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< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A Pink FULL MOON and we love Pink! Wednesday, 24 April 2024 Pink often symbolizes love, compassion, and femininity. This FULL MOON is named pink because of the wildflowers (phlox from North America) that blossoms in spring. But their various names are based on cultures and regions. The Pink moon represents renewal, growth, and the arrival of spring. At MUNISA ELEPHANTI we’re in desperate need of spring. The need for dry and sunny weather could help the body to feel much better. Let’s go south! As traveling isn’t always that easy to accomplish, I travel in my mind. This time to Mexico! My uncle came back from a trip to Mexico when I was around 9 years old. That had a huge impact on my life. Beside the funny foods and tequila, he was explaining to my dad, he told me for the first time about Frida Kahlo! I immediately fell in love. To hear about a woman with a disability who was wearing a same kind of casquet a I had just weeks before. She was a painter an artist and had her own thoughts of life and wasn’t afraid to share her mind. Actually, all her paintings are a view inside her mind. The way she captures the feeling of pain and being lost or trapped into a body that doesn’t matches your hopes, believes, and dreams is incredible. I hope I can one day visit her old house to give my absolute honor and respect I have for her. As she would say: “¡Viva la Vida!” If you can’t go to Mexico, you bring Mexico to you! Two years ago I was really lucky because the paintings of Frida Kahlo visited The Netherlands at the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen and an exposition at the Drenths Museum. At the latter I could finally see my all-time favorite painting ‘The broken Column”. The painting is symbolic of the physical and emotional pain she endured throughout her life. Seeing this painting was amazing! I had tears of joy and sadness at the same time. Frida made very explicit paintings with blood and death. I can understand it’s not for everybody. However, the broken column has no blood. The column represents her spine. The nails piercing her skin suggest her constant pain she experienced. The suffering expression on her face is one of strength and resilience. Even writing about this moment makes me so happy. There are multiple ways to experience other countries and we all love to do some shopping! Especially for my service dog Vedrá (click on the related content button below), buying for her always makes me happy. I found a dog brand from Mexico named Tulum. They joined the “Tzotzil” Indian community to mix modern design with ancient artisan techniques. The “Tzotzil” are an indigenous Maya people of the central highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. Every sale provides a sustainable and local employment. They also support a rescued dog foundation with animal health care, buying food or whatever the rescued animals need. That’s why MUNISA ELEPHANTI loves a brand like this! But how did I get it here in The Netherlands?! Well, my local animal shop is the first one in The Netherlands where you can buy Tulum from Mexico! Doesn’t Vedrá look lovely in it?! So, to end my day in Mexico. I’m going to make myself a nice Mexican diner. I’ll put on a Mexican playlist and watch Frida Kahlo the movie. My mind was in Mexico even though I couldn’t go, I was there. MUNISA ELEPHANTI wishes you a mind that travels from time to time for renewal, growth, and the arrival in you! Related content Previous Next

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Winter is coming, but in my heart, it's summer! Monday, 27 November 2023 My favorite destination is undoubtedly Ibiza. So cliché, but the relaxation I experience there is so intense. I want to particularly talk about the last week of a vacation. My husband left a week earlier than me due to work. I had long wanted to turn my stay into a mindfulness/retreat/silence week, and this was my chance... It resulted in some very special experiences. For several years, I've been focused on conscious living, something that makes my limitations bearable in difficult times. I've taken mindfulness courses, been on a retreat, attended yoga classes, and much more. (Click on the related content button below, if you like to get more inspiration) Hence, I didn't really choose a name for this week, so I'd like to mention the mix for you. I combined everything I've learned throughout my life to get closer to myself during the last week in Ibiza. Lots of meditation, 'walking' (getting dropped off at a place but mentally walking, weird huh, but yes, it really works!), eating healthy, living with the sun not the clock, no phone, no social media, no conversations with people from home. In short, if you feel lonely, don't call home but find it there. In some cases, stepping out of your comfort zone. A storm is approaching, and my body starts sounding the alarm like a weatherwoman. It's something I've had my whole life. As soon as there's a storm, thunder, or something similar approaching, my right shoulder starts to tense up, and before you know it, my whole body. Normally, this is a moment when I'd lie in bed and entertain myself with TV and social media. But yes, I had agreed not to do that. So, I didn't. But I noticed that, for example, Facebook gives me a feeling of being 'in the know'. So, if I don't look, am I not in the know? And all those people I can't congratulate!! That's really not fun! Of course, celebrating every day that you're alive is best, but your birthday is special. What many people don't know is that it takes a lot of hand function to make this possible. Even the standard 'congratulations' under my phone's copy button I rarely did because even that costs too much energy. So, I quickly realized how ridiculous this actually was. So much energy to congratulate on Facebook! There's no better place than Ibiza to accept this. There are just things in life that many people often do constantly but due to my limitations are simply not possible. Even though nowadays you can dictate a lot more, one must consider that you still need a hand function level for that. For example, I can't always dictate on WhatsApp because my voice is getting harder to understand...! But okay, back to accepting. I'm so in the Ibiza flow that not using social media is pretty easy. I'm sitting in the most beautiful places with my assistance dog by my side (so safe). I smell the sea, feel the wind through my hair, and everyone radiates. It'll be much harder at home where all I know is 'Winter is coming'..! The difference is we're not there now, so stay in the now. I have to laugh at myself as I write this, but seriously... Stay in the now!! I go to my favorite spot in Ibiza for the last time to imprint the moment in my mind so that I can return to this place from anywhere in the world. I meditate for a long time. I try to store everything I see in my mind. The birds flying past me as if I were one of them. The wind blowing over my face. In complete tranquility, we see a boat approaching. Very far away. As it gets closer, I burst out laughing! It's obviously a boat, not a little boat (I'm not very good at estimating). They sail peacefully along the coast out of my sight. More and more people come to stand beside me to see what I'm looking at. It doesn't annoy me; it even brings peace. It's too beautiful not to share. Some people don't see it; others sit down next to me and quietly watch. The sun slowly sets; it's time to go. Back home. 'Winter is coming' but in my heart, it's summer! Related content Previous Next

< Back Sound Bowls and Their Healing Powers Date added: 8 Apr 2024 Duration: 1 - 15 min Category: Body & Soul Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Link kopiëren Introduction This crystal sound bowl is perfect for this NEW MOON with a total solar eclipse (in North America). Description Before I bought my own crystal sound bowl, I visited several different sound bowl sessions to see and feel if it would suit me. Not every sound session was amazing, but the crystal sound bowls are next level. They can change your vibration in seconds. Depending on the material, frequency, note, and even the color, it can make a difference. I bought my own crystal sound bowl two years ago when I felt the need to heal my heart after experiencing so many losses. I found Cosmic Sound Bowl on Instagram. All sound bowls are handmade, and they are really helpful in explaining what suits you best at this time for your needs. My sound bowl is called ‘Ocean’. The color turquoise stands for balance, peace, and spiritual growth. In terms of sound and vibration, the power of an E tone can be quite profound. The resonance can vary on the body, mind, and spirit. It can promote feelings of love, compassion, and harmony. When I use my ‘Ocean’ sound bowl combined with meditation (or on its own), it helps me balance energy and promotes relaxation. Sometimes it brings tears of joy, or I release everything that’s not suitable for me anymore. It is also lovely to combine it with burning sage (click on the related content button below). I don’t always use ‘Ocean’ by myself anymore. MUNISA ELEPHANTI loves to share. I have even hosted several Zoom meetings with it. Of course, the feeling of the vibrations can't reach through the screen, but even then, it can give you comfort and love. The power of the feeling in a room while working together is amazing. People side by side with the same intention is powerful. When I add a sound bowl like ‘Ocean’, the energy transcends. MUNISA ELEPHANTI promises to fill the room with love and relaxation. Related content Previous Next

< Back Mind Pictures Please Date added: 6 Jun 2024 Duration: 1 - 15 min Category: Body & Soul Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Link kopiëren Introduction With summer coming up we all need that special picture for our family or social media. What if you make a Mind picture this time?! Let me show you how! Description Having a picture of a moment you tressure can bring so much joy! Holding an old picture in your hand of your grandmother can bring you back to that moment when you were just a kid. Nowadays we can make pictures everywhere and every day. We don’t take the time to see what’s best. We just click and click. Afterwards we’ll pick one that’s the most ‘beautiful ‘one. MUNISA ELEPHANTI invites you to take one mind pictures this summer. Just ONE. You can click and send as many other pictures as possible for family, friends, and socials. Whether you’re enjoying a meal, sitting in the sand, swimming, or watching a sunset its all on you. Just look around at every detail. What do you see? Little birds? People laughing? A flower? What do you smell? Is it warm? Do you feel a breeze? Are you sitting in the sun? Maybe you are enjoying snow because you don’t like heat. Who is with you? A moment by yourself is also perfect. A mind picture doesn’t judge. The lighting is always perfect! You look perfect! Your hair, make-up, everything is amazing. That’s why mind pictures are so much fun! They can bring you back straight away. All because you used all your senses. You made a mindful picture that no one can take away from you. It will last forever in your mind. You can share your mind picture by telling them your experience and what you feel. People want to be in your mind picture because it sounds and feel like an amazing summer! MUNISA ELEPHANTI wishes you a happy NEW MOON and summer! On next FULL MOON I’ll share a personal mind picture. Fill in the contact form to be the first to be informed! Related content Previous Next

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Saint Rosa Pray for Us Monday, 19 August 2024 In Sittard we honour Saint Rosa de Lima from Peru with a beautiful chapel on top of the hill and a procession for 355 years. The Procession is the last Sunday of august and one of the last processions of the Netherlands. Saint Rosa from Lima was born on 20 April 1586 as Isabella de Flores de Olivia. She was a daughter of a Spanish couple. She lived a sober life with prayer and fasting. She showed an extraordinary calmness and self-control. In 1606 she became a member of the third Order of Saint Dominicus. Her characteristic were penance and spiritual life. Besides this she also was known for her embroidery work and her knowledge of flower growing. Some people called her a mystic. In the second half of the 17th century, Sittard and its surroundings were plagued by a dysentery epidemic, which resulted in many deaths. The Dominican fathers who had settled in Sittard in 1626 ran a flourishing educational institution. They were also active in Peru in South America. Therefore, they were familiar with this first non-European blessed and later Saint Rosa. They advised the people of Sittard to call on Rosa as an advocate against the deadly treat of this epidemic. The city council accepted this advice and promised – if the epidemic would subside – to declare Rosa the city patroness saint. They also promised to build a chapel in honour of St. Rosa on the highest point of Sittard – on the Kollenberg – and to hold an annual procession. The dysentery epidemic passed the city by and the people of Sittard fulfilled the promise made! 355 years later and the people of Sittard honour her every year. Munisa Elephanti loves the tradition. It’s the connection to a higher goal in life. It’s a heavy walk-up hill. Especially, because you walk a procession pass. That’s slow and step by step. On top of the hill the chapel always shines. Munisa Elephanti loves to meditate here or just enjoy the view. The procession starts at ‘de Markt’ where harmonies, scouting, sisters, acolytes, relics, the bishop and the faithful pray their way up. Once you arrive at the beautiful chapel service will take place. It’s that time where you can reflect on life. Since we all know what a pandemic is. It’s even more important to live your life with gratitude and grace. Once the procession walks back to ‘Markt’ it ends with a service in the St. Michael’s church. After the service the relics will be returned to their safe places and we enjoy a retro fair, drinks and food. St. Rosa is an inspiration to Munisa Elephanti. She dedicated her life to inform people how to take care of themselves. How to be hygienic in this time of the epidemic. Unfortunately, she died at the age of only 31. After a fateful 15 years of long and painful illness full of desolation, insults and reproaches. We can never know when it is our time to leave the planet. That’s for sure. However, we can make a decision what we do with the time we have here on earth. Munisa Elephanti just like Rosa loves flowers and embroidery and some call me mystic too. A saint we’re definitely not! Hihihi! Munisa Elephanti is sure about that. So, mark in your agenda every last Sunday of August you need to be in Sittard. To enjoy and experience a procession that’s 355 years old. Nowadays you would call it a retreat or mindful walk. The procession to honour St. Rosa is much deeper that you can ever experience. Even Ibiza can’t top this 😉. Click on the link below to learn more about St. Rosa from the St. Rosa Committee. Related content Previous Next

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Celebrate PRIDE, Be PRIDE Thursday, 23 May 2024 I grew up taking pride for granted because I thought it was “normal” and generally accepted. Pride can have multiple meanings depending on the context. MUNISA ELEPHANTI relates pride to a positive sense of self-worth, achievement, or belonging, and pride as in group identity of the LHBTIQ+ community. Pride in the LHBTIQ+ community has historical roots in activism and resistance against societal discrimination and oppression. The term “Pride” itself originated from the stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, a pivotal event in the LHBTIQ+ rights movement. In 2001 The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, reflecting its progressive stance on LHBTIQ+ rights. I was 17 years old with my naïve perception of the world. If The Netherlands is the first of the world it must be safe forever. Unfortunate to see that it seems we’re going backwards. We still celebrate pride and is still very much needed. Nowadays the most known pride event in the Netherlands is the “Canal Parade” in Amsterdam (July 27th till August 4th, 2024). It’s really crowded with a lot of people but has an amazing vibe. If your unable to visit you can even watch it live on television! Love it!! MUNISA ELEPHANTI isn’t always capable to actually be at a location or venue. Having the ability to watch the Canal Parade means you’re a part of it and especially if more people from the LHBTIQ+ community feel unsafe they can start low key from their home. Pride is celebrated in June in most countries such as U.S.A, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. Last year Munisa Elephanti was at SOHO, London. Don’t you love how the street is decorated. All the colors make you happy even if it’s a rainy day! As a young girl my parents allowed me to be me in every way I wanted to be. My dad even gave me my nickname Dennis (as mentioned on the about me link) because of my (sometimes) masculine look. Click on the related content button below, if you like to know more about ME. No surprise with such parents that I took pride for granted. With my parents being so supportive that doesn’t mean everyone had the same thoughts about it. I’ve been judged and bullied for my nickname a lot. People even tried to push me in being a lesbian for you must make a discission. Making a choice was a trigger for me throughout my life in various ways. Picking the right shoe color could take hours back then. In therapy I learned that I’m aloud to love in any kind of way. I don’t have to make a choice to help someone understand! Making a choice only has the right value if it benefits yourself! So, I fell in love with women and men in my live. I don’t know if bisexual is the right word anymore. Now knowing more about the differences and possibilities I just fall in love with people because of their inner light that shines through my inner light and when it meets it goes “KaBoem”! Or there’s nothing happening at all. My light doesn’t judge on gender in any way! This year MUNISA ELEPHANTI will celebrate pride on Ibiza. Ibiza pride (10th already!) will be filled with color, tolerance, and diversity. It’s a 9-day event from June 7th to June 15th, 2024. There so many activities it’s hard to choose. Off course IF you can visit, then you can go for everything from, parades, galas, young and proud activities, speakers, musical, and many more! Let MUNISA ELEPHANTI know if you go and were. Maybe we can meet up. Just send LOVE via the contact form below for questions or anything else. If you can’t make to Ibiza pride this year no worries. There are amazing parties and venues throughout the season. One of my favorite parties is La Troya in Club Chinois every Monday (opening June 3th). La Troya is one of the most provocative LHBTIQ+ parties. Or maybe you’ll like a few cocktails and meet new people. Go to Mona Lisa in Ibiza town. Lovely staff and funny decorations. I love the Barbie vitrine. If you know you know! MUNISA ELEPHANTI has to wait 15 days for Ibiza Pride X! Hope to see you there! Related content Previous Next

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Floral Dinner Feels Like Gucci Saturday, 23 December 2023 We love dinner parties! Gathering with friends and family around a long decorated table with delicious dishes is simply delightful. It's almost Christmas, and we've been celebrating Boxing Day for 17 years now. It's wonderful to be together and reflect on the year, amazing every year! We have a different theme each year; we usually look at a few images to find a connection with that year and come up with a theme. This year, flowers! In Full Moon September, I wrote about Vedra and the freedom a service dog brings, do you remember the goat cheese lollipops from the New Moon?! (click on the related content button below). My husband has become even more enthusiastic about the Gucci brand through his work, and they happen to have the theme "Floral" this year. Clearly, this year's theme is flowers. Once the theme is decided, we look at the color palette. Then, the menu. Always considering our guests. Vegetarian, allergies, or alcohol-free, it's all there. Making everyone feel at home is top priority. We send out invitations and then create the menu and name cards. The table arrangement isn't meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, you always sit with your partner, no worries. It's important that conversations can flow well, but not everyone has a partner, and they should also feel comfortable mingling at the table. It's so lovely to push the dining table apart, grab extra chairs, set out the tablecloth, plates, knives, glasses, you name it. Slowly, the party becomes more visible. It becomes more and more flowery, both on the table and in the dishes. The delightful scents of herbs and flowers mix together. Thanking everyone for everything is great fun, but the result of the beautiful bouquet and the delightful dried flowers is epic! We've enjoyed it. What do you think of the result?! You can always send us Love. Hopefully, we've inspired you to organize a themed dinner, not because you have to, but because you can! MUNISA ELEPHANTI wishes you Happy Holidays! Related content Previous Next

< Back Eurovision Song Contest Date added: 8 May 2024 Duration: 120 - 240 min Category: Art Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Link kopiëren Introduction The Eurovision Song Contest began as a technical experiment in television broadcasting: the live, simultaneous, transnational broadcast that Europe has now been watching for nearly 70 years! Description My family loves Eurovision since I can remember. Together on the couch, snacks, blankets, and music. I really enjoy all the different cultures and people. So many differences or no difference at all? There’s music you’ll may not like but you’ll can also find music you didn’t knew you liked. Throughout the years Eurovision has evolved in many ways. Nowadays it’s a three-day event. With two Semi-Finals the first you unfortunately missed but no worries tomorrow (Thursday, 9th May, 21:00 CET) is the second Semi-Final with The Netherlands as one of the acts! Joost Klein will represent us this year with his song called “Europapa”. Joost said in interviews that he wants to be a connector for all Europeans. His father thought him that boundaries a made up by people itself, so he and his team create a world made up by themselves. I absolutely love this song and I really hope (and believe) it will be in the finale on Saturday, 11th May 2024, 21:00 CET! So, tune in this Saturday live from Malmö Arena in Sweden and click on the related button below to see the music video of Joost Klein performing “Europapa”. MUNISA ELEPHANTI gives EUROPAPA douze points! Unfortunately Joost Klein was disqualified. I'll get back to this topic once all information is clear. Related content Previous Next

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link I Can Buy Myself Flowers Friday, 29 September 2023 My adventure with a new assistance dog begins at the start of the full moon. My third assistance dog. Let's call her "Vedra" (I will come back to this in a later FULL MOON story, click on the related content button below). Everything I need in the form of an assistance dog will now come to fruition. With gratitude, I entered this adventure. With gratitude, I let go of my dearest second service dog (Louis). Knowing that he has ended up in the most wonderful family in Sittard. They are important to both Leroy and me, and they can give him the role he deserves. Louis is the happiest 'pensionado' there is. Of course, that doesn't mean that I don't miss him terribly and often feel sad. Truly loving someone also means knowing when to let go in love. This feels a thousand times better than with Lola, who could enjoy her retirement for such a short time. Slowly we enter a waning moon. A period that stands for relaxation, peace, acceptance, wisdom, sharing, and above all, "let it be." Exactly that is what Vedra and I are doing. Just getting to know each other. Who are you? What do you like? What do you dislike? Do you feel safe? No judgment, just being. My trainer comes weekly to help me. She knows Vedra better than I do and has more than 30 years of experience. This gives me support in every request for assistance. That brings peace. In the last quarter of the moon, it is important to face conflicts. Will you do everything the same, or have you learned from the previous period? Vedra and I are doing incredibly well. We are slowly climbing the mountain of love. She is eager to learn and work. I am the one who is damaged and the one who doubts. I walk outside with Vedra by my side. I walk as if she is about to pull a sled at any moment. However, she walks like an alpaca beside me. Louis, in the end, was like a sled dog for me! The ashen moon is perhaps one of my favorite phases of the moon. All intentions have been fulfilled. Let's say, "new rounds and therefore new opportunities"! Life always teaches, even in a cycle of 28 days (let alone a quarter)! As Vedra gains more and more confidence in herself, her trainer and I give her confidence back 100 times! It is time to look at what we need together to grow into a top team! Yes! Finally, a new moon! The moment to reflect and rest. Where do Vedra and I want to be at the next new moon? We love a "normal" retrieve. But grabbing slippers on command is 'next level' and super cool! By the way, did you know that she can also close a door? We were practicing, and it was going well. The next day, the trainer came to continue with opening the door... When the postman rang the doorbell, Vedra and I were in the middle of training. Enthusiastically, she showed that she could close it... But not open it... ;((( Nooooo!!! There I was in my hallway in my kaftan. Thank god my phone was in my hands so I could call someone. Luckily, my sister was able to open the door (shout out to Wommie!!). It was a drama then, now I find it hilarious! It's already a young crescent moon again. Time really goes much faster looking back than looking forward! So nice to reflect each time among all the positive and negative things we experience in our lives. The experience of time always seems faster in hindsight than in the moment! That's why it's now extra important to dream wonderfully! Explore what the possibilities are. Especially within the always ready-made "no" (which is obvious when you have a disability). Now think big and make it concrete where possible! The first quarter of the moon is perhaps one of the toughest... After dreaming nicely, doubt immediately sets in again. Can I do it? Am I asking too much? Am I worth it?! "Yes" to everything! Especially now! Trust yourself and trust each other. You are not just doing something. You are building! "They didn't build Rome in one day, they say!?" At this moment too, my environment and the trainer are essential! So, we booked a flight to Ibiza to fly for the first time with Vedra. While the waxing moon still lets you celebrate a bit in doubt, it's important to stay on course! Your endurance is being tested now! Yes, we can! We make our first journey, our first flight. We enjoy everything together for the first time! First time sun, sea, beach, cava, tapas, and more! The only thought we manifest during this trip is: gratitude. I am grateful for Vedra in my life. Grateful for my husband, family, friends, the trainer, and you. I see it again! I can buy myself flowers thanks to Vedrá! Related content Previous Next

< Back Relaxation Exercise Date added: 13 Nov 2023 Duration: 1 - 15 min Category: Body & Soul Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Link kopiëren Introduction Here's how you start with meditation for relaxation. Description The first step is already taken! You clicked on this NEW MOON item, and you're at least curious. Maybe you're not convinced yet, and that's okay. No judgment here. It can certainly provide you with insight. Enjoy! Lie on your back, hands on your belly, and feel your breath. Experience the breath. No conclusions. Breathe calmly. In and out. Place your arms beside your body. Breathe calmly. Now, focus on the pressure point at the back of your head against the surface. Move the pressure point by slowly rolling your head from left to right. Breathe calmly and repeat this (you decide how many times). Bring your focus back to your breathing. Has your breathing changed?! Feel the air flow. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Direct your attention back to the pressure point at the back of your head. While continuing to roll slowly from left to right (round off slowly). Place your arms back on your belly and feel your hands rise with your breath. Breathe calmly in and out. Open your eyes. Move slowly with your fingers and toes. Stretch your legs by pushing your heels away. Stretch your arms by lifting them slightly. Pull your knees up, grab them, and rock them gently from left to right. Loosen your lower back by turning your knees and feet in the opposite direction of your upper body. You are now completely clear and refreshed. Ready for the rest of the day. Congratulations! You've just done a meditative relaxation exercise. Super proud of you. The more you repeat this, the easier it will become. It's okay as it went. No judgment, and it will eventually become natural. Click on the related content button below, if you like to be inspired in how I put it to practice. Keep following MUNISA ELEPHANTI for more exercises! Related content Previous Next