Today’s world teaches us that we’re meant to be all things, to all people, in all ways. We’re meant to find this oft quoted but rarely defined “work-life balance” and we are meant to smile while doing so. We’re meant to always be up so that everyone else feels a little better about themselves by proxy.

We are meant to give our all to our jobs, to our families, to our friends and even sometimes to the random person. There is no allowance for being down, for being quiet, for being alone. You are meant to unicycle yourself across the tightrope whilst juggling the myriad parts of your life without dropping any of those balls. And quite simply, that’s just tiring. And so very unrealistic.

Very recently, I learned a poignant life lesson. A good friend of my family’s died and as awful as it was, his death, and by extension his life, taught me more than ever that no one lives forever. His life showed me that you can fit forever into each day if you just remember that each day belongs to you. We as women (and I’m sure many men fit into this category also) tend to think of ourselves last. We do for others every moment of every day and leave the scraps for ourselves. We’re taught from a young age that our job is to take care of everyone else and then ourselves. We are invariably kinder to others than we are to ourselves because that’s our job. That’s our purpose. And that’s what we are told should define us. So we let it.

However, when we turn that simple thought onto its head, it’s amazing how easily our view changes. My friend put himself first. Now, don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t selfish. In fact, he was one of the kindest people I knew. He just understood that when you put yourself first it is no longer a game of subtraction, that you actually multiply the amount of you there is to give. He taught me that balance doesn’t come from trying to be all things, but being the best at the one thing. His life proved to me the importance of being your true and utter-most self, and once that happens the rest of life then falls into place.

He taught me to blast the music and dance like no one’s watching even when they are. He taught me to experience each moment as if it were both the first and the last. He taught me to open your arms even wider as it’s often the best way to connect. He even taught me the poignant lesson that some Manchester United fans can be good people.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine.

The post The Tightrope of Life appeared first on RG Magazines.

Matcha Mint Shampoo from Graydon
Lather up those tresses with this non-toxic shampoo infused with matcha tea to soften hair and prevent split ends. Free from all the naughty ingredients (SLS, sulphate and silicone), this light and creamy shampoo will leave you smelling irresistible – thanks to a light peppermint and vanilla scent.
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Mad Hippie Hydrating Nutrient Mist 
Looking for a quick way to boost your skin’s overall health? This mist contains a host of nourishing ingredients (Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and plant extracts) that not only hydrate, but brighten the complexion as well. Just mist onto clean skin before applying sunscreen or makeup. Salt and Cedar

Skin Perfecting Facial Cream
Simplify your daily routine by applying a generous layer of this natural CBD moisturizer by From Ever Since to skin. Instead of filling your cabinets with dozens of potions and lotions for different areas of the face, this one-hit wonder can save your vanity space and wallet. Its 100% plant-derived, preservative and paraben free. An added perk? It’s known to balance dryness and treat acne, all at the same time.
Naked Zero and online at fromeversince.com

Fitglow Vita-Active Foundation
This foundation not only covers imperfections, it also nourishes and brightens with skin loving ingredients like aloe leaf juice, rose hydrosol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It’s also 98% organic, cruelty free and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores). Available in nine shades (from Fair to Deep) at Salt and Cedar

From Ever Since Contour Serum
Fight the effects of sun damage and aging with this high performance and botanical rich serum. Formulated with Vitamin E, hydrolyzed collagen and a unique blend of plant and fruit extracts, the product helps to tighten and smooth tired skin. Perfect for those special occasions or when you want to be photo-ready but need a little extra lift…. no filter needed.
Naked Zero and online at fromeversince.com

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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“I was originally drawn to yoga because I had had back pain while sat behind my desk as a US tax accountant,” says yoga trainer Todd Crews of why he first took up the practice. Having tried Pilates first, he found he preferred the free-flowing movements and mind-opening properties of yoga, and that it soon helped him become a completely different, improved person. Offering classes at several hotels and businesses throughout the Island, he credits yoga for his heightened agility and fluidity, and stresses that when one develops the ability to balance body, mind and spirit, one can remain calm no matter what type of stressful situation may be occurring. “Stability and balance are also enhanced immensely as well,” he said.

“By focusing on the breath and the body you can immediately shift your mind away from worries,” explains Robin Holder, when describing yoga’s mental benefits. “It can address psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, and reduce the effects of traumatic experiences.” A trainer at various locations across the island, Mr Holder considers yoga to be his “personal religion” after it helped him overcome a pair of traumatic experiences, including the death of his father in 2015 and another life-changing occurance in 2016. He describes being a yoga instructor as the most direct path to realizing his potential as a human being, and credits it with giving him the opportunity to reinvent his life and build a new identity. “I don’t know how I could have coped dealing with these life-changing events were it not for yoga,” he said.

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In search of balance, Bermudian Jessica Cabral left her job as a Human Resources Manager in the insurance industry to live and work in the Asia and Oceania continents. Most recently, she called a private island in Fiji her home.

What led you to start travelling?
Ever since I can remember, I had two pretty strong desires in life – to help people and travel the world. Spoiler alert; turns out I needed to help myself first! My big wakeup call came in the form of a panic attack. It was scary, but helped me realise I needed to make some changes in my life. Soon after, I watched a documentary called ‘Minimalism’ (on Netflix), and that’s when it hit me: I was living my life by Western society’s prescribed formula for happiness ‘The American Dream’. I did everything I thought I was supposed to do to be happy, but in reality, I was working in a job I didn’t particularly love, to make money to buy things I didn’t particularly want. There was a big disconnect between the lifestyle I was living and the lifestyle my heart truly desired.

Why did you decide to finally take the leap?
It was a really difficult decision to make and took months to finally gain the courage to do it. Thankfully there were a few signs along the way that helped. At the time, I was practising yoga twice a week and noticed the only time I felt any resemblance of peace was immediately after yoga. It felt so good that I wanted to understand the mechanics behind what was happening and why it helped calm the anxiety I was feeling. One day, I spoke to my yoga teacher, and she planted the idea of doing a yoga teacher training. I was so excited and could already picture myself in Bali, but was overwhelmed with hundreds of options that I couldn’t decide which one to do. The final sign came in the form of an emergency dentist visit. Turns out the hygienist had completed her yoga teacher training in Bali! She lit up as she told me how amazing it was and how it changed her life. I ended up booking the very same course and never looked back.

Where have your travels taken you so far?
I’ve spent time living in Ubud, Bali; Koh Phangan, Thailand; Weligama, Sri Lanka – and now Turtle Island, a private island in Fiji. I’ve also travelled around and explored the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. And visited friends and family in Europe, Singapore and Australia.

You are currently in Fiji, what are you doing now?
I’m very lucky to have landed my dream job as the Yoga Teacher on Turtle Island. It’s such a magical place that we’ve just been named Travel and Leisure’s #1 resort in the South Pacific and #12 in the World! Get this, a year ago I did a manifestation exercise where I wrote out what “my average perfect day” would look and feel like and it’s pretty darn close to my life here on Turtle Island.

What has travelling taught you?
Travelling has taught me to become much more open-minded and accepting of everyone’s differences; including my own! I’ve learned that so much of our external world is a direct reflection of the internal thoughts and beliefs we hold about ourselves. The great news is that we can change our thoughts to change our life.

What moments stand out most for you on this trip?
Feeling what it feels like to be madly in love with life. Imagine 100+ people completely sober yet totally high on life dancing their hearts out. The energy is amazing! It’s called Ecstatic Dance, and these gatherings happen all the time in places like Bali and Thailand. I’ve had so many memorable moments celebrating life in this way. My favourite is sunrise on Friday mornings at Zest in Ubud. Hands down, the best way to start the day. Other highlights of my travels include: everyone cheering as we helped a paralysed man surf again for the first time again since his accident; sleeping in a treehouse; celebrating a traditional ‘Hmong’ New Year with a local family in a remote village in Laos; and having dinner with the Prime Minister of Australia and his lovely wife, Jenny.

How would you say your life is more balanced now?
For starters, I spend a lot less time using technology and admit my life got a lot better after deleting Instagram. Freeing up more time to learn new things, enjoy nature and to explore more meaningful and authentic connections. I also meditate just a few minutes a day. It was uncomfortable at first and confronting to come face to face with my thoughts, but overtime I realised how important it was to take time to just “be”. After all we’re human beings, not human doings.

Do you have any regrets about leaving the corporate world?
I may not have the security of a pay cheque every month, but I have the freedom to live life on my own terms, which, for me right now is priceless. It hasn’t always been easy. Extended travel combined with personal growth work can be really challenging sometimes, but I definitely don’t regret it.

Where will your adventure take you next?
I’m heading back to Gibraltar (near Spain) to be a Nanny for my four-year-old nephew. He’s such a little sweetheart and a constant reminder that it’s in our nature to play, to be creative, a little messy and to get excited, over and over again, about the little things in life. I’m not sure where my journey will take me after that. I’m working on living more in the present moment this year so let’s see!

What would be your advice to anyone not happy with their current work/ life balance, someone who’s feeling there has to be more to life than what they’re currently experiencing?
Listen to that feeling – that is your intuition guiding you to a life more in alignment with your own personal values and goals. You are responsible for your life. If there’s something you’re not happy with stop complaining, playing victim and making excuses and start empowering yourself and taking steps to change it. Believe that your dream life is available to you. Trust yourself and don’t let fear get in the way.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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Maintaining a healthy, vibrant sex life has always been a difficult task for couples. But in today’s world, with the busy and demanding lives we lead, relationships face even more challenges. Many couples struggle to balance careers, families and social lives on top of their commitment to one another. So how do we add sex and intimacy into the mix without totally losing our minds? Here are some tips for those looking to keep things spicy and fun in the bedroom.

Prioritise
Making time for one another seems obvious and simple enough, yet it’s one of the biggest challenges couples face today. I suggest that partners start by making a conscious effort to carve out time in their schedules for one another each week. Agree that your relationship is indeed important; otherwise, you’ll continue to make excuses for why your sex life has gone downhill. Like with everything else in life, you have to put effort into your relationships to make it successful. Parents with young children should abandon the idea of ‘doing it all without asking for help’. You’re doing no one any favours by trying to juggle a dozen balls at once and will only cause relationship burn-out if you stay on this track. The fewer commitments you have on your plate means the more time and energy you’ll have to devote to your spouse. Don’t be afraid to rely on friends, family, godparents or babysitters to pitch in with the kids from time to time.

Flirt throughout the Day
While it’s easy to tap into your fun and flirty side at the beginning of a courtship, I find that many couples tend to stop seducing their partner over time. The seriousness of day to day obligations and disappointments within the relationship takes a toll and people simply lose their attraction to one another. Flirting doesn’t have to be raunchy and overtly sexual, instead, you just need to look at your significant other with fresh eyes. Start by making an effort to check in with one another throughout the day. Just like we make time daily to check emails, sports scores and social media updates, we also need to take a few minutes to find out how our significant other is doing. Growing apart due to living separate lives is a very real threat to couples. It kills your relationship and your sex life, but you can avoid this by simply becoming a part of one another’s everyday lives.

Be Adventurous
Instead of looking at sex as a task or a performance, view it as an adventure. No matter how long you’ve been together as a couple, there is always something new to discover about one another’s bodies and sexual appetite. Begin foreplay long before you hit the sheets, and approach it as an opportunity to explore rather than a means to simply get one another turned on enough for the main event.

Dr Nekia Walker has a PhD in transpersonal counselling, which focuses on self-improvement, sexuality and relationships. At her Southampton-based practice, she offers a range of treatments, including eastern-based massage therapy for relaxation, acupressure and acupuncture, complementary medicine based on Oriental techniques, herbal medicine and a sauna.

Find her at drnekia.com.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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Your home should be an oasis. Not only is it the center of your daily routine, it’s the space in which you relax, entertain and everything in between. Having a home that offers you respite from the stress and demands of modern life, one that allows you to unwind and take a break is important. When you step foot inside the door you should feel a sense of peace and tranquility so that you can recharge and feel your best before you greet the outside world again.

That’s why transforming your house into a ‘Zen-inspired’ space is so critical. What is “Zen” exactly, you may ask? The word originates from Japan where it was used in relation to practicing Buddhist philosophies. The Western take on it involves lightening of one’s space, using organic and natural colors and textures and a more minimalistic approach when it comes to your possessions. Local industry experts passed on their best insider tips for how to cultivate a calm and serene space at home.

1. Choose soothing colours

Believe it or not, the colour in your home can greatly impact our moods and energy levels. To create peace and harmony in your abode, Rowe Spurling Paint Company suggest picking colours, particularly those for your walls, wisely. They rank a grey owl shade at the top of their list for zen shades. With just a hint of sage green, this warm and soothing hue works as a perfect complement to wood finishes and pairs well with most colour schemes. It’s not only beautiful, but versatile as well. If grey is too boring, try a soft green colour, the company recommend. Since green is one of the most common colours found in nature, our eyes find it familiar and relaxing. Try their Pleasant Valley hue, which pairs well with warm metal tones. Another option for the more daring home decorator is a navy blue. Reminiscent of one’s favorite pair of comfortable jeans, this colour is a great choice if you’re trying to make your space feel cozy. Van Deusen Blue, in particular, is deep enough to look and feel rich, but not so dark that it appears almost black. It works well for larger spaces that you want to feel more intimate. Last, but not least, you can try a pop of pink with a Cream Puff colour. This soothing, calm tone is light and not too bright. The experts at Rowe Spurling Paint Company say the secret is to find a pink with earthy brown undertones so it’s equal parts soft and cheerful.

2. Keep your space organised and clutter free

It’s nearly impossible to create a peaceful, relaxing space amongst clutter, said Patricia Crouch, the Founding Partner and Director of ByDesign. She suggests for home owners to limit the number of things on display, so that your room feels calming rather than chaotic when one steps in. Start with a little decluttering, focus on removing the things you never use and organizing what’s left, Ms Crouch said. This process can be cathartic, just be sure not to take on too much at once to minimise stress. Decluttering also helps you make room for new ideas and interpret your space from a fresh perspective.

3. Position furniture well

A Zen atmosphere is usually centered around sensitively and artfully positioned artifacts and furnishings that contribute to a sense of peace and balance, said Ms Crouch. One should concentrate on keeping in view only what is relevant and truly meaningful to their space, not to mention those pieces that contribute to an overall style throughout.

4. Keep sentimental objects in view

Everyone has key pieces – be it a family photo or china set passed down from their late grandmother, which have specific meaning to them and make a place feel like home. Ms Crouch encourages people to focus on where they position these items so the space still feels balanced. It can be difficult to incorporate these elements into a coherent Zen design, but it can be done with a little bit of creativity and tact. When positioning elements such as a rocking chair, for example, be sure there is sufficient space for the element to establish itself within the overarching theme of the room. Positioning complementary elements (such as a traditional light fixture) can help incorporate these elements without detracting from the minimalist setting.

5. Incorporate natural elements into the design

Items such as indoor plants, wood finishes, cork and warm toned metal materials work to create a space which feels alive. The addition of a simple water feature such as a small table fountain can add another sensory ingredient to your design. Plus, the sound of softly flowing water has been shown to be extremely relaxing. Another option? Try incorporating pillows made with handloomed linen or cotton, suggests the experts at Hamma Galleries. By using wood, cotton or leather in your home décor, it can remind you of your connection to the great outdoors and in turn, make you feel more at peace.

6. Don’t forget the lighting

Lighting happens to be one area that is often overlooked, yet can help to create startling new perspectives on an old space. Switches can be replaced with dimmers, allowing you to adjust the atmosphere of a room with greater control. Using warmer bulbs and LED’s is a fantastic way of bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to your space. You can also experiment with direct and indirect lighting to accent your walls and focal points to take your designs to another level. Hamma Gallery suggest you can create a ‘Zen feeling’ in a living or bedroom with a handmade nickel-plated brass lamp. Because of its cutout design, it creates a relaxing shadow pattern on the wall when using a transparent bulb.

Considering the modern world is a buzz with stimulation, from our phones to the constant stream of information coming at us from the outside world, it’s essential to transform our homes into a calm, comfortable and relaxing space. Our goal isn’t just to create a beautiful place to lay our heads, but one that reflects our desired mindset somewhere we’re proud to call our own.

Hamma Galleries – Product Suggestions

The interior design team at Hamma have suggested a few different key items that can be used successfully in a Zen environment.

Filsky Table Lamp

A handmade nickel-plated brass lamp with a hole design, which creates a shadow pattern on the wall when using a transparent bulb.

Maurice Natural Pillows

22” x 22” hand loomed linen and cotton pillows with textured stripe pattern.
Handcrafted tassels, luxury feather and down insert.

Emmett Accent Chair

Solid wood frame carved in a mid-century Danish-inspired design. Soft grey cushions with subtle piping enhance the clean overall frame.

Fiji Island Daybed

The Fiji Island is a versatile daybed/lounger that works in a living room, small guestroom, professional studio space or a child’s bedroom.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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What is a guru? (in Hinduism and Buddhism) a spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation. A guru, by definition, is a good person, a wise person and teacher.

In a perfect world, finding a healthy balance of work, family and fun wouldn’t be such a challenge. But in the world we live in, it is. Chores take priority over bucket lists; we struggle to meet the demands of our jobs even at the risk of ill health; family time is precious, especially because it’s so limited. Fajr Bashir, Deryn Higgins, Tamala Dickinson and Keema Perry found a better way to manage their lives and decided to share it with others.

Fajr Bashir

Fajr Bashir was struggling to fit it all in and knew something needed to change. So she turned her back on her corporate career and signed up for “a 500-hour, intense course that focused on nutrition, human anatomy and physiology and the practical application of personal training” with the National Personal Training Institute in Orlando, Florida.

“I was an athlete and loved to dance,” said Ms Bashir, a fitness and wellness consultant at Solstice, a holistic wellness centre in Hamilton. “I never really considered fitness and wellness as a career until I was an adult struggling and overcoming my own personal health issues and wanting to help others do the same.” Her programmes are split into three elements: functional movement, healthy eating and positive thinking.

“I now mainly focus on assisting busy career professionals with maintaining healthy and active lifestyles,” she said. “I understand how easy it is to neglect yourself when consumed in meeting the high demands of your job. I now offer on-site workouts in company gyms that are effective, time-efficient and fun. I also provide holistic fitness programmes to clients who need more lifestyle support.”

Her advice is structured to meet the individual needs of clients however “what stands true for everyone is that self-love and self-care are vital to creating a healthy and fulfilling life”. “Make yourself a priority. Taking care of your mental and physical health will improve your relationship with yourself and others, both personally and professionally.”

Deryn Higgins

Deryn Higgins was similarly forced to take stock after she found herself at “a crossroads” 26 years ago. She embraced a “holistic and spiritual way of life” which ultimately led to My Sereni-Tea, the holistic centre she opened in 2010.

Its goal is to help people “find their peace within and achieve balance in their lives, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually”. “Healing is not one size fits all,” said the 11th generation Reiki master who is certified in multiple holistic therapies. “Everyone is different, that’s why we offer an array of holistic services. With our experience and intuition and through consultation with the individual, we are able to assess the situation and recommend to the person possible solutions to explore.”

Therapeutic massage, holistic therapies, energy balancing and RoHun therapy are among the extensive range of treatments her team offers out of Bermudiana Arcade. “With holistic healing, we are addressing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energies of a person,” Ms Higgins said. “Often enough, the person needs relief for physical symptoms they have; they receive what they need for a short while, then it returns. Holistic healing endeavours to find out the root cause of symptoms… bringing the body back into balance so the symptoms have less of a chance of returning.”

She’s thrilled that traditional doctors are “slowly” integrating it into their practices. “There was a huge shift in the food industry with organic foods and I see a shift coming in the healing world as well,” she said. “Hospitals in the USA and UK accept Reiki practitioners and others to come and do energy healing on their patients – I would love to see that happen in Bermuda.”

Tamala Dickinson

Tamala Dickinson’s journey toward mindfulness began four years ago. Described as a psychological process that makes people more aware of the present, she loves that mindfulness offers continuous development from the inside out. “I would not consider mindfulness therapy, but a practice – first a state, then a trait, then a way of being,” she said. “Being mindful is being aware. In that awareness lies an inner curiosity which leads to introspection; opening one up for choice, change and empowerment.”

Her daughter T’Neil signed her up for introductory mindfulness classes thinking she might enjoy them. “The first course was filled with rich and powerful content which spoke to me, giving me language and opening the door for me to want to advance my training, not only for myself, but to share it with others,” said Ms Dickinson, who teaches mindfulness at the Berkeley Institute and also coaches clients privately.

People turn to her when searching for “new ways to deal with life”. Many are drawn toward the process because they “are in a painful space in life and they are seeking an organic solution that will contribute positively to their experience”. “The advice I usually give is that living mindfully is a commitment; it takes patience, presence and practice,” Ms Dickinson said.

For those who persevere, reduced anxiety and depression, improved impulse control and increased awareness and calmness are said to be among the many benefits. “Especially in this information age where we are overstimulated, distracted and always ‘connected’ — cell phones, social media etc — people are seeking some type of peace or calm in their life,” Ms Dickinson explained. “When we intentionally take time to implement small pauses it has positive results, contributing to our overall wellbeing and quality of life, while improving our relationship with ourselves and others.”

Keema Perry

Keema Perry recently resigned from a 20-year teaching career to build Powerhouse Academy Bermuda, a virtual school for women over the age of 40. She’d offered classes in a part-time capacity since 2017, when she became certified as an integrative health coach, but had a strong desire to do more. “Coaching comes naturally for me,” she said. “I have a gift of looking at things from a different perspective and helping people to see the magic within themselves.”

Her focus is on helping women understand how to make themselves a priority. “Most of my clients come to me because they feel overworked and overwhelmed,” she said. “They have spent most of their adult lives caring for their families and working extremely hard. They do so much for everyone else and they want to learn how to create time for themselves, to connect, take better care of themselves and reinvent themselves.”

Her guidance is needs-based but there is a common recommendation: look inside. “My general advice is, ‘You have everything within to become the person you choose to be and to live the life that you desire to live,’” Ms Perry said.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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Three years ago, Sue Khan would look in her closet brimming with beautiful garments and still tell herself she had ‘nothing to wear’. Then, after the birth of her youngest daughter, she decided it was time to simplify her style. The 30-year-old entrepreneur and busy mom tells RG Magazine how shrinking her wardrobe saved time, reduced stress and proved to her when it comes to fashion, less truly is more.

The Breaking Point

I used to have racks of clothing but was so overwhelmed with simple tasks like doing laundry because I had so many clothes. Then, when there was a special occasion, I would have to buy something new just for that one event. I got to the point in 2016 where I said: ‘This is ridiculous, I’m consuming so much all the time’. I was juggling work and my personal life and knew that something had to change. I started embracing minimalism, sold my car and most of my kids’ stuff. Then I got rid of about 90 percent of my clothes and shoes.

Sigh of relief

Cleaning out my closets from all the clutter was a huge relief. With everything on my plate, I needed to be able to grab something and go. I had purchased a lot of clothes online that looked good in the pictures but just didn’t look good on my body type. To condense my wardrobe, I tried on everything – from pants, tops to dresses – and asked the questions: does this look good, does it make me feel confident and can this be worn with other items in my wardrobe? I realised from that exercise that my style was actually far simpler than I thought.

Gift that keeps on giving

I donated everything and started to feel really good about clearing out so much stuff. That’s when I started to invest in my wardrobe. I wanted quality, timeless pieces and things that I could easily wear all the time. It could be a simple t-shirt that paired well with a pencil skirt for work or jeans on the weekend. I also reduced my closet down to six pairs of shoes – a pump, single strap shoe, mules, gym sneakers and a couple of pairs of flats in neutral colours (and limited prints or patterns).

Dressed to Impress

Now, when I go to get dressed for work, it’s grab and go. Everything can be mixed and matched. It’s so easy, and there’s no stress– whether I’m going out to dinner, getting ready for a work meeting or running around with the kids. It’s also been good for my confidence because I feel great in everything I wear. I don’t claim to have fashion sense, but I know myself and what I like. My wardrobe is very slim, but it’s made my life so much simpler. I wear mostly neutral tones like black, nude and grey or may opt for a softer pink or olive green. I don’t even have a distinct summer and winter wardrobe anymore. I just wear the same pieces and will layer a trench coat or jacket on top.

CURATE YOUR CLOSET in three simple steps

1. Declutter
   Go through every item in your closet and drawers, try on everything and keep only those items you love without a doubt. Any items you haven’t worn in more than two years, that no longer fit your body or your style, give yourself permission to donate or get rid of.
2. Determine your Style
   Have a look at the pieces you have left in your closet and start to identify if there are any themes – be it particular styles, fabrics, patterns or colours. Then create a list of staple items you may need to complete those outfits.
3. Develop a Wishlist
   Once you have a clear idea of what you have and what pieces you still need to curate your closet, you can start to shop intentionally. Find pieces that are of good quality, versatile and can be worn in a myriad of different ways. Most importantly, make sure that every piece you purchase makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Remember: you don’t have to buy all these new items at once. Take your time and find classic pieces that you can happily wear time and again – whether getting dressed for date night or running errands on the weekends.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine.

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Introducing change can be difficult. Melanie Dupres planned on a career in medicine but while doing her A-levels was introduced to alternative therapies. “It just made sense to me,” she said. “I veered off my intended path and fell in love with homeopathy.” The problem was that there wasn’t then a demand for natural medicine here in Bermuda – or at least not as far as Ms Dupres was aware.

In 2003 she partnered with “an open-minded GP” whose offerings included acupuncture, “but [finding clients] was a struggle”. She left the island for England and Africa, where “brilliant people” bolstered her skills with their knowledge of herbs, essential oils and yoga. In 2014, when family matters required her presence here, she was pleasantly surprised by how much had changed. “People need and want alternative modalities,” she said. “People are fed up with prescriptions masking symptoms, and the side effects.”

It was around that time that Kyjuan Brown set up his practice, Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Center. Two years later he brought naturopaths on board. Also a master herbalist, he says that courses he took while pursuing his medical degree stimulated his interest in complementary medicine. “It opened my eyes to treating the whole person,” he said. “It showed how to help alleviate people’s problems without pharmaceuticals and the side effects that come along with that. Through continuing courses I realised that the medicine we practice is necessary in certain regards but with chronic disease the real challenge is lifestyle change and dietary modifications.”

His patients were accepting from the outset however, “We got letters from the [Bermuda] Medical Council saying I was using unethical methods, not following the standard of care,” Dr Brown said. “I got threats that I was to be hauled before the professional conduct committee about making false claims in regards to how naturopathic medicine can help benefit people and illness.” It never got to that point. Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Center provided “irrefutable evidence” that its naturopaths were board-certified, licensed to “diagnose, prescribe, order labs and the like”.

“In all we do there is a great body of evidence,” Dr Brown said. “What we’ve found here is that many providers on the island don’t have the knowledge or understanding of this sphere – you would find it on medical journals in the same way you look for conventional medical treatment, but if you don’t look for it you won’t know it’s there.”

In 2017, Maruska Slater spoke candidly of her experience with natural remedies in an interview with The Royal Gazette. Although initially sceptical she’d sought advice from Ms Dupres after doctors prescribed pharmaceuticals for her infant daughter, who had stopped eating. “I was afraid that she would be on it for a while,” Mrs Slater said. “When you get on Zantac you tend to have to raise the medicine because as they grow, they get more tolerant.” She took Aconite, a medicinal plant recommended by Ms Dupres, and waited 30 minutes.

“I’m not making this up — she stayed on the breast for 20 minutes and drank and drank. After that, she went to sleep for two-and-a-half hours.” Said Ms Dupres: “Chemical medicine is just that – chemicals that change our bodies. They will evoke a chemical reaction which will bring change but also side effects. Natural remedies are working with the body’s own healing potential, so they’re accepting your healing path.”

Reluctant to give names without permission, the homeopath talked of another client who suffered from hypertension but had managed without medication for three years until “a particular stress” caused a crisis. “Their doctor told them go on two drugs. Within two days their back was hurting, they had fuzzy eyes, their heart was racing. The response was really extreme and it was very clear. Within a few days after they came off the drugs they were fine.” Ms Dupres’ prescription of herbs and homeopathics got the blood pressure down.

“It was very clear cut,” she said. “A lot of people don’t see that [fast a result] because they’ve been on drugs so long. They see everything as a new problem and get new drugs and end up on a cocktail of things for the rest of their lives. It doesn’t have to be like that. You can change your diet, can change your thoughts, your lifestyle habits; the body is able to heal itself.”

Similarly, Dr Brown cited his success with a woman who’d been told she was terminally ill with ovarian cancer. “The oncologist at the hospital said there was nothing they could do,” said the physician. “We recommended treatment, including medical cannabis, and the cancer started to shrink. She went back to the oncologist who saw things were improving and started chemo and radiation. [Her mass] shrunk even more and she had surgery to have the cancer removed. Today she is cancer-free. Otherwise, she probably would have been six feet under.”

People, the world over, are opening their eyes to the benefits of alternative medicine, including medical cannabis and cannabinoid products. “It has so many healing potentials and, when used appropriately, works for chronic pain, cancer, seizures… It’s not patients smoking marijuana, they’re receiving it through tablets, through oil,” Dr Brown explained.

Kwan Smith, of Infinity Hemp Bermuda, believes more needs to be done to allow holistic and naturopathic healers on the Island to engage with this form of medicine. At its most basic level, hemp could be used to restore a cannabinoid deficiency which Mr Smith says could be the cause of illness and disease. As such, it’s important that “the highest quality forms of hemp” is used. “Many retailers market isolated forms of hemp cannabis which do not carry the same benefits and quality as full spectrum brands. A huge part of [my company’s] mission is to maintain the highest quality forms of hemp that have passed all levels of testing and manufacturing standards.” Once sold in health stores, hemp products are currently limited to pharmacies, said Mr Smith.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine.

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Gherdai Hassell

“In 2015, I was suffering from depression,” said 28-year-old artist and art teacher Gherdai Hassell. “I was lost, broke and feeling down and out. I knew I needed to make a change in my life and that I wasn’t living up to my fullest potential, but garnering up enough courage to switch course was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
Up until then, Miss Hassell had done the ‘right’ thing by enrolling in law school. She had bought into the belief she needed a corporate career to be successful, but day after day found herself bored in class, drawing to pass the time. Instead of thinking about civil and class action suits, she daydreamed about ways she could get more money in order to buy more art supplies.

Then one day as she walked through the vast corridors of her university building, it suddenly felt as though her chest was caving in. She couldn’t breathe – and didn’t want to face another day living a lie. Rather than go left to class, she made a right hand turn and withdrew from school. Soon after, she was on her way to Guiyang, China to follow her creative pursuits.

Over the last four years, Miss Hassell has visited 27 countries, including Turkey, Morocco, Italy, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Costa Rica, Antigua, St. Thomas and Mexico. While living in China, she starts her days with a morning meditation, yoga and journaling, before going on to teach two art classes. In the afternoon, and sometimes late into the evening, you can find her at her home art studio perfecting her craft.
Despite her initial fears and reservations, Miss Hassell believes it was the best decision to follow her heart and take responsibility for the direction of her life. Once she took the leap, things began to fall into place. She recalled it was “the most liberating and freeing experience” and gave her the courage to tackle other life challenges head on.
She feels more balanced now and makes time to do something that brings her joy each day. She’s also become more open-minded about people from different cultures and religions, as well as more resilient, compassionate and independent.

“I’ve realised there’s more to life than working in a job that isn’t serving you or making you happy. We all desire and want more out of life. The difference between people that actually get it and those who don’t, is that they face the fear and do it anyway. They make a decision and give themselves permission to choose their passions in life. I’m a firm believer that if you’re doing something you’re passionate about, you’ll never feel like it is ‘work’. I’ve also found that if you’re walking in your purpose, the money will come to you.

“My advice to anyone is to follow your heart and trust your intuition.”

Kerri Jackson

A former senior manager at KPMG, Kerri Jackson reached a crossroads in her life at age 38. She was recently divorced, unsure of her direction in life and had lost motivation for her 9-5 job (then at hedge fund company Red Kite Management Limited). Back in 2014, she completed a health coaching programme online and embarked on a yoga teacher training scheme.

Following her love for all things health and wellness, she decided to leave the corporate world at age 40 and spend a few months travelling around Hawaii, California and Portugal.

“I wasn’t sure of what was next, but decided to try and establish roots back in my hometown in Toronto,” the former executive said. “Unfortunately, the move wasn’t as smooth as I’d planned. My first winter in Canada was especially challenging. It’s hard enough for people who live there and have their routine to keep them going in the cold months, but I had no job and no routine. I struggled with anxiety and depression and had to work through that before taking any next steps in life.”

Once she got back on her feet, Ms Jackson signed up for another in-depth nutrition programme, then got a part time freelancing gig in accounting to make some money on the side. “That’s when my friend contacted me to tell me she had just bought some land in Mexico, with the vision of building a retreat centre. She wanted my help with some of the business and financial planning and as I knew I didn’t want to spend another winter in Canada, I agreed to come down to Central America and lend a hand.”

She put her course studies on hold for a few months and worked out an agreement with her employer to work remotely. After arriving in Mexico everything else fell into place. Her days were filled with surfing and Spanish lessons, working for a few hours at a coworking space or café in a small town, then meeting up with friends for dinner. She enjoyed her new routine so much, she decided to partner with her friend to build and launch the retreat centre, including a co-working space and apartments for those in need of a holistic escape.

“It’s a laid back and relaxed lifestyle in Mexico and we’re based in a pretty small community so it’s easy to meet people,” she said. “I went to Mexico with no expectations; I just wanted to avoid the winter in Canada. One thing led to another and I reconnected with what I wanted in life. It’s been nice to allow myself to start each morning with meditation and journaling. I don’t think I could have done that with a 9-5 job. I’ve been able to create a lot more self-care in my routine and love meeting up with friends for yoga or coffee and not feel rushed or stressed about time.”
Ms Jackson admits leaving her job was “quite drastic” and involved some growing pains. She encourages other people with a desire to step outside their comfort zone to do so gradually. “Start exploring areas of interest and take it step by step to make your dream a reality,” she said. “That could mean going back to school to get certified, while you still work your office job or speaking with a life coach or someone that can help you make the transition a little easier.”

Whitney Wilson

Seven years ago, Whitney Wilson found herself in a corporate role she didn’t particularly like, doing tasks she knew she wasn’t any good at. The combination proved to be extremely demoralizing. “It didn’t play to my strengths and wasn’t the best work culture for me either,” she said. “To top it all off, it wasn’t a place I felt I could grow or be happy.” Trapped and unfulfilled, Ms Wilson started to dream of what life outside Bermuda could look like. Hoping to find a more joy-filled existence, she booked a one-way ticket to the other side of the globe and set out on her biggest adventure to date.

The 33-year-old has now visited a host of countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, however she most recently called Luang Prabang, the former capital city of Laos, her home. Formerly working for Pencils of Promise, a New York based non-governmental organization, Ms Wilson helped to fulfil its mission of providing children around the world with access to a quality education. A typical work day involved creating training opportunities for Lao teachers and started at 8am. After wrapping up at 4.30pm, she found time to experiment with vegan recipes, go to the gym, read and doodle in cafes in the evenings and on weekends.

For her, finding a job that was purposeful and meaningful has helped her to achieve a better work-life balance. “The level of stress I have in my life is at an overall stable and healthy level now,” said Ms Wilson, who recently relocated back to Bermuda. “I love that I have time to pursue things I like such as cooking. And living in Asia as an expat my quality of life was very high, a lot higher than it could be in Bermuda given the cost of living and income.”

She admits she has “no regrets” about leaving home in search of a life that was more aligned to her authentic self. Of course she’s missed her family, but learning to survive on her own in the big, wide world has improved her confidence and how she sees herself as an individual. “I would never take the experiences I’ve had back,” she said. “I’ve learnt how to advocate for myself and speak up for the things I truly believe in. I’ve also discovered the importance of finding my tribe. Growing up, I spent a large majority of time feeling like an odd ball, like I never really belonged to a particular group of friends or had a niche. Then when I started travelling I met a lot of other weird, quirky people who became ‘my people’.”

While she understands it won’t work for everyone to drop it all and move to Asia, she believes each person should look inside to find solutions to better their life. “I also think it’s important for people to understand that getting up and moving to Asia didn’t solve all my problems,” she said. “It came with its own set of problems. People can look on social media at my cool moments and interactions while travelling and think I have it made, but there have also been lots of tears and frustrations along the way as well.”

A happy Medium – Tania Kowalski, Heath & Happiness Coach

You don’t have to quit your job or start a new life abroad to find your bliss. Tania Kowalski, a Bermuda-based health and happiness coach, insists there are small activities we can do now – right where we are – to find balance when life gets out of whack. Here are three suggestions if you’re looking for something quick and simple to make you smile:

Nourish your heart
Connecting with the people you love is extremely important, said Mrs Kowalski. That’s why even on her busiest days, she makes sure to carve out little snippets of time to read to her kids or give her husband a quick smooch.

Nourish your body
Getting in a quick workout or enjoying a colorful and fresh meal are two ways you can quickly boost your mood. Research shows exercise increases your serotonin levels, a.k.a. the “feel good chemical”, which helps decrease negative emotions and increase positive ones.

Nourish your soul
Just doing a five-minute meditation or taking time to write out a gratitude list can make a world of difference to our overall outlook. Meditation is known to reduce stress, control anxiety and enhance self-awareness. If you’re not sure where to start, just sit yourself in a comfortable position, set a timer and try to focus on your breathing for that length of time.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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