Nix the naysayers and enjoy life – including polo

April 30, 2010   ·   0 Comments

By Diane Feen

It’s a crazy time of the year. Iranian Cleric Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi said

that earthquakes are caused by scantily clad women (look out, Boca Raton) and famous scientist Stephen Hawking believes that extraterrestrial life almost certainly exists and that we should be extremely cautious about interacting with them.

There is one person, however, who has managed to circumvent all of these naysayers. His name is Michael Fischman and he lives in Boca Raton. Fischman, a former account executive with Ogilvy & Mather, is now president of the Art of Living Foundation in the US.

The Art of Living Foundation recently sponsored An Evening of Wisdom & Meditation with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Westin Diplomat Hotel. This holy man from India has a large following all over the world and his message is one that is perfectly suited for the times we live in. “To uplift yourself, you need to stop and think about what is happening in your mind. Introspection uplifts us,” said the gentle man with the twinkling eyes.

Fischman agrees. “Everybody is looking for spiritual modalities to help them handle their mind and emotions. If you have negative thoughts in your mind you don’t experience your true nature.” Fischman was very sincere about the changes in his life since meeting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. “I am more confident, centered, compassionate and loving.”

If you long for serenity in your life, the answer is meditation (I agree) and to watch your breathing. Breathing techniques (such as Pranayana) can help change emotions. Also important are the three golden rules for meditation: “I do nothing, I want nothing and I am nothing.” Well said. If you want more information about their events and courses contact them at http://artofliviing.org/fl or call 954-826-3190. One thing about spiritual pursuits is that nothing usually ends up being something important!

On the other side of earthly existence (in Wellington) was the final polo match at the International Polo Club. This exuberant event brings out the best of breed in the horse category (for both humans and thoroughbreds) and is held every year to determine the winner of the US Open Championship. This year Crab Orchard won over the Audi team by a score of 13 to 8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve never been to a polo match (and a final one at that) you’re in for a big treat. The fans are horse lovers with a hedonistic bent for fun in the sun. Unfortunately it rained at the final match, but everyone seemed to weather the weather in pretty good spirits (bottled or otherwise). There was a large tent (The Nespresso Grande Pavilion) on one side of the field hosted by Bistrot Bagatelle of NYC and on the other side were stadium seats, the clubhouse and other comfy ways to view the action.

At the Nespresso Pavilion excitement reigned supreme with a full scale brunch (with enough food to feed a third world nation), a fashion display by upper crust fashion maven Tory Burch, a wine tasting by Whole Foods in Wellington and people watching that rivals NYC.

There were men in yellow pants with dark blue blazers that looked divine (I know it sound cheesy but it wasn’t) and young women in halter dresses with large sinamay straw hats. 

The divot stomp at half time (where everyone goes out on the field for champagne and ice-cream) is one of the most animated people events at the games, but it was cut short by the heavy downpour. Men in trucks tossed out toy horses while doling out champagne in plastic flutes. But, Mother Nature intervened and had most of us running for shelter (in fancy dresses and high heels) and back to our posts. 

If you want to experience this bonding between man and horse (with camaraderie that is unparalleled) head out to Wellington during the polo season from December to April.

International Polo Club Palm Beach – Phone: 561.204.5687 www.internationalpoloclub.com

By luana