I have been back in the States for 2 weeks now. As I look through my pictures, I am reminded by the inspirational places I visited while in Thailand. It's interesting that most cultures spend their money on their religious architecture--Wats, Churches, Temples, Stupas, Mosques, and Synagogues.

This photo is one of many Buddhas located within Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a Thai temple that is 15 km from Chiang Mai, Thailand. So many of the Thai temples (wats) are ornate, colorful, and VERY different from the living conditions of most of the Thai people.

Each person that enters a temple has the opportunity to be inspired towards stillness and devotion. All cultures have this aspect of awe-filled, religious architecture, and I find it curious that regardless of the religion, that every culture, despite the differences, creates spaces for stillness and prayer.

I also find it amazing that nature, overall, has the most majestic and peaceful places--and that is a completely free gift for all of us, separate from religion and politics.

Visiting various religious places over the years has been a great gift, but moreover, I have realized that I personally prefer the openness and freedom that I experience on a Colorado hike. The verticality of temples and churches is meant to lift our eyes and our spirits to that which is above us--to something higher.

I feel this uplifting sense more often when I'm outside, with the ultra-blue, Colorado skies, the smell of evergreens, the sense of wind in my hair, and the true majesty that surrounds me.

Namaste and Kap Kun Kah,

Hillary Olsen Hilliard

My feet, the Khao Lak beach, azure sky, and cotton candy clouds.

I hope this photo inspires you to relax and do nothing for 10 minutes. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, just stop. Close your eyes and visualize yourself and your toes in the warm sand.

Ahhh...doesn't that feel nice.

I hope that you'll take a few minutes every day for the rest of this month and give yourself time, deep breaths, and relaxing visuals.

Sabai Sabai

I learned this recipe at a cooking class in Khao Lak. I don't eat duck very often, but this recipe is a delectable combination of sweet, spicy, and savory.

Roasted Duck in Red Curry

200 gr Roast duck, 1.5 tbs Red curry paste, 1.5 tbs Vegetable oil, 2 cups Coconut milk, 1/2 cup Light coconut milk, 1/2 cup Baby eggplant, 3-4 pcs Cherry tomatoes, 4- 6 pcs Kaffir lime leaf, 100 gr Lychee, 100 gr Diced pineapple, 1/2 tbs Sugar palm, 1.5 Fish sauce, 1/2 tbs Salt

Put vegetable oil into pot over medium heat and add the red curry paste, stir well then add coconut milk and stir to mix thoroughly. Add the duck and stir well. Next, pour the mixture into a pot, add the remaining light coconut milk, tomato, eggplant, kaffir lime leaf, sugar palm, salt, fish sauce, bring to a boil and remove from heat.

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