Moving Mountains

“Where in the World is DeLisa?” is not only the name of my first travel blog back in 2005, but also a common question among my family and friends. This month marks another new location, Old Town, Park City, Utah. After living in cities like New York, London and Singapore, I’m settling into a picturesque mountain town.

While most people consider moving to be extremely stressful, changing physical locations always inspires me. I love a fresh start. Meeting new neighbors, learning new routes, even filling the kitchen with new local produce gives me a sense of excitement that is hard to create after years in one home. I would say that I see the glass half full, but I have no idea where to find a glass.

My 5 Tips for Fitting in Anywhere

1.     Prioritize People Over Things

As the first box arrives, immediately introduce yourself to neighbors and ask for local recommendations. People like to be helpful and it opens the door for ongoing conversation. Invite neighbors in while things are in disarray. Don’t wait until everything is unpacked and perfect.

2.     Become a Regular

Select a neighborhood bar or coffee shop, introduce yourself as new to town and once again ask for local advice. Remember servers’ names and visit everyday to establish a relationship. You’ll feel like a local in no time.

3.     Keep Moving

Put yourself out there, literally. Take a walk, join a gym, garden in plain view. Get outside as often as possible to wave and talk to others. New friendships start somewhere and it’s usually by the mailbox.

4.     Get a Haircut

Find a new stylist or barber who’s connected. You learn more about a community from one haircut than reading the paper.

5.     Share Your Passion

Do you love golf, biking, cards, wine tasting, sailing, hiking or books? Find a local group to join. A new group of friends is waiting for you!

What feels fresh in your life? Where have you always dreamed of living? How can you reinvent yourself right where you are?

Mindful in Manhattan

“If I can be mindful here, I can be mindful anywhere.” While not exactly what Frank Sinatra sang about in New York, New York, the analogy certainly works. There aren’t many more interruptive places on earth than New York City. So naturally this is where I decided to get serious about my meditation practice.

I’ve meditated in majestic temples across Asia, but have never committed to a regular practice. It’s inspiring to turn your thoughts inward while surrounded by magnificent golden Buddha’s or chanting Monks.

It gets a bit harder to focus on being present when surrounded by 8.5 million people and the musical sounds of Manhattan.

In search of the perfect place to get centered in New York City, I wondered into Inscape (www.inscape.life) and fell in love with myself. Trying all the different guided meditation techniques was as heady as tasting my way through an exotic cocktail menu. Today I’ll try mantra and mindfulness, tomorrow relaxation and vision…

Within two weeks I was in a state of bliss and committed to a mindfulness practice that can travel with me anywhere.

In case you don’t live near an inspiring meditation center, a guide is already in your pocket or purse. Healthline.com recently rated the top mediation apps of 2017 and inspired a great dialog on the subject. If you are interested in trying a new mediation app, I recommend you check out the article and comments for a great list of options. 

http://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/top-meditation-iphone-android-apps#1

How do you get centered? Do you prefer group mediation or private reflection? If you have a meditation practice, how has it changed over time?