I had a really mindful weekend this week; on Saturday I attended a beginners’ meditation retreat at Kadampa Meditation Centre, focused on learning the very basics of how to enter the state of meditation, which was pretty fascinating! My mom and I learnt about the importance of breath, or any other virtuous object to focus on, whilst entering meditation, and then how to transition into contemplative meditation. Prior to Saturday’s meditation retreat I didn’t truly appreciate the importance of focus within meditation, as I’d always seen it as a chance to switch off, rather than ‘switch my mind on’.
Saturday also marked the entrance of Pluto into Aquarius. I’m not usually a major astrology girlie, I’ll read my horoscope every now and then, and I do identify with the traits of my signs, but after reading up on the stages of Pluto, and how it ties in with history, it sparked something in my mind. According to astrology experts this phase (which will last for the next two decades!) will be a time for great societal change, revolution, and a ‘death and rebirth’ of the world as we know it. As someone who is so passionate about sustainable fashion and fighting global warming this predicted shift in society has me crossing my fingers that the next twenty years means a big move in a positive direction!
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
I finished Ninth House, and rated it 4 stars. I love when a fantasy, that isn’t targeted at YA, has an intense plot, without losing the magical themes of the fantasy genre, and Ninth House was just the perfect blend.
I also read The Fine Print, after seeing it recommended on TikTok, and honestly I think it was enough to make me never trust a ‘booktok’ recommendation ever again… I’m not one for a cheesy romance, or an enemies to lover subplot, so maybe I’m the exception here, but I only rated it 2 stars.
E. EDUCATING
As I mentioned at the start of this post, I attended a meditation retreat this week. I’ve dipped my toes in the world of meditation before, but never truly fallen in love with it. However, I feel like it may have been because I didn’t truly understand the strategy of it all!
The workshop, led by a Buddhist nun, talked us through focusing on something as you enter your meditation, and then to shift to ruminating on a thought or teaching. I love sitting in contemplation, so this style of meditation sounds much more appealing to me, rather than trying to ‘switch my mind off’ all together.
P. PLAYING
My sister and I are a sucker for some throwback tunes, and we’ve had some absolute bangers on this past week. Think Pitbull, Alexandra Burke, Cher Lloyd, N-Dubz; it’s feeling like 2010 all over again in our house!
O. OBSESSING OVER
My family and I are utterly obsessed with The Traitors on BBC. The twists and turns of last week’s episodes has me so, so excited for the final week of the show this week.
If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s about a group of people, a small amount of whom are designated as traitors, and they all have to try and solve who is a traitor by the end of the series. If the ‘faithfuls’ manage to do this then they win the money, but if the traitors survive then they win the jackpot.
R. RECOMMENDING
I’m a lover of a cosy vlog, and often have them on in the background when I’m doing my work. This past week Georgie Morley came back to YouTube with an ‘off season diaries’ from her home on Nantucket, and it’s the perfect beach town winter vibe. If you’re looking for a chatty, cosy vlog, that feels like being on FaceTime to a friend, then I definitely recommend her channel.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
My hands get so dry this time of year, so I’ve been treating myself to my Champneys hand cream. Keeping this in my handbag, and applying it religiously, has not only made my hands buttery soft, but also surrounds me with such a calming, lovely scent.
Love Chloe x
