The Big Unwind - 2019

It's time to relax, reflect & reconnect, but how?
In our second-annual installment of The Big Unwind, we bring you a few of our favorite things to read, listen to, watch & eat, to help you ease into the holidays & inspire your new year ahead.

Read
For a great holiday read this Pulitzer Prize winning book will have you looking at trees in a whole new way. Blending fiction with dendrology, it tells the story of nine interlocking characters through the lens of their relationship to trees. The recent passing of Ram Dass is a great reminder to pick-up his seminal book 'Be Here Now' which, at almost 50 years in print, is more relevant than ever. And, while we love the idea of new year's resolutions, they're nothing without reflection first, which is where this workbook & this workbook come as useful guides.  

Watch

If you need something to help you feel hopeful for the state of the earth, (we sure do), this movie is it. Watch a city couple, with no farming experience, bring a piece of near-dead land back to the most abundant life through the wonders of biodiversity. And for some creative inspiration, Pain & Glory by the imitable Pedro Almodóvar, is a beautiful reflection on everything that makes us human. The film, about Almodóvar's own life, stars his long time friend & collaborator Antonio Banderas in his best role yet. For a slightly different take on 'watch' we love this beautiful letterpress meditation chart to help you create a daily practice of observing your thoughts & reconnecting with yourself.

Listen
'To help the world hear, cope with, and respect life' - this is what Irv Teibel set out to achieve with his environmental recordings that ushered in the world of New Age & ambient music. For 'Environments 1' from 1969, Irv worked with neuropsychologist Lou Gerstman at Bell Labs, to create long-form tracks like 'The Psychologically Ultimate Seashore' which are available on vinyl & now this app. And, from our favorite listening bar in Los Angeles, you'll always find something new & interesting in the monthly public playlists of In Sheep's Clothing, available here.

Eat
Our favorite savory side of the year was this bread salsaby Chez Panisse - it's crunchy, salty, sour & goes with everything. And, for something sweet, this no-cook vegan caramel made with almond butter & dates, is great with ice cream or roasted apples. Finally, to help your body along with all the holiday eating try making a hot drink of roasted chicory & your favorite milk. Made from a bitter root it supports digestion, reduces inflammation & tastes similar to coffee without the caffeine. 


Thank-you so much for being part of our year. From visiting the incense island, to our first scent dinner & the launch of the Vibration perfumes we've loved every minute.

We hope you had a great 2019 too & we wish you every happiness & all the good vibrations for your year ahead.

Emx