*I’m super excited about becoming a brand ambassador for the Kevala Foundation – a beautiful, innovative venture in India. When this ‘celebration of life’ centre opens (in December of this year) it will offer yoga, meditation, ayurveda, tantra, healing, meditation, art, music and philosophy. I can’t wait! This high-energy, eco-friendly space is nestled in the mountains of Chikmagalur and surrounded by a breathtaking cosmic forest. Designed to attract visitors from all over the world, as well as healers, yogis, meditators and artists wanting to hold retreats for their students, this will be a dynamic hub celebrating the concepts of universal love and compassion. For those interested in doing charity work, the Kevala Foundation also supports several life-changing local initiatives and welcomes volunteers. If you’re keen to get involved in this pioneering project, please get in touch.
*I love the ‘high’ you get after a sweaty workout but I find jogging on the treadmill dull so I’m always on the look out for exciting exercise classes and this week I tried Physique 57. The aura of this boutiquey gym is welcoming and the shower rooms offer organic products and hair bands! This Californian barre workout blends cardio, balance and strength using stretch bands, weights and a playground ball in addition to the barre for 57 minutes. The floor is carpeted, giving you an ‘at-home’ feeling, and everyone is wearing grippy socks, heightening the sense of unity. There are lots of small pilates-style moves which inflame the muscles but the upbeat music and cheerful instructor keep you really motivated. So one minute you are doing curl-ups while the next you’re working your glutes. This full-body workout is super fun and it’s no wonder Physique 57 has gained a cult-like following.
*While on the topic of working out, I recently discovered a Brazilian brand called Liquido and their leggings are awesome – super comfy, durable and eye-catching – check out the yellow ones I’m wearing in the above photo! They be purchased at a cute store called yApparel (which offers an amazing selection of yoga and fitness wear). I also picked up my blue top from there – which comes from an Australian label called Divine Goddess, created by a yogi called Susi who loves the feeling of natural fibres against the skin. She describes her designs as “beautiful on the inside and out. Bringing light and love to the women of today. Every woman is a Divine Goddess. The lady struggling to reach her toes, hanging out the washing or shining on the stage. All of us have our place in the light.” So next time you’re on Jumeirah Beach Road, pop into yApparel – it’s tough to leave empty-handed. For those of you who live elsewhere, check out www.divinegoddess.net
*Now for a little eco rant! Did you know that the average time it takes one plastic bottle to decompose is 450 years? And bottles made with Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) will never biodegrade. 90 % of plastic bottles are not even recycled. This makes you think twice about drinking water from plastic bottles (and I haven’t even mentioned the carcinogenic effects of drinking from plastic bottles) but frustratingly supermarkets don’t make it easy for us when practically everything they sell comes in plastic! Besides using a reusable water bottle, you can always seek out water produced in glass bottles. Let’s try to be conscious consumers!
Have a wonderful Thursday!
Love & Light,
