Newsletter November 2023
Hello Friends!
The latest batch of BBB guided meditations (12 new ones!) dropped a few days ago.
Have you listened to our journey to Hanoi, Samoens, San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood or the mountains of Grand Junction? In between voyages, let these meditations serve as tranquil escapes into the realm of travel.
Bonus: This month’s special “mini lesson” is on the importance of exercise. Cheers to encouraging daily kid movement!
Our latest collection of meditations also includes one for the adult subscribers. BBB: Helping everyone, one guided meditation at a time.
The very best part: these guided meditations, in English & French, can be played practically anywhere. Think road trip, snuggly bed, glamping tent, plane ride, in a classroom or over breakfast cappuccinos.
🎧🚗✈️🏠⛺☕🌟
Today's newsletter features some fun links to a Holiday Gift guide, fab music playlists, and a recipe to die for. Did someone say chocolate tart?
🎉Big Belly Breathing Newsletter 🎉
🌈 Theme & Breathing Practice 🌬️
Join me on the podcast this month as we embark on a journey to strengthen our KINDNESS muscles and cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation and wonder. In these episodes, we'll delve into the enchanting realm of mindfulness through the exploration of our unique DOLPHIN breathing technique.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the transformative power of intentional breathwork. Let's nurture a spirit of kindness and curiosity together!
🌿 Holistic Health Habits💦
Unveiling the Power of Rest: Elevate Your Well-being
In the hustle and grind of our daily lives, the value of rest often takes a backseat. Yet, prioritizing adequate sleep and intentional moments of rest throughout the day can be transformative for our well-being (literally). Here are some practical tips to help you embrace a more rejuvenated and balanced lifestyle.
Why Rest Matters:
Boosts overall mental and physical health
Enhances cognitive function and creativity
Strengthens immune system resilience
Improves mood and emotional well-being
Weaving in Moments of Rest throughout your day:
- Microbreaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout the day. Stand up, stretch, or take a short walk.
Practical tip: set your timer so that you’re reminded to move or take a short nap.
- Mindful Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to reset and recharge your mind.
Breath practice 4,7,8: Breathe in for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8.
- Nature Connection: Spend a few moments outdoors, whether it's a walk in the park or just enjoying the fresh air.
Hit me up if you’re in SF and want company 😍
Developing Better Sleep Habits:
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. This can be quite challenging…..don’t get me started, but I am aiming to be in bed at 10pm M-F so at least there’s that.
- Create a Restful Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Digital Detox: Limit screen time before bed to promote a more restful sleep. Shut it off one hour before…again, this can be hard if you’re in the habit of screen staring until you doze off. Try it?
- Bedtime Rituals: Develop calming pre-sleep rituals, such as reading or gentle stretching. I take magnesium and use some lavender essential oils before getting under the covers.
These are all things that you know but reminders are excellent to help us get back or stay on a “Deep Rest” track. Can we raise our stemless glasses to more rest in 2024?
📚 Things I’m Into These Days📚🎨
This section offers you a glimpse into a handful of things that ignite my happiness or inquisitiveness. Here are my most recent fascinations. What are yours?!
Local Holiday Gift Guide
It’s been a wonderful experience writing monthly for BrokeAssStuart this past year. If you know, you know but if not, “since 2007 BrokeAssStuart.com has been dedicated to bringing you the most important news, arts, culture, nightlife, and progressive activism in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Our goal is to amplify voices that may not always get heard and stick up for working people when no one else will.”
He’s published several of my articles on the need to focus on prioritizing a pay increase for teachers, as well as my CITY Counselor column where we explore San Francisco micro-neighborhoods and discover places to move, shop, dine and get cultured.
Most recently, I wrote “SF’s Ultimate Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide”. Check it out for some fresh present ideas, and places to visit/things to do in our glorious non doom loop city.
Yoga playlists
Since beginning to teach at Core Power last May, one of my favorite parts is crafting the playlists. The C1 class that I teach has a set sequence, which I appreciate: it’s one less thing to think about and it’s a great flow. However, the creativity in getting to put together a 60 min playlist that takes us from Child’s Pose, through Sun As & Bs, to core crunches, to standing then sitting then lying down poses, leaving us finally in full rest mode is a joy journey in and of itself.
Choosing music to carry us through this slow intensity has become one of my most cherished past times. Here are my first 4 playlists on Apple:
#1: OG Power
#3: Soulful
#4: Best yet
Chocolate Tart
Over Thanksgiving, I resurrected this Bon Appétit recipe to the great elation of the dessert enthusiasts. The first time I crafted this culinary delight was for Patrick Hennessey's 40th birthday celebration in Bolinas. For such a grand occasion, one must embark on a spectacular dessert journey. Without fail, this dish is a culinary masterpiece – a treat that not only delights the taste buds but also captivates the eyes, truly a work of art.
For our gluten free lovers, it’s time to rejoice because the crust is made solely with pulverized nuts, butter and a sprinkle of sugar. Add to that delightful combination, a heaping mixture of chocolate, cream, butter and flaky sea salt (grab your Maldon!) and we have an absolute winner.
Stay tuned for the next episodes of Big Belly Breathing, where we strive to spark creativity, mindfulness, and joy in our little ones' lives.
Thank you for your enthusiasm, in whatever form it has taken❤️
Subscribe, listen to the pod, spread the word, buy the merch and stay in touch~
Take BIG care,
Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely
Host of Big Belly Breathing
