Bomiya

THE TIG ARCHIVES︱TRAVEL︱STAYCATION 101

“Sometimes jumping on a plane, train or automobile isn’t in the cards, and your only opportunity to vacate is at home sweet home. Truth be told, there’s nothing mundane about planning a staycation and, if done right, it can be more restful than the rigamarole of planning a trip that takes you far and wide. Here are our tidbits of advice to help you feel like you’ve spoiled yourself properly in your very own casa.”

1. Turn off

“A simple vacation from your devices is enough to sometimes feel like you’ve taken a relaxing hiatus from life. Without the distractions of texting, Snapping, and reading endless emails, your brain will get the mental detox it so deeply deserves. Turn those phones and laptops off and truly vacate.”

2. Turn up

“Make yourself a chill playlist to get you in the mood to veg out or get playful. Our recent playlist can get you started with your vacay vibes, but to make this feel even more like a treat, pick a theme and put together a playlist to match. A few ukulele tunes may be all you need to transport you to the beaches of Maui.”

3. Treat yo-self

“Order in the most delicious dinner delivery, get an in-home spa service like a manicure or massage, or run yourself an indulgently long and warm bath to soak in. Whatever your pleasure, give yourself all the creature comforts you would indulge in while on vacation.”

4. Have a movie marathon

“All those films you’ve been dying to watch? Give yourself the luxury of tucking into your very own film festival. Pop some popcorn and make it feel like an event…in your cozies, of course.”

5. Indulge in simple pleasures.

“We often forget the little gestures that hotels make when you are away. Be it spa water (with sliced cucumbers in it), extra cozy slippers, plush bathrobes, perfectly crisp and ironed sheets; all of these elements can make your humble abode feel like a boutique hotel.”

THE TIG ARCHIVES│BEAUTY│MUSINGS ON INDEPENDENCE

“Raise a glass to yourself today – to the right to freedom, to the empowerment of the women (and men) who struggle to have it, and to knowing, embracing, honoring, educating and loving yourself. On this day, and beyond, celebrate your independence. I leave you with some words from prolific Nigerian writer and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her TED Talk on gender equality resonates deeply, and acts as a reminder of how far we’ve come, and yet how far we still have to go.  To our continued autonomy and independence – I raise a glass.” - Meghan Markle, July 2014

THE TIG ARCHIVES│LIVING│INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION

It was a chilly evening in Santa Monica, and over a healthy meal in the promenade, my friend Dhru (Clean Program Dhru), introduced me to a man named Light. Yes, his name is Light. This is LA after all. But I have to tell you…there was, I absolutely kid you not, something illuminating about his energy. One of those people that have such a quiet confidence, an ease, a manner that makes you calm-the-F-down while still feeling totally light and fun. Every ounce of me had to wonder “what is he on?” Turns out he was just vibrating on a different plane - a spiritual plane that was equal parts Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff + The Secret + your favorite song. It just made you feel good to be around him. Turns out Light is a Vedic Meditation coach. That type of meditation that people say changes their life and the trajectory of their future - more success, more fulfillment, more happiness, less worry. I had to talk to him about this. And I did. In addition to taking his course. Last week marked the one year anniversary of my relationship with meditation - something I found endlessly daunting at first (the thoughts, the distractions, the boredom of it), but soon became the quietude that rocked my world. I can’t put my finger on the why or the how, but I will tell you this much, for me…I am just happier. And meditation has much to do with that.

Today, Light shares some tips from his new book that will help you find your inner quiet. I know you’ll think of a million excuses as to why this is silly or why you don’t have time for it; much like the day I told Light I didn’t have enough hours in the day to do it, and he told me that’s why I needed to meditate twice as much. Not gonna lie, I rolled my eyes thinking ‘Oh give me a break, mystic man.’ But low and behold, this mystical man was right.

I urge you to give it a shot. The worst thing that can happen is that you have yourself ten minutes of quiet in an endlessly loud world. Shhhhh……it feels good”

- Meghan Markle, January 2015

From Light:

1. Get Comfortable

Sit against your headboard while in a bed, on a chair, on a couch, in your car, or anywhere with comfortable back support. It’s best not to lie down, but it’s not necessary to sit up completely straight.

2. Calculate Your Finish Time

Check the time and add ten minutes on top of your start time. This will be your finish time. So, if you begin at 7:30 am, your finish time will be 7:40 am. Repeat your finish time to yourself once or twice. It’s best not to set an alarm or you may end up shocking yourself out of your meditation. Close your eyes.

3. Notice Your Breathing

Without speeding up or slowing down your breathing, just notice it. Expect your mind to wander away from noticing your breath. Do not fight this; it’s a natural occurrence.

4. Embrace Your Thoughts

It’s okay to get lost in your thoughts. And whenever you realize you’re meditating, just passively begin to notice your breathing again. For now, let the act of meditating become synonymous with both noticing your breathing and getting lost in your thoughts. Let all of the thoughts come and go - as you forget and become aware that you are meditating, it’s best not to resist any thoughts, including ideas, songs, conversations, images feelings, or sensations. Embrace all mental experiences without concern, remorse, or regret. In a typical meditation, you’ll begin by noticing your breathing for a minute or two, then you’ll get lost in thoughts for a minute or two, then you’ll remember you’re meditating, and slowly return to noticing your breath for a little while, then you’ll get lost again.

5. Come Out Slowly

Early mornings in Coron are as close to paradise as you can get | emmet_sparling

THE TIG ARCHIVES︱TRAVEL︱HYDRA, GREECE

“When my best friend, Lindsay, announced she and her beau would be tying the knot, the pressure I felt as maid of honor was immense. Exciting, of course, but immense – especially when it came to a bachelorette party. Because the thought of running around a city trying to get into clubs and wearing headbands of the phallic persuasion didn’t seem very “on brand” for us, I opted instead to woo the bride to be with a more low-key stagette. Now splitting half her time in London, it was easy for Linds to have a European weekend jaunt – so along with our friend Lucy, we ventured off to the sleepy chic island of Hydra. It’s a two hour ferry from Athens, and a little rock trapped in time with the only mode of transportation being bikes or donkeys.

There is something wholly cathartic about being able to turn it all off – to sunbathe with no one watching, swim in the briny Mediterranean Sea, eat copious amounts of Greek salads and fried red mullets, and toast to the day.

While most would qualify Hydra as a spot for a day trip, there are others like, Leonard Cohen, whom have made it home. The pace of life, local-schmocal vibe, and reality that much like the 80′s sitcom, “Cheers,” everyone knows your name, all make it the perfect contrast to our endlessly busy lives.

There’s not much to do on Hydra – and maybe that’s the point. You can stroll around the town center or dip into small tavernas for tzatziki and ouzo. Take a swim, then a nap, hike back to your hotel or apartment…rinse and repeat. 

If this darling island hasn’t been on your radar, I suggest you give it a go before heading to the more popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini. With Hydra being such a quick hop, skip and jump from Athens, it’s a perfect weekend getaway – especially when you’ve got something to quietly, beautifully and peacefully celebrate. In this case, it was all for the love of Linds. Opa!”