A Spiritual Girl in a Material World – Topanga to Hollywood
A good friend of mine from London was concerned when I first moved to LA and chose to live in Hippy Topanga, she said, ‘Babe, are you going to sell all your handbags and Miu Miu’s and become a hemp wearing hippie?’ I laughed, and told her that no, I would not be selling all my material possessions and I will always have a love of beautiful things. I think it is a misconception that in order to live a Spiritual life, you have to look a certain way and live under a mango tree. I think it is more how you relate to material things, do you let them define you? Are they your identity? Are you attached to having those things?
Which brings me to the definition of what is Spirituality? It is such an overused and fashionable word. I think Brene Brown sums it up brilliantly, “Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to one another by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and belonging. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.” (Brene Brown, Rising Strong p.10)
When I first arrived in LA, I imagined myself living close to the ocean in Santa Monica or Venice Beach. I started to look at places and couldn’t help feeling drawn to an advert about an apartment on a horse ranch in a place called Topanga. I was attracted to the idea of being near horses as I used to ride competitively until I was 18. Since then I have been a city girl, rarely spending time in nature. My last year in London, I was living alone and had moved Chic&Seek into a shop, but I had been feeling claustrophobic and my Soul was craving wide-open spaces.
I decided to check out this apartment in Topanga. As I was driving far up into the canyon my heart started racing as the scenery opened up to spralling mountainous hills. As soon as I walked in, I knew this was the place for me. It was a large one bedroom with white carpet (which I love!) and a beautiful view, no other houses to be seen and on a clear day I could see the ocean. I remember my Mum often talking about the view and south facing properties, which was of little importance to me back then.
Time in the Topanga wilderness was reflective and nurturing. I would take long walks with my neighbour and her white husky dog and watch the most spectacular sun rises and the sun sets. The healing power of nature is totally magical and is a reminder of how the best things in life are free. I didn’t have a television or phone service but the view and an open log fire was all that I wanted.
After 16 months in the nature, I decided it was time for change and to experience another side of LA, who knows how long I will be here? So now I have moved to the bright lights of West Hollywood. It feels great to be back in the city! There is something to be said for city life, for feeling connected to friends, who can pop over for cup of tea or a Gin&Tonic and the convenience of 24hour shops!
It is interesting to see how the move has coincided with taking up the reins of The Chic Seeker blog again. I needed a year to decompress, recharge and now I’m ready for action! Moving to West Hollywood will introduce me to new people that will help me to connect the dots to my next career…
The Chic Seeker 
One Response to “A Spiritual Girl in a Material World – Topanga to Hollywood”
I have followed you since the chic&seek ”mews days’ and wanted to wish you luck for your next adventure – It sounds amazing!