Starting something new and going first...
I'm starting a new series of the questions I find myself wanting to ask everyone — what feelings are you seeking more of? What truly brings you comfort? Basically, how are you doing this thing called life?!
I figured I should go first, so here's my (current) answers. I'm curious what yours might be.
Coming next: hotelier James Pons, textile artist Sanchia Tan, and Activist founder Gabrielle Mirkin.
What's a feeling you're always wanting more of in life? Lightness. For the longest time, it was grounding, but I've noticed a shift toward lightness — maybe it's the state of the world, maybe it's getting older, maybe it's an astrologer who told me I'm aging backwards (emotionally, not physically lol). 'Hold the reins lightly' is a phrase that keeps popping up for me.
What are your favorite sensory objects? Licorice's velvety ears, the shapes & textures of stones I've collected on our travels, my wedding ring that I twist when I'm thinking, the smooth curve of our perfume lids that Fred hand-shaped from clay.
What scents instantly comfort you? I have some life constants — a really good vetiver and a particular rose geranium that's more green than floral. The warm popcorn smell of Licorice's fur and paws. And a perfume I've been working on all year with a friend from New Zealand — it's the most comforting thing I've ever smelled. I can't stop spraying it.
What emotion or memory would you bottle if you could? The feeling of swimming in the brightest, clearest aqua ocean on a perfect summer's day, knowing my only plans are reading a book in the shade and eating something delicious.
What words, things, people, or places bring you back to yourself? This is my current list. I love that a friend keeps hers as a note on her phone so she can refer to it whenever she needs reminding. Knowing what actually works for you feels like such an underrated life skill.
A place: The view from our sofa. We're surrounded by windows, and each one frames different shapes and shades of green. In one, there's a big, strong California oak; in another, a soft, feathery elm with wild grasses and sage underneath.
Some words: ''Don't be afraid to be confused'—basically everything George Saunders writes.
People: Fred and Licorice. My living, breathing life anchors.
What's your favorite BODHA and why? Answering this is like choosing between children. Our Refresh incense is special because it was our first. And then this new perfume collab with my good friend, because it holds a special meaning for us both.
Emx
