Bits and pieces for better versions of ourselves and more pleasant lives filled with ease and joy... I intend to share everything that upgrades my life or touches my heart, from tools and rituals to books, movies, recipes and thoughts. The common denominator will probably be ease and joy. Come and have fun with me while we are Upgrading Our Lives.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Feel Free to Contact Me If You Feel Like It
The Most Auspicious Day of the Year
"What We Focus On Expands"
The day after April 23rd - a day when we had experienced quite a strong earthquake - I felt moved to share this reminder.
I had dedicated a significant section to this topic in my book; it’s something I care about and am mindful about integrating into my daily life.
When I sit down to
write, I usually don’t plan much in advance. I simply place my pen on the
paper - or in this case, my fingers on the keyboard - and let myself flow. I don’t
interfere much with which words come through, and the topic naturally unfolds
on its own.
This time, what
came to mind was Akshaya Tritiya, a very auspicious day we’ll be
experiencing very soon. For years now, I’ve tried to honor the tradition of
purchasing a small piece of gold, no matter how small, on this abundant day.
"Akshaya"
means eternal or that which never diminishes, while
"Tritiya" refers to the third day of the lunar calendar.
This special day
falls on April 29th and 30th this year. In Istanbul time, it begins at 3:00
PM (5.00 A.M. Pacific Time) on April 29th and lasts for 12 hours and 18 minutes.
Starting from 3:00
PM (5.00 A.M PT) , you might choose to buy even just 1 gram of gold - or if gold isn’t
accessible, something else that symbolizes abundance for you. Between 5:15
PM and 6:45 PM, (7.15 A.M and 8.45 A.M PT)you can also initiate anything you'd like to see grow - plant
its seeds, so to speak.
Because anything
started during this time is believed to flourish and succeed, Akshaya Tritiya
is associated with everlasting success and is considered a highly
auspicious time for new beginnings.
Today, I felt like
shifting my focus to something uplifting, you might like to join in and make
it a beautiful day for you too.
And when the 29th
arrives, you might feel inspired to give it a try as well.
MAY OUR MIRACLES BE INSTANT AND EVERLASTING.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Martenichka Wishing Bracelets
Martenichka wish bracelets, a tradition from the Balkans, are tied around the wrist on March 1st while making a wish. On April 1st, they are removed and tied to a budding spring branch. If you happen to see a stork or a swallow before then, you can take it off earlier—whichever comes first.
Traditionally, these bracelets aren’t bought; they are either handmade or exchanged as gifts.
I first learned about Martenichka bracelets on March 1st, 2022, while eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring.
Although it’s a tradition from the Balkans, despite my grandmother being from there, I had never heard of it before.
As soon as I discovered it, I taught myself how to make one, tied it around my wrist with my usual wishes, and embraced the ritual. The photo here is of the very spring branch where I placed my bracelet that year.
As someone who loves rituals, I was surprised by how many people already knew about it when I had never even heard of it. That morning, at 10 in the morning, the tree I chose was already covered with numerous red-and-white bracelets.
Wishing you all a life where all your wishes come true.
May your miracles happen NOW and last forever