In Full Bloom: A Zen Pinktober with Azaree was a multisensory art experience to celebrate nature and women’s wellness. Pinktober events are typically centered around fighting breast cancer, but we decided to host an evening highlighting the healing effects of being in nature, stimulating nature photography and the nurturing essence of sisterhood and female friendships, a cherished part of our culture that we very much like to hold dear. After all, we’re lovers not fighters.
As an immersive art experience, Theia Coffee house couldn’t have been a more perfect venue. Nestled in a corner of airport residential area surrounded by lush grape vines, it felt like we had been transported to a healing garden, the source of wellness itself. Framed within the exhibit were captivating photographs showcasing the beauty of yellow, vibrant tickseed flowers, flaming red hibiscus, striking fuchsia dahlias, a cool orange rose, a bright yellow sunflower, and the bold Egyptian star cluster. Arranged within metallic grids adorned with interlaced green vines and fresh yellow roses, the display itself was a masterpiece, setting a perfect backdrop for capturing fabulous photos throughout the entire evening.
The event began with a nostalgic coloring session using crayons and color pencils. We collaborated with our very talented artist, Aba Wallace, and created a vision board inspired art work. It included a variety of goals any modern woman dreams of achieving: physical and emotional wellness, financial success, healthy family bonds, and the virtues of spiritual and mental wellbeing. The ladies dived into coloring these dreams, forging new friendships while subtly imprinting these aspirations. Who knew coloring could be a gateway to both new bonds and goal-reaching power? Well psychology did, and we listened!
Following the coloring, we delved right into a thrilling mix and sip session. Here, the ladies learned the art of crafting their own cocktails; armed with fresh homemade honey, mint, sliced kiwi, zesty lemon, and a medley of juices like watermelon, pineapple, and orange. They created their own delicious, all-natural mocktails! This session was so immersive and the girls loved every bit of being mixologists for the night. Proud of their masterpieces, we were totally delighted to have been a part of such a unique and creative experience.
Finally, we had a cozy and incredibly insightful conversation with some of the ladies, focusing on diverse holistic methods to enhance our health and overall well-being. Kicking off the panel was Ivy Enyonam, an avid plant lover. Our chat centered on the surprising similarities between our lives and plants, highlighting how tending to them can mirror our self-care practices. Indoor plants go beyond mere decoration! They purify our air, enhance our breathing and sleep quality, and even bring a soothing touch to our mental and emotional balance. Our simple advice? Start with a small potted plant and witness the positive impact it can have on your life – it's a gentle step towards a healthier lifestyle!
We had Sharon, a dietitian, and Maame Yaa, a medical doctor and aesthetician, join our panel to dive into discussions about healthy diets and proper skincare. They emphasized the importance of hydration and shared some very practical tips. They suggested drinking around half a liter of water every two hours to maintain good hydration, totaling around 3 liters daily. Sharon also shared a nifty trick to check hydration levels: pinch the skin on your arm, if it bounces back, you're good to go! But if you're regularly sipping your water and minding your business, then I don’t think you have anything to worry about!
We also had an in depth conversation about healthy eating and to summarize, a simple way to envision a healthy plate, would be to think of dividing it into four equal parts: one for grains, another for vegetables, one for protein, and the last for fruits. In terms of skincare, we learned to prioritize good hygiene, avoid harsh oils and skin-lightening products, and always conduct thorough research before trying new products. Understanding the impact of genetics on our skin also helped us ease up on unrealistic expectations and potential damage. Oh, and never forget: sunscreen is your friend!
Finally, we had Ama, our fit and flexible yoga instructor, who enlightened us about the phenomenal mental and physical benefits of regular body movement and stretching. Our bodies thrive when they're in motion, and even simple stretches during our workday can make a remarkable difference in our overall health.
It was an incredible Pinktober event, radiating vibrant feminine energy through the sea of pink hues and flowing silks. Throughout the night, we absorbed a wealth of knowledge, shared laughter, and felt rejuvenated. The focus on holistic living, guided by discussions with the experts left us eager to embrace healthier, cancer-free lifestyles while nurturing our connections and friendships. It was a delight to witness everyone enthusiastically embracing the journey toward wellness and forming stronger, more supportive bonds with one another in this empowering all-women event.
