A Few of Our Favorite Things
Looking for quick inspiration, something new to learn or enjoy? Our Favorite Things section is booming with new ideas and products, all created by women.
supernatural products
Finding cleaning supplies that work and aren’t harsh to the environment and humans isn’t easy. Enter: products by Supernatural. Tested and loved by Sylwia (who is “a bit of a clean freak on a mission to take good care of this glorious planet we get to inhabit”), the products are packaged in beautiful and sturdy glass bottles and smell delciously of essential oils. Founded by Suzy Batiz, a “visionary lover, creator, and curator of all things magical,” these products are a game changer!
BELONGING: REMEMBERING OURSELVES HOME
Winner of the 2017 Gold Nautilus Award for its contribution to the field of Personal Growth and now permanently on Sylwia’s nightstand, this book is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Read our interview with the author, Toko-pa, here.
We Carry the Sky
Poetry by McKayla Robbin, Film by Elizabeth Masucci
In 2016, McKayla Robbins published her collection of poetry titled “we carry the sky.” Her poetry focuses on the female experience, and to read her work is to feel seen, heard and empowered. Her work is a cry to action and a message of unity and this short film by Elizabeth Maccusi beautifully expresses her words on screen.
I have seen women wrap their lives quietly in parentheses, while men take over whole countries with their fists -McKayla Robbin, “we carry the sky”
We Can Do Hard Things With Glennon Doyle, Episode 2
BOUNDARIES: Are too few (or too many) why we stay stuck?
In this episode of Glennon Doyle’s new podcast, she and her sister Amanda take a deep-dive into how their own boundaries, or lack thereof, shape their lives. They explore how boundaries have expanded and limited their relationships, where they feel the boundaries they’ve created need to be reexamined, and they help answer questions of those struggling with their own issues surrounding boundaries. Grab a journal before you listen, as there feels like endless wisdom to be found in this conversation.
Anger Release Technique: The Woodchopper
Anger isn’t restricted to the mind, but is felt through one’s entire body - our chests may tighten, our faces redden, and perhaps we even begin shaking in rage. Our physical bodies are deeply connected to our emotions, and they need a outlet. Enter Yogi Natalie Marnica’s “Woodchopper” tutorial. This simple action allows one to healthily channel and release pent-up anger.
The Language of Emotions
Whether you’re looking to understand your emotions or have struggled to channel them in appropriate ways, The Language of Emotions is a book you will find yourself always reaching for. Feeling sad? The chapter on sadness will explain how sadness is a grounding emotion, so that rather than rejecting it, you will learn to embrace it and allow it to flow through you. As Karla McLaren gently guides the reader through each emotion, you will feel supported and gain a greater understanding of your emotions and yourself.
the power of women’s anger
Tired of constantly suppressing your anger, understating your rage, bending over backwards to not offend when attacked? You’re not alone. Writer (Rage Becomes Her) and activist, Soraya Chemaly, discusses the ways in which women are socialized not to express their anger, the consequences (and fears) of when they do, and how vital it is that is changed.
Minor Feelings
An Asian American Reckoning By Cathy Park Hong
Poet and essayist, Cathy Park Hong, in her collection of essays, Minor Feelings, An Asian American Reckoning, explores the “minor feelings” she felt growing up - feelings of “shame, suspicion, and melancholy” that were in direct opposition to the American optimism surrounding her. As NPR states, “The author uses her life’s flashpoints to give voice to a wider Asian American experience.” To read her memoir, is to begin to better understand the experiences of millions in this country.
SWAY
An Asian American Poet on Refusing to Take Up ‘Apologetic Space’
In an illuminating conversation, Kara Swisher, host of the podcast Sway, interviews Cathy about the roots of anti-Asian racism and the myth of the “model minority.”
the Artwork of Dan-ah Kim
Stories can be told without words, and Dan-ah’s artwork is overflowing with stories. Born in Seoul and currently living in Brooklyn, she works in both graphic design and fine art. Often using mixed media, Dan-ah creates magical pieces that pull the viewer in immediately. As described by her, “anything can be a source of inspiration – from the cosmos to prosaic moments with a cat.” And it shows, each piece is a story unto its own, that one can meditate on and get lost in.
Add to Cart, Episode 18
Asian Hate and Gaslighting in Georgia
Released two days after the attack in Atlanta in which six Asian women were murdered, podcast hosts Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak express their rage and grief as they discuss the systemic anti-Asian racism that led to this massacre. Their raw emotion and insightful conversation are the ultimate call to action. While this particular episode is a must listen, the entire podcast is brilliantly engaging as Kulap and SuChin bring humor, honesty and wisdom to each episode.
Power Poses with Amy Cuddy
At Bonds Magazine, we believe as Amy Cuddy says “tiny tweaks can lead to big changes.” It is precisely why we are loving this Ted Talk by a body language researcher, Amy Cuddy.
Amy poses two main questions in her talk:
What are you communicating with your body language?
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Do our nonverbals govern how we think and feel about ourselves?
Research indicates that women more often feel chronically less powerful than men. So watch this Ted Talk and ask yourself the following:
Am I willing to practice expansion and taking up space?
What presence am I bringing to my speech?
Do it often enough until you internalize it or as Amy Cuddy says “fake it until you become it.”
Tell us how practicing the Wonder Woman pose has changed how you feel about yourself or a situation you were in.
We’d love to hear from you!
CASSANDRA SPEAKS
When Women are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes
Have you ever been confused by the stories you hear about women and how different they are from the reality of your own experiences? Did you ever hear that women are too emotional, not logical or weak only to know the truth to be exactly the opposite? You’re not alone!
In Her new book, Cassandra Speaks, Elizabeth Lesser explores the ancient stories written about women but not by women. She exposes the flaws of the stories that have portrayed women inaccurately for centuries and shines a spotlight on the true stories of women’s resilience and attributes. The book beautifully weaves the past with the present questioning power, equality, and how women can do it better with immense benefits to our society and the world.
For more on the book and Elizabeth Lesser, check out our interview with the author in the Inspiration Section.
10-Day LovingKindness Challenge
Sharon Salzberg, NYTimes bestselling author and cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society, translates “LovingKindness” to “Connection.” And this meditation practice is just that - a way of connecting with ourselves and those around us - of breaking down barriers between “us” and “them” and recognizing that we are all in this together.
Through a series of guided meditations, Sharon invites the listener to experiment with how we pay attention. To consider who we pay attention to, and who we dismiss. To think about how present or scattered we are. The phrases repeated in this practice are used as a “conduit for the heart energy, for paying attention differently.” This 10-Day LovingKindess Challenge, helps guide the listener to find a shift in perspective and presence.
Let us know how this practice resonates with you, with your connections, and with your bonds.