Showing posts with label buenos aires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buenos aires. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Positive effects of Nature in humans

Nature holds a captivating power that makes us feel good and contributes to our well-being. From breathtaking landscapes to the smallest intricacies of life, our connection to the natural world has a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. There are many positive effects of nature in humans. Here are some.


Physical Health:

The natural world offers numerous avenues for physical activity and recreation, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or cycling stimulates our bodies and enhances cardiovascular fitness. Also, remember that regular exposure to sunlight also aids in vitamin D synthesis, strengthening our bones and immune system.  

Mental Well-being:

Nature acts as a powerful antidote to the stresses and anxieties of modern life. Being in natural surroundings fosters a sense of tranquility and peace, reducing levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. From a biological perspective, spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, while simultaneously increasing endorphin release, promoting feelings of happiness and contentment.


Cognitive Benefits:

Nature has a remarkable impact on our cognitive abilities and mental acuity. Spending time in natural environments improves attention span, memory, and problem-solving skills. The restorative effect of nature helps replenish our mental resources, allowing us to concentrate better and enhance our overall cognitive performance.


Emotional Resilience:

Nature has the power to evoke profound emotions within us. Whether it's the awe-inspiring sight of a mountain range, the gentle sway of trees in the breeze, or the melodic chirping of birds, these experiences foster a sense of connection, wonder, and awe. Such positive emotions have been linked to increased resilience, empathy, and a broader perspective on life's challenges. Ever watched an ant closely and for a while? 


Healing and Restoration:

The healing properties of nature have been recognized for centuries. Exposure to natural environments has been associated with accelerated recovery rates from physical ailments, reduced pain perception, and shorter hospital stays. The serenity and beauty of nature provide solace and comfort, aiding in emotional healing and providing a sense of hope.


Connection and Social Bonding:

Nature acts as a common thread that connects people. Sharing outdoor experiences with others strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of community. Whether it'sengaging in group activities like gardening, picnics, or nature walks, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones amidst nature's splendor, these shared moments forge deep connections and enhance our social well-being.


The positive effects of nature on humans are undeniable. From the physical benefits of an active lifestyle to the profound impact on mental, emotional, and social well-being, our connection to the natural world is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. As we navigate the demands of the modern world, let us not forget to immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature and reap the countless rewards it bestows upon us.



Monday, June 3, 2013

Vacations in the dark




Hi! did you have a nice weekend?

So, if you're in town and have a minimum understanding of the Spanish language, here's a fun play to go watch at the theatre. It's about relationships. A couple that has been in one for a long time decides to take DANCING lessons to get out of the routine.

One of the first things that came to my mind after wathing the play is that relationships are complicated, of course, we all know THAT. But, with all the complications and hardships, misunderstandings and trivial (non-happening) things that uhhmm... happen in a SOLID relationship, it IS good to be in a relationship. Don't you think?

The play touches the subject of monogamy and one of the characters says something like "it can make people crazy" but, in my opinion it can make people crazier to NOT be in a monogomous relationship. For example, at one point, one of the characters says how much "we need space" when we are in a long-term relationship. This character is talking to another person who has never been in a serious, long-lasting relationship. This person (the one who has never been in a relationship)says "really?? you need space?? and continues... "all I've ever known in my life is SPACE. It must be cool to NEED SPACE". Although the play is mostly funny, it does have sad parts like that. It also talks about blindness (therefore, the name "vacations in the dark"). When we are blinded by love. How we sometimes CHOOSE to be blind. And perhaps, more importantly, WHY we sometimes "decide" to look the other way.
I don't intend to tell you the whole story, but, I do recommend you see the play, cause it does make you laugh and think.

Enjoy!
Love,
M

Where? Paseo La Plaza, Buenos Aires.


Friday, September 14, 2012

Last Night


Buenos Aires, September 13, 2012


Why are the people rebellious?
Because the rulers interfere too much.
-Lao Tsu




Instagram Photo via: Oscar Villas 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) Photography Festival















"What will make your work pass to posterity is not so much the problem that you have chosen or the spirit with which you treat it, but the characters that you have created and the atmosphere you've immersed them in." 
- Arthur Shnitzler


The 2012 Festival of Light is currently taking place in Museums, Cultural Centers, Galleries and Art Venues in many cities of Argentina, including the provinces of Buenos Aires, Neuquén, Salta, Córdoba, Mendoza, Misiones, Río Negro and Tierra del Fuego, among others.

Today, I went to Centro Cultural Recoelta and I loved the work by Sara Facio. What you can read above (photo #2)  is the concept behind her work. Her landscapes are people.


For those of you who don't know about it, the Festival of Light is an international collaboration of 27 photography festivals around the world and the most important photography biennial exhibition in Latin America.

This cooperation has a common website: www.festivaloflight.net, and a continuous exchange of exhibitions, activities and participants. The Festival of Light - FOL is integrated by the cities of: Aleppo, Atlanta, Ballarat, Bamako, Braga, Brasilia, Bratislava, Buenos Aires, Derby, Cracovia, Houston, Kaunas, Lodz, Luxembourg,  Mexico, Montreal, Moscow, Odense, Paris, Portland, Porto Alegre, Tampere, Tenerife, Thessaloniki, Toronto.

If you're around, don't miss it, you'll like it!
xo

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Repsol, YPF




































Long, long ago, a guy called Sigmund Freud discovered that two opposed forces co-exist in the human mind: the death drive, the life drive.

If you are a bit familiar with Psychology you must know that the death drive in the human mind tends towards destruction. It is silently searching for material to use against itself. Our job as Psychologists is to drive intelligent, high functioning patients to their constructive side, so that they can succeed and become happier in their lives.

What happens when a decision taken under the death drive affects a country?

Friday, April 6, 2012

Bond - i Girls






























































































































































































So last night I was a at a dinner party and someone told me about this photographer, whose identity for now remains unknown. This photographer guy takes photos of girls who travel in public transportation, mostly buses, in the city of Buenos Aires. I have chosen some of his photos to share with you, but you can see more in
this facebook page.

He calls them Bondi Girls. Bondi is the Spanish word for bus. Thus the name. His motto is "no permission, no posing". If he sees a girl posing, he will cancel the photo. Cool idea! no posing for the candid camera.

Cheers to all the bus rider -bondi girls- lovers of public transportation in Buenos Aires! and of course to their personal photographer.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Once
































































Once (pronounced uhn-se) is a non-official neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires. Perhaps that's why some people call it "the non-place." Once is actually an area of a larger neighborhood called Balvanera.

Once could be described as a chaotic labyrinth of numerous shops and discount stores.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Acceptance

































How many times do we expect from another person to be something that they’re not? How often are we dissatisfied because of things that we have not been able to get or achieve? How often does life pass us by, while we are upset because we’d like for things to be different?

It’s not about losing hope or settling for less than our dreams. Comfort and gratitude are good states unless they prevent you from reaching your full potential. It’s about acceptance. It’s about understanding that we don’t have control over everything; we can’t live our lives trying to change things or people into what we want them to be. Accepting is understanding that for now, this is the way things are. At least for now. At this moment in time.

Sometimes, the best you can do is do everything that you can and then simply wait. To accept does not mean that you have to change your plans, it means that sometimes when you stop being so controlling and just let things flow, there is a bigger chance of things flowing in the direction that you want. 

To accept is to live in accordance with your own being. It’s about having the courage of living your own life, and not subordinating yourself to someone else’s plans. Often, the fear of being “excluded” can lead to adapting our wishes, expectations or decisions to those expectations from who we want a (false) acceptance.

To accept is a commitment to ourselves; to be honest about the way WE feel and think.

The theory of acceptance invites us to live our lives now, without travelling to the past or the future, so that we don’t lose focus. To accept is to be in touch with reality, with the present time, with what is happening here and now.

It’s liberating to think that once we stop being a fighting force and let things flow more naturally with what we have, we will breathe new airs, without leaving everything to the whims of uncertain times. After the rain, the sun always shines. If it’s raining today, try walking in the rain.



Extract from an article I read yesterday.
Source: LNR
This article is written by Jose Antonio García Higuera, a psychologist from Spain.
Translation: Michelle Cameron
Photo courtesy: Vogue UK

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

why read?



















A few days ago, I told my husband that sometimes, when I am in social situations I expect to engage in deep conversation but what I often get is superficial.

Topics of conversation are, generally, variations of the same subjects: type of cell phone, latest vacation and future vacation plans, hair and nail color trends, the newest collections, hotel recommendations, a comment about the latest criminal case, one or two anecdotes (if lucky), questions about how we raise or how we should educate our children, what works and what doesn't (really boring, cause you know, aside from giving them love and attention, each couple has it´s own ways that are determined by their own singularity, so "winner" formulas don´t really apply here), and a forecast of the way inflation is going to affect our economies in the upcoming future.

No matter what situation I find myself in, whether it's a meeting with friends or on my own, I´m always hoping to produce or encounter some form of knowledge, but, when I relate to some people I am left with the feeling that it simply will not happen. So, I asked my husband if maybe I should settle for superficial conversations.
The truth be said, I find that hard to achieve.

Even though I understand that these are times where focus is divided between the profound and superfluous (which I think works great towards a form of balance) I do wonder: when something calls our attention, I mean really calls our attention, isn't this a good reason to stop and focus for a moment on what interests us? Isn't that worth it? Isn't learning worth it? I am left with the feeling that this lack of interest (which applies to a lack of interest in books also) can lead people to loose their capacity to ask questions, be surprised and to engage at a deeper level with others.

I like to read. I think there are so many good reasons to read. This is what I wanted to share with you today. I like to read books, magazines, I read anything that calls my attention and which I feel I can learn from.

Reading, I educate myself. I discover subjects that interest me and I set myself to get a more profound understanding of them. I find which are the characters´ adventures and conflicts an author so kindly shares with me and the way they learn from each experience. I sometimes apply the characters´ findings to my own life or, at least, I test them.

Sometimes, reading helps me discover who I am, it also helps me to find meaning in what seems not to have it or not to feel alone when dealing with certain feelings or topics.

I may be slow in understanding it is best to switch from the Google search engine to Google Chrome (or so my 10 yr. old daughter says). That is my pace.

Reading reminds me that one´s personal growth takes time because true knowledge isn't superficial, it is the result of a deep learning process that takes place at one´s own pace.

People that don´t read miss the chance of finding out what is particular about themselves and others and are at risk of becoming dull talking about their latest cell phone. Or talking about other people.

Reading is worth it, don't you think?

"Don't sleep with people who don´t read!" - John Waters



Post by Valeria Mendez Cañás

Thursday, November 3, 2011

lol!





















How beautiful is that action that produces a strange and invigorating reaction in your entire body? A reaction that is physical, psychological and chemical at the same time and that changes the way you feel? "Laughter is a funny sound but when I laugh it’s a great feeling. " - Billy Crystal.

Statistics from a recent study show that children laugh about 300 times a day while adults only laugh about 10 to 15 times a day. This result is a bit worrying, no? I relate laughter with how well we are, ourselves.

When you laugh, according to Freud, the ego seeks to find pleasure and refuses to accept suffering that comes from the outside world.

According to Victor Frankl “Humor can provide the necessary distance to overcome any situation, even for a few seconds. “Attempts of developing a sense of humor, to see things in a humorous light are a trick I learned while we mastered the art of living, for, even in a concentration camp, it is possible to master the art of living ". - VF

Laughter is a privilege that men do not share with any other species, it seems; it is possibly the last thing to be lost. Once, a man was sentenced to death in Texas and as they were about to sit him in the electric chair someone asked him if he wanted a cigarette. He replied: 'No thanks, I'm trying to quit smoking' ... #okay

Laughter is cathartic, like dancing, it produces a break in the situations, it is pure profit. Laughter changes the look that you have on the self, raises self-esteem, develops hope, stimulates creativity, makes you younger, healthier and improves your relationships with others.

So ... why not laugh more and take things a little less seriously!

In this photo: Mich and Julia

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Buenos Aires Photo 2011


























If you love photography, this month, don't miss Buenos Aires Photo. It's an opportunity to check out some of the best photography in Latin America and the world. The exhibition will take place from October 27- 30; hosted by Palais de Glace in Recoleta.

Photos kindly provided by: Gachi Prieto Gallery & Elisi del Rio Arte Contemporáneo - stand 19 - featuring works by Carolina Magnin, Gaby Messina, Lena Szankay, Arturo Aguiar, Daniel Kiblisky and Simón Altkorn.

Enjoy! xo

Monday, October 17, 2011

China girl






















In the mood for Chinese?

During the 80’s, Chinatown started to bloom in Buenos Aires. Located on a small part of the Belgrano district, between Arribeños St., Blanco Encalda St. Libertador Av. and Juramento, Chinatown is worth a visit if you’re looking for a good Chinese restaurant or if you want to buy cool objects for the kitchen, fresh ingredients and other good stuff like hot sauce, tofu, Dijon mustard, etc. And, since 2006 – like in other parts of the world – they have their typical arc :-) see?

Here are some good restaurants you may want to check out:

Todos Contentos (All happy) - Arribeños 2177

Ting Hsiang Tang - 2245 Arribeños

Palitos (Sticks) - Arribeños 2241

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Visual Arts Prize


















One way for Argentinian artists to become known is to win the Visual Arts prize that the Salon Nacional awards each year in any of its 8 categories (painting, etching, sculpture, drawing, photography, ceramic arts, textile arts and installations).

Salon Nacional was founded in 1911, with the idea of fostering Argentinian artistic development and this is what they've done for the last 100 years. Salon Nacional has always been recognized as a very important space where pieces of art are legitimated and aesthetic parameters are set.

Only a few days remain before the exhibition of the works of this years winners are taken down (October 16), if you have time, it is worth a visit.

Where? At the Palais de Glace, Libertador Avenue 1248.

Enjoy!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Neighborhood Clubs

Club Hungría

















Neighborhood clubs have played an important role in the creation of social, cultural and sports identity in Buenos Aires.

In the same fields where soccer, basketball and other sports are played, tango is danced and orchestras can be heard live. During carnivals, the tracks are filled with foam, costumes and music.

Neighborhood clubs are part of the folklore of Buenos Aires; they are symbols of the city and part of our history. Although, at present, their function is not quite the same as before (playing sports is the main thing and not as many social events take place there), their restaurants remain almost intact; we invite you to tour these restaurants, enjoy a simple Argentinian meal and discover the nostalgia they contain.

El Bochin - Julian Alvarez 2355, 4823-7507.
Circulo de Salvavidas - Cabello 3958, 4804-4297
Club Eros - Uriarte 1609, 3832-1313
Club Atletico Palermo - Fitz Roy 2238, 4777-7647
Club Portugues - Pedro Goyena 1468, 4431-9059
Club Hungria - Pasaje Juncal 4250,Olivos, 4799-8437


Club de Salvavidas














Thursday, October 6, 2011

closed doors and open hearts


















Almacén Secreto



A few years ago closed- door restaurants began to open in Buenos Aires.

Young chefs began to open the doors of their houses with the idea of treating guests with a delicious home-made meal, sharing nice conversation and allowing people to interact with people they don’t know. Sometimes, guests can also enjoy wine tasting, acoustic music shows and art exhibitions before, during or after dinner.

The first one we went to is Casa Saltshaker. We enjoyed a delicious dinner in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. There were just two or three tables, so it was a nice opportunity to meet and chat with strangers from other places. We shared a table with a couple from Chicago and had a very nice time chatting with them.

These closed door restaurants are accessed by recommendation, naturally.

The proposals are varied. Some open weekends only and others on weekdays. Reservations are required.

If you have not been to one these closed- door restaurants yet, here is a list we put together.

Treinta Sillas
Freire y F. Lacroze, Belgrano.
15-4492-7046

Diego Felix. They like to experiment with exotic flavors, spices and Latin-American scents.
4555-1882

La Cocina Discreta
4772-3803
15-6571-1002

Casa SaltShaker

Almacen Secreto. North West, Argentina cuisine.
Aguirre 1242, Villa Crespo.
4854-9131

Caracoles para Da Vinci
Hidalgo 878, Villa Crespo
15-5526-6918

Casa Coupage. Haute Argentinian Cuisine
Soler 5518, Colegiales.
4777-9295



Enjoy!! xo

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

almost spring























Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Mary Oliver,
The Summer Day



Photo: Kukla

Monday, September 12, 2011

Tomas Nessi
















Tomás Nessi, will be giving a piano recital for Mozarteum Argentino, at Teatro Gran Rex on September 21. The program will include works of Frédéric Chopin and Sergei Prokofiev. Tickets are free and can be requested at the theater's box office a few hours before the show.

It's a curious thing the music this Spring brings us. Tomás won the 2009 Biennale Youth Contest, so it's interesting that this year right after watching him, we get to listen to the winner of this year's edition. How lucky!

Tomas' resume is long for his age: 20. He started his formal studies in La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, at the age of 9 but he first approached piano at 5.

He has given recitals in La Plata, in various concerts halls in the city of Buenos Aires and also throughout different provinces of Argentina.

He has performed solo with the Chamber Orchestra of the City of La Plata, Academic Camerata of the Teatro Argentino de La Plata and Symphony Orchestra of the Argentinian Public Television, under the direction of Roberto Ruiz, Carlos Sampedro, Bernardo Teruggi and Marcelo Zurlo.

In 2004, he won third prize in the First National Contest for Young Players organized by Radio Nacional and Temporada Allegretto in Argentina.

In 2005, he won second prize in the contest "Constructing Peace and Unity", organized by Northlands School and Asociación Música Viva.

In 2006, he got first prize at the "Alberto Ginastera" National Piano Contest, organized by Scala de San Telmo and the International Contemporary Music Encounters Foundation. This allowed him to offer a recital in the International Festival of Contemporary Music directed by composer Alicia Terzian in 2008.

In 2009, he won the Shell-Festivales Musicales Biennale Contest for Young Talents, and later toured some provinces of Argentina and recorded a CD along with the winner of the Singing and Chamber Music categories.

In 2010, he won three scholarships that allowed him to keep expanding his talent: Fondo Nacional de las Artes', Mozarteum Argentino and Instituto Cultural de la Provincia de Buenos Aires.

In 2011, a German Academic Exchange Service granted him a scholarship to continue studying at La Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, Colonia Germany.

We hope you enjoy this program and this musical month in Buenos Aires.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Emerging Talent

XI Biennale Youth Contest.


In 1991, Shell and "Festivales Musicales" decided to organize a Biennale Contest for Young Talents, with the objective of promoting the artistic development of new generations.

During every uneven year, an international jury judges the pre-selection, elimination round, semifinals and finals of the contestants for singing, piano and chamber music. Winners are awarded with first and second place prizes.

During the following year, first price winners give recitals in the most important theaters of Buenos Aires and in various provinces of Argentina.

This way, the objective of promoting emerging talents is achieved.

For many, the Biennale Youth Contests means the beginning of promissory artistic careers and a way towards international recognition.

This year's edition will take place on September 22 at Museo de Arte Decorativo. If you would like to hear these emerging talents perform, you can get free tickets by calling Festivales Musicales at 4382-4870. Tickets will go fast, so hurry.

Happy weekend!




post by: Valeria Mendez Cañas

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Exhibition: Carlos Paez Vilaro

















The works of Uruguayan artist, Carlos Paez Vilaro, are on view at the Museum of Tigre this month.

Paez Vilaro is not just a painter, he has used and related to art in every way he thought imaginable. He has worked on murals, ceramics, sculpting, etching, collage and photography, he has researched Afro-Uruguayan culture and music for years; plays a percussion instrument called tamboril to the beat of "candombe" (popular music in Uruguay that has its roots in Africa), he has written "candombe" lyrics, poems and published several books.

At the age of 6 he got interested in art, he drew pictures he sent to children's art contests in Buenos Aires. Always feeling attracted to Buenos Aires, as a teenager he crossed the river that divides both countries and came to work. He got a job sticking the heads of matches at a factory and lived in a rented room in a hotel for people with low incomes, similar to a "conventillo". There, he discovered his passion for immigrants and the way their cultures mixed with ours. He liked music and dances which he attended in order to draw pictures of the couples in the dance floor.

The way he has lived through art is surprising. He has exchanged his work in order to pay for many of his expenses. Painting is what made him feel like doing things in life, it opened many doors for him: the door to the world and the door to meeting interesting people and making friends.

He took architecture to new limits when he built his iconic paradise in Punta Ballena, Uruguay: "Casa Pueblo", located on a bay, overlooking the sea, made of curvy lines in immaculate white. The idea of "conventillos" inspired his creation of this place. It has a museum, an atelier and a hotel.



















His second version of Casa Pueblo was constructed in Tigre, Buenos Aires, his home in Argentina. He discovered the place by chance while on a walk with his wife on the banks of the river.

Maybe it’s thanks to art that Carlos Paez Vilaro found unimaginable strength that kept his hope alive in the most adverse situation. In 1972, the plane that took his son, Carlitos to a rugby tournament in Santiago de Chile, fell in the Andes mountains. A small group survived 72 days in the snowed peaks of the Andes. Paez Vilaro travelled to Chile along with other relatives to support the search of the plane and possible survivors. When the search officially concluded and there was no more hope left, he continued looking. When relatives began to return to Uruguay, he stayed and continued to hope. People thought he was crazy.



















When he was finally boarding his plane home, he heard the crew talking to the airport Police that had come looking for him. A shepherd had seen two young men in the mountains. Carlos ran to a taxi and told the driver he had no money. The taxi driver placed his wallet on his knee and said: "take what you need". His son was alive: " I had whistled behind the Andes to let Carlitos know I was there, while the moon was looking at me from the sky".



















We hope you have a chance to see the heartfelt work of this artist and to visit Casa Pueblo in Punta del Este, Uruguay.



Post by: Valeria Mendez Canas