Here's a fun recipe on a less serious note - this is one Canarian staple that has been recommended to me from almost everyone here! There is not a single dish more representative of the Canary Islands than papas arrugadas. These tiny wrinkled potatoes are a must try when visiting the Canaries, and when done the right way, are truly delightful.
Apparently, this famous dish arrived in the 1550s when the Incas arrived with potatoes to the Canary Islands, and in the 17th century potato cultivation began on the island. A truly authentic way to make paps arrugadas is by boiling the potatoes in seawater. This is a recipe that came from necessity, as fresh water was often short on the islands, and locals had to make due with what they had.
Here is an easy recipe for paps arrugadas :)
4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds of small quick cooking potatoes
- 1/4 cup of coarse sea salt
Instructions
1. Wash the potatoes and place them in a large stock pot.
2. Just cover with cold water and add the sea salt.
3. Boil the potatoes until just cooked through, about 20 minutes. Add water if too much evaporates.
4. Pour off the water and rest the potatoes on the stove on a very low heat until all water has evaporated and the potatoes are covered in a layer of sea salt.
5. Serve with your favorite mojo sauce.
Enjoy!
July 13, 2019
Responding to Creativesomething.net
https://creativesomething.net/post?year=2019
Creative Something is a blog dedicated to discovering ideas and insights about creativity. Their most recent post, titled "Creating a mirror for your mind" really struck an interesting concept that had got me thinking about my own personal journey in dancing.
The post touches on the idea that the physical concept of mirrors is easy for us to grasp. "Mirrors tell us almost everything physically about the outside of our bodies. Are new having a good hair day? Does our outfit look attractive? Are the rings under our eyes getting softer or darker? Do we look how wet want to be perceived today?" Because of the nature of my career, I have to look at myself in the mirror for hours, almost every single day. As dancers are so in tune with our bodies, we become critical of the smallest flaws in our bodies, and judge the lines of our bodies, the size of our muscles, the movement and articulation of our feet, and everything in between. Although dancing comes across as what matters most is what is seen on the outside physically, what controls almost everything in dance is our mental clarity and focus. So why haven't I created a space to reflect on my mind just as I do in the mirror? As the post suggests, "For reflecting your thoughts and ideas you need a mirror for the mind. And there are a myriad of tools new can use to reflect what's going on inside our brains." the post suggests a personal journal is the best way to reflect your thoughts. It is hard to know wheat our thoughts are doing unless we put them in a place few can reflect on them.
I've always struggled with finding peace with the way my body looks and the way my dancing looks. I had never felt satisfied whether I am in the best shape or the worst shape - it never felt right for me. But I am now wondering how much my thoughts could change in the mirror, if I reflect on my thoughts more - not just in my head but having a space to physically write them down, log the process in a journal for myself.
Creative Something is a blog dedicated to discovering ideas and insights about creativity. Their most recent post, titled "Creating a mirror for your mind" really struck an interesting concept that had got me thinking about my own personal journey in dancing.
The post touches on the idea that the physical concept of mirrors is easy for us to grasp. "Mirrors tell us almost everything physically about the outside of our bodies. Are new having a good hair day? Does our outfit look attractive? Are the rings under our eyes getting softer or darker? Do we look how wet want to be perceived today?" Because of the nature of my career, I have to look at myself in the mirror for hours, almost every single day. As dancers are so in tune with our bodies, we become critical of the smallest flaws in our bodies, and judge the lines of our bodies, the size of our muscles, the movement and articulation of our feet, and everything in between. Although dancing comes across as what matters most is what is seen on the outside physically, what controls almost everything in dance is our mental clarity and focus. So why haven't I created a space to reflect on my mind just as I do in the mirror? As the post suggests, "For reflecting your thoughts and ideas you need a mirror for the mind. And there are a myriad of tools new can use to reflect what's going on inside our brains." the post suggests a personal journal is the best way to reflect your thoughts. It is hard to know wheat our thoughts are doing unless we put them in a place few can reflect on them.
I've always struggled with finding peace with the way my body looks and the way my dancing looks. I had never felt satisfied whether I am in the best shape or the worst shape - it never felt right for me. But I am now wondering how much my thoughts could change in the mirror, if I reflect on my thoughts more - not just in my head but having a space to physically write them down, log the process in a journal for myself.
Looking Back on this past month
https://s-e-r-e-n-d-i-p-i-a.blogspot.com/2019/06/being-alone.html
It has been about a month since I last made this post, as I've spent my time here on this Island. What I've come to realize is that spending time alone is much harder than I thought. People are naturally driven to be around other people - and as much as I had thought I would be spending most of my time alone. I ended up making so many friends along the way. I had wondered if I subconsciously didn't want to be with my own thoughts - so I had leaned toward making plans with friends and family. But the process seemed to happened so organically, and I had met so many positive people that had inspired me in my dancing and in life. It wasn't what I intended, but I guess things like this can't be planned, and I am really grateful for all the people I met along the way.
It has been about a month since I last made this post, as I've spent my time here on this Island. What I've come to realize is that spending time alone is much harder than I thought. People are naturally driven to be around other people - and as much as I had thought I would be spending most of my time alone. I ended up making so many friends along the way. I had wondered if I subconsciously didn't want to be with my own thoughts - so I had leaned toward making plans with friends and family. But the process seemed to happened so organically, and I had met so many positive people that had inspired me in my dancing and in life. It wasn't what I intended, but I guess things like this can't be planned, and I am really grateful for all the people I met along the way.
Wikepedia Post on Creativity
As what my blog explores what entails creativity in people, it only made sense for me to see what the definition was on wikipedia. I added a few sentences to give a clearer definition on what I thought could further help understand the idea of creativity.
Original Post
Original Post
Creativity in general is usually distinguished from innovation in particular, where the stress is on implementation. For example, Teresa Amabile and Pratt (2016) defines creativity as production of novel and useful ideas and innovation as implementation of creative ideas,[7] while the OECD and Eurostat state that "Innovation is more than a new idea or an invention. An innovation requires implementation, either by being put into active use or by being made available for use by other parties, firms, individuals or organisations."
Edit
Creativity in general is usually distinguished from innovation in particular, where the stress is on implementation. For example, Teresa Amabile and Pratt (2016) defines creativity as production of novel and useful ideas and innovation as implementation of creative ideas,[7] while the OECD and Eurostat state that "Innovation is more than a new idea or an invention. An innovation requires implementation, either by being put into active use or by being made available for use by other parties, firms, individuals or organisations."[8] However, with this definition, it is easy to misunderstand innovation and creativity. Creative ability does not necessarily involve a solution - but is rather a skill to tap into our imagination. Creativity manifests differently depending on one's age, environment, and stages of life but we are all born creative and remain creative through life.
I wanted to emphasize that creative ability is within everyone, and is less about problem solving. I think it is important to understand that creative ability is attainable for everyone - rather than an inborn gift that people have or don't have.
July 7, 2019
Happiness - How is this determined?
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-happiest-countries-united-nations-2019/index.html
I have always been fascinated by the concept of happiness - as I think it says a lot about the types of priorities that one's culture has towards life, and what types of expectant people have in general. I also think happiness has a strong link to creativity.
As seen in this article, according to the World Happiness Report, Finland ranks first, followed by Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and The Netherlands.
The Report ranks countries on six key variables that support well - being: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support, and generosity.
On the other hand, the United States came in 19th place, dropping a total of 5 spots since 2017. The article states that addiction is partly to blame - which reminds me of the Ted Talk video of Niel Stevens on what inhibits creativity. The report provides sobering evidence of how addiction are causing "considerable unhappiness and depression in the U.S" and "Social connections are weakening the US as social media usage is raising anxiety, especially among adolescents".
Other major "Superpower" countries such as Japan ranked low - from 54th last year to 58 this year.
But this brings me to a different point - expectation. Happiness is an expectation one has for one's self. In some ways I'm sure this list is accurate - but what if our ideas of happiness are completely different? Culturally, Finland may be happy because they just expect to have something entirely different from Japan. Ambition can determine a lot of how one feels as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that happiness is more cultural than people realize. I think about my time living in Japan, and how Japanese culture would take more pride in working hard, and does not "Brag" about one's happiness, and would rather say that they are not happy even if they are perfectly content with their lives. And if an American went to go live in Finland or Denmark, it won't equate to one being happy automatically. There are a lot more factors that I think need to be studied for this report. Would love to know what you all think.
I have always been fascinated by the concept of happiness - as I think it says a lot about the types of priorities that one's culture has towards life, and what types of expectant people have in general. I also think happiness has a strong link to creativity.
As seen in this article, according to the World Happiness Report, Finland ranks first, followed by Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and The Netherlands.
The Report ranks countries on six key variables that support well - being: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support, and generosity.
On the other hand, the United States came in 19th place, dropping a total of 5 spots since 2017. The article states that addiction is partly to blame - which reminds me of the Ted Talk video of Niel Stevens on what inhibits creativity. The report provides sobering evidence of how addiction are causing "considerable unhappiness and depression in the U.S" and "Social connections are weakening the US as social media usage is raising anxiety, especially among adolescents".
Other major "Superpower" countries such as Japan ranked low - from 54th last year to 58 this year.
But this brings me to a different point - expectation. Happiness is an expectation one has for one's self. In some ways I'm sure this list is accurate - but what if our ideas of happiness are completely different? Culturally, Finland may be happy because they just expect to have something entirely different from Japan. Ambition can determine a lot of how one feels as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that happiness is more cultural than people realize. I think about my time living in Japan, and how Japanese culture would take more pride in working hard, and does not "Brag" about one's happiness, and would rather say that they are not happy even if they are perfectly content with their lives. And if an American went to go live in Finland or Denmark, it won't equate to one being happy automatically. There are a lot more factors that I think need to be studied for this report. Would love to know what you all think.
Niel Steven's Ted Talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU7ymQyIMfk
I found this Ted Talk video to be a very interesting perspective on what sparks creativity, from a psychological standpoint. Niel Stevens is a trained psychologist, designer, and magazine editor. He discusses the thread of creative process and what is behind the "spark of creativity".
He begins by addressing the different methods people have used to reignite creative fire - which included meditation, travel inspiration, and virtual reality experience. None seemed to be successful long term - or have a consistent affect on creative spark. But these experiences opened the doors to some things that inhibit creativity - which might be the most valuable concept to understand.
First, he explained about competing networks - and that if you want to get into your imagination, you have to let go of your conscious control. The need for explanation may also stop creativity - trying to search for a specific method may be creating a scaffolding that is limiting.
The most important information I got out of this video is his concept of the "Villain" and how recent society is focused on more productivity, more focus and more concentration - which is all part of the frontal lobe of the brain, and something that has changed increasingly in the last few years. Our phones play a large part in this, as it forbids any "Dead time" for our minds to wander. I think about how many times I unconsciously go on my phone when I have nothing else to do, and how my many times in the day my mind is stimulated with social media. Logically, it makes no sense for our minds to be stimulated by phones day in an day out.
To conclude, Niel wonders if a lot of our next breakthroughs might be about turning things off, focusing less, and giving things less attention. Rather than finding a method, it may be more about making peace with yourself and discontinuing monotonous tasks that are depriving you rather than inspiring you. Easier said than done, but I really enjoyed this ted talk.
June 25, 2019
San Juan Traditions
On Sunday, June 23rd, all of Spain celebrates San Juan, otherwise known as Saint John's Eve. Certain festivals seem to summarize the life and culture in Spain, with its love of having a good time in company of friends, and family. The night of San Juan is definitely one of these events. It is a celebration that is usually held on the beach with roaring bonfires, drinks, and food. It was a memorable, almost surreal scene I was lucky enough to experience. Here is how the night led up to midnight.
Here, in order, are some of the traditions I witnessed around me:
- Everyone camps out all day at Las Canteras beach. The biggest and most popular beach in Las Palmas; and it seems that the whole population finds a spot to enjoy their time by the ocean.
- Bonfires. It is tradition to jump over bonfires to celebrate a new beginning. People were also burning things to leave behind bad spirits from the past and start a new phase.
- Concerts. Spanish musicians start playing on the beach.
- Right at midnight, people jump into the water. To represent a new beginning and wash away spirits. The sight of hundreds of people wandering into the water with a haze of bonfires was incredible.
- Lastly, watch the sunrise. Families were still gathered around together to enjoy this experience. It was quite beautiful to see so many people come together.
The power of tradition is truly magical. To Canarians, San Juan symbolized a moment where superstitions seemed to come alive, and created rituals that are celebrated on this day.
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