As a clinical homebody, I’m one of those people who doesn’t get bored. If I do, I end up dyeing my hair or rearranging my bookshelf. Small, low-risk changes usually satisfy me. Or, maybe because I actually do get bored often, I know how to avoid it as a muscle knows when to contract or when eyes know to blink. Regardless, I fall into that binary of people that can go days without leaving the house or human contact, as preference. I’ve really been into fostering this part of me since gone fully freelance. I’ve made my home into something like a church. Every space has a purpose, and I approach it as ritual. From the way I cook, to how I wake up, it’s all sort of become this sacred moment that I try to cherish.
Morning walks – I wake up early as fuck. And I don’t have the privilege of being yelled at by an alarm clock either. Regardless of if I want to or not, as the moon sets, and the sun rises, as do I. Not complaining at all, I’ve managed to sync my circadian rhythm and it’s fucking great. I’d fill in the few hours of empty time until breakfast with meditating, and now with walking. Which, I guess, is a mobile meditation. The weather is finally how I like it. The sharpness of the cold is dulled by the lack of wind, and the floor is soft with wet foliage. I get to watch the sun rise as the moon falls, and it’s moments like this that makes you realize suffering is optional. I live near this mini-forest that I walk to. I’m normally the only person there, especially at 6:30 am. There I play with my self awareness. I can hear the leaves I crunch with every step yards away from where I stand, and I remember everything you touch affects what is in front of you, what you can’t yet see. In between every step, every beat, you are everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Manuka Honey + European Clay Mask – Once a day, normally after my shower, I mix a spoonful of Manuka honey with European clay powder, along with a few drops of tea tree oil, and spread it all over my face and neck. I try to keep it on for an hour-ish, or for as long as I possibly can. It’s become as routine as brushing my teeth and it’s the one thing that I’ve seen actually reduce my rosacea. Literally what the heck? My face is usually flushed with a tomato red tint and this combo has tamed my cheeks into the same shade of plump pink as Greece’s virgin goddesses.
Dry brushing – My skin hasn’t been this soft since I exited my mother’s womb. Everyday before my shower, I start brushing from my toes upwards to my heart in small, repetitive motions. I take my time and make sure every square inch is covered. I go over my body twice, again, with small upwards motions. I can literally see my dead skin waft into dust. But here’s the fucking thing. If you know me, even only a little bit, you know I have a tendency to bloat. But not in the cute, when-a-Victoria’s-Secret-Model-eats-a-slice-of-bread kind of way. This thing happens where I somehow become 8 months pregnant. With twins. When people get to see it live in action, they know I’m not exaggerating. I digress. As I feel the slightest potential of my stomach swelling, I dry brush. And dude, call me fucking whacko, but my bloat ceases. I don’t even know if I should publish this on the internet, just in case it’s some dark voodoo magic. It’s probably just the lymphatic drainage though.
Iristech – This is one of those discoveries that you’d tell your friends about during recess, enthusiastically, but as a secret. It would start with just your closest friends that grew into a crowded huddle, and soon you got your whole grade into it, kind of like how Vampire Weekend’s A-Punk became my seventh grade’s anthem back in 2007. Basically, it’s this downloadable software that filters the blue light on your computer screen. If you’re obsessed with controlling your artificial light exposure, use this. Also, now isn’t the time I’ll be waxing poetic on the impacts of light on your overall health, there’s a bunch of work on pubmed. I reference this podcast episode for a quick refresher too.
Sophie Ratner pinky ring – Lately, I’ve been experiencing eery things. Like, not eery. Magical? Unexplainable. For example, I had lost this ring recently. When I lose things, I don’t get too upset, only a little disappointed. I move on pretty quickly, because yeah, it really fucking SUCKS, but only in a superficially fleeting way. But, I guess losing this has been bothering me more than usual. So, in last night’s dream, I had dreamt I found it. It was in the pocket of these grey pants that I owned only in my dream. When I woke up, I realized I did in fact have grey pants (these stellar Isabel Marant track-trousers I got off The Real Real), but as expected, my ring was not in its pockets. But flash forward to a few hours later (earlier today), I was bent over, pulling my socks on, when I spotted something (it) in my periphery. I fucking found it right next to my clothing rack. After two weeks of looking. After dreaming that I found it. AND, might I add, I already checked the entirety of my bedroom floor, including beneath my overused rack. That’s eery, man.
Oil diffuser – I finally got one of these. As someone who prefers writing in a notebook over typing on a computer, physical books over those of the e- or audio- variations, it’s no surprise I’m a candle person. Like, I LOVE candles. Not just for the smell, but I like the ceremonial approach to physically lighting something, and the way it changes your pace. I’ve even replaced the lamp on my bedside table with candlesticks and use them as my light source at night. So, why’d I prime one of these? Honestly, idk, I just wanted one I guess. I’ve been diffusing Nui Cobalt’s fall collection and my room has never smelled so friggin good, my god. Luckily, I’m an olafactorially (not a word) inclined person, but I guess if scents make you nauseous, then don’t even bother.
Reading – I’ve already finished 3 books since I left my 9-5. I’m back to being the person I used to be. Like I said, I’m a homebody, which typically goes hand-in-hand with being an avid reader. It’s funny how things come full circle; I was that kid that preferred a book over a friend. Books were my friends? Anyways, a lot of noise came in-between myself and reading and I found myself constantly buying books without ever finishing one. Ever since getting rid of the obstacles that got in my way, I feel like a kid again. The other day I read 190 pages in a single day, I haven’t done that in years!! It’s the small victories that make the biggest impact.
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