A conversation with Maranda Pleasant
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Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?
Gisele Bündchen: The love for my children. They just brought a whole new perspective to my life.
MP: What makes you feel vulnerable?
GB: I’m a very sensitive person, and I feel that makes me vulnerable. But I see that as a good thing. I really enjoy experiencing all the different emotions in life.
MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?
GB: To be more loving, compassionate, and understanding with ourselves, with others, and with the planet, because we are all connected. We are one.
MP: Why is protecting the environment personal for you?
GB: I grew up in a small town in the countryside of Brazil, and I have always loved being surrounded by nature. Nature is where I feel most comfortable; it’s where I find my balance. I would like my kids and all future generations to have the chance to experience nature as I did.
MP: What are some of your biggest concerns right now?
GB: One thing leads to the other. Deforestation leads to climate change, which leads to ecosystem losses, which negatively impacts our livelihoods—it’s a vicious cycle. I am especially passionate about forests and water; they are home to thousands of species that are vital to our life balance. Our health depends on the health of our planet.
MP: How do you keep your center in the middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?
GB: Breathing is my best ally. By doing simple breathing exercises, I can quickly come back to center and feel more grounded. My daily routine is always changing since I still travel a lot, but I try to take some time for myself every day to meditate and exercise. It can be 15 minutes, an hour, whatever time I have. I also think eating well keeps me healthy.
MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in life?
GB: I’m constantly learning and evolving. I’m fascinated with life. I read a book when I was in my early 20s that really inspired me and that I try to live my life by, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, which says, “Be impeccable with your words, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.” I love this.
MP: What truth do you know for sure?
GB: I believe in the importance of seeking self-knowledge. The more I know myself, the more I feel empowered.
MP: Tell me about your latest projects.
GB: Apart from working with UNEP in various campaigns such as Think. Eat .Save: Reduce your Foodprint, which aims to tackle food wastage, and promoting green practices through World Environment Day, I just became a member of the Board of Directors for the Rainforest Alliance. Together with my family, I’ve created the Água Limpa Project (Clean Water Project) in my hometown, which aims to restore the quality of drinking water and raise awareness. The project has already been executed and can be used as a model for other cities that intend to do the same. I also try to use my social media accounts to raise awareness about social environmental causes that I endorse.
Gisele Bündchen has marked an era in the fashion industry and became the world’s top model. During her unprecedented career, Gisele has been the face of countless global campaigns and appeared many times on covers shot by the best photographers and in editorials in the most influential magazines. She has walked the runway for the best fashion designers around the world. She is also recognized for her long-standing and passionate commitment to the environment. With a truly global reach, Gisele uses her power to raise awareness for protecting the planet across continents and with people from all walks of life.