Top 6 Favorites of 2019

Was it just me, or did 2019 put many of us through the ringer? I got a peek at who I actually might be which is exciting, but I'm leaving this year feeling like I "survived" it. While family and friends were the #1 reasons I pulled through, I wanted to share a few things that helped me not only maintain my sanity, but also break through mental barriers. I'm regaining optimism and compassion for myself and others by surrendering to the natural waves of life. Thank you all for joining me via my blog this year--sending you lots of love going into 2020!

xo,
Div

Mind

​Podcasts

I haven't been able to bring myself to listen to much music for the last two years--so after commuting in silence for a while, I turned back to podcasts. I couldn't listen to the deluge of technology or innovation podcasts I once devoured--it was too much noise. I needed something that had more meaning. Here are my two favorite podcasts of 2019!
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Oprah's Super Soul Conversations is simply phenomenal. I love listening to anything to do with self-discovery or introspection, and this one really takes the cake for me. Oprah's excellent interviewing skills transfer seamlessly in a well executed series of talks with author Eckhart Tolle. This series came out in early March at precisely the time I needed to hear it most. Two particular episodes focus on Tolle's interpretation of the Pain Body and Breaking Free. The idea of pain being an entity separate from our 'self' but still something we can understand and interact with, completely changed my perspective on how to identify and deal with my anxiety. It took away the panic. I've re-listened to these two episodes about five times each--they are that good.
Listen here.
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I'm a major fan of Inside Trader Joe's. The creativity, the innovation, the friendly chatty feel--it all works for me. I've always been curious about how they ideate and develop their signature dishes and treats, and this podcast gets right into the heart of it. Each episode focuses on a different endeavor - chain expansion, produce, spices, sustainability, etc. It's quirky, quick, and entertaining. 10/10!
​Listen here.

Body

Ayurvedic Spice Tea

​My mother introduced me to this tea a few years ago but I hadn't yet developed the palate to really appreciate the flavors. This is an Ayurvedic tea that is loaded with some incredibly nutrient rich spices. You can make a big batch of the mix and steep it one cup at a time just like any other loose leaf tea. All the following ingredients can be found at your local indian store or on Amazon. 
Makes 1 serving.

1. Heat a pot of water
2. Using a mortar & pestle or a blender, gently pulse these spices until they are coarsely ground (don't totally powder them).

• 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder or root

3. When the water is hot, add the spices in.
4. After it's boiled together and the aroma is strong, lower the heat and add the following:

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder or whole pods
• generous pinch of saffron
• pinch of nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp edible camphor (this is my favorite ingredient)

5. Let everything sit for a few mins, then strain the tea into a cup and enjoy!

Yoga

​Yoga does a great deal of good for the body. This year I learned that I needed to be kinder to myself in more ways than one, and having a regular yoga practice became a huge part of that. Here are all the ways it's helped me (just this year!):
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• Massages joints and stiff muscles
• Prevents injury
• Releases emotional pain stored deep in the tissues
• Empowers you in your body
• Builds endurance
• Helps you connect with others
• Stills the mind in preparation to meditate

Soul

Nature Walks

This one is simple. I learned to slow down and take myself on a walk any time I felt perturbed, lonely, bored, restless, uninspired--you name it. Often times we just need to get some emotions out of our system. I would pay attention to the feeling on the sun beating down on my face, the smell of the air, the sounds around me, the different people I shared the space with. It's all magic if you look closely enough. I found so much comfort in the simple fact that no matter what I was feeling in the tiny universe of my mind, the sun would always, always rise again the next day and keep me safe and warm. Being in nature is extremely therapeutic and healthy for the body as well. When taking walks in my mom's garden, I'd catch myself thanking a tree after plucking a fruit, or smiling at a flower. Nature is one of the most beautiful expressions of life, and I plan to spend a lot more time appreciating it in 2020. 

Solo Travel

I think it's vital that people 1) travel and 2) travel alone. This year I took my first solo trip to Portland, Oregon in the midst of a low point and at the time, it felt like the stupidest decision. But the moment I got to my destination, I allowed myself to get lost in experience, in observation, and in awe. I didn't even travel far - it wasn't about where I went. It was about having a stretch of time to exercise a pretty basal instinct - exploration. It expanded my mind and I was bolder and more open when talking to strangers. Highly recommend this to anyone who doesn't think they can survive a weekend with themselves. Have a meal by yourself in a nice restaurant go see some live music, get lost in nature. Get to know yourself closely and follow your curiosities without inhibition.