i have been to this cafe many times before and i could tell that it was family-run, but i hadn't had a conversation with this sweet lady and her sister dymetra until today (yes, guilty, i broke the sabbath. tenzin and i ate lunch here after church).
if i had to describe the two, i would say that dymetra is like the gregarious elizabeth gilbert (author of eat, pray, love), and rebeka is like the sweet sister that liz describes in her book as being more innately solitary, yet very intelligent, warm, and friendly.
if you have even read that book... which you should, if you haven't..
rebeka told me about the greek lifestyle, and how everything is devoted to the land and the raising of their crops. in greece, there is more focus on finding and creating beauty in food and general lifestyle than there is in america. it is important to slow down from our busy lifestyles and relish in the aesthetics of the little things that can bring contentment and happiness.
the way she spoke reminded me of a part of eat, pray, love that i particularly liked. gilbert wrote about the irony that many of the world's most celebrated philosophers, artists, minds, etc. are italians, yet italy's government system and army are STILL among the least developed/powerful in the world. but she said that it is actually not very ironic at all, considering that the culture --- they know that they can not solve the world's major problems, but they can have beauty and happiness in the food they eat, relations that they share, etc. -- they find joy in the things that are right before them everyday.
i'll have to find the exact quote and replace it here soon, but i just wanted to throw out that connection! i think there is profound wisdom in way the greeks and italians enjoy the little, beautiful things in their daily lives!
what a neat project!! And what better place to conduct it than NYC!
ReplyDeleteKate, I am TRULY loving this project, and am worried that you have not updated it!!! SO, I am sending you on a quest to find my friend Chris. To prep, I am giving you the link tho his latest blog post. I know that he is going through changes and tuff times, but trying to stay positive. You have to read his latest blog, and then go find him. f you want me to tell him you are coming I eill, but if you want it to be more authentic, you may want to call his studio and be sure he is teaching the yoga class and then just show up and see what you can get from him. Here is the link to his truly insightful blog post
ReplyDeletehttp://christoharrison.blogspot.com/2010/07/to-fly-you-must-first-let-go.html
if it is easier for you I can try to help arrange the meeting. He has survived growing up gay in a very small Utah town, but staying positive with his gifts and using his talents to make the world a better place. Anyway, read his blog, get to his class, and learn from his wisdom. He is amazing!
Love and miss you!
thank you roxy! yes, there is no place in the world like NYC!
ReplyDeletelynette- i am so excited to go and find your friend. i will find the studio tomorrow and see when the next class that i can take from him will be! i'll let you know how it goes. thanks for the tip!