Guts N' Glory

As much as intentional consumption protects you, empowers you, inspires you, make it so that it supports others while you’re at it. We vote as much with our time and attention as we do with our rights, and dollar. It’s amazing to have seen peoples posts this past week highlighting BIPOC people, brands, and communities, however, these singular posts tagging up to twenty of said resources shouldn’t come as a result of our reactive psychology and fast fashion culture. These are people, and churning them out into lists should far outlive fresh guilt, sadness, pain or horror. DIVERSIFY. Set yourself up so that, when in the act of scrolling, you’re seeing a lot more than what history’s dictated. Make it so that dedicated pages, and lists are no longer necessary. Make it so that they are taking up space for who they are, their passions, their pursuits, their voice. Not for what the consequence of our racist beliefs, history, actions, and complacency has brought upon their communities. So it’s Monday. We’re all feeling the sluggishness of a Sunday? I am right there with you. Stagnation is the worst. Danielle Acoff @yellabella has been with me most mornings since we’ve been on lockdown. Keeping the yogi flow going, blood circulating, and deep breathing. Also socks as sliders are a total game changer. Get your ski socks on!!! Hit your living room floor instead of the slopes with this girl’s circuits! RP @yellabella #intuitivemovement #blacklivesmatter #feeltoheal #yoga #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual https://www.instagram.com/p/CBLUTsdAicH/?igshid=onlnhiofiz5b

Inflammation of the body, inflammation of a society, inflammation of a system. A reaction as consequence to injury or infection. In these times this when we call upon ritual and self care. Appreciate what these practices, tools, resources, and knowledge is providing us with? Respect the ritual and its origin. Marginalized communities and its people have ALWAYS been doing the work, and with that comes the necessity to maintain spiritual, physiological, physical and social health even when they didn’t have the means, the space, the time, or the energy. Because not showing up has never been an option. When you’re browsing the racks or scrolling your favorite online WELLNESS hotspot, know that what you’re buying into is a concept that stemmed in the very real fundamentality of another’s WELL-BEING. We’ve just put a pretty price on it, slapped a pretty sticker on it and called it a day. Ritual and self care is reactive hence proactive as a result of cause and effect. They just don’t include that on the box. Let it be said that if we spent half the time questioning, researching, educating, acknowledging, expanding and implementing constructive and sustainable steps into our own lives in speaking up for, supporting and connecting with our marginalized communities as much as we do on our hair routines, we’d know this. RP @waldropt_ @terra_tory for the lowdown on some no bullshit well-being. Simple, effective, and beautiful in all of that blueberry cajeput and papaya goodness💛 #wealthiswellness #intuitiveselfcare #supportblmbusiness #blackbusiness #blm #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual https://www.instagram.com/p/CBDjAYAgfr8/?igshid=10flm2by5o84q

Showing up like it’s second nature because it should be. For so long we’ve been focused on the sound of our own voice that we barely focus on the intent and purpose with which we speak our words. We’re too concerned with how we look in the execution of an action than the action and aftereffect itself. We’re too concerned with ourselves to realize that the acceptance, love, safety, and connection we crave lies in the contributions we make towards, and worth we place in others and our community. Therein lies our power. We need all organs to make a human body work. Show up wherever, whenever, with whomever. Even if you’re the only person in the room. Show up like it’s second nature. Feel it to heal it. If you’re protesting👇 RP @frontlinemedics compiled in collaboration between @unnff and @lrnsark “I’ve created/compiled a resource that addresses how to navigate protesting in the time of COVID-19. With the pandemic as an added risk it is more important than ever to #protestsafely. We’ve put this guide together to help you advocate for community safety and public health. If you have any questions or would like to see our references, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Be safe, take good care, and advocate for justice in whatever capacity you can. Wear a mask and eye protection, carry lots of water for hydration and first aid, and have a health plan for before, during, and after your participation. This guide is by no means exhaustive but we hope that it can provide some help. Remember: wearing a mask and aiming to maintain social distance is an effective way to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Protect your health and the health of the community at large. The use of tear gas in the protests creates added health risks so please practice as much caution as you can.” #protestandpandemic #protestsafety #blm #blacklivesmatter # https://www.instagram.com/p/CBDVYAcg-gS/?igshid=tdew1z8n8b7q

#blackouttuesday https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7cbpngB2G/?igshid=1easj3qylo1mx

Muted but not silent. We each have a role, you know yours. @jessicawilson.msrd @blackandembodied #IAmMuted #amplifymelanatedvoices #blacklivesmatter #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7bgLXAN0A/?igshid=1ltzwfvm3ozn5

There’s no more body. You can WHATEVER. And my ankles need elevating. The takeaway of this episode is surrender. Surrender whether by choice or out of necessity. Surrender in this moment to seize the next. Acknowledge the skill and strength it takes to surrender, to ask for help, and to accept it. Time-bound, corporeal-based acts of surrendering heals physically, and translates on a conscious, as well as subconscious level, that you ARE. Instances of simply being is a step above surviving, and the state before living. Sometimes we need to be the bud before the bloom. And sometimes we need another to help us realize this. Definitely a slower episode. @christinaygkim prompts a quick intentional movement sesh followed by a meditation and tarot pull. We went out to go in. Therapy served. Don’t know what I’d do without my bean. If you feel like you’re in this place, need to hit refresh, or just want to follow along during the meditation, this one’s for you. This is Ep 41 Bud Before the Bloom with Christina Youngi Kim @christinaygkim available at @applepodcasts @itunes @anchor.fm #ceremonialcacao #healingchocolate #heartopener #cacaoindustry #herbalinfusions #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5oP_mAOjz/?igshid=nd7yetjixq8e

STAND WITH NOT BY #blacklivesmatter #nojusticenopeace #amplifymelanatedvoices #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5aY3-g5rJ/?igshid=s6n7ht2qdx4f

Um yeah. Mental upkeep baby. Idling is prime real estate for innovation, productivity and expansion. Make space to take it up @seawater.woman #nobullshitwellness #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAx-AbXAE-B/?igshid=1x0qgg46ilpf7

Grocery runs are simultaneously my therapist, shopping spree, social outings, adrenaline kick, dress up day. Reminded me that we can do a lot with very little, and adapt when we don’t think we can. Grocery days have got big shoes to fill after all of this is said and done. #coping101 #heelsandwheels #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAscZTwgJaS/?igshid=1p9xai36hc281

A regular David Attenborough moment. Postcards from our balcony. While we’ve all been indoors we’ve been able to witness the story of these two love birds unfold, and now the babes are flying the nest🦋 #parenting101 #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAp0fXQA967/?igshid=6ke33okpwr7l

That’s spirit. That’s resilience. That’s kindness, love, sass and courage. That’s someone with the biggest heart. If there’s one thing that starting this podcast has given me, it’s that I get to share in and experience other people. Their passions, fears, hopes, loses and wins. But I also get to stand witness to their progress, and development. And it’s the greatest gift. That’s where I draw my strength and hope from, seeing that strength and hope in other people. To feel a sense of safety and trust, and that my wider outlook on society has been molded in such a way that allows this, speaks only to those that are in my life. Though things may seem bleak, and uncertain, sometimes all it takes is looking to the person standing next to you to realize you’re okay, we’re okay, and we have all at our disposal to see this through. The key is in our connection. Shout out to my bean and her cosmic skirt, teaching a first grade zoom class all about cacao right after our third pod call. Dubbing this my weekly therapy😂 #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration #beantobar #cacaofarming #cacaoagriculture #farmerbuyer #directtrade #cocoabarometer #ceremonialcacao #healingchocolate #heartopener #cacaoindustry #herbalinfusions https://www.instagram.com/p/CAkpaWxAvPg/?igshid=7b6e4kw2vp93

“Back in the day”, a week from now many summer would be marked by schools out, short enthusiasts, your curbside lemonade stands, trips to the mall, and maybe that last minute bikini wax because vacation. Though our definition of adventure often demands big trips, and a pretty dollar to meet the grandeur that the word often implies, we can adventure in small ways. Finding the unexpected and newness in the everyday, whether that be the necessities such as what shows up on our plate, or other forms of expression. Adventure is a lifestyle, not just that once in a year breather. Pick and mix, toss, chew @my_cocoon_la #intuitiveeating #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAa2Iw9gO-y/?igshid=1lwtjdo8caxa2

It’s getting crowded in here. Who’s thought that at least once in the past month, week, day….hour!? I bet you a lot of us have. Personalities, agendas, rituals. There just aren’t enough rooms in the house, locks on the door, thick enough walls. Not quarantining alone? Reap the benefits of your human tribe. Social interaction and human touch is a tool for longevity and happiness. Dopamine boosts, neurotransmitter releases regulating stress and anxiety, social motivation, a strong immune system, and let’s not forget the foot rubs (hey, persuasion’s a gift!).

Soloing? I’ll spare you the zoom and animal crossing recommendations. Try to avoid that lizard brain. Design your environment to engage that human likeness. The human voice (radio shows, podcasts, cafe background noises, vlogs.etc.), human touch (self massage, masturbation and, shout out, oversized plushies to cuddle with), anti technology time (digital health), and assigned spaces throughout the house to mimic a somewhat alternating routine as you would out in the wider world. Supply your senses with choices and varying information. Stave off the monotone and find your groove. And then there are those of us for whom these thoughts are the least of their worries. Leaving this here as a reminder to myself, as well as for any of you out there who’re feeling claustrophobic or alone. Don’t deny or discount your feelings, but right now this is our role and responsibility. With the question of this second wave hitting China, ask yourself the question, “do I want to go back to the way things were before?”. Or could we come out of this better, with this as our teacher, as to how we should truly operate as a people? #newworld #whosthis #highvibenest #retract #react #rebound #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAaMngUAcRQ/?igshid=1xvvy07k32fu6

Doing things a little differently this week. For our birthdays, Christina Youngi Kim, my Taurus sister, bday twin, and cacao queen extraordinaire is the one asking the questions. I know, right now, there are a lot of us trying to keep afloat our social agendas, or maintain a state of normalcy, by way of what our tech facilitates. Zoom calls, virtual events, online classes. But I’ve also heard the burnout in that a 20 person Zoom call is just tiring, and at some point the novelty of the screen fizzles out in comparison to that in-person event. But right now that’s just how it is. Rather than hold my previous engagements and agenda to what is doable within the restrictions of this pandemic, I’ve just adapted it. My days are slower, gentler, yet there’s also more fear and agitation. Sometimes I honestly just feel bipolar. Instead of seeing all that we live for, as on hold, let yourself be molded to what allows you to continue forward, to what feeds you, supports you. I make an event out of my weekly phone calls with those in my life whom I hold dear. Morning check-ins whilst finishing up a yoga stretch. Afternoon coffee chats. Heck, I even jabber away in the shower to a friend, wondering if the steam is eventually going to screw my iPhone over. If we were still on landlines, the bills would be outrageous. Christina and I hold our mini-meditation sesh on Thursday’s. We intentionally breathe together, and slurp cacao. Those people you don’t feel the need to entertain, to “do” with, but can just “be” with, those are a gift. We’re thinking of sharing some of these moments on the pod. No strings attached, just a good amount of musings, tangents, debates, recipes, fangirling, planning.etc. It’s a weird, abstract feeling. Ever since we’ve been in quarantine, the number of steps with which we expand our sense of existence out into this world with has significantly decreased to, perhaps that 700sq ft apartment, alongside morning runs and the weekly grocery pickup. 👇continued in comments👇 https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVWLyvAEPw/?igshid=1j7rphco65cta

“If you find something that engages the sensorial and makes you smile, or makes you feel joy, or remember a special moment, that’s proven in neuroscience to minimize that response and reduce the amygdala hijack that happens in the back part of the brain and the limbic system which is responsible for stress response and emotional regulation.” . Deep breathing, heart thinking, head feeling. Ep 39 Earthly Matters with Patrick Kelly @sigilscent available at @applepodcasts @itunes @anchor.fm #sigilscent #alchemy #naturalperfumery #earthlymatter #sigils #everythingplants #tinctures #nerolieverything #ritual #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAUzcSeA0FM/?igshid=66fuap99nr8s

Adopt, adapt, relish the ritual @seawater.woman #nobullshitwellness #gutsnglorypodcast #podcast #community #connection #biopsychosocialspiritual #illustration https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQPKycAw4d/?igshid=w3z42ju4wbi8