We’re Never Offline
I remember an instance when went to Instagram to do my normal morning live for my #GroundsCrew. But the app was down. I went to check my FB notifications to see if my mother had embarked on her cross-country road trip and it was down too.
And I felt… relieved. That sounds strange coming from a content creator and a woman who fronts a global brand that seems to rely heavily on social media. But the fact of the matter is our village never rests and is never offline. Our village is made of real-life human beings in places and spaces worldwide. We are truly global.
We are connected, not only through social media but through real-world channels of communication and connection. We have built a living, breathing community with many portals of entry and togetherness. Our village is something unique, powerful, and beautiful to experience.
I have been surrounded by beauty lately. It’s in the changing of the seasons here in the desert and the cool breezes that are finally greeting us in the morning; the sound of my Muslim jazz artist inspired Prayer Beads & Upright Bass playlist wafting from my speakers and the taste of a perfectly poured cup of coffee enjoyed on a warm fall evening in Phoenix. I am finding beauty in small things and unintended experiences. It is amazing.
One of the most beautiful memories I like revisiting is the presence of Maimouna Youssef during a session of “Foundational Womanhood.” Joined by her wise mother, Maimouna took our neos through a sound bath exercise and writing experience that was phenomenally moving and grounding at the same time. Hers is a voice that always brings me to tears. Listen to her Tiny Desk concert and you can literally feel your heart opening wide to receive.
Here are some of the other things adding beauty to my life as we nestle into fall:
My new scent is Patchouly Eau de Parfum by Profumum. Fun fact: I used to hate the smell of patchouli. That was because I was smelling patchouli that had been cut by cheap alcohol. Now, it is one of my favorite scents, and this intense, slightly sweet, and complex version has easily moved into my top 3 favorite fragrances.
I spend a lot of time cooking year-round but especially in the fall. My favorite thing to make is apple butter. A Michigan girl at heart, there is nothing like the sweet, cinnamony goodness of warm apple butter on toast in the morning. Try this recipe. I omit the ACV and it’s just as good. It’s inexpensive, tasty, and great for gift-giving. Let the kids help too!
Being on my feet at the stove (or just walking around the house in general) can cause my feet to ache. I am a former dancer and I’ve broken both ankles and one foot before so I have to be careful. My dear sister-friend Yasmin wrote about these orthotic house sandals on Twitter one day and I had to have a pair. Now I am on my Mr. Rogers as soon as I get into the house: swap fancy boots and put on orthotic slippers! They are amazingly supportive and I take them with me even when I travel.
I pray that all of you are keeping well, getting rest, and savoring moments of joy wherever you find them. I’d love to know about what you are loving, reading, and eating these days. Please share in the comments!
