IWD Reflection

Photo Credit: Christine Farah for Hermosa Journal

Today is International Women’s Day and I’m taking a moment to reflect on all the wonderful women in my life. Thank you for being fierce warriors, pillars of support and sources of inspiration. Together we can change the world. Let’s make it happen ladies!

Adios January!

Credit: Christine Farah for Hermosa Journal

Can you believe we’ve already said goodbye to January 2019? I’m trying to wrap my mind around the idea that February is waiting with open arms. Apparently, time flies when you are having fun!

Over the past year, Hermosa Journal has grown in different creative directions while continuing to focus on beauty, diversity and representation. After some time soul searching, regrouping and setting goals, Hermosa is back!

The aim remains the same: creating a space that celebrates a beautifully diverse life. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

xx,

N

New Year, New Vision Board

Sample vision board. (Credit: Hermosa Journal)

   Now that the end of year festivities seem like a million years away why not settle into 2018 by creating a vision board?  We tend to think you can’t get too far in life if you don’t have an idea of where you are going.  A vision board is simply a collection of images or words that help you focus on what you want in the future.  Are you trying to dance more or get a new job in 2018?  Why not create a vision board to serve as a helpful reminder?  

Creating a vision board is super easy and fun - all you need is a few hours, old magazines, poster board, your favorite adhesive material, a beverage of choice and some inspiring music (feel free to ditch the last two in a pinch).  First, take a few minutes to ponder what you want to manifest in 2018.  Then, just flip through the magazines and cut out images that speak to you.  When you see something that resonates with what you want in your life you will know, trust us!  The only real advise you need is don’t overthink it - if the image connects with you, cut it out.  After you’ve exhausted your magazine search, organize and adhere your visual reminders to a piece of poster board.  And viola!  Your vision board is complete.

   Like most things in life, the potential to have a blast with this activity increases tremendously if you do it with pals and if you don’t take the process too seriously.  It’s all about the journey friends...may your 2018 rock!

Relaxing One Sound At A Time - A Sound Bath with Victoria Keen

Photo Credit: Victoria Keen

   The effervescent Victoria Keen, a sound artist and all around creative spirit, is bringing her magical sound baths to Culver City.  Wondering what’s a sound bath?  In simple terms, it’s an opportunity to lay down, listen to sounds and relax.  Behind the scenes, while you’re on the verge of falling asleep from the lullaby of beautiful sounds, Keen is actually tapping into the ancient healing modality of sound and vibration to promote rest and well being.

Photo Credit: Victoria Keen

   The sounds Keen produces are meant to calm the body enough so it enters into a deep state of relaxation.  Keen explains, “...people are in constant fight or flight mode from the frenetic pace of modern living…[and] sound works to calm the sympathetic nervous system so the parasympathetic nervous system can be activated, relaxing our human organism.”  As the body slows down, it is able to repair and come into greater balance.  In Keen’s sound tool box there are instruments to clear energy, induce a meditative state and everything in between - all aimed at helping the body unwind.  Inspired by her training as a pianist and visual artist, Keen “weaves a sonic tapestry that is also a prayer, meditation,...and a healing experience.”  Like a true artist, she selects her instruments for a session based on intuition and the energy of the gathering.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal

   Keen discovered sound healing after a transformative experience with Mitch Naur (one of the longest playing Gong masters in the United States).  After the encounter she felt compelled to learn more and in 2013 she completed Naur’s Gong training.  Now, she helps others enjoy the benefits of sound baths.  Keen begins every session with a group intention and offers “a prayer up for the larger collective.”  Participants are invited to set a personal intention, if they wish, as Keen believes intentions are magnified in group settings.  After about an hour of Keen’s beautiful sound symphony, the session gently ends and life resumes.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal

   We recently attended one of Keen’s sound baths at WMN Space in Culver City and were blown away by how relaxed and clear headed we felt afterward.  This auditory meditation experience had us floating for days.  While different people will inevitably have different feelings and sensations during the session, commonly cited results include clarity of mind and feeling calm.  Our universal recommendation?  In order to really enjoy the sound bath, bring an open mind (Keen also recommends toting along your favorite eye cover and blanket).

To find Keen, follow her on Instagram. Currently, Keen plays a monthly First Friday Sacred Sound Bath at WMN Space in Culver City.

Women Healing Women - WMN Space

Photo Credit: Mel Blanchard via Domino

   The recently opened WMN Space in Culver City, awash in light and the smell of palo santo, offers a sense of calm almost immediately upon entering its welcome area.  This wonderful oasis provides a community where women can gather to heal, grow and learn - all with a sense of consciousness.  Paula Mallis, a doula/mother/spiritual counselor turned entrepreneur, created the space to support women as they navigate the journey of life.  Mallis and her team provide assistance in spades by offering various healing modalities in a comforting and stylish setting.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal

   Women of all types come together to explore seemingly every topic under the sun at this gorgeous gathering center.  On any given day you might come across a full moon circle, tea ceremony, birth prep class or sound bath.  Whether you are trying to eat healthier, coping with an empty nest, or learning to meditate, there is a little something for everyone.  Group healing not your style?  No worries, private treatments and therapies are available upon request.

Photo Credit: Mel Blanchard via Domino

   In case we haven’t made it clear, this is not your run of the mill healing locale.  Oh, no ma’am. Decorated in a minimalist meets Cali chic way, WMN embodies beauty and serenity (with a healthy dose of sisterhood).  This healing hot spot also provides an opportunity to pick up expertly curated brands from ZenBunni to Savannah King’s Third Eye jewelry, so leave some time after your session to peruse.  Go ahead, try that class you’re curious about and experience how WMN beckons you to make tea (in their gorgeous handmade cups) and stay for a while.

WMN Space is located at 10764 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal