Newsletter September 2023
Hello friends,
Tune in to the latest batch of BBB guided meditations!
There are 14 new ones this month (7 in English & 7 in Français) to be used by caregivers and teachers. Keep reading for a deep dive on the "ancestral method" and a pic of my favorite wine purchase at Trader Joe's.
The best part, these guided meditations can be played practically anywhere:
🎧🚗✈️🏠⛺🌟
🎉Big Belly Breathing Newsletter 🎉
🌈 Theme & Breathing Practice 🌬️
Come along with me on a magical voyage through stories and adventures inspired by courage, designed to spark your child's imagination and curiosity.
In this installment, our main focus is on nurturing inner peace and serenity through our unique bubble gum breathing exercise.
🌿 Holistic Health Habits💦
Get ready to glow: dive into skincare convos this month!
At Big Belly Breathing, we believe that true beauty radiates from within, and nurturing your skin is a beautiful act of self-care. Just like our mindfulness practices help you find inner peace, skincare can help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Why Skincare Matters:
Protection with SPF: One of the most crucial aspects of skincare is sun protection. Sunscreen, or SPF (Sun Protection Factor), is like a shield for your skin. Exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging (read wrinkles and exceptionally leather skin), dark spots, and even skin cancer. By applying sunscreen daily, you're not only safeguarding your skin but also taking a step towards a healthier, more vibrant future. It’s so important to have your kiddos apply their daily spf, as well as you!
My all time fave mineral one is Elta MD’s UV Clear. Recommended by Kaiser derms, but more importantly, I keep repurchasing as it leaves no white cast and is super nourishing. If not, I also love French Pharmacy classic La Roche Posay brand, also conveniently located at Target and offers mineral and chemical options.
IYKYN: Mineral sunscreen is like an actual protective shield that sits atop your skin, and chemical ones sink in and absorb the sun’s rays. Both protect from UV rays and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference, skin type, and any specific skin sensitivities or concerns.
Skincare isn't just about appearance; it's about self-care. It's a way to nurture your inner connection, aligning perfectly with our guided meditation podcast. Your beauty is innate, and skincare is a path to amplify your natural radiance.
As you explore mindfulness with us, remember to pamper your skin. It's the canvas that reflects your inner radiance, so cherish and shield it. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Stay beautiful, inside and out!
📚 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?!
Physiology First IG account: Their persistent message revolves around the importance of educating young individuals about the link between their physical well-being and their emotional states. The better youth comprehend the physiology of their bodies, the greater their ability to influence and improve their emotional well-being. When insufficient sleep, frequent screen exposure, and a lack of daily exercise occur, it's common to experience feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress. In these moments, your body is conveying valuable information. By grasping the connection between oxygen, breathing, physical activity, and brain function, you can find greater reassurance and fewer doubts about your emotional state. Check them out!
Trader Joe's Pet Nat: Experience the effervescence of Petillant Naturel, a wine made in the ancestral style of fermentation that delivers a highly bubbly and delightful beverage. What sets it apart from champagne is its single fermentation process (while champagne undergoes two), with the initial fermentation completing inside the bottle. Additionally, unlike champagne, it's usually unfiltered, giving it a charmingly cloudy appearance. Most importantly, nothing is added to the wine with Pet-Nat, no additional sugar or yeast. But the best part? The Trader Joe's version is not only delicious but also budget-friendly at just $11.99.
I'm delighted to hear about the developments within the Spanish Women's national soccer team. It's fantastic news that Montse Tomé will now lead Spain's national soccer team following an incident where the president of the Spanish soccer federation kissed one of the main players in a celebratory act after their World Cup win last month against England. She is the first female to hold this position! As an acclaimed Spanish soccer champion and assistant coach, she made perfect sense of this role.
Ultimately, it's so relieving that such actions, once deemed acceptable, are no longer tolerated in today's world. Luis Rubiales initially resisted stepping down but has now agreed to do so, and their coach, Jorge Vilda, has been fired. It's a significant step forward in 2023, illustrating that inappropriate behavior towards female players cannot go unpunished. In addition to this, the Spanish women players are using this opportunity to protest against unfair labor practices. It's crucial for the world to take note of their stance and support these players!
Stay tuned for the next episodes of Big Belly Breathing, where we strive to spark creativity, mindfulness, and joy in your 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
