Spending more time in Brooklyn these past few months has opened my eyes to a whole new world of creative spirits, and I'm inspired by it daily. I'm so thankful to be living at the epicenter of a buzzing, vibrant culture brimming with artists, writers, forward-thinkers, and makers.
Speaking of makers, I'm particularly inspired by my friend and fellow momtrepreneur Leah Fox. A teacher of yoga and a maker of these wonderfully whimsical mini-mala neckalces, Leah and I met through a Brooklyn moms group and became fast friends.
For those of you who don't know what a mini-mala is (I didn't before I met Leah!), it is a version of a traditional japa mala prayer necklace used in yogic and Buddhist traditions. These necklaces are configured of 108 beads and are used to help keep count during chanting mantras or prayers. Leah explains this more gracefully than I can on her Charm & Magic website, so for more info, click here.
Leah's mini-mala creations are a delicate, fun and sparkly take on these traditional prayer beads. I love how they balance a lighthearted and airy aesthetic mixed with the powerful spirituality behind them. They exist for your connection and protection, or just a pause to reflect in the midst of your daily chaos. In Leah's words, they are a "reminder to see Charm & Magic, always."
Magic in itself, she started her business just two weeks before Luca was born. She felt a longing to help people connect to themselves, and in the process of creating her mini-malas, she connects to herself both creatively and philanthropically. A portion of the proceeds from each creation go towards the Human Plant Project , a program which strives to help underserved communities in the NYC area through the practice of yoga and mindfulness. Sounds like good karma for everyone!
In the rat-race of New York City and the industry of interior design, I find it so easy to fall down the rabbit hole of material things by default, always wanting and needing. As the ultimate consumer, it's never enough. There's always more- the latest product on the market, the "why didn't I think of that". Hungry for knowledge and inspiration, I am constantly devouring books, magazines, blogs, and social media, and I feel like it's only the tip of the iceberg. While this isn't a bad thing, it often leaves me with my head spinning and removes me from the present moment of just being. A quick glance at my mini-mala bracelets remind me to take a breath, pause and come back to the present - a little mini-meditation if you will.
Wearing these mini-mala bracelets that Leah made for me (complete with adorable hand-made packaging, which doesn't hurt!) reminds me to fulfill her wish behind the creations: "May these malas ground and guide you as your craft conscious days creating a blissful life". Instead of wondering what to make for dinner, what I'm doing tomorrow, or what's happening in the Twitterverse, I'll take note of the sound of children's laughter in the distance, the tiny leaf (or piece of litter, hah!) blowing in the wind, Bear's pure joy in frolicking in the snow-covered park, and the look of wonder on Avery's face as she stares wide-eyed from her stroller, absorbing the city around her. We should all try to see the world through our children's eyes (or mouths!) more often.
Luca and Avery exploring!
A sunny, sub-zero walk at the park.
As moms, Leah and I have learned so much from our little ones on how to experience the simplicity of happiness. Both having fledgling businesses, we've also learned from each other how to (attempt to) balance the world of motherhood and entrepreneurship... definitely not an easy feat, and one that is an constant work in progress. As a person whose wheels are endlessly turning, it has been admittedly difficult to train myself to take some time out, but every time I do, it's well worth the effort. I'd like to make it a habitual practice to apply this mantra to my everyday design work and remember the true meaning of home. A place to live, love, create, and just be.
So, bring on the charm! Here are some beautiful inspiration images (many from Leah's Pinterest boards , personal home, and Instagram feed!) to remind you to live your life at home with intention. Let's all namaste, the Charm & Magic way.
~L.S.
Where the magic happens! Leah's workspace via Instagram
Leah's rainbow of books via Instagram
Natural filtering through... via @leahannefox Instagram
Simplicity... via My Scandinavian Home
Yoga Space via Hannas Room
Ceramic Hand Bookends via Leah's Home Pinterest Board
This bedroom! Via The Berry
Looks like a great yoga mat... via Leah's Home Pinterest Board
A peaceful and meaningful workspace via The Design Chaser
Bedside Buddhism via Burnham Design
Vintage Brass Lotus Chandeliers via 1st Dibs
Nature & Knowledge via Leah's Home Pinterest Board
A mini-mala reminder in my workspace.
Bohemian Happy via Glitter Inc.
How do you find peace in your home?