Tranquil Transitions
We have crossed the threshold of 2025 and entered into a New Year. The concept of “new” is exciting, and hopeful, yet it may also feel ever so slightly intimidating or overwhelming when we attempt to foresee what is yet to be. It may be accompanied by a subtle expectation that things are now supposed to look, feel or become different than they truly are. Yes, invariably things will continue to change, yet not always how we anticipate them to. With the idea of creating resolutions for ourselves, we are manifesting and consciously creating and affecting change subtly or not so, by making firm resolves and taking action. By doing so, it feels we may unnecessarily burden ourselves with a sense of pressure or obligation to others or to ourselves to shift in a way that we’re not ready for just yet or are, perhaps, entirely incapable of sustaining long term or at all. This does not necessarily mean to forego the concept of changing, as if that were even a possibility, or to forego the concept of a “New Years Resolution”, but perhaps to ask ourselves as we set an intention, what it is we are hoping to resolve? What it is we are hoping to achieve? Does something feel out of alignment within us? Are we seeking transformation or are we attempting to challenge a certain aspect of ourselves? Are we attempting to actively change something that does not require our active participation? Are our expectations for ourselves based on a belief system we do not truly resonate with? What is being asked of us and what are we asking of ourselves and do these things make our hearts content or unsettled? Do we feel tense or at ease? The true resolutions await within the answers and within the felt experiences as we ask ourselves these things, and then we can begin, again, tranquilly transitioning into a new cycle of wonder.
Happy New Year!
Supporting our Barrier(s)
This past year it feels we have collectively moved through and shed many layers, and because of this we may be feeling extra open, vulnerable, sensitive and perhaps a little bare. With the introspective nature of Wintertime, we are reminded to take a gentle pause to nurture and foster our extra-sensitive selves. By taking the time to properly tend to the parts of us requiring a little extra support, we begin to strengthen our trust within ourselves and in doing so, we strengthen our capacity to accept external changes as they occur, knowing we are supported every step of the way. Sometimes this may mean setting healthy barriers or boundaries for ourselves. Staying true to ourselves in the midst of confusions or conflicts internally or externally. By taking time to tune into our true selves, we offer ourselves a great service in learning what deeply nourishes and supports us and what depletes or drains us. The skin is a wonderful reflection of our internal workings, if there is something to purge, it has no trouble doing so. If something is irritating, it speaks up. It speaks to us and if we listen, we can help assist it in restoring balance, and by doing so restore balance to our whole selves. Right now the skin may also be feeling more open and sensitive. What we feed our skin is just as important as what we feed our minds and our bodies. Invariably what we feed our minds and our bodies will also impact our skin. We can control our intake(s) to a certain extent, but inevitably there are traces of toxins and plastics in our food, there may be junk in the air we breathe, and our water may not always be as clean as we desire it to be. We may be put in stressful situations, we may face momentary obstacles that challenge us in unexpected ways. The external cannot always be controlled, but our internal responses can and for our skin this means cultivating a strong and healthy barrier.
There are numerous ways to help restore, replenish and nourish our skin’s barrier. From an external perspective, proper cleansing that does not strip the skin is paramount in balancing the microbiome of the skin and helping it maintain homeostasis. We know we mention it frequently, but a gentle reminder to consider switching things up from your typical gel or foamy cleanser to an oil-based cleanser. Oil cleansers assist in regulating oil production, stabilizing barrier function and providing adequate, balanced hydration. And, with a strong barrier our skin and our sensitive selves become less susceptible to environmental aggravations, we become more resilient, and through our resiliency, we shine brightly.
In addition to our favorite oil cleanser from Code of Harmony, we have many barrier supportive offerings available for retail. If you’re curious to learn more or interested in picking something up, give us a call, shoot us a text or email, or book a private shopping experience on our website!
2946 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA, 92116