welcome to growing conditions, an editorial series rooted in the belief that we each require a distinctive set of conditions to flourish in our environments and spark joy in our lives.
in this Q&A style format, we converse with interesting individuals who have developed their own unique tools, methods and techniques to embody a well-rounded lifestyle.
When I wake up I try as hard as possible not to check my phone. My morning routine consists of coffee or ceremonial cacao and meditation time and journaling at my altar.
coffee or cacao
Movement has become such an important part of my life. I find that I have to use movement to shift energy in my body. For me, kickboxing has been a life changing movement habit that I started a year ago. It has transformed my body and helped me to release anxious energy. As a child I loved to dance, lately I have been letting my body move naturally how it wants to in dance at my altar. I just signed up for Belly Dancing classes for the new year- very excited about that!
I live near the Four Mile Run Trail in Arlington. For me, it’s a blessing to have this sacred nature space available so close to me. I often walk my dog there and use it to reconnect with myself and nature in meditation.
I have spent 10 years in recovery working on healing myself and personal transformation. For me, a life well lived is serving others through my soul calling.
I was raised using Shaklee products. My mom has been a distributor for them for over 30 years. Shaklee was one of the original health and wellness companies in the 70’s advocating for non-toxic cleaners, nutritional supplements and advanced skin care products.
I’m a big podcast listener. I tend to gravitate towards podcasts with a soul mission. Some of my favorites are: Ancient Wisdom Today with Shaman Durek, The Goddess Collective with Nixie Marie, Expanded with Lacy Phillips.
I love to take baths. I find that a good soak and some time in reflection with candles does wonders.
Honoring my authentic self. Taking care of myself mentally, physically and emotionally.
Baths, meditation time at my altar, ceremonial music and dance.
Anything sweet!
My background is in the fashion industry and I have found that the way we present ourselves to the world is so powerful. My personal style has transformed so much over the last year. I have been trying to only buy or wear things that truly make my soul happy, which lately for me has been a lot of neutrals and soft colors and a new obsession with turbans!
When I graduated from college, my mom gave me a necklace that my grandmother wore when I was a child. The most amazing part about his gift is that for years after my grandmother passed away, we thought it was lost and it magically appeared a few weeks before my graduation.
Maui. It holds a special place in my heart and is truly a magical place filled with transformative healing power.
When I am walking barefoot on the beach.
Fall
Native American ceremonial drumming has been taking a huge part of my playlist lately. It’s so powerful and ignites beautiful movement in my soul.
I find so much inspiration from all of the women in my community. When I got sober, I found the importance of a strong sisterhood for support. Each day I watch these women in my life navigate life with grace and beauty.
Let it go! It’s not that serious.
thank you for taking the time to answer these questions! you inspire me. <3