Rituals and Holistic Spaces: Katie Dalebout

Morning Rituals - Katie Dalebout_Main.jpg

I'm so happy to have our frequent guest, Katie Dalebout, as the very first post in our brand new series on rituals. We've talked about rituals before and the power they can have in our lives. From my shambhala calligraphy to a daily meditation or yoga practice to dedicated reading time or, in Katie's case, journaling, it's important we each make time for our own rituals to ensure healthy, holistic and successful lives.

Katie's just published her first book, Let It Out: A Journey Through Journaling. It's so thoughtfully put together and my new favorite book!

Besides being beyond proud for this huge accomplishment, I'm excited to chat with Katie about how she sets the atmosphere for her personal ritual: journaling.

AC: Can you share with us how you personally set up for "letting it out"? In the book you list supplies including your journal, writing instrument, as well as the environment. You list "A comfortable, quiet place.. a cup of tea.. a burning candle.. and calm, soft inspiring music".

KD: To be completely honest I journal in all different places. Sometimes it’s on my phone while I’m out on a walk or in my car or out in public at a coffee shop. Ideal set up though: candle lit, music on, clear desk or table, comfy clothes, blanket over me, and a cup of herbal tea...something like this photo, in my dining room or bedroom. 

I love how you touch on all the senses. Why the candle? Why the tea? Why the music?

I think pleasure is super important in our lives in general. We have so few sensory pleasures in our life and we often miss truly experiencing them by just rushing through the monotony of daily life. We hear a lot of talk of self-care lately but not much emphasis is placed on pleasure in our beyond busy society, and our culture doesn’t emphasize the importance of hitting all of our senses with pleasure, so that’s why I thought it was important to engage as many touch points of pleasure as possible. For me there’s something so visually appealing and calming about lighting a candle, that soft light, plus the scent is amazing and makes the entire act of journaling seem more intentional. Same with tea, it’s so warming, comforting, and healing to me. Tea is like hugging your insides with warmth and love and so grounding to me. Then having music on is super essential too because it again sets the mood and helps bring you into the present moment of what you’re doing by drowning out outside sounds and keeping you focused on the space you’re in.

You mentioned journaling on planes in the book. I also love writing and journaling on planes. Somehow, for me, I think I get away from everything and it frees my mind. And I love your metaphor of being elevated! What are your other favorite places to journal?

I love journaling on planes so much. I always start out by writing about where I’m going and what I want that experience to be like, and on the way home I write about what it was like and compare the two. I’m sad planes are starting to have wifi now because I really enjoyed that uninterrupted time with myself free from distractions or even the ability for distractions.

I find myself craving that disconnection in life but really having to force myself into it, so sometimes at home I’ll turn my phone on airplane mode to be distraction free while I’m home. I also love taking my journal and a specific exercise I want to work through to a coffee shop and leaving my phone off or at home. It allows me to be completely present to what I’m there to do. You don’t have to do this every time you journal, but I think there is for sure value to distraction free, unplugged journaling and treating the journaling like you would a meditation, because stopping to look at your phone during a deep journal session can really take you out of it. Think of it like a conversation with yourself. Just like if you were having a conversation with someone else, try to not look at your phone in the middle of it, that’s rude. Give yourself the same respect you’d give to someone else.

by Anjie Cho

Katie Dalebout is an author, speaker, yoga teacher, social media butterfly, life-coach, podcast host and most importantly, mayor of the Wellness Wonderland. Katie believes that every detail counts, positive thoughts make miracles, authenticity creates strong relationships, and that every day you should dress, eat, and act like it’s a special occasion.

With her grounded Midwestern roots and astronomical dreams, Katie has taken her passions for communication & wellness and blended them together to share them with the masses on this platform. And elsewhere including Over The Moon, MindBodyGreen, The Beauty Bean and Bella Life. 

With her thoughts, Katie truly lives in her own…well…wonderland, visit her there often and create your own state of  bliss. If you’d like more inspiration from the girl behind the blog, hop on over to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. Be well…

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Attract a Teacher Using Feng Shui

featured this week on Over The Moon

Growing up in a somewhat traditional Korean household, I was always taught to respect my elders and teachers. In Eastern cultures, one bows to those with experience and age, as they are held with high regard. I still agree with this point of view, however, it was not until I met my spiritual mentors and teachers that I really felt akin to this Asian custom.

“Plato says learning is remembrance. The teacher acts like a midwife, and by close communion with the student, passes a spark (of resonance) lighting a flame, resulting in the birth of the innate idea. ”
— Scott Olson

I am beyond fortunate to have a handful of wonderful teachers in my life, including my flowers teacher and four feng shui mentors, one of whom even officiated my wedding! They have become spiritual friends and guides who have taught me much more than just the “curriculum.” Each of them also has her own teachers and mentors who have passed on knowledge from the lineage. I believe that study and craft come first, then comes the knowledge. Just like one practices piano scales over and over, before he can start to truly play music.

My current favorite book is Zen in the Art of Flower Arrangement by Gustie L. Herrigel. When speaking about her teacher here, Herrigel shares that it is the sensei “who gradually imparts to the pupil his most secret and deepest knowledge of the ultimate things, and thus transfers to him his spirit... A teacher is not just an instructor. Everything that, by his conduct, serves to strengthen the pupil’s human dignity, uprightness, tact and responsibility is as important and meaningful as the learning he imparts.”

Interestingly, when working with my clients, I’ve found that many would like a teacher or mentor but have not yet found one. Even Sheryl Sandberg speaks to the importance of a mentor in her book Lean In. Since I nd teachers invaluable, helping my clients call on mentors is close to my heart. Luckily, there are some feng shui adjustments we can make to attract teachers in our lives, and I’d like to share one here! 

Activate Benefactors Area

There is an area of the feng shui bagua map that relates to benefactors and helpful people. This area is called qian in Chinese and also relates to heaven. You can think of heaven in the sense that you want help from above, from something beyond you, to support you. This concept also requires humility and understanding that there is more beyond you. To receive a teacher is to accept we are always students.

This benefactors area is related to the element of metal, so an effective way to attract a teacher is to place a metal wind chime or bell in this area of your bedroom. In a typical rectangular shaped room, locating the benefactors area is simple. Standing in your doorway, looking into the bedroom, the closest corner to your right is the benefactors area.

Be sure the chime or bell you add here is metal, as the sound can let teachers in the universe know that you’re here and ready for them! With a humble and open heart, ring your feng shui adjustment talisman nine times per day for nine days. Visualize your teacher(s), and they will present themselves to you.

The role of teachers and mentors in our lives is one that will never be obsolete. It is so important to our self-development and our impact in the world that we learn from those who were here before us and listen to their wisdom. If you are seeking a teacher, (whether you realized it before now or not!) try this feng shui adjustment to let the universe know you are ready for a mentor to guide your path. Then get ready to listen! 

by Anjie Cho

Marble Countertops: Are They Right for You?

Crisp. Cool. Distinctive. Elegant. If those words are describing countertops, we must be talking about white marble. Marble is a timeless classic that is right at home in a wide range of décor styles and rooms. Whether you’re looking to finish off your kitchen, upgrade your bathroom or incorporate a workstation in a home office, marble should be on your list for consideration. Like any material, marble has its pros and cons. 

Pros

  • Classic beauty – Marble is the Audrey Hepburn of countertops: classic, timeless beauty that exudes sophistication. It’s the only natural stone that comes in bright, crisp white, with or without grey veins running through it.
     
  • It’s got personality - As a natural stone, marble offers a unique, “no-two-are-alike” style that will give your countertop its own distinctive flair. Marble doesn’t conduct heat. It’ll remain cool to the touch, a welcome feature in kitchens and spa-like bathrooms alike. With age, marble takes on a patina. If you’re intrigued by a surface that tells the story of its lifespan with you, then marble is a terrific choice. 
     
  • Affordable – Unless you’re selecting a more rare variety of marble, this natural stone tends to be within a price range that's comparable to other countertop options. In some cases, it’s even more affordable than other natural stones. 

Cons

  • It’s a softy – The same thing that gives aged marble a story to tell may be a turn-off for some. Simply put, marble is prone to staining and scratching. Even with regular sealing, marble may show traces of the red wine you once spilled in the kitchen or hints of your favorite shade of blush on the bathroom counter.

Tips for living with marble

If the pros outweigh the cons for you (and for so many of us they do!), take note of these general maintenance tips:

  • Seal your marble and reseal it at least once a year (or sooner in high use areas). A sealer doesn’t mitigate stains and scratches, but it does give you some time to respond. A splash of wine on a well-sealed countertop that’s wiped up in due time might never leave a clue that it was there. 
     
  • Be gentle when cleaning. If you wouldn’t wash your hands with it, don’t use it on your marble. Avoid acidic cleaners and abrasive cleaners or pads. Marble prefers mild soaps (such as dish detergent) and warm water with a cloth or sponge. Need something a little tougher? Look for a natural stone cleaner.
     
  • When you’re choosing your marble countertop, opt for polished finishes over honed. Polished is more stain resistant, whereas honed is more porous and prone to staining. 

If your idea of the perfect countertop is one that retains the pristine, glossy shine from the day you bought it, then marble isn’t the right choice. Conversely, if you are attracted to a countertop loaded with unique character and beauty, classic marble may be for you!

by Anjie Cho