While physical imperfections can be corrected with the help of plastic surgeries and makeup, are there any technologies that can correct the imperfections of a human soul? In my opinion, when the outside looks resonate with the inside character, a certain vibration occurs, which is called charisma, magnetism or attractiveness.
I was born and raised in a typical Russian family. I spent my childhood on the seacoast of Japan in a beautiful town that reminds me of San Francisco. I grew up during the time of the Soviet Union and my life was not different from millions of other kids in other places. We were happy with the little we had and dreamed of faraway countries and exciting travels.
After graduating from high school, I studied Fashion Merchandise and Fashion Design and I became a model for a local fashion and design house. This experience became a turning point in my career. I got an opportunity to travel and learn about different cultures around the world. During that period, I participated in various beauty pageants all around the former USSR.
I was quite successful and achieved the title “Miss Grace of Siberia and Far East”. I have the warmest memories about that period of my life. Dancing has been my hobby for many years. I believe it’s one of the strongest ways of self-expression. The magical world of dance fills me up with a special kind of internal energy which unlocks endless creativity and passion. I fell in love with Flamenco and had studied it for a few years before opening my own flamenco dancing school “Beso de Fuego” which was the first in the Far East region.
When I moved to the U.S. I had to leave it many things behind; however, I knew there was a higher purpose and soon after I had a chance to meet husband Arthur who completely changed my life, filled it with new meaning and made it complete. He has completed his life’s mission and is no longer in the physical but I treasure the memories of our life together and feel tremendous gratitude for his presence in my life.
What’s one of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make and how did it impact your life?
The toughest decision I’ve had to make was leaving my home country and moving to The United States. Having moved to America, I faced the same difficulties as thousands of immigrants arriving in this country. I felt overwhelmed by a new system, a new language, it was a “cultural shock”, for me. I was unable to properly communicate with people and there was always a sense of uncertainty about my future. However, I had set myself very clear goals and overtime I was able to achieve them.
Which powerful women in history do you resonate with the most and Why?
There have been many outstanding women throughout history who proved that they are able to rule the state, such as Catherine II. There are women who made scientific discoveries such as Sklodovska – Curie or dedicated their life to creativity, like Galina Ulanova. Women do charity work, open hospitals and schools for the poor, like Mother Teresa. One of the most striking examples of selflessness for me is Irena Sendler, who risking her own life, with the help of other like-minded people, managed to save 2,500 Jewish children from death by taking them out of the Warsaw ghetto during the World War II. Later, she was arrested and sentenced to death. Luckily, she managed to escape by mere coincidence, and was able to hide till the end of war. She lived a long and interesting life. Even though she had something to be proud of, she has never boasted of her merits considering it absolutely normal to help those in need. I feel very close to people who provide help for the needy like Irena without asking for anything in return.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your life?
On one of the gloomy days in my hometown, I saw a very poorly dressed old woman holding a small and thin kitten. She sat right on the dirty sidewalk and asked for some spare change for her little kitten. Her request was written on the cardboard next to her. A stream of expensively dressed women and respectable men passed by indifferently hurrying about their business. No one paid attention to the old woman until one person stopped at her cardboard. I saw a ragged, dirty tramp, who looked like he needed help himself. Poking around in his pockets, he took out few coins and handed them to the old woman. This episode, which I witnessed with my own eyes, taught me a lesson that human kindness isn’t determined by how we dress, and a good, sympathetic soul could be hidden under dirty rags.
If our body is a temple and a vessel for our divine soul, then each of us has a choice with what to fill this vessel.
Have you ever wondered what mystical energy you have inside you?
I have no clear answer to this question. However, throughout my life I have felt the help and support of higher powers. I strongly believe that each of us has a guardian angel who teaches and helps us, who comes to the rescue during difficult times and guides us to the right direction. In my case, my higher powers did not allow me to be in the epicenter of a terrorist attack, although for all reasons, I was supposed to be there. This is not the only example of my guardian angel’s assistance in my life. Of course, I try to develop and maintain a connection with my subconscious. Meditation and other spiritual practices help me with this a lot. It is important to accept and understand information coming to us from a variety of sources.
What’s an accomplishment that you are proudest of?
Many of my friends tell me that I am a strong woman, who is not afraid of difficulties and achieves her goals. Maybe it is so. The word “strong woman” is usually associated in our society with a successful businesswoman. Although in recent years this concept has expanded. Now I hear people use this expression while talking about someone who successfully does various tasks even if it is housekeeping.
To me “strong” means active, confident, persistent, and able to cope with hardships. A strong woman constantly improves herself and her environment. Unfortunately, “strong women” are also the most exhausted ones, because they usually drag all those who managed to get too comfortable around them.
In my opinion, it’s possible to combine inner strength and femininity. A feminine woman is always strong. It is important not to deny your strength, but let your feminine side take over from time to time. I think the reasons why we sometimes don’t get desired outcomes are most often caused by lack of understanding of who we are and what we really need. As well as not knowing the psychology of relationships between people. This situation isn’t hopeless. Most of these obstacles can be removed by learning some skills necessary for achieving goals.
Learn to take care of yourself. It doesn’t matter how strong you are, you can do it. Everyone has some difficulties, and it’s important to love yourself and work on yourself. “Well,” you say, “Love yourself. Again?” Yes, it is always good to remember. Self-love means accepting who you are. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Do not focus too much on your negative qualities, instead pay attention and improve what makes you stronger.
Consciously strengthen your best virtues. This strategy will help minimize what stops you from reaching your goals.
LARISA SUMTSOVA
