Brands and corporations are making a beeline for our pockets, working to capitalize on what is problematically deemed the “wellness trend” – and the problem starts exactly from the phrase “wellness trend”. The fact that a mass collective in society has removed our blinders and are eliminating the idea that hustle, stress, never-ending performance, unattainable body and beauty standards and material wealth are the only measurements of a successful and fulfilling existence does not constitute a trend, so much as it does a period of enlightenment.

In fact, reducing the time we are actively dedicating to acts of wellness and self-love as a “trend” is anti-intelligent and diminishing to othose who are putting our personal well-being ahead of burnout and bad purchasing decisions. This reduction of the movement to something as flippant as a trend stems more from fear than it does ignorance.

Take the “personal care” industry as an example. The more we focus on what big corporations are putting in our “personal care” products, holding them accountable for selling us toxins and chemicals that are bad for us, and asking whether or not they have been tested on animals or use child labour in their supply chain means that companies need to start being better. And being better typically means taking a bottom line hit. And so the same companies that are responsible for selling us ineffective chemical-ridden items from one product line are launching others that are marketed to the wellness, planet-conscious crowd (did someone say Unilever’s Love Beauty Planet?).

Further to, the more we are collectively becoming aware of what is causing us to be ill of body, mind and spirit, and taking dedicated action to rectify this, the less corporations and big pharma can continue to sell us cures. A solid sense of self through the ongoing practice of mindfulness will eventually lead a rational individual to the understanding that a $12 mascara from a company that tests their products on animals in China will not fundamentally make us a more beautiful or powerful person. An expensive spa day once a year does not a wellness practice make.

It isn’t just corporations who are fearful of “wellness”. Most of us who have shared about an improved lifestyle after adapting a routine  meditation practice or a plant-based diet have endured our share of rolling eyes or the predictable “…but bacon!” statement from friends.

But the truth is a person who has put their wellness before a work hustle is less likely to contract modern day stress-induced afflictions that require big pharma to knock us out at the end of a stressful day, or cause our muscles to seize from the pressure of being in constant fight mode, our immune systems to shut down, and our sense of self to be so utterly destroyed that we are weakened and seduced by false promises of beauty, health and happiness, drawn to the florescent lights of Shoppers Drug Mart like moths to the flame.

Certainly, any rational individual understands that essential oils, meditation and palo santo cannot cure even a common cold. However, investing routinely in your personal self-care through practices that reduce stress on both the mind and the body enables us to face what modern day challenges come our way with a stronger sense of who we are as individuals, why we are here on this earth (really, it is to be happy) and what really matters in this life. Investing in our health ensures our immune systems are stronger so we fall ill less often and can enjoy life as it is meant to be enjoyed. Investing in our minds and our hearts through meditation, reflection, yoga and aromatherapy opens ourselves to understand that happiness will not be found in a new electronic or pair of shoes and therefore we do not need to run ourselves into the ground for capital gains and material wealth.

Let us be mindful that corporations will work to leverage consumer trends into their own profits. Let us protect our right to nourish our beings with love and self-care. Let us push against a system that insists we be weak, dull and quick to part with our money for superficial cures to problems we do not have. Let us be well.

Image by
Kumiko SHIMIZU

The lotus is the national flower of India and Vietnam, due to its popularity as well as its spiritual significance and cultural symbolism. Prominently present in Buddhism and Hinduism religions, the lotus has long been associated with many legends, myths and divine connotations, highly regarded as one of the world’s more mystical natural creations. For some, the lotus symbolizes ultimate perfection, spiritual enlightenment and relates to the ability of our souls to expand.

As our souls grow, we are in a better position to welcome the purity and beauty of life with a clear and higher consciousness.

In This Life or The Next

Buddhists believe that the lotus is representative of the cause and effect principle. Shedding its seeds while simultaneously blooming, the lotus actualizes the belief that every action or thought will cause an effect or reaction, which will be experienced or felt in this life or in one of our future lives.

Purity and Rebirth

Recognized as a beautiful flower that emerges from the bottom of murky and unclean pond, the lotus radiates and remains magnificent as it continues to flourish in a space of dirt and mud. As such it is acknowledged as a flower associated with purity and the ability aid us in our path to spiritual enlightenment. In Hinduism, the Lotus is identified as the flower of fertility, spirituality, prosperity and beauty.

The Lotus Pose

Arguably one of the most recognizable yoga poses, the Lotus pose offers a series of holistic benefits including stimulating the lymphatic system, releasing emotional blockages in the hips and helping us get grounded by connect us with our root chakras.

Image Credit
FOODISM360
Sure, eating too much avocado on toast may mean you will never be able to afford a home, but who needs the trappings of modern wealth when you are able to nourish your mind, body and soul with the simplistic beauty of a single fruit?

Quick Facts

Fruit of the tree Persea americana, the avocado is native to Mexico and Central America, classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae. Characterized by its oval or pear-shape, rough skin and large seed, the fruit has been referred to as the avocado pear or alligator pear. 

The earliest account of the avocado’s presence in Europe is from 1519. The avocado was later introduced to Indonesia by 1750, Brazil in 1809, and South Africa and Australia in the late 19th century. The actual word “avocado” derives from a Nahuatl Indian (Aztec) word  “ahuácatl” which in fact means testicle.

It is thought that the reference is either due to the avocado’s shape or the fact that it was considered to possess aphrodisiac qualities by the Aztecs. Leading us into the symbolism of this sacred fruit.

Spirituality and Symbolism

The avocado acts as an Aztec symbol of love. An avocado tree can live for hundreds of years and a pair of avocados living and growing together on a tree symbolizes relationship love. An ideal husband would bring a pair of avocados to his wife as an outward display of love. The Aztecs also associated the avocado with fertility, recognizing it as the fruit of lust which could act as a natural aphrodisiac.

The avocado is recognized as a source of energy, health and beauty, and unlike our friend the cactus, needs specific conditions to survive. We embrace the avocado as a symbol of love (for both self and others) and the transferring of our inner beauty into our physical bodies.

Image Credit
David Sola

Quick Facts

The cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, which consists of about 1750-2000+ known species. Cacti are found from British Columbia to South America and have been introduced and adapted to Australia, East Africa and the Mediterranean, in places of warm and dry climate. The word “cactus” derives from Latin kaktos, meaning spiny plant whose identity is not certain. Recognized for its endurance and ability to thrive in trying environments, they are classified as stem succulents as they have specialized, fleshy stems.

Spirituality and Symbolism 

For those who find themselves drawn to the cactus, you may subconsciously admire its ability to thrive in intense conditions that would render a plant of lesser strength lifeless. The spiritual meaning behind the cactus is symbolized in its hard protective exterior,  its endurance and strength to survive in new environments and situations. The cactus is adaptable and strong.

While it may not be recognized for its beauty, the real beauty and treasure of the cactus come from the inside, with its unique ability to store water. Keeping a cactus in your home or at work will remind you to stay strong, endure and remember that the essence of both your truth and your beauty from within.

Is there anything Himalayan salt can’t do?  Most of us know that adding a Himalayan Salt lamp to our spaces not only adds a beautiful and calming aesthetic, it also helps to purify the air we breathe in. However, few of us know the benefits of using Himalayan salt on the skin.

Why Use a Himalayan Crystal Salt Bar? 

Using a Himalayan Crystal Salt Bar on the skin can provide numerous therapeutic benefits, both from a beauty and a wellness perspective. Given that salt is extremely hostile to bacteria, using a salt bar will cleanse the skin in a profound way, pulling toxins from the body while removing dead and dull skin cells for an incomparable glow. Routine use of a Himalayan Crystal Salt bar will aid in increasing blood flow, firm up skin tissue and work towards soothing sore and tired muscles.

Using a Himalayan Crystal Salt Bar regularly will also allow salt to be stored in the upper callous layer of the skin, which binds water, ensuring our skin stays moisturized and hydrated.

That said, in order to get the best benefits from this wonderful natural product, it’s important a Himalayan Crystal Salt Bar is used properly to get the full benefits. We spoke with Sarah McCain from Canadian holistic beauty and wellness company Earth Luxe to get the exact details on how to use a crystal bar properly and effectively.

How to Use a Himalayan Crystal Salt Bar

1. Place the salt bar directly on damp skin or in a soft/muslin cloth if you have sensitive skin.
2. Rub bar in a circular motion on your body
3. Let the salt dry on your skin, do not wash off. Rub off access once it’s dry.
4. Do not use any creams after applying the salt bar to your skin, but if your skin is dry you can use an organic oil of your choice.

Sarah also states, “for best results keep the bar as dry as possible so that it doesn’t deteriorate (it’s salt, so when wet it will dissolve!)  This will prevent sharp edges for forming. It’s recommended to use a crystal salt bar immediately post shower and only once per day and completely avoiding use  with regular soap or on broken skin. And remember that even though this it is called a “soap” it will not produce a lather!”

We recommend Earth Luxe’s Himalayan Crystal Salt Bar and check out their full range of Himalayan Salt products here.