Hello, Stoic Beauties; it's been a while since we checked in on our journey. How are you? 

The world certainly seems unpredictable in the current state of international affairs. You may be in the throws of whirlwind emotions, sad, scared, or perhaps numb, which are incredibly valid. If you, like me, find it hard to move out of anxiety or grief, sometimes the cure is movement. Rest does not always mean laying down, reading, or quilting; it can also be doing an activity to point your thoughts in an alternative direction for a reprieve. 

With part of the community opening up again, I have taken up bouldering. Bouldering is an excellent way to do this and also connecting with my inner child; when climbing, you have only three focuses : 

1. Your next move 

2. Maintaining Balance 

3. Reaching the end of your track

*little disclaimer* about four sessions in, I did manage to sprain my ankle, oy vey, activity is not without risk, but you should run into the thrill. If you, like me, are overcoming a fear of heights, look the fear fiercely in the eye and don't back down. You can overcome a sprained ankle or two 😉 

I had forgotten before I started climbing what it felt like to play. As we grow and move through life, social concerns and etiquette dictate that our civility grow and we leave play in childhood. However, exercises like bouldering, sledding, and swimming can encourage moments of silliness, disarming your barriers and blocks, letting the moment and the movement carry you. Stoic Beauties, please allow yourself to JUST BE, take moments to connect with your inner child, look how far you have already come! 

Here are a few things I have loved as I rest and play; talk soon.

1.Watching documentaries

Featured Fave: The Dawn Wall

Legendary free climber Tommy Caldwell tries to get over heartbreak by scaling the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

2.Practicing Somatic Therapy Exercises

I have been loving practicing somatic hip opening. If you are interested in learning more about how to do the same read here, or if you want to learn more about Somatic Healing, I recommend reading The Body Keeps Score. 

3.Laughing

Laura Ramoso has had me in tears as of late. You can check out her work below and try and snag some tickets to her Toronto show in April (but move quickly; the second night is already sold out). 

Laura Ramoso: German Mom 

@lau_ramoso Back back back again! 🇩🇪 #germany #germanmom #satire #germanmother #movienight #fyp ♬ original sound - Laura Ramoso

 Laura Ramoso and Friends - Toronto Show:  Buy Tickets