IIya Vally, Japan I wanted to share some of my favorite ways to “travel” while staying safe at home. The first step is to pick a country that you would like to visit, and then follow the tips below. I’ve chosen Japan as I miss it greatly and am longing for my next trip. Travel Through Food: I tend to cook a quasi-macrobiotic/Japanese menu most nights, but when I want to make it extra-special, I try a few dishes that are a bit more traditional. For a special night, I may make pickles early that day to serve in the evening, and I make miso soup with traditional dashi stock, rice, fish, and a couple of side dishes. I also...
One of Japan's "Three Views", Matsushima Bay at dawn. I originally intended for this first post on grounding to be about morning meditation. Rather than that, let's step back a bit and discuss waking up in the morning. So many people are experiencing anxiety dreams due to what is going on in the world. These types of dreams can leave you feeling exhausted both physically and emotionally. By grounding ourselves from the moment we wake up, we pull in all the scattered energy produced from a night of intense dreaming. This will help you create a solid base that will last for the entire day. First, a quick lesson on the Japanese perspective on energy systems within the body (similar to...
As time goes on, I begin to appreciate my evening rituals more and more. My evening bath has now become part of my husband's life, and I wanted to share with you some thoughts on creating an end-of-day ritual for you and your family. I love this way to wind down together, yet individually. I believe that a household should be on the same wavelength, and when everyone winds down in the evening, it creates a beautiful, harmonious environment. In Japan, the evening bath is so much more than we can experience without giving it some thought. In a Japanese home, the bath is seen as a way to renew the soul. It is a deep, embedded understanding that when...
Things have been so busy around the Amayori loft. I wanted to take a moment to say hello, as this will probably be the last journal entry of the year. I have always been someone who easily becomes overwhelmed, especially when it is work-related. I feel that so much in my life has changed and I have grown so much in the past year that getting frazzled, eating poorly, and eventually burning out as I normally would during the busy holiday season no longer serves me. With a bit of planning and commitment, I am planning for this to be the most enlightened holiday season yet. Here are a few ways I am staying centered and grounded this season. These...
Spring is such a beautiful time of the year. Moods are lifted, and there is a flow of positive energy that seems to permeate everything we do. I always love to revamp my bath routine at this time of year by adding a few spring-like touches to my evening rituals. Given below are a couple of seasonal tips that will help turn your time with Amayori’s products into a tranquil spa-level experience that will nurture every aspect of your being. Seasonal Spa Water: This time of the year, be creative with your spa water. Try infusing water with fresh strawberries and mint. During your soaks, keep a large glass on hand. This small, simple touch adds an ultra-luxe vibe....
