Today in New York the weather is beautiful.

The air is crisp, the sun is shining, the breeze is light.

From today’s forecast, you’d be hard pressed to learn that a storm is inching its way into our state…

bringing strong winds and likely some snow.

As I stand on my balcony, with the bright sun gently warming my face, I can’t help but think about how these cyclical weather patterns pose a strong analogy to the natural cycles of life.

By this, I mean: the incredibly beautiful moments, inevitably met by the challenging ones.

And in this moment, as I stand with my feet firmly placed on the ground, I am reminded that without this balance – hot and cold, incredible and arduous – we would lose the essential sense of appreciation for the beautiful moments embedded with beautiful people that we cherish most.

So today, my affirmation is this:

I appreciate this moment and 

no matter the change of season or tides

no matter the challenge or setback

I welcome all change

as natural and essential

to my growth and more importantly,

the growth of others

for all growth is collective 

all evolution is shared.

As such,

I will appreciate not only this beautiful moment

but all future moments

for

the lessons they hold

the memories they leave behind

the beauty embedded in each second

so, I cherish this moment,

and I vow to cherish all moments, to the best of my ability,

from this moment, moving forward.

With the understanding that

inherent in all of life’s experiences are lessons.

inherent in all of our perceived challenges are solutions.

in spite of all pain, there is the opportunity for growth and change.

in light of every moment, there is reason to celebrate.

Today, I am to remember these simple things, mainly that:

Every breath is a miracle.

Every moment is an opportunity.

Every setback is a setup – for something better;

something we are more equipped to understand

thanks to the wisdom of our past,

the observation of our present

the nearness and availability of our opportune future.

Today, I wish for you to celebrate – no matter the weather, the situation, the challenges…

I wish for you to step back so you can fully step into the next moment,

with faith, courage and an unbending capacity

to appreciate all that life has and continues to offer you —

to realize the value of this moment, and the one to follow.

to encounter the depth and beauty of all existence,

to be grateful, and to express that gratitude as often as you can to all of those that have crossed for your path

for really,

these friends, lovers, parents, children, guardians,

whether terrible or wonderful

have been teachers and guides

offering us invaluable insight

into who we are and what we are to become and overcome

on this beautiful journey,

that we call life.

Today, as everyday, I am sending you all my love, blessings and most pertinently, appreciation. 

xo,

Christina Lee | @therealchristinalee & @thecleanmethod

Connect with me on Facebook: The Real Christina Lee

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Have an inspirational or spiritual story you’d like to share?

Please know that all faiths and all stories are always valued and welcomed! Please email me, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly: christina@the-clean-method.com.

Interested in living a clean, healthy lifestyle?

Check out my magazine, The Clean Method, and feel free to leave your comments there, as well!

Into The Jungle: A Weekend Exploring Trendy Tulum

I was lucky enough to spend the weekend before last in Tulum, celebrating the upcoming wedding of one my best friends. To say I fell in love with this natural, jungle hideaway is an understatement. Scroll down to find out why.

If you’re unfamiliar with Tulum, it’s a small slice of paradise located 90 minutes south of Cancun on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

If you’re young and full of wanderlust, chances are that you’ve already heard of this oceanic gem, as Tulum has become a trendy hot spot for millennial travelers looking for a fun escape into the jungle.

Our beautiful resort, Alaya Tulum

Why are more tourists than ever before flocking to Tulum?

♥ Tulum is profoundly beautiful.♥

A walled Mayan city in the jungle, Tulum is a well-preserved gem that sits on the edge of the Caribbean sea. 

♥ Tulum offers an delicate balance of healthful fun.♥

Contrast Tulum’s yoga studios, zen dens, and vegan bistros with its wild beach parties, artisanal cocktails and bars in the jungle. Not bad right?

♥ Tulum has delicious, clean cuisine.♥

Tulum utilizes the land’s natural resources like fresh seafood and home-grown fruits and vegetables to curate beautiful, authentic Mexican fare.

♥ Tulum has great shopping.♥

Organically designed to pay homage to the city’s natural beauty, Tulum boutiques offer hand-woven clothing, handmade jewelry and other hidden treasures. 

♥ Tulum is one big jungle party.♥

We were 20 girls celebrating a bachelorette, so I can say this…literally.

Tulum travelers are loving the town’s:

• pristine beaches / ocean views
• yoga studios / zen zones
• lively bars / nightlife
• healthy restaurants / delicious cuisine
• beautiful boutiques
• natural beauty / historical sites
• outdoor activities
• beach parties > like the one pictured below

Tulum disco via The Style Traveller

Below are some of my recommendations for eating and drinking your way through Tulum. 

P.S. – If it weren’t for the amazing Maid of Honor, Erika, I wouldn’t be able to give you any of these great suggestions!

Breakfast at the Resort: Alaya Tulum

picture via A Family Travel Blog

We were blessed to stay in the beautiful ocean-front cabanas at Alaya Tulum. Located in the heart of Tulum’s town, this 5-star resort offers incredible food at surprisingly reasonable prices. If you get a chance to travel to Tulum and stay at Alaya or simply enjoy breakfast in its open-air cafe, I highly recommend ordering the hot quinoa or egg burrito, both of which sound simple but tasted so good!

I miss our beach cabana already. Alaya Tulum, Travelocity.

Pick-me-up at Matcha Mama

Image via @mmolesky

Caffeine may or may not be a necessity for you, but for me, it’s a must. Although the coffee in Tulum was absolutely delicious, I’m a huge fan of green tea, so I couldn’t help but order an Iced Matcha Latte when I stumbled along this little rustic hut called Matcha Mama, just a few steps from our resort. The matcha was great, but the setting was even better, with swings for seats and a cute, hand-painted surfboard.

Dinner at Hartwood

Hartwood’s menu changes daily based upon the fresh ingredients its purveyors pick up from the local farms and markets. The food here is incredible, and the ambiance is beautiful. In the evening, the smoke from the grill coupled with the orange hue of candlelight intertwine to create a majestic and romantic atmosphere. If you don’t get a chance to travel to Tulum or eat here, Hartwood’s cookbook features some of their locally-inspired, Yucatan dishes.

Hartwood Restaurant’s Cookbook

Drinks at Gitano

Gitano’s drinks aren’t cheap, but it’s atmosphere is priceless. This jungle-enclosed restaurant and cocktail bar draws a big crowd in the evenings, especially for cocktails after dinner. Though Gitano’s busy bar makes it tough to get a drink, its jubilant crowd and disco-ball adorned dance floor makes it well worth the wait.

Gitano in the day time, before the party begins

Stay tuned for more Tulum recommendations, including my favorite DJ dance party at Coco Tulum, pictured below (pre-party.)

Coco Tulum Hotel’s Coco Beach Bar Turns Into A Beach Bash Every Sunday

Want more?

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Since childhood, many of us have aspired to “grow up” because we believe that this process is synonymous with maturity, security and success. For those of us that drink from the wisdom of our experiences, growing up may, indeed, represent a fulfilling process aligned with manifesting desired states such as those.

While realizing our desired states is an important means to self-fulfillment, sometimes we become so fixated on our individual growth that we neglect to realize its integral role in our collective growth. We easily get lost in the details of achieving and attaining, neglecting to realize the importance of being and sharing. This is how I have come to differentiate “growing up – often attributed to individual achievement – from “growing out” – which I attribute to dynamic, collective development.

Growing Up vs. Growing Out

Growing up is fixated on achieving more, possessing more, becoming more, getting to the next level or rising to the top.

Growing out is focused on recognizing one’s natural abilities and capacities and sharing those gifts with others to inspire their simultaneous growth.

Although both growing up and growing out depend upon individual development propelled by self-awareness, growing out pays homage to the collective conscious, while growing up is focuses upon individual transformation.

The Tree Allegory †

Think of all of us as branches on a tree. The trunk is the Source, and the branches come from the Source. The tree does not need another trunk, but it does need an array of branches in order to remain healthy and stable. The branches are destined to grow in different directions and to different heights. Not every branch needs to be the tallest or stretch the widest. Every branch simply needs to expand to its natural growth capacity in order to support the simultaneous growth of all the other branches.

We are the branches derived from the trunk. No matter which way we grow, we are connected to all parts of the tree – including every leaf and every organism that lingers on or feeds from the tree. Not only is our individual branch unique; all branches that we intertwine with are unique.

Growth is not just a linear process, or a vertical one for that matter. We need to grow up, yes, but we need to grow out, too – we need to trust the expansion of our branch and provide or assume support from the other branches, too. In order to grow individually, we must grow collectively. In order to grow two-dimensionally, we must unearth the unique gifts provided by the Source that will enable the development of not just our own branch, but every single, beautiful one.

While we’re talking earth-inspired jewelry, I have to introduce you to one of my favorite jewelry lines. ♥

Meet Ettika: an LA-based, handmade Boho jewelry brand that continues to make waves. Inspired by the beachy landscape of its Southern Californian roots, Ettika’s spirited and sophisticated accessory line is making a splash everywhere – from the glossy pages of high fashion magazines, like InStyle, to the adorned bodies of spirited festival-goers. (We miss you already, Coachella.)

From beaded chokers to bold rings, there’s no question that Ettika’s pieces are making a statement. ‘Ettikanistas’ everywhere, including Hollywood celebs like Sarah Hyland, are falling for these playful, yet delicate, accessories. And it’s no surprise why.

Ettika’s free-spirited, fun-loving vibe is hand-woven through each of its unique, well-crafted pieces.

Though Ettika has tons of edgy, Boho-inspired pieces to choose from, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the Eyes of Mars Earrings in Black & Gold and the Call Me Maybe Choker in Onyx and Gold. (I DID have a thing for that unrelenting Carly Rae-Jepsen song.)

Coachella might be over. But the rebirth of the Boho movement is just getting started. While Ettika’s effortlessly beautiful and beachy jewelry continues to trend, so does its belief, that fashion – in all forms – should represent the infinite creativity, playfulness, and sparkling spiritedness in all of us.

CREDITS

Hair, Makeup, Photography: Kenneth C. Kiefer

For more photos, visit @thecleanmethod or @therealchristinalee on Instagram.

Head over to the magazine to catch our feature on Ettika. 

♥ always, Christina