WHAT LIES AHEAD...

…next year obviously remains to be seen for us all. But one of my personal intentions in 2025 is nourishing my mind, body and soul. Leaving more room throughout each day to replenish my biological, creative and emotional energies is about to shift from an periodic perk to a non-negotiable necessity. I have skirted the edges of burnout more than once while growing my career — and have felt myself slowly creeping towards it again these last few months. This has made me even more appreciative to have found a new yoga community so soon after moving to Minnesota. Last week, I attended a Winter Solstice Cacao Ceremony and Sound Bath facilitated by my fellow MOV Hot Yoga instructor Jennifer Kosch. I left this event with a profound feeling of peace, as well as a desire to regularly seek out other moments of subtle, soothing bliss.

Thus, I am wrapping up 2024 on NYE by guiding a room full of yogis through mindful, heart-igniting movement… ‘til a few minutes before midnight. We will be toasting with non-alcoholic High Ground Elixirs — by far one of the best canned mocktails I have discovered since 100% embracing the “sober curious” life. It has actually now been well over a year since I’ve had any bevy that contained alcohol. And tbh, I do not miss it AT ALL. So if you’re planning on doing “Dry January,” use the code planted15 to get an additional 15% off the ‘20% off sale’ High Ground will be having all of next month. I may even take a couple of cans to share during the Communal Day of Care, which I am leading for Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers, at The Loft Literary Center on Saturday, January 11.

Another adult sip I may decide to treat attendees to is DIY lattes using my fave oat milk = Minor Figures. It is made with organic oats, plus has a very creamy texture — a characteristic that some plant-based, milk alternative just haven’t nailed yet. Atm, I have two cases stashed in my cupboard because of how often I crave warm beverage during the coldest months of the year. It’s almost as much as reading, filling my home (or car) with music and listening to audiobooks. In fact, my current audio read is “Hood Wellness” by Tamela J. Gordon. Which reminds me: If you have any suggestions for any wellbeing-related books or podcasts I should definitely check out in 2025, send me an email or DM via social media.

Now I am curious to see what we DISCOVER, MANIFEST and HEAL (individually and collectively) in the year ahead….~Rachel

PS: My next “book birthday” is only 2 days away! “The Glam World Tour” will officially be released on January 1! But there's still time to pre-order….and right now, Barnes & Noble is having a ‘book sale’ too!