Saturday, March 8, 2008

Sarah Anderson, Interview #14


Real People, Real Lives, Real Spirituality...

Your Name: Sarah Anderson
Where you live: New York
What you do as a vocation or avocation? PR Consultant, Cookie-Eater/Taster (my friend is opening a cookie bakery and lately all I do is “sample” cookies)
Your two favorite books: this is tough since I feel like I read less books since moving to New York (less time!)… I always love a good memoir (anyone who’s suffered and can articulate it wins me over). There have been a few writers/books that have stuck with me: Carolyn Knapp’s “Drinking: A Love Story”. Anything non-fiction by Anne Lamott. And as far as indulgent fiction goes, I spent last summer reading The Other Boelyn Girl – which is fantastic 16th Century fluff (I’m a little nervous about them making a movie… but I’ll still see it, I’m sure)
Your two favorite cd's: My friend tease me because I have such old stuff on my iPod (Earth, Wind & Fire, George Michael, Barry Manilow), but there are a few new things: that darn Broadway Xanadu soundtrack is an INSTANT mood-lifter (and yes, I’ve seen the show four times!), Fountains of Wayne, Ben Folds Five keep me happy during a run. But when the holidays come, I have Handel’s Messiah on my stereo playing constantly from November through January 1. Amazing.
Why you are interested in spirituality? I like the idea of continually seeking a greater level of peace – however undefined that sounds.
Your favorite quote: Oh I have a few that stick out:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
“Relationships should enhance your life” – my mother, “the truth will reveal itself” – I think it’s Anne Lamott, but maybe not. And lately, my own mantra: “I can only control how I treat people and live my life… I have to be true to myself” (that sounds a little Oprah-ish, but it works!)
Your favorite web sites: Owie. I can’t think of any? Nymag.com for movies, restaurants… of course google…
Your hero? This is a tough one. My mother for her strength and steadfast-ness. My friend Dan for his sense of humor and kindness. Sue Baller for her wisdom. My friend Jenn for her optimism. My sister Nancy for her ability to listen.
A spiritual lesson you hope to learn? I think the spiritual lesson is not necessarily what I’ll learn but the process – the search for greater peace, contentment
A place in the world where you feel spiritually "connected?" Hmm… I think living in Manhattan with so little personal space makes me appreciate glorious, peaceful moments: going into Starbucks early in the morning when there isn’t a line, swimming – the one time when it’s quiet, lately a few friends and I have been doing these early morning winter runs in Central Park – and it’s usually so empty (since it’s crazy-cold), so the sound of our feet on the bridle path before the city wakes up is so peaceful. Any time I get out of the city – I appreciate the quiet, the slower pace and lack of urgency. Slowing down in a way makes me feel more spiritually connected… at least to myself.

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