"We struggle so much to identify ourselves because it’s humanly impossible. We are not words, we are not feelings, we are not anything that we have labeled in the physical world. There is no limit or restrictions to ourselves- identity is just as much an ideology as capitalism. We are ourselves, that doesn’t require further explanation." Alan Watts
Resonance
I very much understand the collective yearning to explore, define, & understand our own taste.
In an over-saturated, templated, virtual world it can be challenging (and sometimes uncomfortable, confusing, exhausting, etc) to distinguish what is and isn’t an accurate reflection of our true style.
But this desire to “figure out our taste” is more than just for the sake of collecting items we love and hope to have “forever”. We are in a continuous state of change after all, and some pieces won’t inspire as much eventually.
Developing your taste is a non-negotiable if you aspire to be a mindful consumer. The modern idea of consumption carries a weight of significance in itself. Everything about the way we shop is overwhelming and is largely due to being willingly force-fed.
If we continue to absorb everything that comes our way without discernment, we run the risk of diluting the essence of what makes us uniquely ourselves (along with lots of other issues).
If you want to reassume the position of choice-maker from consumer, to sit in the driver’s seat in the vehicle of self-expression- you have to develop your taste.
So how do we come into our own style & taste?
It’s not through words.
It’s through feeling. The feeling of resonance.
But this feeling is much more visceral than we give it credit for. It’s not just an emotional experience, “I like this”, “I don’t like that”.
Resonance exists just as much in the body as in the mind.
Think about a song that you love- whenever you hear it- it doesn’t matter what mood you’re in, what you’re wearing, who you’re with- when you hear it, your body starts to dance. That is resonance.
The mental awareness of “yes, this is for me” might simultaneously read as butterflies in the stomach or an intense grounding through your feet, a lightness in your chest or a racing heart.
Those Creative-Gut reactions are worth noting.
More than that, when acknowledging “yes, this is for me”,
Do you feel relaxed? represented? inspired? What does that FEEL like more than sound like. Don’t describe it. Just feel it.
If you were to imagine bringing this *thing* into your experience with no other observer but yourself, how do you feel?
If you were to bring this *thing* into your experience with other observers, how do you feel?
Now, do you question it?
What are you attaching yourself to? Why? How does it make you feel?
We’ll talk about attachment another day.
If you are ready to make changes in your personal style from a place of resonance, whether that be your in wardrobe or home, dm me on ig or schedule a style discovery call.
Have you heard of:
Fashion
PANCONESI!!! They’re the best. I’ve never been the same since this Michele Lamy moment. I came upon this cuff the other day and had to share. So good. Shop here.
Interiors
OMGGGGGGGG. Walking into Kermanshah Rugs was cathartic in every which way. They’re a small business & specialists in antique carpets and tapestries, with collections including antique European, Persian, Oriental carpets & more. I truly cannot explain the vibes In here. I met Hamid and had a lovely convo as he showed me some of the collection. Dying to go back I want to live here.
Spiritual Wellness
My favorite meditation of this week. I have TONS of great guided meditations, let me know if you want a playlist.
Health & Beauty
I raided Diptyque and have a few fragrance recs for this spring. I’ve collected scents for years, but limit myself to 2-3 bottles at a time. I just ran out of Maison Louis Marie No.09. Sad but ready to move on for now - same vibe (floral, fresh) but different. I’m not a huge floral girl but always need 1 in rotation to layer on top of something mustier.
In short it’s airy & spicy, in long it’s: Top: pink peppercorn, juniper berry, green cardamom, elemi, Heart: frankincense, calamus, black ceylon tea, Base: bourbon vanilla, fernat vanilla, Haitian vetiver, cypriol
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