BEAUTY
PERFORM: Once or twice daily, masking once a week or scrubbing 1 or 2 times per week
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A cleanser, toner and oil or moisturizer, plus an exfoliant
DURATION: 5 to 10 minutes
After summer’s salty and sunny good times, we look to uncover healthy and happy skin. Layers of sunscreen, days at the beach and sweating it out can leave your skin in less than pristine condition.
At this time of year, we add mild to deep exfoliation to our skincare programs. This will depend on your level of sensitivity, your moon cycle and what’s on the agenda.
The enzymes in pumpkin and honey work wonders to create an effective and nutrient-dense exfoliating mask. Others may prefer a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub. We don’t recommend exfoliating before an important date or an evening out, as your skin may need some time to recover. And, if you know that you’re extremely sensitive, skip this altogether and choose a honey mask instead.
HOW TO DO IT: In the autumn, follow your standard morning and evening skincare routines, adding an appropriate exfoliant to the program. For some, this is a mask, and, for others, this is a manual scrub. Always exfoliate in the evening, so your skin has time to rest and recover.
If masking, look for products with active botanicals, such as pumpkin and other fruit enzymes. Pineapple is excellent, too. Before you use any new product, but especially with enzymatic exfoliants, test a patch on your inner wrist and monitor it for any reaction. On your clean face, apply a thin layer of mask. Monitor your skin for its level of heat, and, if you feel like your skin is reacting strongly, remove it at once. Be mindful that these masks can be powerful. They reveal beautiful skin, but it’s important not to overdo it. Let your skin breathe afterward. Skip any active serums until the next night, and revel in your perfect new canvas.
Or, make your own simple-yet-effective version at home. One of our favorite beauty routines is to apply manuka honey to the skin for 5 to 10 minutes.
If using a manual scrub, start with clean skin. Use gentle circular motions, and remember to keep your face damp. Continue for up to a minute, then rinse. Follow with a rich and gentle moisturizer, but, again, skip any active serums until the following evening.
Our favorite season has arrived, bringing with it the glorious colors of autumn. Look no further than the turning leaves for inspiration. Copper, rust, bronze and tawny browns create a nature made foundation and a perfect canvas for hints of deep teal, rich magenta or hunter green. We also love to add a shocking yellow. Pair it all with a nude lip, and set the town ablaze.
PERFORM: Once a week
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: For dry hair, a treatment oil or cold pressed coconut oil. For oily hair, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, a lemon or cup of brewed hibiscus tea, a small mixing bowl and a wide-toothed wooden comb or brush
DURATION: 30 minutes to overnight
Sun, sand and surf can lead to ravaged locks. And, whether you swing dry and damaged or limp and oily, a mask can restore health and shine. Greet autumn with healthy hair, by introducing these simple masks into your weekly routine.
HOW TO DO IT: For dry or damaged hair, apply the oil directly to your dry scalp. Massage in and work the oil down through the length of your hair, making sure that the ends are saturated. Your comb will help with this. You may need to add more oil to the mid-sections and ends. How much you need will depend on the length of your hair. Hair should be just coated, not superwet. Wrap your hair in a towel, and leave it on for 1 hour to overnight. This is a great time to take a bath, as the humidity will benefit the process. When ready, shampoo and condition normally.
For oily hair, combine ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (ACV), the juice of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon raw honey in a small mixing bowl. You can substitute 2 tablespoons brewed 100 percent hibiscus tea for the lemon. In Ayurveda, hibiscus is known to encourage thicker hair growth as well as condition the hair. Mix with a small whisk and apply to damp hair, using your comb to distribute. Leave on your hair for just 30 minutes.
Again, this is a perfect time for a bath. Otherwise, wrap your hair in a towel. When ready, shampoo hair normally to remove.
PERFORM: Once or twice a week
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Organic apple cider vinegar
DURATION: 20 to 30 minutes
An apple a day. This season calls to mind one of our favorite bathing rituals, the apple cider vinegar bath. This health food store staple, known for its alkalizing ways, does wonders for the skin and beyond. A natural antibacterial, this vinegar clears up fungus-based skin conditions and restores pH balance to the skin. What goes on your skin goes in your body, and a vinegar bath can also help with digestion and relieve inflammation and joint pain. Since we absorb its nutrients, notably the elusive B vitamins, vitamin C and trace minerals, this bath works on an inner and outer beauty level. It’s no wonder that we sing its praises. Skin will feel moisturized and clarified, and apple cider vinegar does wonders for hair health, too. Take the plunge.
HOW TO DO IT: Fill your tub with hot water, and add 1 to 2 cups of the vinegar. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the water cools. Use a washcloth, if you like, and don’t be afraid to get your hair wet. Some like a shower afterward (especially if you’ve gotten your hair wet), but others recommend letting the vinegar dry on your skin.
CLEANSER: Wedderspoon Manuka Honey, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, One Love Organics Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil
HYDROSOL: Mūn Anarose Hydrating Rose Toner, Julisis Silver Cistus Toner Night, The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner
MOISTURIZER: Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Lotion, Max and Me Sweet Serenity Balm, Shiva Rose Pearl Rose Face Cream
EXFOLIANT: May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt, S. W. Basics Cream Scrub, Odacité Jojoba Beads Exfoliant
OTHER GOOD STUFF: Leahlani Honey Love Three in One, Living Libations Green + Papaya Lime AHA Mask, Butter Elixir Lip
After the freewheeling days of summer, we recommit to a practice of daily habits, the simple things we do each day that add up to a state of higher health. For us, these include our minimum intake of water, meditation, journaling, a workout, our supplements and even flossing. To ensure consistency with these and any other habits you take on, make a simple chart. List the habits in a single column on the left, and the days of the month across the top. Simply check off each task when you complete it. Watch the page fill up, and know that there’s power in repetition. You got this.
PERFORM: Once daily
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Comfortable clothes and a comfortable chair or space on the floor
DURATION: 3 minutes
One of our favorite Kundalini kriyas, or meditations, for this time of year is the aggressive sounding Fists of Anger. But don’t be put off by its name. Fists of Anger is one of the most powerful tools we know for releasing negativity and shifting our mindsets. By removing anger from your field, you open yourself up to grace. And, even if you don’t think you have any anger, rest assured, we all do. And, by moving it through the body you open yourself up to its power and can use it to your benefit. Plus, it delivers toned arms and a strong core, all while revealing your most ethereal self. Find grace and beauty in your anger.
HOW TO DO IT: Sit in easy pose or in a seated position on the floor or in a chair. Touch each thumb to the fleshy mounds at the base of the pinkie. Wrap your fingers over your thumb and make a fist. Bring your arms overhead with relaxed, slightly bent elbows. Close your eyes, and begin a version of Breath of Fire through the mouth, with rapid, forceful and even breaths in and out. Then, start moving the arms in a backstroke, alternating arms and coordinating with your rapid breath. Continue for 3 minutes, focusing on the third eye. When the timer goes off, take a deep inhale, hold your breath, interlace your fingers with the palms facing up and your arms extended over your head. Hold your breath, and imagine yourself immersed in white light. Take two more deep breaths in this same posture, release your hands like a cork popping while you forcefully exhale. Allow your hands to slowly lower until they reach the ground. Finish with a long Sat and a short Nam. Repeat daily. Kundalini teaches the power of 40 days. Stick with it, and experience the shift.
Autumn mornings set our intentions and pave the way for productive days. By using this time to ground down, connect to our loved ones and set projects into motion, we activate our most lofty intentions and set ourselves up for productive and prosperous days.
Here’s how Kerrilynn begins her day:
“I wake up and head to my favorite chair for 22 minutes of transcendental meditation. I use the app Insight Timer and love to wrap things up by using their feature that allows me to thank others who are meditating with the app as well. There’s so much power in connecting to a community of like-minded souls. After meditation, it’s time for a tonic. My husband, John, and I start and end each day by talking over a cup (or three!) of adaptogenic herbs. In autumn, we favor herbs that enhance focus and creativity. Mucuna pruriens, Rhodiola and Pine Pollen all make the cut. We blend them into a chai tea with coconut butter and tocotrienols and top our drinks with energizing bee pollen. This is sacred time with John and our rescue dogs, Beba and Ricky. Kundalini yoga comes next, and I often have a series of kriyas that I practice in 40-day intervals. I’m especially loving Sudarshan Chakra, which is all about making dreams come true. We take the dogs to Prospect Park, and, if time permits, when we get back home, I start some prep for the evening’s dinner. Cutting up cauliflower and onions for an evening soup ensures a healthy and simple meal at day’s end. I may squeeze in a face mask, and then it’s off to the office for a full day at CAP Beauty.
“Keep up, and you’ll be kept up.” These wise words from Yogi Bhajan, who brought Kundalini to the West in the 1970s, strike a chord with us this time of year. With the seasonal shift, a return to longer workdays and the back-to-school onset of germs, our immune systems can become compromised. We believe that a daily practice of sweating keeps illness at bay and prevents stagnation from building in our bodies. When we keep it moving, literally and figuratively, we activate and support the immune system, discourage the growth of bacteria and reduce cortisol levels. Here are some key moves to get your body moving. Fit them into your morning or evening routine. No gym required.
VIGOROUS CAT COW. You may be familiar with this stretching series that makes its appearance at the start of almost every yoga class. In this amped-up version, part asana, part pranayama, we go through the same arching and convexing motion, but at a much faster pace than you may be used to.
Begin on your hands and knees, with a neutral spine and the tops of your feet touching the floor. Gently lower your back, lift your head and look to the sky as you inhale. This is Cow position. Next, bring your body into Cat position by bringing your belly button toward your spine and rounding your back upward. Your head will drop between your arms as you exhale. Repeat a few times slowly, then pick up the pace, exaggerating the breath as you increase the vigor and speed of your repetitions. Go fast. Let your hair be wild, and get into it. You’ll feel the heat build in your body, and you may feel disoriented. Know that you’ll come back to neutral soon. Try and build up to a 3-minute practice. Recover in Child’s Pose when you’re done.
REBOUNDING. All hail the mini trampoline. This playful form of exercise is a staple among the wellness set for its incredible list of benefits, in particular its ability to jumpstart detoxification by boosting lymphatic drainage. A good rebounder can be an investment, and the better models may be easier on the joints, but cheaper versions are also available. We like models from JumpSport and Bellicon. Do your research, then bounce it out.
A little goes a long way. Start with 15 minutes a day (with or without shoes). This can be broken up into shorter sessions. Feet can stay in contact with the trampoline or you can bounce higher for a more advanced practice. Mix it up by trying some alternate moves, tiny jumping jacks, high knee to chest, easy twists. Pair it with Netflix, or put on a great playlist, and get moving.
And, lest you think rebounding is just for hippies and detox junkies like us, you might want to read what NASA has to say. The study is significant, but most notably, their data revealed that rebounding is up to 68-percent more effective than running (rebound-air.com/nasa). We like that it increases bone mass, takes down cellulite, improves digestion and oxygenates the body. Boosted circulation also delivers radiant skin. Such a small investment for such great returns. Shake it up to shake it out.
DANCING. Turn it up, and turn it on. Even a short dance session at home can shift your day and elevate your immune system. Make a playlist (or find one), and get moving. Your physical body will thank you. And, so will your mind. And, with all that home practice, imagine your skills at the next wedding.
STAIR-CLIMBING. There’s stairs everywhere, so take advantage of them. Make it a habit to incorporate stair-climbing into your routine. Taking the stairs is a fast-and-effective way to improved health, so get higher and climb your way to happiness. If it worked for Rocky, it’ll work for you.
PERFORM: As needed
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A comfortable seat, a journal and calendar pages
DURATION: 1 to 2 hours
We’re dreamers. And, planners. Spending time envisioning your ideal day, week or life is time well spent. It’s even better spent when visions become plans and the wheels are set in motion. Allowing ourselves to daydream can be powerful on its own. So often, we are simply working off of today’s to-do list, focused on immediate goals and running at top speed. Taking the time to visualize a perfect future can shed light on important values and help us see the big picture. Sometimes, this macro view can overwhelm us, causing us to retreat and dive back into the daily grind. But, stick with it, find delight in the big picture and let it inspire you. Then, back it up with an agile plan. You may find yourself with new priorities, a new outlook and a whole new to-do list.
Be careful to avoid a state of mind that only allows for happiness in a future scenario. This is sometimes referred to as future tripping, and it’s not the kind that we’re encouraging. You may recognize this as “I’ll be happy when I get the promotion, when I lose 5 pounds, when I attain spiritual enlightenment.” Be happy now, but indulge your dreams and get planning.
HOW TO DO IT: Sit in a comfortable chair or on the floor in Easy pose. Invite white light in through the crown of your head and allow it to fill your body, feeling hopeful and excited for what’s to come. Envision the light moving through you to the core of the earth, creating a connection to Mother Nature. Allow the light to travel back up though your body, through the crown of your head. Here lies your connection to Source. Then, bask in your perfect future. Where do you live? Who do you love? How does it feel? Get as detailed as you can. You’re the architect of all you want.
When you emerge from this blissful meditation, get out your journal, and, without overthinking it, write. You want to integrate this vision into your reality. What did you learn? What surprised you? What aspects of your life are in line with, or at odds with, your dreams?
After a few minutes of freestyle writing, it’s time to get practical. This is where dreams become reality. After all, and in the words of French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
DIVIDE YOUR LIFE INTO CATEGORIES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO YOUR GOALS. SOME WE LIKE ARE: health and fitness, career, friends and family, romantic love, finances, spirituality, art and objects, self-development, philanthropy and home. Then, create broad pictures for each of them. These could be in list form or a more narrative version. It’s up to you. These goals won’t happen overnight, but what can you do today, this week or this month to get closer? Print out calendars and get specific. We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Enjoy the process, and future trip the right way.
PERFORM: One or two times daily
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A comfortable seat, pillow or space on the floor
DURATION: 3 to 22 minutes
Revolution begins within. And, a quiet mind is the catalyst for true change. Seemingly, nothing is simpler than sitting still, yet a meditation practice can elude even the most well-intentioned of us. We overthink it. We get restless. Its benefits are not always obvious. And, worst of all, we judge ourselves for our inability to clear our thoughts. But, upon learning that all of this is part of the process, even for the most experienced practitioner, we look at meditation in a new light, embrace the imperfections and finally commit. The practice is in the practice.
There are countless styles of meditation and ways to practice, some still, some active. Find one that is right for you, and dedicate yourself. With nutrition and fitness, we encourage diversity, but in the case of meditation, we see real value in choosing a style, and calling it our own. It’s so easy to jump between practices, especially when we don’t see results, but the power here is in consistency. Let yourself go deep, and see what happens over time.
According to Robin Berzin, MD, founder of Parsley Health in New York City, meditation is the single most important thing we can do for our health. When she shared this at CAP Beauty, Cindy asked hopefully if Savasana counts? Wishful thinking. So many of us like to cite flow activities like cooking, yoga, running or reading as forms of meditation. While any activity that encourages a state of flow is fantastic, it’s not the same as sitting quietly. This is where you’ll reap meditation’s true benefits: the physical, mental and spiritual. And, the benefits are vast. Meditation increases the gray matter in our brains, lowers cortisol, increases focus, reduces blood pressure, alleviates anxiety, tackles depression and insomnia and puts the body in a state of heightened healing. Given this list, it’s shocking that so many of us resist this simple practice.
Here are some of our practices. Spend a few weeks testing them out, then choose one that resonates. Feel free to do more than one. Kerrilynn practices both transcendental meditation (TM) and Kundalini, and finds them to complement each other. And, adding in a special event like a large-group meditation or sound bath is always powerful.
TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION. TM, a form of Vedic meditation, was made famous by the Beatles, who studied under master teacher Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Vedic traditions rely on the repetition of a simple mantra to focus the mind, crowding out thoughts and easing the body into a state of deep rest. TM and other forms of Vedic meditation are formally learned through a certified teacher who stays with you for life. We were lucky enough to study with Bob Roth, the executive director of the David Lynch Foundation in New York City, and he changed our lives. Find your teacher, and change yours.
KUNDALINI. Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini, also known as Householder’s yoga, to us. It’s called Householder’s yoga because it can be practiced anywhere and is available to all. The science of Kundalini incorporates breath, movement and focus into short (or long) routines called kriyas. These kriyas raise your Kundalini or Life Force Energy, something we all have in varying states. Wake up and raise this energy to reach spiritual enlightenment. Moreover, each kriya targets a specific goal or intention. Attract prosperity, increase magnetism, raise your sexual energy or encourage youthfulness and beauty. Kundalini kriyas are an active form of meditation, appealing to those who have a harder time sitting. This ancient practice has modern appeal. Find a Kundalini center or learn the kriyas through short videos online. We love RA MA TV (rama-tv.com). Sat Nam.
LOVING KINDNESS. In this beautiful Buddhist practice, we shower others and ourselves with love and gratitude. Also known as metta, this simple-yet-profound technique crowds out negativity and elevates our state of mind. It has been found to increase empathy and relieve depression. Begin by repeating the phrase “May I be happy.” Then, direct this wish toward someone you love or someone you feel grateful for. Next, direct it toward someone you feel neutral toward, and then direct it toward someone who is presenting a challenge. Finally, offer this phrase up to the universe: “May all beings everywhere be happy.” you can make the practice your own. Try “May I be healthy and strong. May I be filled with ease. May I be surrounded with love.” This is also a great practice to begin with kids or practice with a partner. This practice has become one of the favorite times of the day for Cindy’s daughter, Sally. Be love. And, start them young.
These are the stones we keep on hand to call in what we desire and to attract and create abundance. Dream big, then ground down to fly high.
AMETHYST: Illuminate your path with this lilac beauty. Clarify and connect to your higher goals.
PEARL: Keep the faith. This vital component of manifesting is strengthened through the presence of pearl.
GARNET: The stone of health encourages a state of body and state of mind ripe for attraction.
FLUORITE: This supernatural stone allows for higher levels of communication. Ask the universe. Receive.
HOWLITE: encourage a state of strength and calm when asking for what you desire. A tranquil sea is a powerful sea.
We are as good as the people who surround us. So, to reach our highest state, we make a conscious choice to align ourselves with the best and the brightest. Mastermind groups are a staple of classic entrepreneurial culture. Coined by Napoleon Hill, author of the seminal Think and Grow Rich, masterminding is the practice of formally and consistently meeting with a group of peers, usually fellow entrepreneurs or other creators, to share insights and resources, critique one another’s work and offer encouragement and support. Expanding your network is an obvious benefit as well.
The idea and inception of CAP Beauty actually sprang from a weekly mastermind meeting. Kerrilynn shared her dream for a natural beauty store, and Cindy encouraged her to pursue this, without letting it die. When they decided to partner, the wheels were set in motion. Even though they had never formally worked together, years of masterminding gave them insight into each other’s working styles and ethics, paving the way for a perfect partnership. Whether or not a new company forms from your group, there’s much to gain, and there’s power in the practice. Most important, this is a safe space, a place to offer and receive thoughtful and sometimes challenging feedback and a place to learn about your own habits and what works best for others. Support others in their highest ambitions and know that they support yours. Grow together.
HOW TO DO IT: Think of people whose work and mission you admire. Do you have something to offer to them and they to you? Select your group carefully and with intention. The plan is to stay together for the long haul. Groups may be as few as three or as many as eight. Small worked well for us. Decide on a day and set it in your calendar as a non-negotiable commitment. It’s no surprise again here that consistency is key.
Pick a place where you can spend some time, that is convenient to all and preferably has healthy food and drinks. Set up a schedule for the meeting and determine how long each member will hold court. We found that 15 minutes per member worked well. For larger groups, you may try alternating weeks. Stay on task, and use a timer. It’s easy to get sidetracked, but discipline is vital. If these are people you want to talk with personally, make a date for dinner or stay after and chat. Keep it business. One person takes notes and circulates them after each meeting. This creates continuity between meetings. Begin each meeting with an invocation you write together. Why are you here? What do you want to manifest? How can you serve? Then, dive right into each 15-minute block. Serve yourself by serving others.
PERFORM: One or two times daily
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Palo Santo, matches, and a fireproof dish
DURATION: 5 to 10 minutes
Channel your inner shaman. The act of burning, also known as smudging, has been performed for centuries by healers across the globe. Thought to promote positive energy, smudging dissolves negativity through the intentional act of burning a natural and fragrant substance. While other substances may be used, this season we choose Palo Santo, also known as holy wood, for its grounding and earthy scent. Watch the smoke rise and dissipate and know that positive thoughts and prayers rise with the smoke to be met by Source energy. Embrace the beautiful scent of the wood, and enjoy taking this time to honor and reclaim your space. Love yourself by caring for your environment. Beauty is all around.
HOW TO DO IT: Find a comfortable spot in a favorite area of your home, and sit. Hold the Palo Santo in your hands and take three deep cleansing breaths, connecting to yourself and the wood. Let go of all your worries from the day, knowing that this ritual removes concerns and gives way to light. Call upon your higher power, be that God, Mother Earth, a spirit guide or Source, whatever you connect with. Ask for help in clearing your space and filling it with the energies of love. Light the Palo Santo at one end. If the flame does not dissipate on its own gently snuff it out, so the wood smolders. Visit all corners of your space with the Palo Santo, while repeating a simple mantra. We like “Let there be love, let there be light.” Once you’ve treated every area of your space, lay the wood in a fireproof dish (we like Fornasetti!) and allow it to continue smoking safely. Breathe deeply and give thanks for your space and the positive energies it now holds.
Autumn is the season of connecting back to home and Earth after the ethereal, light days of summer. For many, it also recalls the energy of back-to-school, making it a season of productivity and goals. Create a shrine to support your ambitions. Let them ground you. And, let focused intention (and good work) manifest an abundant harvest.
PERFORM: Twice a year, or as needed
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A patient and honest friend, a note pad and a camera
DURATION: 4 to 6 hours
Refine, reset, renew. As with all things, we believe in the power of creating space. Of only keeping things in your life that create true happiness and ease. We also love a great outfit. When your closet overwhelms you, when it’s packed to the brim but you have nothing to wear, the best defense is to dive deep, isolate what you love and toss the rest. Cindy did this project with a close friend years ago, and it was a transformative act. For her and her friend. Your mornings (and your loved ones) will thank you.
HOW TO DO IT: Invite a trusted and stylish friend to help. Make sure that he or she understands that they may be engaged for a full afternoon. Have snacks on hand and a favorite drink. Then, get to work. Start with separates; pants and skirts are good. Try on each pair and judge it on its real merit, not its history, its maker or its cost. Then, ask yourself and your friend if they flatter you. Do you feel good? Are they past their prime, stained or threadbare? Be honest and ruthless, and keep emotions at bay. If they pass the test, your friend can jot them down on a master list. Otherwise, make a bag for donations or recycling. Systematically go through all bottoms, then all tops, and then go through the same process with dresses. Finally, take a survey of accessories. Lay out belts, shoes, and so on.
Once you’ve created a list of separates, start building complete looks and ask yourself what each outfit needs. More often than not, it’s already in your closet, but you may discover a few key pieces that are missing. Add them to your list, and shopping will become intentional and purposeful. And, when the exercise is done, you’ll have your own personal style guide and a lot more space in your closet.
As you try everything on, ask your friend to take notes and list each perfect outfit you discover. You can even make a spreadsheet with each look, and you can cross reference it when packing for a trip. Locate each outfit built around the same skirt or shoes. Packing will be simplified. Put in the time now to free up time later, and leave morning stress behind. You might even start getting to work early.
Take note! We’ve found that assigning certain days of the week to certain tasks ensures that it all gets done and clears our minds of to-do-list chatter. As David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, says, “The mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” Fix it and forget it, and open yourself up to spontaneity. This tip has massively impacted Kerrilynn’s life and allows for more freedom during the week, knowing what each day brings.
HOW TO DO IT: Write out all of your tasks for the week, including some self care rituals. We’re talking laundry, gardening, paying bills, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, you get the idea. Then, create a digital homekeeping calendar, and assign each item as a recurring event. We like to do errands on Wednesdays, cook for the week on Sunday mornings, take a bath on Thursday nights. Plan as best you can, but edit the calendar as you need. And, enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that it will all get done.
EXTRA CREDIT: For more in-depth projects, like cleaning out the medicine chest and washing area rugs, we turn to our homekeeping hero, flylady (flylady.net), and her ingenious method of creating an area of focus for each week. When the kitchen is the focus, you may spend 15 minutes one morning wiping down the fridge and 15 minutes the next day on the silverware drawer. Planning these short, effective and constantly rotating tasks has revolutionized the way that we keep house. More often than not, we don’t have 2 hours, but we can find 15 minutes a day. As always, consistency rules. Learn to love your space.
Raise the stakes, and everyone wins. Our favorite way to incentivize and commit to a pattern of good behavior is to bet on it. Find a friend with a similar goal, and come up with a plan. Maybe you both want to work out 5 days a week? Commit to each other and decide on the stakes if either of you comes up short. The point of this bet is for no one to lose. But, knowing that you may spend the day cleaning your best friend’s apartment might just get you to the gym. We don’t want to let our friends down, so use this to your advantage to create a healthy habit. You can also set a reward for winning. After 6 months of sticking to it, treat each other to a night out or buy a favorite new book. When you create competition, your odds for winning soar. Let the games begin.
Reach out. Let others know how you feel. This simple and short practice can profoundly shape your life. So many of our heroes and mentors encourage us to spend time each day simply getting in touch with our friends, family and colleagues. We often think that we’re too pressed for time, but these conversations can be short and sweet. Even a text will do. Spend a few minutes each day reaching out to a loved one or to someone who has impacted you. For example, we like to text our yoga teachers and thank them for the work they do.
Make time to meet in person, too. According to our friend, Daniela Turley, a medical herbalist, studies have shown that spending time with a funny friend may reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone by 39 percent.* That’s even more effective than meditation. (We do both!)
*http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/2011-19550-001/
WAKE UP, BEAUTIFUL. EMBRACE THE NEW COOL AIR AND THE SCENTS of autumn that fill your room. The harvest is here. It’s time to sow the seeds. Get your Kundalini rising with 3 minutes of Sat Kriya. Add the Magnificent Mantra, if you’re looking to thrive. We always are. Finish this morning practice with a vigorous round of Cat Cow. Give thanks, and ask out loud for what you want and need. The universe responds. Always. Make your way to the kitchen for your filtered water and probiotics. Then, treat yourself to a tonic drink or coffee or tea. Add warming spices, like cinnamon, to keep your pilot light aflame. Sit down to enjoy it. Read the paper or a favorite book, or just sit and enjoy the silence. It’s yours. Give some love to a corner of your home, just 10 minutes and you’ll feel the shift. Splash your face with warmish water, or simply give it a good mist with a favorite hydrosol. Then, apply your serums and oils, creating the perfect canvas. Take the time to dress well. ‘Tis the season. Before you head out, envision your day and what you can achieve. What’s your perfect picture? Now, go live it. Hit a midday yoga class. Get going, and get glowing. Meet a friend for a post-class smoothie or soup. Don’t forget your veggies. Take a walk with your bestie. Discover something new. Time is on your side. Treat yourself to something special. A new book or reishi tonic. Whatever makes you happy. Before heading home, hit the farmer’s market. Take advantage of the bounty. Leave with some Delicata squash, some cauliflower or kale, and the season’s best apples. The makings for a perfect dinner. Invite a friend, or enjoy it alone. After dinner, draw a bath and lace it with apple cider vinegar. Light a candle or some incense. Get into it. Alone time is sacred and feeds your soul. Out of the tub, nourish yourself with a favorite oil and wrap yourself well in clean towels. Meditate again. Make an evening tonic. Ashwagandha and tulsi encourage a good night’s sleep. Grab your journal, and, as you sip your tonic, write it out to get it out. Once again, acknowledge what you’re grateful for. You’ll pave the way for more. With an open heart, clean body, and clear mind, give yourself over to the power of sleep. Sweet dreams, autumn beauty.
