Lifestyle
Reimagine self-care with Tamela J. Gordon’s Hood Wellness
In recent years, it appears that evidently wellness or “self-care” has made its way into everyone’s personal “Top 5” list. From superficial practices like manicures, facials and massages to healthy practices like clean eating, exercise and therapy, wellness routines have taken over the streets of social media. Nevertheless, while the seemingly collective prioritization of self-care has encouraged more people to give attention to themselves, for a lot of this trend stays an aspirational lifestyle.
The reality is that popular wellbeing advice shouldn’t be all the time available, especially for people living outside a certain tax bracket. Does this mean that self-care is reserved for certain socioeconomic groups?
For writer Tamela J. Gordon, the reply isn’t any. In his upcoming book “Hood Wellness: Stories of Social Welfare from People Who Drowned on Dry Land,” Gordon offers a brand new perspective on well-being that’s grounded in inclusive, free and low-cost self-care practices and, most significantly, the ability of community.
As a longtime advocate of self-care, Gordon has participated in several popular health trends, similar to hot yoga. Still craving something more, the writer quickly realized that trendy, IG-ready wellness classes weren’t enough.
“I used to be comfortable about it, but I used to be absolutely miserable. That’s when I spotted that what I believed was the reality about well-being wasn’t actually true in any respect,” she explained. “I desired to go to therapy and do what I call ‘nasty treatment’.”
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After years of counting on self-care and wellness to beat poverty, addiction and dissatisfaction, Gordon admitted her struggles and asked for help to combat them. With the assistance of her community, the New York native moved to Florida, where she was not only in a position to get the assistance she needed to heal physically and mentally, but additionally hosted a three-day retreat in her home for people searching for inexpensive mental health support.
Completely changing her views on wellness and community healing, Gordon’s experience revealed the ability that may be present in community. As a queer black woman, she was particularly inquisitive about the ways through which healing presented itself in marginalized communities. While the term “hood wellness” partially refers to her own budget-friendly approach to self-care, Gordon explains that “hood” means greater than just socioeconomic status.
“The cladding is really multi-functional in the sense that it literally (represents) my location. Where I live has a lot to do with my ability to take care of myself…the hood plays a role in my safety, comfort, convenience and so on,” she said. “So housing will always be a topic of discussion (that comes up), but so does the concept of hood in its social meaning.”
Going beyond the inner-city connotations often associated with the word “hood,” Gordon’s philosophy emphasizes the community that may be present in neighborhoods
“In every center I have ever been to, there are always people who become sources of information and resources. “Whether you’re trying to cash in on food stamps or you want to know which bus goes to which building, there’s always someone in that building or on that block or in that neighborhood who (offers a little guidance),” Gordon explained, adding, “that’s what this is how the hood becomes unique.”
Understanding the nuances of the Black experience, the Kirkus Star-winning book features stories from other authors about their very own journeys to physical and mental well-being, showing how well-being practices can impact a person’s relationship with their body, identity and rights. From terminal illness and police violence to accepting gender identity in a society that consistently undermines and attacks the rights of trans and queer people, each story reflects the present political, racial and gender climate in America while difficult similarly oppressive systems deeply rooted within the health and wellness industry. well-being.
“As their stories unfold, we see that some voices are being underestimated because of their intersectionality, which impacts not only the community but also the individual,” Gordon said, highlighting the contributions of activists like Claudette Colvin and Tarana Burke to the book. “That’s how wellness tends to intersect and really impact us based on our identities, our communities, and how much (we) have to actually fight for (our) rights.”
Importantly, Gordon clearly states that Hood Wellness shouldn’t be a guide to well-being. Describing herself as “an explorer who takes good notes” reasonably than an authority, the writer hopes that her and other authors’ health research will encourage readers to explore what the concept of self-care and well-being might appear like for them.
“My well-being is a hood; my mood is ugly. I like candles and bubbles and all that shit. But I also like the unique information that (I can) only get from home… from the community,” Gordon explained. “I want people to know that Hood Wellness is truly an experience. That’s funny. This makes you think. It’s emotions on both sides. I think people will be truly surprised at how inspired and entertained they will walk away.”
Lifestyle
Black-owned brands will be able to shop from Oprah’s 2024 favorites list
You get a present, you get a present and also you get a present! That’s right, Oprah Winfrey is once more encouraging everyone to get ahead of their holiday shopping. When Mariah Carey dramatically announced the beginning of the vacation season, the queen of all media signed the Queen of Christmas’ declaration, freeing her “Favourite Things List” 2024.
“It’s time for your favorite things,” Oprah said in a video announcing the discharge of this yr’s list. “Every gift is a way to send a little bit joy and plenty of gratitude to the people in your life. I hope this list will make the busiest time of the yr a little bit easier for you and provide you with some ideas.
The legendary producer and talk show host’s annual list includes gifts for everybody, from the low-end to the high-end. From beauty to tech to food, the 2024 Favorite Things List contains a list of Black-owned brands value looking for this holiday season. While we encourage you to take a look at the entire Black-owned brands Oprah’s team has chosen this yr, listed below are 12 of our favorites from this yr’s list:
Telfar Puff Hooded Coat
In addition to her appreciation for his or her handbags, Winfrey highlights her love for Telfar clothing, especially theirs “Coat with a hood and down.”
“This trendy, oversized, unisex quilted nylon down jacket with hood will keep you warm all winter long,” said Oprah.
Brandon Blackwood Nia travel bag
While Brandon Blackwood’s eponymous brand is thought for its stylish small handbags, Oprah’s team took notice “Duffle Nia” a bag that she says is “Super soft, comfortable on the shoulder, with a cool design (and) a fashionable way to carry everything.”
Dungeon Forward HBCU Hats
Created to develop work directly inspired by and for the creative community. HBCU “The YARD” Hats by Dungeon Forward use “eye-catching graphics,” details and colours to pay “homage to the excellence of historically black colleges and universities.”
Cindy Liebel jewelry
Cindy Liebel reimagines timeless jewelry silhouettes for on a regular basis wear, offering pieces inspired by abstract lines and architectural motifs.
Reisfields Cement Collection candles
Made from natural earth pigments sourced from world wide, in small batch Reisfields “Signal Cement Collection” accommodates chemical-free scented candles that last over 90 hours.
Roq Innovation Headlightz Pom-Pom Cap
Stay warm and guarded during morning jogs and late evening runs with Roq Innovation jackets “Headlightz Pom-Pom Hat.”
“This good-looking bobble hat has a rechargeable light, making it perfect for walking the dog or jogging when the sun sets a little too early,” Oprah said on the list.
Le La Lo Mama + Me travel sweatshirts
Designed especially for fogeys traveling with children, And matching La Lo sweatshirts Help families travel in style while staying secure with distinctive design.
Litflaska
Combination of an insulated water bottle, Bluetooth speaker and portable charger Litflask smart water bottle makes it convenient to stay hydrated and luxuriate in without breaking your stride.
“The young founder of this company realized that everyone he knew carried three things with them, so he put them together,” suggests Winfrey. “Give it to friends and family – because the speakers connect, you’ll have a unique surround sound experience at your next gathering.”
Pattern Beauty Blow dryer
Designed specifically for individuals with kinky curly hair, but suitable for all hair types Pattern Beauty Blow dryer offers 4 attachments and different temperature settings, making the styling process smooth and painless.
People of gorgeous color
People from Color Beauty “Holiday Nail Polish Gift Set” offers three festive, non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free nail polishes, suitable for manicures and pedicures.
Tonya’s Cookies – Pound Cake with Cream Cheese
Described as “moist, buttery and delicious”, Tonya’s Cookies “Cheese and Cream Cake” combines cream cheese and a touch of lemon to create an authentic Southern dessert.
AC Grill
Founded by comedians and barbecue enthusiasts Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson, AC Barbeque’s “Signature Gift Set” offers a variety of fragrant snacks and sauces that will assist you to diversify your grilling during your next cookout.
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Lifestyle
City approves $700-a-month sleeping pods in San Francisco
Average cost in keeping with Apartments.com I’ll rent a one-bedroom apartmenttons in San Francisco is about $3,000 per 30 days. Brownstone Shared Housing has created a cheaper option: sleeping pods.
For $700 a month, San Francisco residents can rent a pod the dimensions of a double bed. The four-foot-tall pod has two fans, a mirror and a privacy curtain. The sleeping units are positioned in a constructing with shared toilets, storage and workspace. The price is ideal for beginner entrepreneurs to live some of the expensive cities in the USA, where the fee of living is 70% higher than the national average.
“I lived in the Presidio before and was kind of looking for cheaper options to continue working on what I wanted and working on open source projects” – Ben, resident and entrepreneur, he said
When the housing project gained popularity last yr, the town threatened to shut it down as a consequence of lack of proper permits. Brownstone Shared Housing co-founder James Stallworth said they’re forced to stop renting pods to potential residents until they receive the required permits from the town.
“There was never anything illegal in the pods. However, we did not change the use, because this building used to be a bank. So we went through this process for about a year. Meanwhile, the planning department at one point said we couldn’t list it because people were complaining, thinking we were renting illegal apartments,” Stallworth said.
Additionally, Stallworth said they should make some repairs to the constructing to comply with city safety standards. After a year-long process, the San Fransico Department of Inspections issued a letter of approval for the pods.
Stallworth said they’re creating additional living units in a bigger constructing scheduled to open early next yr.
Lifestyle
Megan Thee Stallion is reminding teens to “never worry” about a new mental health initiative
Megan Thee Stallion is no stranger to the ups and downs of mental health – and she or he uses every opportunity she will be able to to highlight its importance on her platform.
This month, the Houston rapper partnered with the California Department of Public Health to create a protected space for young people to discuss their struggles. “I Never Disturb” serves as a suicide prevention initiative, providing resources to California teens in hopes of inspiring people to ask for help without shame.
“As someone who had very dark thoughts… in the worst moments of my life, I just felt like I had some good people around me who made me feel loved, who made me feel heard, who made me feel like they cared.” said the rapper People Magazinebeing attentive to the importance of community. “If I could do that for another person or if I could help refer someone to a lot of these resources, I definitely want to do it because I know the way it feels and it isn’t a good place to be. So if I may also help, this is what I would like to do.
Admitting that it took her each time and help to reach this level of understanding, the star admits that social media has seriously impacted her mental health, especially after the 2020 shooting of Tory Lanez.
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But now that the legal system has held Lanez, Daystar born Shemuel Shua Peterson, accountable, the Houston native is holding bloggers accountable for the harassment and misinformation that many individuals spread about her after the assault and throughout the resulting trial.
This week, the star’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, filed a lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz, whose real name is Milagro Elizabeth Cooper, for “spreading lies” about the “Body” rapper.
“It’s time to hold bloggers accountable for years of harassment, cyberbullying and misinformation about my personal and professional life,” Megan said in a statement per People Magazine. “I have endured countless attacks on my character based on false narratives from social media bloggers posing as journalists. This is unacceptable behavior and these individuals must understand that recklessly publishing falsehoods and defamatory lies will result in consequences.”
In the lawsuit, the rapper claims that Cooper continually questioned the validity of Megan’s claims against Peterson, posted a “false pornographic video” and “falsely claimed that the firearm with which Mr. Peterson shot Ms. Pete was not produced at trial because it was missing.” while the firearm is reported to be within the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Although the blogger has announced plans to sue the artist, Megan’s legal team is looking for a jury trial and monetary damages, in addition to a “permanent injunction prohibiting defendant Cooper from any future use or publication of her intimate visual depictions.”
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