO LAS COSAS SE HACEN CON GUSTO, NO IMPORTA SI SON CHIQUITAS, PERO SALEN BIEN. PASO A PASO.” ASÍ EMPEZAMOS UNA CONVERSACIÓN QUE ME LLENÓ DE ADMIRACIÓN. 

    La historia de Adela

    Adela viene de la comunidad Tzotzil de un pueblo cercano. Su mamá le enseñó a bordar desde que era niña. Se casó muy joven y tuvo tres hijas, ahora jóvenes adultas. Cuando me dice su edad (solo es seis años menor que yo, pero parece que fueran más de diez), casi me voy de espaldas y exclamo:

    —¿Qué?! ¡¿Cuarenta y dos años?! ¡No te creo!

    Su risa vuelve a cascabelear:
    —¡No me crees nada! Pero es que cuando estás bien de espíritu y haces las cosas con cariño, pues tu cuerpo lo refleja.

    Me cuenta que hace ya mucho se divorció del padre de sus hijas. Debe de haber sido una época difícil, pero no noto ni rastro de rencor o amargura en su cara. Más bien una alegría serena:

    —Es que mírame, vivo mejor así, me ha ido bien —y se vuelven a marcar los hoyuelos de su sonrisa—. Me divorcié porque de todas maneras no contaba con él. Ya viéndome independiente, tenía que decidir qué haría para sacarnos adelante, a las niñas y a mí.

    “Cuando estás bien de espíritu tu cuerpo lo refleja”

    Adela Gómez

    De bordados a cuentas

    Ahí es donde me acordé del bordado de mi mamá. Empecé bordando blusas para vender en el mercado con cosas que me gustan: flores, frutas y pajaritos. Mi estilo de bordar se vendía bien. Así que empecé también a bordar otras prendas, pero no solo artesanales, sino también jeans, chamarras, sacos, de todo. Eso sí, hacía cosas que me gusta hacer.

    Los accesorios siempre me han gustado. Entonces, cuando pude ahorrar un poco, compré algunas cuentas y piedras y empecé a hacer pulseritas, aretes, cosas chiquitas. También esas cosas se empezaron a vender bien. Con el paso de algunos años mi puesto creció y pude ocupar un localito aquí en Santo Domingo. Mis hijas también crecieron, ya estaban grandecitas y tenían sus propias ocupaciones. Pero entre ellas me apoyaron al formalizar mis diseños en una marca, “Ámbar Adela”, hicieron las etiquetas para varias líneas y así… Pues aquí seguimos —culmina con una sonrisa.

    Plata y ámbar
    Ambar y jade
    Bordado y ámbar

    Fuerza vital

    Yo escucho con admiración. Sobre todo porque sé lo que cuesta formar una marca de joyería por experiencia propia, y no es nada fácil. Le cuento que hace años tuve mi marca “Luna de Plata” y que la dejé cuando ya tenía casi todo en forma.

    —¿Y por qué? —me pregunta.

    Con vergüenza debo admitir:
    —Falta de experiencia, pero sobre todo, miedo. Miedo a fracasar.

    Al ver a Adela tan tranquila y tan llena de confianza, ahí parada frente a mí entre todas sus mercancías, me apresuro a contarle que ahora, años después, comprendo que puedo hacer lo que quiera. Que apenas ahora siento la confianza y me atrevo también a encarar mis miedos como son. Le cuento que estoy sobreviviendo el cáncer y que estoy llena de planes que para mí son muy concretos: este viaje por México, mi consultorio como terapeuta, mis actividades de comunicación y apoyo a otros pacientes de cáncer, y mi estudio de psicología que empezaré en breve (en cuanto me deje la anemia que me trae cortita).

    Ella me dice:
    —Todo te va a salir bien, yo lo sé. Las cosas que se hacen con amor, con motivación, paso a paso, siempre salen bien. Porque así trabaja Dios.

    Y por la forma en que lo dice, siento en cada palabra la certeza. Mi cuerpo vibra con una serenidad profunda. Y en ese momento yo comprendo que a ella la mueve la fuerza vital.


    Adela y su espíritu inquebrantable

    Adela demuestra que la fuerza vital no es solo continuar cuando todo está en contra. Es encontrar la alegría en las pequeñas cosas, sentir el amor en todo lo que haces. Es saber que, pase lo que pase, siempre tienes la fuerza dentro de ti para empezar de nuevo.

    Y así sigue ella, con una sonrisa y una energía imparable, sus manos que no dejan de crear, su corazón siempre abierto para su familia y sus clientes. Con el espíritu inquebrantable de una mujer que se empeña en amar la vida pase lo que pase. Su historia no es solo una historia de valentía, sino también una oda a la fuerza del corazón.

    ¿Cuántas veces has tenido que empezar de nuevo? ¿Cuáles son las cosas pequeñas que te dan alegría?
    Comparte tus pensamientos en los comentarios.

    Si no reconoces la Fuerza Vital en tu propia vida, o sientes que la perdiste de vista en el camino:

    Dime. Estoy a un mensaje de distancia sin importar donde vives.

    Life Force Stories | Part 2

    Credits: Pictures from Adela Gómez Facebook page | Picture ‘Adela in Santo Domingo Market’ generated with AI, based on my own pictures.

  • 17 september 2024

    Omar Fabián: la fuerza creativa

    EL DÍA QUE CONOCÍ A OMAR, YA CASI NO LO CONOZCO. FUE PURA CASUALIDAD QUE MI MIRADA CAYERA EN SU TALLER JUSTO CUANDO YA HABÍA DECIDIDO RENDIRME A LA DEBILIDAD CAUSADA POR EL TRATAMIENTO ANTICANCERIGENO – AL FIN YA HABÍA VISTO SUFICIENTES TALLERES Y ARTESANÍAS DE BARRO NEGRO. PERO ESA CASA DE LA ESQUINA, TOTALMENTE PINTADA DE NEGRO, PICÓ MI CURIOSIDAD. ¿CÓMO NO LA HABÍA VISTO ANTES? ASÍ QUE DECIDÍ ENTRAR. ESA VISITA ESTUVO MARCADA POR LA CURIOSIDAD Y ME DESPERTÓ LA MENTE. CONOCÍ A ALGUIEN QUE TODO LO VE CON OJOS NUEVOS. IMPULSADO POR EL AMOR A SU TRABAJO Y A LAS NUEVAS IDEAS. OMAR ELEVA SU LEGADO ANCESTRAL AL NIVEL DE ARTE.

    La historia de Omar

    Era mediodía en San Bartolo Coyotepec, el pueblo era azotado por el sol abrasador y el polvo. Mi amiga Tania, Fer y yo ya habíamos recorrido varios talleres con las típicas artesanías de barro negro de Oaxaca. Yo débil debido a la anemia extrema causada por el tratamiento; me chocaba admitir que tenía que abandonar la visita para ir a comer y descansar. Me consolé pensando: “da igual, al fin que ya había visto suficientes talleres y barro negro por hoy”… Justo cuando estábamos a punto de ir a almorzar antes de irnos, noté una casa completamente pintada de negro en la esquina opuesta. A todas luces, era un taller que no habíamos visto antes. . .

    Al entrar, fue como redescubrir el barro negro. Los diseños eran una reinvención; todo era especial. “Estás de acuerdo en que esto no es típico, es diseño”, me dijo Tania. Cuanto más avanzábamos, más crecía nuestra impresión: las formas eran más atrevidas, los tamaños más grandes, los diseños más creativos. Incluso la manera de usar el barro era diferente: lo veía en paredes, pisos, cuadros y hasta urnas.

    En ese momento, un joven pasó apurado; era Omar Fabián, uno de los tres hermanos dueños del taller y el autor de esas innovaciones.

    Mi curiosidad estaba más que despierta, así que decidí hacerle una pregunta, que dio pie a una conversación inspiradora:

    “En los años que llevo comprando barro negro, nunca había visto que se aplicara de esta manera. ¿Son tus ideas?”

    Al principio, él fue muy cortés, pero parecía poco interesado. “Gracias”, respondió, un poco sorprendido, “sí, son mis diseños”.

    “Esto va más allá de lo tradicional. ¿Qué te ha llevado hasta aquí?”

    Noté que ahora sí había captado su atención, quizá porque percibió que mi interés era genuino. Y entonces empezó la conversación. Me habló del legado de su familia, con más de tres generaciones de artesanos de barro negro. También de sus estudios de diseño en la Universidad de Oaxaca. De cómo combinó su herencia, sus conocimientos y su curiosidad por desafiar los límites de “lo posible”. Respetando las enseñanzas de generaciones de artesanos, mejoró la calidad de los acabados y aplicó sus estudios de diseño para crear nuevas formas. Experimentó con técnicas, formatos y aplicaciones innovadoras.

    Armando muros
    Omar’s Workshop

    Llevando ideas a realidad

    Así ha contribuido al desarrollo del taller familiar. A medida que crecía como artesano, también lo hacían los proyectos que emprendía. “Empecé a aceptar propuestas de hoteles, restaurantes y museos que me pedían, por ejemplo, una instalación mural de hormigas gigantes, un nicho grande decorado con mariposas en vuelo, o una barra de hotel con ‘azulejos’ geométricos”. El reto no era solo el diseño visual. ¿Cómo llevas esas ideas a la realidad? El barro negro es frágil, pero las formas delicadas deben soportar la instalación, el transporte y las variaciones de temperatura. Esos nuevos requisitos me han llevado a experimentar con técnicas y formas novedosas”.

    Butterflies with Led
    Wall tiles
    Ants installation

    Explorando límites 

    No pude evitar ver el paralelo con los altibajos de vivir frente a la adversidad, algo que yo misma he experimentado desde mi diagnóstico de cáncer. De repente, te encuentras en una situación inesperada que te obliga a desarrollar nuevas habilidades. Y para lograrlo, tienes que recurrir tanto a lo que te han enseñado como a lo que has aprendido por tu cuenta.

    “No todo puede salir perfecto. Volver a hacer, volver a intentar, hasta que salga.” Omar Fabián

    Omar también enfrenta momentos de dificultad, que generan incertidumbre. Sin embargo, se percibe un impulso en él, una confianza en el futuro. Tal vez, es la confianza en su capacidad de moverse en la incertidumbre y encontrar soluciones, de generar nuevas ideas. Su amor por el oficio ancestral heredado y su creatividad son su fuerza. Aunque él no lo diga explícitamente, pero se le nota.

    Butterflies niche
    Tzompantli Skulls in Black Clay and Silver
    Con agua y unos mezcales de por medio, compartimos experiencias

    Con agua y unos mezcales de por medio, Omar y yo compartimos experiencias y concluimos que así seguiremos. Enfrentando el temor, con confianza. Podrás estar triste o cansado por momentos, pero en el fondo no tienes miedo. Sabes que la solución viene, confías en la fuerza que te mueve.

    Esa fuerza no es grandiosa, como la conversación con Omar bien me recuerda. Se manifiesta de forma sencilla, como saber ver el mundo con un par de ojos nuevos. Igual que hacen los niños. Ahora entiendo que ese día, Omar reconoció en mi curiosidad la suya propia, la misma que parece impulsarlo en todo lo que hace.

    Ahora dime, ¿qué te ayuda en tiempos de inseguridad? ¿Reconoces la fuerza creativa en tu vida?
    Comparte tus pensamientos en los comentarios.

    Si no reconoces esta dichosa Fuerza Vital en tu propia vida, o sientes que la perdiste de vista en el camino:

    Dime. Estoy a un mensaje de distancia sin importar donde vives.

    Life Force Stories | Part 1

    Credits: Pictures Barro negro from @omarsutra | Picture ‘Omar and Alba’ from my personal files

  • 16 september 2024

    Omar Fabián: A heart driven by creativity and legacy

    THE DAY I MET OMAR, I HARDLY KNEW HIM YET. IT WAS PURE CHANCE THAT MY GAZE FELL ON HIS WORKSHOP JUST AS I HAD DECIDED I HAD SEEN ENOUGH BLACK CLAY WORKSHOPS AND CRAFTS. I ADMIT I WAS ALSO FEELING WEAK DUE TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE CANCER TREATMENT, SO I WAS SAD TO GIVE UP THE VISIT. BUT THAT HOUSE ON THE CORNER, COMPLETELY PAINTED BLACK, PIQUED MY CURIOSITY. HOW HAD I NOT NOTICED IT BEFORE? SO I DECIDED TO GO IN. THAT VISIT, FUELLED BY CURIOSITY, OPENED MY EYES AND MIND: I MET SOMEONE WHO SEES EVERYTHING WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE. DRIVEN BY LOVE FOR HIS WORK AND NEW IDEAS, OMAR ELEVATES HIS ANCESTRAL LEGACY TO THE LEVEL OF ART.

    Omar’s Story

    It was midday in San Bartolo Coyotepec, the town was beaten by the blazing sun and dust. My friend Tania, Fer and I had already toured several workshops with the typical black clay crafts from Oaxaca. I was feeling weak due to my extreme anemia and it was hard for me to admit I had to give up the visit to go eat and rest. I told myself “whatever, I had anyway seen enough workshops and black clay for today”… Just as we were about to grab some lunch before heading out, I noticed a house entirely painted black on the opposite corner. Clearly, it was a workshop we hadn’t seen before. 

    As soon as we entered, it felt like rediscovering black clay. The designs were a reinvention; everything was special. “You agree this isn’t typical; this is design,” Tania said to me. The further we went in, the more we were impressed: the shapes were bolder, the sizes bigger, the designs more creative. Even the way the clay was used was different: I saw it on walls, floors, paintings and even urns.

    At that moment, a young man hurried past; it was Omar Fabián, one of the three brothers who own the workshop and the author of these innovative pieces.

    My curiosity was fully awake, so I asked him a question that sparked an inspiring conversation:  

    “In all the years I’ve been buying black clay, I’ve never seen it applied like this. Are these your ideas?”  

    At first, he was very polite but seemed not particularly interested. “Thanks,” he responded, somewhat surprised, “yes, these are my designs.”  

    “This goes beyond tradition. What has brought you to this point?”

    I realised I had now caught his attention, perhaps because he sensed that my interest was genuine. That’s when the conversation began. He spoke of his family legacy, with over three generations of black clay artisans. He also mentioned his design studies at the University of Oaxaca. How he had combined his heritage, knowledge, and curiosity to challenge the limits of what was “possible.” While respecting the teachings of past generations, he improved the quality of the finishes and applied his design knowledge to create new forms. He experimented with new techniques, formats, and applications.

    Crafting Walls
    Omar’s Workshop

    Bringing Ideas to Life

    In this way, he contributed to the development of the family workshop. As he grew as an artisan, so did the projects he took on. “I started accepting commissions from hotels, restaurants, and museums. They would ask me, for example, to create a mural installation of giant ants, a large niche decorated with butterflies in flight, or a hotel bar with geometric ‘tiles’.” The challenge wasn’t just the visual design. How do you bring those ideas to life? Black clay is fragile, but delicate shapes must withstand installation, transport, and temperature changes. Those new requirements led me to experiment with novel techniques and approaches.”

    Butterflies with Led
    Wall tiles
    Ants installation

    Exploring Limits 

    I couldn’t help but see a parallel with the ups and downs of life in the face of adversity, something I’ve personally experienced since my cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, you find yourself in an unexpected situation that forces you to develop new skills. And to do so, you must draw on both what you’ve been taught and what you’ve learned yourself.

    “Not everything can turn out perfect. Do it again, try again, until it works.” Omar Fabián

    Omar also faces moments of difficulty, which generate uncertainty. Yet there’s an inner drive in him, a confidence in the future. Perhaps it’s the belief in his ability to navigate uncertainty and find solutions, to generate new ideas. His love for the craft he inherited and his creativity are his strength, though he may not say it explicitly, it’s clear to see.

    Butterflies niche
    Tzompantli Skulls in Black Clay and Silver

    Over some water and mezcal, Omar and I shared experiences and came to the conclusion that this is how we’ll continue. Facing fear, with confidence. You might feel sad or tired at times, but deep down, you’re not afraid. You know the solution will come, and you trust the force that moves you.

    Life Force isn’t something grand, as my conversation with Omar reminded me. It manifests itself in simple ways, like knowing how to see the world with a fresh pair of eyes. Just like children do. Now I understand that, on that day, Omar recognised in my curiosity the same curiosity that drives him in everything he does.

    Now tell me, what helps you navigate uncertainty? Do you recognize creative force in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.

    Do you not recognize this Life Force in your own story, or do you feel like you have lost yours?

    Let me know, I am a message away

    Life Force Stories | Part 1

    credits – pictures Barro negro @omarsutra | Picture Omar and Alba from my personal files

  • 13 september 2024

    Life Force: connected stories

    THERE’S A THREAD THAT RUNS THROUGH ALL OF US—A VITAL FORCE, UNSEEN YET DEEPLY FELT. I CALL IT LIFE FORCE. IT’S THE ENERGY THAT PUSHES US TO RISE AFTER WE’VE FALLEN, TO CREATE BEAUTY FROM PAIN, AND TO FACE EACH NEW DAY WITH PURPOSE, NO MATTER THE CHALLENGES. LIFE FORCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN CENTRAL TO MY JOURNEY AS A THERAPIST, AND AS A CANCER SURVIVOR, IT HAS BECOME MY COMPASS THROUGH BOTH DARK AND LIGHT.

    The connecting journey

    During my journey through México last summer, I met many different people. I enjoyed every conversation with them, but some stayed with me. The energy of these people struck me in the most positive way. We connected on an energetic level. I noticed that they are driven by this universal force that I call Life Force. It may sound vague, but for me, it couldn’t be more concrete—both in my journey through cancer treatment and in my work as a therapist. I see it every day. Travelling through México, I was thrilled to recognize it in other people’s lives too. It’s this driving energy, this connection, that I find so awe-inspiring. And it’s what motivates me to share their stories with you.

    The Stories

    So, back home, I began writing. These are not success stories. They are everyday life stories of people like you and me. Let me introduce you to these men and women. On the surface, they seem completely different from one another. They come from different places, social statuses, genders, professions, and experiences. Some have dealt with illness or loss, while others have faced challenges in their careers, relationships, or personal growth. Others simply lead peaceful lives. Yet, they all have one powerful thing in common: Life Force. That’s the thread that runs through their stories.

    Through these stories, you’ll see how this invisible energy manifests in different ways. It’s in the mother who built a business after a divorce, the artist who finds new meaning in his family legacy, and the survivor who, against all odds, chooses to love life over fear. These stories are not just tales of survival but of living—with passion, purpose, and heart.

    Why Now?

    Sharing these stories is part of my mission to celebrate and ignite the Life Force within us all. Whether you’re navigating a tough time or looking for inspiration, I hope these stories will resonate deeply with you. Because I believe, at the core, we all have Life Force within us—it’s just waiting to be harnessed.

    Welcome to the Life Force series. Let’s embark on this journey together, step by step, story by story.

    Check out the Life Force Stories:
    Ambar Adela: The power of the heart
    Omar Fabián: A heart driven by creativity and legacy
    Jorge the Shadow Seller: The search for what truly matters

    Share what Life Force means to you in the comments. Do you not recognize it, or feel that you have lost yours? Let me know, I am a message away!

  • 18 juni 2024

    Reflexiones en azul

    ENFRENTAR ALGO EXTREMADAMENTE FATIDICO COMO LA AMENAZA DE MUERTE ME CAMBIO LA VIDA EN TODOS LOS SENTIDOS. MI VIAJE ESTA COMPUESTO DE LUZ Y SOMBRA Y MUCHO COLOR. NAVEGO NUEVAS REALIDADES. LOS QUE ME VEN NAVEGAR, FRECUENTEMENTE ME DICEN QUE SOY FUERTE Y POSITIVA, PERO NO. SOY AMANTE DE LA VIDA. ASI FLUYERON MIS PENSAMIENTOS UNA TARDE AZUL DE ABRIL PASADO EN QUE ME MIRE AL ESPEJO.

    Qué si no derramo lágrimas?

    Sí, a mí también se me salen las lágrimas. No siempre, de vez en cuando.por ejemplo si me acuerdo de como me veía yo no hace mucho y comparo con como me veo ahora.
    Por ejemplo si me agarra el sentimiento de culpa por el cuello cuando veo a mi esposo y a mis niños llevar esta carga mía en los hombros. Y yo sentada en el sillón sin hacer nada, falta de energía.
    Por ejemplo si la frustración se me atora en la garganta, se me enredan las palabras y se me deforman las ideas a expresar. Efecto tardío de la quimio en mi cerebro.
    Por ejemplo si me siento obligada a frenar, limitada en mis ideas, menospreciados mis sueños. O cuando me vuelvo mi peor enemiga y soy mi propio carcelero, el más cruel juez.

    …cuando me vuelvo mi peor enemiga, mi propio carcelero,
    el más cruel juez

    Todo eso suele suceder a ratos. Soy humana y soy realista. También las lágrimas me asaltan y muchas imperfecciones tengo.

    Así es sin más ni menos

    Y también soy feliz, muy feliz. Tengo fuerza y energía. Sé lo que me importa en la vida y lo tengo, lo aprecio y le doy la bienvenida. Siempre lo he hecho, he construido la vida que yo quiero vivir. Carrera, poco y mucho dinero, rotundos fracasos, excelencia, ver el mundo, absorber culturas. Tengo mucho, busco lo que me gusta y lo disfruto a pleno corazón. Me encantan las puestas de sol, las noches estrelladas, la fiesta, las flores, los viajes, los libros, las pláticas con un buen vino, las botanas y tapas, maquillarme y adornarme, y reírme a carcajadas. Todo lo hago como una hedonista bien alegre. Tengo mucho, pero lo mejor son los clichés, porque es el amor de mis hijos, mi compañero de vida, mis hermanas de sangre y espíritu, y todo el montón de buenas, largas y cortas amistades que, ante todo, son sinceras.

    bailando con los pies descalzos,
    como niños bajo la lluvia

    Cómo no voy a decir “VIVA LA VIDA”?

    Hay que darles su chance a las lágrimas de vez en cuando. Con todo y todo, es bella la vida. Las lágrimas alivian, y luego podemos seguir celebrando el ritmo, bailando con los pies descalzos, como niños bajo la lluvia.

  • 9 juni 2024

    The landscaping solace

    I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND PEACE IN NATURE, A KIND OF INTRINSIC PEACE. LANDSCAPES, WITH THEIR DIVERSITY AND INFINITE BEAUTY, ARE A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THE CIRCLE OF LIFE AND OUR PLACE IN IT.

    Walking among the trees, listening to the whispers of a river, or simply gazing at a mountain in the distance, restores me to a state of serenity that is difficult to find in the rush of everyday life. Full moon, rising sun, deep blue of the evening, golden light of the morning, leaden grey of winter, ochres of autumn, the wind on my face, warmth on my skin, explosion of colour before my eyes… It’s as if nature whispers ancient secrets to me, stories of past and future times, renewing the connection with my own energy and spirit.

    Sometimes, when I feel the stress and worries arise, I seek some solace in the landscape. This is where I find my centre, where things make sense again and where my heart fills with gratitude and wonder. It’s as if the landscape reminds me of my origins.

    I want to share with you some of those special moments I have captured during my walks and travels. Far and near, sometimes all it took was a glance out of the window. These photos are not just beautiful images; they are landscapes that have given me strength, that have allowed me to reconnect with myself and remember what truly matters.

    I hope that, as you look at your own landscapes, you can find your centre too. I hope that these images serve as a reminder that there is always a natural refuge waiting for us, ready to give us a respite and renew our “Life Force”.

    The Landscaping Solace is one of my compilation of Life Force Tools, practical strategies to build resilience in adversity.

  • 1 juni 2024

    Is cancer making me antisocial?!

    A FEW DAYS BEFORE MY OPERATION, I CALL SOME FRIENDS WHO WANT TO SEE ME BEFORE THE PROCEDURE. PERFECT, I WANTED TO HAVE A FEW DRINKS WITH MY HUSBAND ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON ANYWAY, SO THEY CAN JOIN US. BUT THE TIME DOESN’T SUIT MY FRIEND AMALIA, SO SHE WILL COME ANOTHER TIME. I FEEL A BIT ANNOYED… BUT ALSO RELIEVED. AND I RECOGNISE THAT THIS HAPPENS TO ME MORE OFTEN IN MY SOCIAL CONTACTS SINCE I GOT CANCER. WHY? AM I BECOMING UNAPPROACHABLE? | ARTICLE ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR THE DUTCH PLATFORM “SHIT OR SHINE”

    Unapproachable, or not?

    It’s three o’clock on a Wednesday afternoon. I just got a call from the hospital to inform me that my operation is scheduled for next Monday morning. Finally! I have been waiting for this. I’m not nervous, but I do want to reserve an afternoon to spend with my husband before the rollercoaster begins. A Friday afternoon with snacks and wine. My friends Sarah and Amalia want to join, so they said. But Amalia has an appointment with her personal trainer that she can’t re-schedule or skip. She asks if she can come later in the evening. For me, that would be a bit late, and I tell her so. Then she wants to come over the weekend, but I want to reserve those days for my family. I feel a hint of irritation. So, feeling somewhat apologetic and somewhat irritated, I tell her: “Don’t feel obligated, there will be another time.” In part, I also feel relieved. I notice that I feel more and more distanced from her. Why is that?

    Since I got cancer, I more frequently recognise these feelings in my social interactions. Not only with friends but also with casual acquaintances. For example, someone sent me a message a week after my first chemotherapy, inviting me to go for a walk. This is someone from town who normally just waves at me when we bump into each other. I didn’t even know this person had my phone number; let alone how they got it. In this case too, I felt uncomfortable and somewhat apologetic, but honestly, I had no desire to go at all.

    In moments like these, I think: “Is cancer making me unapproachable?” Why?

    But it’s not always like this. Take this example: I went to the hospital for a CT scan, a few weeks after my mastectomy. The radiologist says to me: “Take off your bra.” I smile and look at her, and I say: “I’m not wearing a bra.” We look into each other’s eyes, and I continue: “I don’t have breasts.” I see the shock in her eyes as she realises, but we hold each other’s gaze and… burst out laughing. Then she asks me a few questions: she wants to know how I’m doing and how I find the whole process. The CT scan proceeds, and the interaction lasts no more than 10 minutes from start to finish, but I leave with a huge smile.

    So, what’s going on? Why do I let some people get closer and not others?

    There is always a good intention behind it

    Let’s start with these principles: people act with good intentions. And I know it’s difficult for those around me to know what’s right. They are walking on eggshells.

    So, if I know this, why do I still find ‘noise’ in some of my interactions? Have I always been like this? … There was a time of parties, reunions until the early hours, dancing until our feet hurt. That’s true. What is also true is that I have always preferred deep bonds, even if that means fewer friendships. At the same time, I’ve always enjoyed striking up a conversation with a stranger on the street, that’s also true. But not with everyone.

    Dancing till the feet hurt

    Connections in ‘high contrast’

    This is because I have always had the need to truly connect with the people around me. That’s how I engage, and I kind of expect the same coming from my contacts. Since I got cancer, it seems like I see everything through a high-contrast filter. Specifically: I have become more sensitive to the absence of connection. At the same time, I need this true connection even more. Authenticity has become more important to me.

    This applies to my friendships as well as to contact with acquaintances, and also with people on the street. The most important thing is that it feels authentic, sincere. Not all friends want to drop or change their things to accommodate my schedule. And really that’s fine, as long as the contact is sincere and not pretentious. Personally, I prefer a greeting with a broad smile from someone who sees me passing by on the street, rather than forcibly trying to ‘do something big and noble’, which our relationship was never based on. It doesn’t fit, it feels forced and uncomfortable. Despite the undoubtedly good intention. It seems less authentic to me.

    What to do? Some tips

    So, for me, less is more. I have become a tad more selective. Is this the perfect solution? No, there is a clear downside: this could lead me to isolation, of course. Even so, it is a conscious choice. I feel this is best for me. Does this apply to all people with cancer? Of course not, everyone has their own way and their own needs regarding their social contacts. And what works for me may not work for someone else. However, there are some tips I’d like to give:

    For the environment, those walking on eggshells

    1. Ask the person (find a suitable time and manner) what they need and what’s comfortable. Do it sincerely; they can feel that and is more likely to get you an equally sincere response and less awkwardness.
    2. Listen. Really listen, respect wishes and boundaries. It’s not about satisfying your own need to ‘do good’, but about what the person needs, can, and wants to receive from you.
    3. Be consistent. If you want to stay close to the person, stay close. If, on the contrary, your priorities honestly don’t allow you to maintain contact, that’s also fine, but don’t expect or force closeness.
    4. Offer practical help, such as cooking or doing some groceries. Here too applies, what is appropriate and sincere. For example, if the person is a mum of another child at school, offer to pick up the children after school.

    For those going through something similar to my experience

    1. Keep in mind that people act with good intentions. They do so with goodwill, and it’s very difficult for them to estimate what’s right for you.
    2. Be honest, especially with yourself. Answer sincerely and be clear about your needs, wishes, and boundaries.
    3. Be mild. With yourself and with others, perfection doesn’t exist.

    Ultimately, it’s about supporting each other in ways that really help. And that can be achieved by truly connecting with each other. Acknowledging the space availabe, without forcing things. A small and sincere gesture can be the seed of a great friendship.

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