Donna Karan’s foundation Urban Zen is extraordinary. I have attended several events at its headquarters in lower Manhattan. Last night Arianna Huffington was the speaker, the week before Dr. Christianne Northrop. Both of these women are powerful thinkers and make a difference in the lives of women everyday. We will share a video in the near future with highlights of their talks. And Christianne will be featured on womenworking.com next month.
Arianna referred to the critical mind and the difference between awareness and criticism. How the first is constructive and the second can be deadly. Criticism disconnects and awareness can unify. She also mentioned how important forgiveness is. Why hold a grudge, it does nothing for your body, mind or spirit. Letting go is the answer.
The subject of “guilt” came up. She talked about her mother as a true nurturer, and that sometimes she falls short when she compares herself to her. (Arianna has two grown daughters who by the way are doing well). I certainly can relate to “guilt”!
The idea that the body requires restorative sleep is key. And she mentioned how different she is when she gets the sleep she needs as when she doesn’t. Agree! Also, she shared what helps to get a good night sleep is to darken the room when going to bed. When she travels, she brings scarves to put over lit areas in the hotel room. (Even when the lights are turned off, those areas are still there). And she doesn’t keep her cell phone and other devices on once she goes to bed — doesn’t check emails at some ungodly hour in the morning either. GREAT ADVICE!
