You are Music – Choose the Soundtrack of your Life

For the People who know me, I am that girl walking on the streets/by the seashore with the headphones on. I like discovering music, and imagining the scenes of my life, what happens as experiences, and associate them with a song.

on the seashore of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Music triggers so many feelings and emotions, and lyrics can help untangle and explain the complexities of life, with a nice melody on the background. In this free space, your mind, your biggest fan and your best friend, is able to fly to other dimensions & planets, feel happy inside and, as a result, convey serenity to the outside world.

In the last weeks, I enjoyed the 94th Academy Awards (also called, the Oscars) night on 28 March, followed by the 64th Recording Academy awards (also called the Grammy’s) night, on 4 April 2022. I listened with joy and preparation the Discipline, Practice, the Plan, Hitting and First Set, all part of King Richard‘s movie Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, that you can find here. The movie recounts the story of the tennis success of Venus and Serena Williams, through the eyes of their father. Will Smith, a legendary actor, was awarded as Best Actor in a Leading Role for this movie. You can watch the official trailer, here.

The Highlight song from the Oscars was Beyonce’s performance of Alive, one of King Richard’s Soundtrack songs:

Speaking on Alive, my eyes, ears and mind listened and linked the same theme, with Grammy Best Dance/Electronic Recording award for the single ‘Alive‘, by Rüfüs du Sol.

The musical video is worth-watching as well, as it transports the viewer into new dimensions and marvelous places, flying from above, aweing at the wonders of Nature. The lyrics simply describe and translate inner feelings into enjoyable electronic sounds, which anybody can relate to. Music, most of the times on Earth and among human beings, can better explain how we feel inside ( Example: There is a pain in my chest that I can’t describe, it takes me down and leaves me there…at least I am alive, Believe me, I am coming back again, I want to make it right…)

On being alive, a sense of Inner Joy is brought about by the people who surround us and who show us unconditional love, despite difficulties and uncertainties. The key is to keep praying for the Good Deeds to happen, and keep dancing and listening to music!

Some musical tips that can accompany you in this Spring/Ramadan/April/Easter 2022 Renaissance times!

With much positive energy and smiles, for you, some of the my most favorite Grammy pickings:

Leave the Door Open – Silk Sonic, Best Record of the Year

Freedom – Jon Batiste, Best Music Video

Skyline – Trio Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette & Gonzalo Rubalcaba – Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Waiting on a war – Foo Fighters (unfortunately, this song sounds very prophetic, nice lyrics though) – Best Rock song

You turn me on, I am a Radio – on Joni Mitchell, person of the Year Grammy’s

Time, Black Coffee – from Subconsciously, Best Dance/Electronic Album

The Queen’s Gambit, Carlos Rafael Rivera – Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

Gandhi, Ricky Kej and Steward Copeland- from Divine Ties, Best New Age Album

Believe for it – CeCe Winans – Best Gospel Album

Mohabbat – Arooj Aftab, Pakistani vocalist – Best Global Music Performance

El Amor Después del Amor – Juanes Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

Fight for you, H.E.R – Best Traditional R&B Performance

“Mental institution

Causing so much confusion

Seems the only solution

Is a new revolution” – by H.E.R lyrics

BONUS TRACK: H.E.R NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Keep Dreaming high! – Unleash your dreams from your bottle of sparkling thoughts

source of image: Medical News today on dreams

How to Love

Love is about observing, smoothly interacting, and seeing one another. When it is not there, you feel it, in a geographical and terrestrial sense. I feel that the human senses are very much like antennas of satellites, they capture everything and they can follow each and every step: Better if the steps of life are made of two steps, the you & me you see in the movies.

You try different experiences, you give your life and devote it to something (work, work , work, work), and then life gives you something else (the other day I learned with a beloved that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade- like a lemon tree).

You do not believe in love anymore, and than you discover it, it becomes a whole ONE intercultural-understanding LOVE of all times, you “inner smile” again, and, life is full again (and a little bit Love fools also).

But Love is larger than life, and it offers you something you cannot refuse.

Wanna be a superstar, wanna be wonder woman, wanna kiss, have kids and travel the world. Want to make big decisions for humanity, want to see children growing.

The show must go on. Relax, Travel, Deconnect, Imagine other possible worlds, and then Focus on what you are doing, why you are doing, what were your inner desire,wishes and dreams, and what you want to become. This is the hardest, most complex song of all times. If I was a songwriter, that would be the title of my song, what you want to become and why. What Love and Unity can teach you, your desire of ONE Peaceful World, where there is no jealousy, no envy, no wars, no fatigue, no regrets, no fears, no fights, no harsh feelings. Just Dreams, Happiness, Willingness to Learn, to Give Back, to Help one another, to Rise again and Inspire each other. In a circle of ending fears, where there are only Dialogue, Communication, and Energy to keep explaining, learning, and growing. Desire to Educate and Be Educated, to give hands together and follow the path of Life, with a sense that nothing is ever going to end, but everything will teach you something that will always come back to you, to teach others, and to Love More.

With a friend I am unraveling 3 wishes, hard ones to get. About Passion, the Planet Earth as Nature, and People ( Healthy, Willing to Give and Learn).

In this year I experienced 3 people, 3 wise men (women in my case) who have accompanied me, smiled and me and loved me. Now, with them in my soul, heart and body, my path can take a different road, the road that the poet Frost took ( the most difficult one, but the one that must be taken, and that can make all the difference). For it, study is required, God needs to instill more Hope, more Energy, and more willingness to start again. The first woman opened arms and heart to me when I arrived in Dakar, the second one guided me through the whole year, teaching me how to work, how to take initiatives and how to develop my self-confidence, the third one left but I think God wishes I follow her to continue what we started, to see more, to learn more and to discover Life & Love mysterious ways.

I see Stars in the Sky, and I am giving my wishes to the shooting stars.

When Love is True, It will always Stay. Like the Trees, with stable and strong roots. Trees & Stars, a fabulous combination of stability & dreams, earth & air, reality & imagination.

 

This has been a pilot blog where i wished to tell you my feelings, impressions and writings through a musical blog. In each link, you can find a song. Since i was a child i used to associate people with songs, and i used to sing a lot, also in class in elementary school. I hope you like it. Singing, most of the times, can tell you much more than continuing to talk and, sometimes, saying nothing at all. Lyrics of the songs are harmonious and beautiful instead, and the message is passed and received, in a peaceful, powerful and universal way. 🙂

I also wish to add a small playlist of songs that got stuck in my head this week:

On Love, Peace, and something else– U2

What a fool believes– Neri per caso featuring Mario Biondi

Ocean Drive– Duke Drummond

Bologna é una regola– Luca Carboni

Four to the floor– Starsailor

Happy Day– Sister Act 2

photo of the blog- Vanilla Sky by Monet

 

 

The transformational power of Culture for Economic Progress and more Inclusive Societies

I recently read an article appeared on Il Sole 24 Ore, the Italian financial newspaper, which features an Italian businessman, Diego della Valle, founder of the firm Tod’s (leather bags and shoes) advocating for more culture & work in the Italian society. He, who privately financed the renovation of the Colosseum, one of the historic symbols of Italy, recognized the power of cultural heritage as the foundation of a new political economy.

A new spur in the economic wheel could be made possible by financing culture, preserving the cultural heritage and breathing history and as an economic tool for development ( both for tourism inbound and for Italians to truly enjoy their world heritage and take care of it). This trend of strengthening public-private business relationships can be a turning point and a truly important element in the development of societies where young people still struggle to find a job, and where social exclusion appears on the agenda of the day.

New forms of dialogue, multicultural understanding, tolerance and thus, progress, is possible thanks to the power of culture. Culture is everywhere and can be expressed through art, poetry, writings, literature, comics, magazines, newspapers, movies and cinema, visual and audio content, radio and television, music, fashion, design, architecture. The opportunity to increase local participation and thus include every citizen in the decision-making process and in the local sphere through the artistic expression of people in the communities, local artists and creative industries is key to expand the basin of development , foster creativity, learn to live together and build more conscious, responsible, ethical, sustainable and inclusive societies, based on knowledge sharing, understanding of differences and richness in diversity.

The power of Culture is mostly shown in cities. A good example materialized yesterday when I was visiting with a friend Matadero, a multidisciplinary open cultural and creative contemporary space that the town hall of Madrid opened in 2006 to favor the exchange of ideas and the creative participation of the citizens to create, offer food for thoughts, learn and enjoy.

Another project that caught my attention was Los Madriles, a urban development project to upgrade the state of the neighborhoods of Madrid by, for example, creating new green spaces and gardens, encouraging artistic development and opening cultural and social community centers. If you check the local initiatives of citizens in the city here, a map shows the projects and initiatives developed within the different districts, divided by themes: from sustainable urban spaces and sustainable consumption, to urban art, cinema, sports and education, passing by collaborative economy initiatives and projects to reach a higher level of social inclusion, respect of labor rights and equality among people and same opportunities no matter the  genders and the vulnerability of people.

These initiatives generate dialogue, sharing of knowledge, tools and experiences. Open spaces, free and for everyone, where you can go, sit and study in the computer labs, where you can go with your kids and play and have a picnic with your friends and a safe space where you can read and consult books and publications. A dynamic space for the community and to really feel part of the the city you are in and of the global village that surrounds you. I am learning that urban development, if it is sustainable and it includes all, can benefit the society and the people living in it, decreasing levels of violence and crime and allowing a more prosperous ground for ideas generations, open-mindedness and peoples’ understanding,

For more projects on urban development, local economic development, safer and more inclusive cities on a local and international level, check the policy papers of UN-Habitat, the Human Settlements Programme of the United Nations, here.

For more projects encouraging the building of more peaceful and inclusive societies, in the framework of cultural expression, creative industries, education and knowledge sharing and management and scientific research, i can redirect you to UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, here.

Let’s work for the advancement and the sharing of Culture and Knowledge within our living spaces, and, thanks to technology and social media, let’s expand and share our experiences for a more conscious, positive and impactful world where every voice is heard and can make a difference in our lives.

Ciao and see you soon!

Feel free to share your comments, thoughts and ideas!

@GaiaParadiso

When Movement and Music reconnect the world of human beings

This week has been hectic with post-work events, all connected to the power of women, music and movement. When you start getting engaged in daily activities that support your work office, as beautiful, inspirational, full of learning, brainstorming, actions, social interactions, high level negotiations as it can be, you discover the power, the strength, the “si quieres puedes” inner willingness of people pursuing their dreams and goals. All in connection with body-sensations-emotions-head.

As cuerpo, emoción, mente y espíritu

          

 

Women surprise me every day: they are driven by non-stop thinking, they always find a way to solve problems, they are empathetic, they gather, create beautiful things and they transform the world. They do so because they challenge themselves to change inside, connect with themselves and and get to know oneself deeply. Rebels & Restless, women wish to discover their inner soul, the creek of creativity, thoughts and emotions that flow inside themselves. To better communicate, they use flexibility, they move their bodies to express their emotions, stimulating the emotional cerebrum, and they make their multiple intelligences blossom.

According to Howard Gardner’s Theory of multiple intelligences, human beings possess a unique blend of all intelligences, they are musical-rhythmic, visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, existential and moral. Each one of us has the ability and power of learning and mix different types of intelligences, allowing to improve, feel more, connect with others, be open-minded, respect who and what surrounds us. Gardner thinks that intelligence is: 1) the ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valued in culture 2) a set of skills that make it possible for a person to solve problems in life and 3) the potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which involves gathering new knowledge.

This week I also learned about the body energy centers, called Chakras, which connect and twist life force and vital energy. They are 7 and we can discover them and understand our energy, stress and energy blocks: if something does not work out in our body, it means that we are not sensitive and self-conscious about our human potentials. Our emotions, as a result, are creating “traffic jams” in unleashing our power and our courage. For some reasons, more women than men are interested in this topic and are trying to connect with this vital energy, here a nice article about the 7 Chakras to get to know them ( as beginners I think it was very interesting for me to read) and an info-graphic to visualize the energy centers.

When you connect with yourself, you understand who you are ( knowledge always in progress trust me) what you want, how to get it and how to feel fulfilled and happy.

Like in politics, when internal affairs run in a smooth and organized way, international relations with other countries are normally a success. In our personal, professional and social life relations, if we are fully energized, breathing and expelling toxins and bad thoughts, we can truly accomplish great things for the world. Once our inner world is clean, flowing like water and refreshed every day ( and full of laughters, joy and roses 🙂 we are ready to embark in the journey of our lifetime and fully live.

   

As if we move by dancing, we can also listen to music, which creates wonderful feelings inside, opening up a beautiful world of imagination, world unity and spiritual connections with human beings, which is all we are looking for, at the end of the day. To deeply LOVE and Be loved by others. I am telling you this because I found myself looking at the roof and thinking of the sky and of spiritual intangible emotions and sensations while listening to some good opera singers 🙂

As the wise Latins said “Nosce te ipsum” Know thyself and “Carpe Diem”- Seize the moment. We have one and only earthly life ( not sure about how many spiritual ones). Let’s listen to our ancestors and unleash our powers, both for us women and men!

Some pictures of dancing, singing and moving of these days… a special and huge thank you to my Soroptimist friends in Madrid, strong women committed to gender equality, human rights, culture as  a tool to unite people and express solidarity and respect, and to Graziella, who is opening up a world of women-men- emotional intelligence- no fear world, where many barriers have to be broken but she on her way to make us see human freedom, through belly dancing!

            

Lean on– definitely the Madrid soundtrack for this June coming ( warm and sunny)- Major Lazer & DJ Snake

Underdogs– Benjamin

L-O-V-E– Nat king Cole

Feeling good– Nina Simone

Libiamo– Brindisi from Traviata – Joan Sutherland and Pavarotti

Samba de Benção– Bebel Gilberto

Muevelo- Sofia Reyes ft.Wisin

Bamboleo– Gipsy Kings

Entre dos aguas- Paco de Lucia

PASTIERA NAPOLETANA, CAPPUCCINO & FAMILY

Dear The Lighthouse readers,

This is a year of Change and Passion, which started a little bit later compared to the Gregorian year calendar.

Grinding work experience, I am learning that time, patience, emotions, transparency, trust and ethics are essential in our humanity and in our life happenings. Straight-forwardness is the way to keep our bicycle riding in our journey.

The wheel of life is about moving, transforming, stumbling upon mistakes and vicious paths, getting back on track and following what is inside us that inspires & motivates us to do good and live well in society.

To keep the bicycle riding (I took the metaphor from Einstein) we should be following our one & only, and for sure most truthful lighthouse and compass (especially when we get lost in the sea or we feel we are drowning) our Heart.

Following your instincts (with some risk monitoring and analysis before) is the best predictor of success. By following the silent voices of our emotions, we will achieve what we wish for (and what we dream deep in our hearts & minds). Imagining is believing. And believing is achieving.

With that said, my wish for you his Easter is to take risks (but do not be reckless), love a lot and give constantly, unconditionally, and with no interest in expecting a return (we are not talking about economics and profits now!) but listen to the karma of life and be sure that what you ask for will become reality. Think as if Hearts- by hearts I mean emotions, feelings, dreams, happiness, love, affection, care ( which are not measurable) – became quantifiable- like our conception of material stuff and money. Could we shift the weigh and the importance we give to banknotes to our hearts and to the hearts we give as sign of gratefulness and respect? The hearts can be our currency and with this new currency we can move mountains, be happier and make the people around us fulfilled and happy like us.

Talking about Easter, In Italy its main symbols are eggs, symbol of life and rebirth, and the lamb, symbol of sacrifice of the son of God for humanity. In my family, coming from Naples, an Easter tradition is the pastiera Napoletana (or Neapolitan Pastiera). Pastiera Napoletana is an Easter cake and, according to tradition, every family in Naples prepares one during Holy Week to be eaten on Easter day. The recipe for this cake probably derives from the breads made from milk and honey that were commonly eaten during the baptism ceremonies the night of Easter when Constatine was Emperor. The modern version of this cake was invented at the convent of San Gregorio Armeno, which at the time was located in Naples. A nun decided to make a cake using the ingredients that symbolized life and the resurrection. However, there is another ancient legend surrounding the creation of the pastiera. Some believe that the siren Partenope would come out from the water of the Gulf of Naples every spring, delighting people with her lovely songs. Apparently the people of Naples fell so in love with her songs that they decided to offer her the most precious products of their land. Seven of the most beautiful girls of the area gave the beautiful siren flour, ricotta, eggs, wheat, orange flower water and spices, including cinnamon and sugar. Partenope, thrilled with her gifts, decided to return to her home under the sea and to offer her gifts to the Gods. To honor her beauty, the Gods mixed the ingredients together, creating a cake as delicious as the voice of the siren: la pastiera napoletana.

My aunt Angela from Portici shared the recipe with me, which I wish to share with you as well:

For filling (portions for 12 people)

Buy cooked wheat (580 grams at the grocery store). Put the cooked wheat in a pan and add 300 grams of milk, a spoon of lard or butter. Boil and stir until it becomes cream. As the cream cools down, put it in a pan, adding 700 grams of ricotta cheese, 700 grams of sugar, 7 whole eggs, 3 egg yolks, 2 phials of orange flower, 150 grams cubes of cedar. Whisk all to make it liquid.

For pasta frolla (shortbread)

Prepare the shortbread with 500 grams of flour, 200 grams of sugar, 200 grams of lard or butter, 3 whole eggs and a scratch of orange. Make the dough without working on it too much, spread it and coat the pan, evenly distributing the filling prepared before. Decorate the pastiera with strips of shortbread.

Put it in the oven at 200 degrees and leave it until the pastiera gets golden, open the oven and turn it off. Leave the pastiera at a room temperature for about 1 hour so that the pastiera dries a bit. Sprinkle it with vanilla sugar.

Secret: the filling must be particularly soft, but not too moist. It is preferable to use a ricotta containing part ewe’s milk. The wheat must be well-cooked. My uncle Franco added that you should always control the cooking time according to the oven of your home and then eat the pastiera after a few days so it is tastier.

It should look something like this:

The Renaissance and Peace start inside us!

Happy Easter to all and spring break to all and thank you for your great friendship,

#keep the fire on!!!

some Songs for you: 

True colors– Cyndi Lauper

Olhos certos– Detonautas

What Kind Of Man– Florence and the machine

Mistério do Planeta– Novos Baianos

Blank space– Taylor Swift

Ciao!

@GaiaParadiso