The Four Agreements

I am so grateful for the wonderful technologies we have access to these days.
My mother lives in France, and it’s so easy to be ‘together’ through Skype!

Ancient wisdom helps us to go deeper within, to be true, to connect with our higher self and others more authentically. Modern technologies are pushing the limits to who we communicate with and how many people we reach.
Now we shall be even more careful with the way we communicate and connect with others.
I believe our purpose is to get to know ourselves and help others know themselves. An extraordinary tool to help us in this matter is the New York Times bestseller book from Don Miguel Ruiz: The four agreements. I had the immense pleasure and honor to meet this man last January and his son Don Jose, who co-wrote the 5th Agreement with him.
It was amazing to be in there presence and feel the love that emanate from them.

I’d like to share with you these four agreements and their principles, which are based on Ancient Toltec wisdom. By applying them in our everyday life, we can change everything around us. These four agreements reminded me how the connection with nature and our true nature is important.
The Four Agreements:

Don Miguel Ruiz was born into a family of healers, raised in rural Mexico by a healer mother and a shaman grandfather. He has dedicated his life to sharing the wisdom of the ancient Toltec.
Don Miguel define the Toltec has the ‘women and man of knowledge’ throughout southern Mexico. They were scientists and artists who formed a society to explore and conserve the spiritual knowledge and practices of the ancient ones.

Don Miguel said that if we adopt these four agreementsthe transformation in our life will be amazing. “You’ll need a very strong power in order to adopt them” and live your everyday life according to them, but yes the transformation will be amazing.

The Four Agreements:

Be impeccable with your word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don’t Take Anything personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their won dream. Where you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always do your best
Your best is going to change from moment to moments; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

If you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend it. Think of these agreements and adopt them in your everyday life. It is not easy to continuously walk your talk. But if you always do your best, you’ll see some amazing results in your life. And you’ll discover who you truly are.

Llama Adventures

Nature doesn't cease to amaze me! And yesterday I went north of northern New Mexico. After a couple of hours driving along the Rio Grande, I finally arrived to our meeting place. Far far away, but what a reward to be in such beauty. The Llama were there and we begun our descent toward the Rio Grande (800 feet down...)

The terrain was pretty steep, and we have to be careful where we put our feet. Along the trail we could see a good sample of the New Mexica

n flora, junipers, ponderosa pines, yucca, sage brush.

The wonderful thing about this hike is that I didn't have to carry anything else than my camera! Thank you Diego, my companion of the day!

Visiting Chaco Canyon (part1)

Imagine a large, open, arid land where you can see far, far away. You are driving for a few miles in this desert under a deep blue sky. Few disperse habitations appear with wooden houses close by. These are “Hogan”, the primary traditional home of the Navajo people.

After a long meander down a dirt road you arrive at another vast open space, you are in the Chaco Wash in the San Juan Basin.Stop before going to the visitor center to embrace this unique landscape, to give thanks to the ancient for welcoming you in this sacred place. Enter the place with an open spirit and open heart. Promise to respect this land, its history, its teachings and its wisdom. Honor and give thanks to the four directions; the East, North, West and South.

When continuing down the road you’ll see Fajada Butte, where the Sun Dagger was discovered by Anna Sofaer in 1977. Fajada means ‘belt’ or ‘band’ in Spanish. This amazing massive butte was named ‘Fajada’ by the first Spaniards because of its layer of carbonaceous shale and thin coal beds, which design a black belt around this monument.

Chaco canyon is not just a site…it is an immense area, a region, where pueblos (villages) and ceremonial sites are linked together by surprisingly long and wide roads.

Ancient Wisdom - Modern Wisdom

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Georgia O'Keeffe Country

More pictures of Georgia O'Keeffe country...

Georgia O'Keeffe Country

Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was a major American modernist artist of the twentieth century. Her art ‘revolutionized’ the way to depict landscape. She freed the ri

gid and traditional way of depicting landscape. Her paintings are an expression of th

e emotions of what she saw.

She fell in love with New Mexico, its desertlandscape, its diversify beauty, its raw energy, i

ts simple architectural lines and its soft colors.

Although her artworks count above two thousand pieces,

and even though she is most famous for her oversized flowers paintings, she dedicated much of her work to the stunning ‘land of enchantment’.

In return for these amazing ‘statements’ of New Mexi

co's striking landscape, Abiquiu and its surrounding areas, where she lived are now surnamed “Georgia O’Keeffe Country”.

A well deserved recognition, asit is impossible to mention Santa Fe without talking about O’Keeffe.

The Georgia O’Keeffemuseum is dedicated to here life and her art and exhibitions change three times a year.

Collectors as well as people who are deeply touched by

her art come from all over the world

to see herpaintings and to bask in the experience of being in her paintings.

Lariane Fonseca came from Australia and took a fe

w days to visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Country with me.

This was an amazing experience, and an inspiration for me to have been in the presence of a woman who knew O’Keeffe’s art so well, who was so passionate about her with a beautiful sensitivity.

Lariane, an artist and photographer herself, made this experience exceptional for me. As I often say, my clients are my biggest inspiration! I am so grateful to be in the presence of inspiring and amazing people.

I know these landscapes andhave been around them many times. But being with someone who has such sensitivity to her environment, who is so present in the instant and so touched by the beauty of the land, made me feel as if Georgia’s spirit was with us along these two days. Her spirit was guiding us and creating the most magical moments. We were fascinated and it seemed surreal at times, wondering ourselves if we were in the paintings or in the reality!

Since pictures are worth a thousands words, soI'll let you enjoy Lariane’s picture. (A huge big thank you to her for letting me share her pictures with you.) and Georgia's paintings.

Black and White Beauty, Black and White Mood

I recently took a client to White Sands, NM. This is one of my favorite places in NM.
It's simply a pure marvel and the largest desert of gypsum in the world.
Eun Joo is from South Korea and visiting this site was a long time dream of hers. She was about 10 years old when she saw pictures of White Sands for the very first time. Since then, she has held on to her dream and has always believed that she, one day, would visit it. She did everything she could to make her dream come true, and this day had come!

I was so happy to help

her make it true. She was such an inspiration for me!
No matter how big or far your dream seems to be, go for it!
Along with this stunning White desert we also went to the Valley of Fire...Another

amazing site...And that's this week's article: Black and white beauty, Black and White mood...Read the article to understand what I mean.
As soon as we arrived in the White Sands area, the excitement began...
The magnificent beauty immediately uplifted our spirits. When I looked around, everyone was in a blissful mood, playing with the glistening sands, talking and sharing each o

ther's feelings.

Even though the plants are ra

re, as it is a desert, they look glorious. Especially at dusk and dawn, the color gradient is so delicate; I felt like I was immersed in a world of grace and nothing seemed to be able to take away this cheerful mood. White Sand's unique formations are the result of water's work. A million years ago heavy rains poured on the mountain made of gypsum and literally dissolved

it. This gypsum run off created Lake Lucero. The wind continued to break the lake down until it would become a fine sea of gypsum particles, which finally evolved into the smooth round dunes ever moving and creating these amazing sands patterns.

Valley of Fire, as its name indicates is the result of fire's work. The lava formed this dark site, it's flow would run up to 44 miles south from this little peak. A m

illion years after this event, the soil has become a 'paradise' for the plants and offers a very fertile ground for them to thrive.



Surprisingly they found their way into crevasses and lava cracks. Given the amount of lava still visible I was very surprised to see the diversity and quantity of plant species.


Valley of fire is a beautiful site, but I couldn't help but notice that all this black color certainly brought a different mood than White Sands. W e arrived with an uplifted and positive mind. After being around this surreal landscape and dark colors for a while, I realized that sadness and quietness were the emotions and state of mind that took over our mood.

This confirmed the importance of our environment, and how nature influences us. If you don't like the environment, you are living in, be sure to take some time to think on how you can change it. Add some lighter or brighter colors to your world, or simply colors you like. Add some plants. Give smiles to others, as you will receive them back!
This week I challenge you to be creative and make a pos

itive and lasting change in your life, your environment, maybe by changing a habit, maybe by changing some décor... Do something that make YOU feel good! And please let me know how it changes your everyday life:

The power of the Stone

I have been blessed to come to Sedona again, a sacred place; not just because of it's beauty, powerful rocks, the earth's energy and famous vortex; but also because of the wonderful people who live there or visit.
A couple of weeks ago, I helped my friend Lilou to interview a few of them.
A true journey of the heart, from the heart, in the heart of the Southwest!
Speaking about energy and rocks, I'd like to introduce to you a new teachings' series: the properties and power of gemstones.

Last year I told you about the Animal totems, how to use them and what they are teaching us. This year, I'll share with you in this newsletter the power and energies the stones, crystals and gems can give us. This is called: Lithotherapy.

The very first stone of this series is the Beautiful Turquoise.
It is a very typical stone of the Southwest. It was mined here, traded, and made into amazing jewelry.

I love this stone for its color and properties.

Navajo Turquoise, is a mixture of the turquoise stone and sard which forms the beautiful lines you see in the stones.

The combination of turquoise and sard, give you the love and connection energies from turquoise mixed with the attachments to family, home, and your roots which come from the sard. It is to help you stay in a place of love and connectedness with others so you can feel at "home" no matter where you are.

One of the main compounds of the turquoise stone is copper which gives it that amazing blue and green color. Turquoise itself is also wonderful for drawing out negative vibrations from a person. Placed by the feet, worn in a sock or shoe, turquoise draws the negativity out of the person and as it dissipates, allows the negativity to go back into the ground.
This beautiful stone can also be helpful in uplifting, bonding with your spiritual nature, and opening us up to giving and receiving.
One of the main compounds of the turquoise stone is copper which gives it that amazing blue and green color. Turquoise itself is also wonderful for drawing out negative vibrations from a person. Placed by the feet, worn in a sock or shoe, turquoise draws the negativity out of the person and as it dissipates, allows the negativity to go back into the ground.

About.com Holistic Healing
Spiritual and Healing Properties of Turquoise

Board Breaking...in New Mexico

Last week, we did an amazing experience of going beyond our fears, and Lilou with her Juicy Living tour filmed it!

I have to say that it was awesome. We did that in the beautiful setting of Galisteo, NM. When Gwendolina arrived with the boards, I began to worry a little bit...I didn't expect it to be so thick!

But Gwen prepared us very well, and we spent some time talking and visualizing about going beyond our fears. Then the excitement began. And I couldn't wait to try.

I love the fact that Gwen had us write on the board what we were looking to achieve, and let go of. I believe this helped to break the board.

That was my first 'board-breaking' experience...and I am looking forward for the next one....and...the fire-walk!

Want to experience it? Check it out and contact Gwendolina to set up a workshop...

Have you ever done this? What was your feelings once you broke the board?

Bring your Heart to White Sands

The first time I went to White Sands, NM it was the end of summer, and I was really amazed by this white desert. Although it is a desert and a 'moving one,'

some plants have succeeded in surviving. Yes it is moving, because as with any dune, the wind is a huge factor, and makes the landscape change and move, which of course becomes a big problem to maintain the paths and roads within this exceptional area.

Here, again, you are confronted with the immensity and the very long work of time through the landscape.

When in this desert, you are definitely inspired towards meditation and rejuvenation. If you are looking for some inspiration, it is a fabulous place to reconnect with nature and, by simply being in the moment, enjoying this unique site, immensity, and calm.

Even in the middle of the hottest summer days, when touching the sand, about ½ inch under, it is cold; the sand is such a pure white, that it deflects the sun heat.

So be careful, don't get lost and stay too late in this fascinating beauty, or the cold will get you at dusk...

White Sands' dune

The most renowned mystery of Santa Fe…. about to be unveiled.

Legend is often rooted in truth and truth in legend...

Before we enter into the chapel…we will read this sign. Everything you can read on it, is erroneous!

Loretto Chapel! No no no, but maybe “The Chapel of our Lady of Light” was a little bit too long to put on this sign. But that is its real name.
Built in 1873! Do you really think that such a sophisticate jewel could have been built in one single year? It took 5 to be completed, until 1878.

The best! Miraculous Stairway...

The legend goes… I won’t give you all the sleazy - flimsy details of the story.

But it is said that due to the murder of young Mouly, the architect of the chapel, the choir was left with no plans or drawings to figure out how access it!

The Loretto sisters begun to do what they knew best, they pray! And it worked!
After 9 days of prayers (called a novena) to St Joseph, the patron saint of the carpenters…a white bearded-man carrying a toolbox and traveling with a donkey, appear at the convent door, seeking for work… as a carpenter! What a great co incidence!

The sisters employed him immediately. The man built a two 360 degree spiral staircase, piece of art! And disappeared, without even asking to be paid for his labor!

Who wouldn’t want to know the name of such a model employee! Many begun to assure that Saint Joseph himself came to built the Miraculous Staircase, in Santa Fe!

And this... was the Legend.

And this is the object of the controversy.
What everyone agrees on, is that this is artistically evident that the 19th century craftsman who built the staircase in this chapel was a MASTER carpenter. From any angle you look at it, it’s simply magnificent

and perfect!
After many years of thorough research, Mary Straw Cook, the author of the book Loretto: The Sisters and Their Santa Fe Chapel could state with no doubts: Francois-Jean Rochas, was the talented carpenter.

The question now is: HOW did he build it? How this amazing stairway can stand withouta central axe and no nails? ...

Rochas, also known as ‘Frenchy’ seemed to have received training as a ‘compagnon’.

When I researched on the compagnon’s carpenter from his time, 19th century, these types of stairways were quiet common.

‘The compagnons du tour de France’, that’s their exact name, -

absolutely not related to the ‘actual tour de France’ that you might have heard

from - is a French organization of craftsmen and artisans dating from the Middle age, and still active today!

The young people who aspire to become a compagnon, have to take a two years course, where they learn the basic of their work, then they leave for a ‘Tour de France” which now can be all around the world, for three to five years, in different cities, and with different masters.

The knowledge is transmitted only verbally from masters to apprentice; it is kept secret because only those who deserve it can receive the knowledge.

It is not a technical knowledge only, but also the teaching of philosophy, the symbolic, and values: fraternity, equity, and appreciation of the well-done labor for the welfare of the community. Only those who can apply these values in their everyday life are worthy of the knowledge.

At the end of their ‘compagnonnage’, the student has to build a ‘model’ of EXCEPTION to show his abilities, before receiving the title of ‘compagnon’.

Even with a nice and well said legend, it’s the labor and chef d’oeuvre which really matter and which is admire centuries later. As a compagnon, I’m sure Rochas understood this. It was not about him, it was about doing something of exception for the benefice of the community. And for the little story, he did receive payment for his labor. (see pictures above from the museums of 'les compagnons du tour de France' of the 19th century.

As Benjamin Franklin said: “Well done is better than well said”.

The pure joy of one of the most beautiful world's wonders: White Sands

White Sands is the largest desert of gypsum in the world, but above all it is one of the world's great wonders! All this white gives you a sense of pure joy, euphoria (a mental and emotional state defined as a profound sense of well being).

This is such a fascinating area, it seems that everyone entering this amazing place, leave any sadness at the entrance. Just like the snow often bring excitement, white sands give you joy and excitement, without the cold. You can play for hours in this immense 'sandbox' until sunset....then it turn itself as such a beauty, you'll be in awe! What was blue and white so far turn multicolored, with pink, orange, red colors, it is simply fascinating to watch and hard to turn away from it.

Early morning and late afternoon are definitely the best time to witness this pure beauty and immerse yourself into this inspiring desert. The shadows of the dunes gives you more relief.

If you go with your kids, (or just want to retrieve your inner child...) bring or purchase a luge (a small one- or two-person sled) and enjoy the play area...

Treasure Hunt in Santa Fe, NM

We celebrated Thanksgiving with a lot of fun around the heart of Santa Fe (the Santa Fe plaza’s surname as many discovered) discovering its history, stories and beauties, as well as how cold Santa Fe can be!

The Santa Fe Trail...On the road to our roots

The Santa Fe Trail was one of the first commercial roads trough the West and played a huge role in the development of the Wild West. The first wagons began to head west in 1821 and the traffic increased steadily until 1879. When the Railroad reached the area it became easier, faster and more secure to travel west.

The Santa Fe Trail started in Franklin, Missouri and ended in Santa Fe, New Mexico; it went through Kansas, Colorado (the Mountain route) or Oklahoma (the Cimarron route) and New Mexico.

Spanning 900 miles between Franklin, MO and Santa Fe, NM the trail brought tog ether diverse cultures that cooperated most of the times and clashed sometimes. One sure thing is that it changed forever the life of the Indian people from the Plains.

If early encounters were peaceful, it changed rapidly with the increase of traffic.

The trail was a vital trading route for commercial goods and later military supplies.

Textile and hardware were the main products brought to the West while silver and mules were heading East.

The Power of Connection, between Nature and Wisdom

Presentation at Ignite NM 7

Nature and wisdom, the power of connection!

By connecting with our environment we reconnect with our inner wisdom, with our true nature, we

can then… unleash our full potential to create the life we want! Do you want to know how?

Let me tell you a little bit about myself and how I became so passionate about helping others to get connected with nature, our environment and their inner wisdom.
After many years of working in the corporate world as a landscape designer, I realized I was doing more and more technical design and computer work, and being less often outside where I had a very special connection with nature. I began to feel miserable but most importantly, I knew that I was moving away from who I truly am, my purpose, and my passions.

A defining moment happened when… I had to get an emergency surgery, and some complication forced me to stay at the hospital (for the first time in my life) for a week. As soon as I came back to work, I knew I had to change my life. I had to take action and follow my heart.
I quit my job, sold my furniture, and hit the road towards the west…not knowing exactly what I was going to do, except reconnect with who I am.
This journey enabled me to meet experts in a variety of fields who taught me to trust my own instinct and live with passion.

The day I decided to apply the principles I learned, everything in my life unfolded. After few months of reconnecting with nature and my purpose, I created Travel Heart, which combines my passion for travel and being around stunning landscapes with my desire for continuous learning, personal growth, and deepening inner wisdom while sharing and helping others.

I have since made a commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional life to sharing with others the power of nature and the wisdom of experts, so that they too can live with joy and passion and to connect with their own wisdom.

Lets get connected!

Why? Because every action we do, has an impact on each other, on the earth, on our future and on the future of the earth.
Let’s reconnect with our environment, the nature but also anything that surrounds us. As the Lakota say: Mitakuye Oaysin; we are ALL related! We are all ONE! The plants, the Earth, the stones, the air,the animals and us humans.

Native Americans have based most of their values and philosophy on the lessons they learned from ‘Mother Earth’.
What better example than the philosophy of the Zia tribe, represented in our New Mexican flag, by the Zia sun?

A very simple symbol yet, meaningful and powerful.

The Zia sun reflects the wealth of spiritualism, teaching the basic harmony of all things in the universe.

Four is a sacred number for Indians and it embodies the Earth and its four main directions, the year with its four seasons, the day (Sunrise, noon, afternoon and sunset), life and its four division: childhood, youth, manhood and old age. The circle of life and love, which has no end and no beginning, binds all this.

The Zia believe, too, that in this great brotherhood of all things, man has four sacred obligations: he must develop a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and a devotion to the welfare of his people.

I believe these four obligations create harmony and balance in our life.

When we are balanced we can easily reach out and get connected with everything around us, remember how the animals we encounter teach us lessons or deliver us messages? (See my newsletter on the power of the animal totems)

No matter where you live, you are surrounded by nature. Yes even in New York City. As soon as warm days are here, many New Yorkers are rushing towards Central Park, and lay down on the grass. And Manhattan is an Island, surrounded by water! What a powerful element!

And nature, it’s the wind, the air, the rain, the snow, and the sun. I am sure that each of these elements brings a feeling within you. Do you feel sad when it’s pouring rain? Sometimes even angry because it ruined your hair, or you are soaked to your bones and cold? Don’t you love to feel a cool breeze on your face on a hot summer day?

Snow brings the cold, yet doesn’t it make you smile to watch the kids shouting their excitement and playing with this light white powder? And building snow men?

See how our feelings and mood can emerged from…’Mother Nature’

So it is not a matter of “I don’t have much nature around me”, yes you do. Now, what is the connection between Nature AND Wisdom?

Native Americans were wise enough to observe nature, to celebrate it, to honor it and respect it. Because they know that we can’t control nature (although we try hard!). They understand that nature needs the seasons to rejuvenate itself, and that we need the youth as much as we need the old age.

One definition of wisdom is a deep understanding of people, things, events or situations, empowering the ability to choose or act to consistently produce the optimum results with a minimum of time and energy,

By becoming aware of everything that surrounds us, and how it makes us feel, we are connecting to our environment, and when we know that everything is related, we chose our actions carefully. We become wise!

It is the same with our human environment; some of our relationships make us feel miserable, unworthy, disempowered, sad or angry.

Listen to your heart; you know who you are within yourself, as soon as you let go of a toxic relationship, beautiful ones will arrive in your life. Your life will unfold. Because you are reconnecting with who you are, because you are honoring yourself, because you are respecting yourself, and because you are now taking care of yourself.

Native Americans understood early, that we are ONE, we are deeply connected with everything around us, we are part of Nature.

By reconnecting with ‘Mother nature’ and our environment, we are retrieving our true nature, we are releasing an amazing energy, and so we attract the same. We are ready to create our life and to become all we can be.

Chaco Canyon, a sacred place!

We went to Chaco Canyon, in June, our visit was extraordinary. First because the site is exceptional! It is a sacred place. I think anybody can feel the energy which is there, but also the connection with the ancient and their wisdom. And then because we accomplish few things we didn't know it was possible!

For some it was getting up at 5:30AM to witness the beauty of the sunrise and experience the peace of this moment, and enjoying it!

For others it was climbing vertical rocks to go from the bottom of the canyon to the top of the Mesa, which was widely rewarded with stunning views and encounter!

For some it was hiking under very hot temperatures, and with no shade whatsoever.

Whatever the challenge was Chaco Canyon is an experience by itself, that continues long after you left the canyon (yes it's that powerful).

Chaco was also a center of cosmology, and a place of ceremonies, if you take the time to 'sink' into this sacred place, the place will 'sink' into you...

Watch the video and let me know how it makes you feel? Can you see the animals "hiding" in the rocks? What inspired you the most?

Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all related!

Breaking habits allows us to call for renewal.
Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all related; this was the name of the last workshop with Cathy Smith that I announced few weeks ago. And I keep seeing this phrase all over, in books, on the Internet. It is a very strong and powerful statement.

For Native Americans, it includes everything: the human race, the plants, the animals, stones, earth and sky; we are all ONE!

That's why being in Nature is so powerful and important to help us reconnect with who we are and with our environment.

To help you break up with old habits and put new ones in place, we choose one of the most beautiful settings of America to be sure to inspire you.


Between Montana and Wyoming the Beartooth pass is breathtaking and profoundly inspiring. Read this week's article about this unique place, and register today for these 6 days ofrejuvenation and empowerment!

You will also learn how Indian art and Nature will help you reconnect with the powerful YOU.

http://travelheart.net/Up_Coming_Trips.html

Our trip in Sedona, AZ

I'd like to share with you the beauty, magic and energy of Sedona, from our trip in April. Sedona is Always a Unique and empowering experience. You are in direct connection with Mother Earth, but it's also the Old west...with its abandoned mines...

Have you ever been to Sedona, AZ. What is your favorite experience there?

Eagle Feather

Did you know?

If the eagle feather is dropped during a powwow, everything comes to a halt until the feather is honored. Eagle feathers are treasured and precious to Indian people.

Historically and traditionally, it is the right of any wounded warrior to retrieve a fallen eagle feather.

The eagle feather is the spirit of a fallen warrior and can only be matched in power by the same. Recording and photographing such a ceremony is strictly forbidden.

Source: Rocky Boy Tribe