#gypsyvibes

Armor Dress, for those who are the warrior of light.

Editorial #Istanbul 2023

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Experience the harmony between nature and fashion with Zhenabia, inspired by the elements and imbued with the spirit of the earth.

Once bitten, twice shy.

An old saying I'm sure everyone has heard at some stage... but what does it mean?

The saying itself literally indicates that if you're playing with an animal, let's say a snake, and that snake bites you, you might think twice before approaching it and playing with it again. It would make perfect sense to think twice because of course we don't want to get bitten again!

In colloquial terms, it means when you get hurt by someone then you might rethink your behaviours or approach when faced with a similar situation.

In both the literal and colloquial sense though, no one likes the snake. We might choose to carry the burden of dislike or even hate for the snake when all the snake was doing was acting within its nature. It's not the snakes fault you played with it. It's not the other person's fault you chose to stick around if they were doing the wrong thing. It's not the situations fault that you made the decisions you did. Yet we continue to remain unfriendly to the thing that bit us.

What if we changed this around and didn't make the snake the "bad guy". What if we looked at the situation and took accountability for our actions? What if instead of just being "twice shy" we learnt a real and genuine lesson but continued to practice love and kindness for the snake? What if we let go of the burden of dislike and hate and became GRATEFUL for the snake? After all it did show you that playing with an animal who's nature it is to bite when it feels threatened isn't a good idea. The snake taught you that some things aren't for you. The snake may have even taught you how to respect the space of all of Gaia's creation instead of feel the need to touch it against its will.

Lets run through the woods and feel the wind in our face.

Seeing all the trees as we go rushing past.

Breathe in the air, so fresh and crisp.

Feel the leaves as they brush against your skin.

You can smell the earth, rich and raw.

You stop.

Heavy breaths.

Take it in.

Stop and see the beauty for what it is.

The birds, the wind, the leaves... all whispering their own special songs.

Wriggle your toes in the dirt,

Remember where you came from, acknowledge where you'll end up.

Acknowledge what we have been given, who we are, what we are, how we are.

Appreciate what we're given, what we receive and what we give.

Can you feel the peace?

Can you feel the love?

Can you feel the mother's hug that nature gives?

Can you feel it from deep inside?

If you can, run free again.