I needed to buy deodorant yesterday, and as I was staring at the wall of choices looking for my ususal Secret or Dove powder fresh invisible stuff, I noticed a lavender scented all natural brand on the shelf. Being the buddhaful yogini, I thought I’d give it a try. It smelled good, like pure lavender, and was clear. I’ve heard natural deodorant doesn’t do the job, but thought I’d find out for myself, which I did. It left me feeling stickier than anything, like Elmer’s glue in my arm pits – eek! So while I advocate going au-natural when it comes to lotions, potions, and cosmetics…so far in the deodorant department I’m still waiting for a product of the same quality. There are some changes I’m just not ready for.
{August 12, 2009}
The beauty of aparigraha: Greedlessness
As yogis we practice aparigraha, seeking to simplify rather than accumulate, and trying not to covet the possessions of our neighbors. This particular yama is giving me a bit of a challenge lately. It’s a classic case of keeping up with the Jones’ (or Fitzgeralds’, Sobocinski’s, Calandrillos’, Madieras’, Nappi’s and so on). All of our friends are at the buying a house phase of their lives…and Phil and I are feeling quite stuck in our beloved Hoboken “trailer.” As if practicing patience with the process as we debate whether or not to put our condo on the market isn’t quite enough to drive home the concept of aparigra, it also brings to light the amount of STUFF I hoard. (Because if you want to sell, you’ve got to rid the place of clutter.)
So today, as on most Tuesday afternoons (the one day I don’t teach), I spent some time cleaning our itty-bitty living space. With a few breaks to allow for distractions like playing with my Goddess Card Deck (transformation in my past, divine wisdom to share in the present, and the need for strength in the future) and a trip to the farmer’s market for the most gorgeous sunflowers (only $7-a weekly treat), I plowed through the clutter. The last three years of Yoga Journal will make their way into the library at the studio, along with all my other yoga reading.
The most difficult challenge arrived as I made my way back to tackle the insanely large selection of beauty products I’ve accumulated over the years. Because for me, these products are a trip down memory lane, an overview of the last ten years of my life. Stila eyeshadows still in the cardboard packaging, before they switched to metal. (My very first purchase on my very first trip to Sephora-in Georgetown-was Stila eyeshadow in Kitten. Timelessly, the most universal shade.) Glitter from Tony&Tina-a brand that has been out of business for years but had the BEST glitter I’ve seen to date. Although Girlaktic could give them a run for their money, with the glitter/eyeliner combo that sticks together, and Make Up For Ever has a fabulous array of colors. I cant seem to let any of it go- brand new products sit under my bed in tupperware storage bins waiting for a rainy day when I need a pick me up, to discover them again like a child at Christmas. (I realize this is terrible feng shui.)
Then there are the fragrances. Oh fragrance. We all know how a fragrance can take us back in time, the cologne of a past love, the smell of mom’s cooking…fragrance is a sensory experience that can transport us in an instant. And as I clean I begin to ride the emotional rollercoaster of fragrances: Grace- a perfume I wore working as a makeup artist in college, Romance (Ralph Lauren)- fragrance for my first job at a cosmetics company, Stella (Stella McCartney)-the delicious rose fragrance I wore at 25 when I first met my husband, Lovely (SJP)- the gift my husband bought me on our first valentine’s day together.
Lately, I don’t wear much fragrance. These perfumes (and matching lotions, shower gels, and powder poofs) sit unused, relics in my beauty museum. Sometimes I’ll use a coconut or lavender lotion. I don’t yet have any fragrance defining this moment in my life. Maybe it’s time for a new scent.
{July 24, 2009}
MAC Attack
Really, you think I’d know better by now. Last Friday I had the itch for a makeover. It’s been a while-like a year-which is a really long time for me. Mom and I headed to the half-yearly sale at Nordstrom, by the looks of which you’d never know there was a recession (until you head into the rest of the mall). The party was at the MAC counter, obviously. I make my way up and request to have my makeup done, noticing out of the corner of my eye a young man with some very muted foundation, pale lips, and three fascinating lip piercings. In my head I’m all, “Please don’t give me the guy with the lip piercings.” Karma, as always, steps in and of course-I’m assigned to John, and his lip piercings. Of course!
“I need to look natural. I own a yoga studio. But fun, I like color,” I explain. “And it has to be easy, I have no time.” Wouldn’t you know it, John did the most amazing job with purples on my eyes and posey creme blush. Mom was amazed, “He was like an artist painting with the brush on your eyes!” My students even noticed when I arrived at class. “The foundation is flawless,” Linda, one of my favorite regulars, just couldn’t get over it. I went back for the foundation the next day.
So obviously, the moral of this story is don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I should know that by now, but every so often the universe sends a little reminder. Sometimes it comes with new lip gloss.
{July 22, 2009}
Bonjour!
Okay, so I know I’m a little bit slow on this whole blogging thing. But really I’ve been so busy trying to find inner peace the past five years, who has the time? Now that I’ve finally opened Elevate Yoga, I think it’s time to share a little more about what this journey has been like, and everything I like!
A buddhaful yogini lives yoga on and off the mat. She rarely walks out the door without mascara, and always has a couple pairs of her favorite yoga pants at the ready. A good pedicure is a must, and she’s always on the lookout for a beautiful buddha to add to her collection. Buddhaful Yogini is dedicated to all things beautiful and all things yoga…my favorite things! I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!
