Hayley's Guide to Meditation

For a long time, I thought meditation was a joke. It didn't make sense to me that simply clearing your mind for fifteen minutes could lead to a positive outlook, or a significantly more enlightened attitude. I deemed it to be ridiculous, at least until I participated in a guided meditation session.

I was hooked. Even now, I meditate three or four times each week, and I feel that I have found a perfect routine to achieve an effective meditative state.

Put Your Phone Away

I'm sorry, but I mean this. There is far too much distraction caused by having your phone around. Even on silent, if you notice the buzzing it will completely derail your focus.

Now I am someone who likes to be readily available. However, when it comes time for my meditation, I have to set that aside to really focus on my own wellness.

I place it on the other side of the room, on a do not disturb setting. It remains out of my physical reach, and it will not be able to pull my attention.

Play Ambient Noise

Life is noisy. Even in supposedly quiet places, I always find myself noticing, and being distracted by, small little sounds. The air conditioning switching on, a voice in the other room, cars on the street below.

To combat this, I always play soft ambient noise. Whether it's birdsong, or slow jazz, there is always something playing to mask any other auditory distractions.

Dim the Lights

Soft lighting can create a calming environment, perfect for turning all of your focus inside yourself. I don't mean to sit in a pitch black room, but just at a comfortable level.

Think about massages, or facials, it isn't uncommon to use candlelight, a small lamp, or even just small amounts of sunlight to facilitate deep serene feelings, and the same applies to meditation. Personally, I use a couple of night-light lamps. They emit warm, dim light, and placing them around the room keeps the light distribution even.

Let it Flow

I didn't think meditation was even realistic. I was always under the impression that you had to "clear your mind." Although this is true, it isn't as literal as you might initially think.

A bit of advice that really helped me was when friend of mine, who is a yoga instructor, told me that it was supposed to be comfortable, not rigid. She let me know that everyone has thoughts that still occur in their minds during meditation, but that we need to acknowledge the thought, the memory, whatever it is, and let it pass. The trick is to not follow the thought into a spiral of regular thought.

Also within the aspect of comfort, you don't have to be sitting with a ruler-straight back. It's good to maintain good posture, to help you breathe deeply, but that isn't achieved in that one way. I actually like to lay on my back. It's flat against the ground, and my limbs lay however feels most comfortable at the time. Meditation is not about fidgeting into the "perfect" pose. Meditation is about what makes you comfortable enough to realign your own mind.

All of the Things You Forget to Bring Home for the Holidays.

Let's be honest, whether it's for three days, or three weeks, to your hometown or to the Caribbean, there's always a few key items that are left behind in the chaotic midst of holiday traveling. Luckily, I always keep a list of my most forgotten items, and I am going to be sharing it with you.

For the Skin

Just because you are taking a holiday vacation, doesn't mean that your skincare routine is supposed to take any time off. To keep your glow, double check to ensure that you have packed these items:

- Your usual facial sunscreen

You don't want to get stuck using your in-law's sprayable sunscreen that they keep

in their guest bathroom, believe me.

- Any of your facial serums

I mean really, what are the odds that your family will have a proper substitute?

- Your razor

This one is more of a personal note. I forget one almost every time I go out of town.

- Perfume

I know the bottles are clunky, and fragile, and you debate which one until you walk out

the door, but I promise you will always wish that you had remembered to snag one on your

way out.

For your Wardrobe

I am a big believer in packing light, but here are my must-haves, no matter how much space I have in my suitcase.

- Shoes for ALL occasions

I know, the most space-consuming thing on your packing list. but I mean it when I say that you

will regret it. You'll need something for a nicer restaurant, maybe a walking-heavy day, and

definitely shoes that can handle some ice and snow.

- A versatile dress

You never truly know how fancy a holiday party will be until you arrive.

For the Stress

Traveling can be stressful, the holidays can be stressful, family can be stressful. Combined? They are some people's worst nightmare. (I am some people.)

- Painkillers

I always keep a bottle of Advil, for the sake of my own constant headaches.

- A yoga mat

It doesn't actually need to be a yoga mat, that's just my personal preference, but anything that

would allow for some light movement and endorphins. It's also important to maintain your

"you-time."

- A book

Whether you're traveling by plane or car or train, travel can get quite boring. I think that a good

book will resolve any vacation boredom.

Miuccia Prada: A Step Away from the Fashion House

It was recently announced that Miuccia Prada, as well as her husband Patrizio Bertelli, will be stepping down as co-CEOs of the iconic brand.

Although many saw it coming, the shift in leadership within the company still left us with a lot of questions.

Why did they step down? Will Miuccia Prada still serve as co-creative director of Prada, and sole creative director of Miu Miu? Who will replace her? Luckily, we do not seem to be left in the dark.

Why is Prada Stepping Down?

The decision seems to be based in something as simple as trying to ensure the comfort of their investors.

This isn't a sudden decision, and isn't due to any sort of external pressure. Ultimately, Prada, the brand, seems to be wanting to assure their investors of the brand's flexibility. Andrea Guerra has already been named as a leader, and he will be fully stepping into the role in 2023, and there is another CEO position that has yet to be filled.

Will Miuccia Still be the Creative Director?

Up until now, Mrs. Miuccia Prada has been wearing many many hats within the company. Co-CEO, co-creative director, and sole creative director of subsidiary Miu Miu. Although she has stepped down as CEO, it has been confirmed that she is to continue her role in both Prada and Miu Miu as creative director.

I think that this is a very good decision for both companies, as both have seen a massive resurgence in their popularity in recent years. It seems that Prada's design presence is quite the positive influence.

Who is Andrea Guerra?

Andrea Guerra is a big name in the European business world. He formerly worked with Luxottica, Eataly, and most recently LVMH, as the leader of their hotel division, so he clearly knows his way around luxury consumerism.

The Italian business man has seen great success everywhere that he has been, and should be a wonderful edition to Prada's team. I think that Guerra will be able to do wonders for the business aspect of the brand.