[How I Relax] with Stephanie Watanabe: Candlelight, music & a hot bath
Source: karalayneblog.com via Marthe on Pinterest
What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
I take off my shoes. No matter what, the shoes come off first. I attribute that to my Japanese grandmother – it was always shoes off before we stepped in the house. Next to removing my shoes, I head to our sofa where I wrap myself in my favorite cashmere throw and cuddle with one of my kitties (when they’re willing).
How do you unwind?
It depends on my mood, but generally it involves at least one of these – candlelight, music, a hot bath, a magazine, a movie, beautiful scents and some kind of delicious food.
Meditation or conversation?
Conversation. I’m a big conversationalist. I love to talk (just ask anyone who knows me)! More importantly, I love hearing people’s stories. I find stories fascinating. And in other people’s stories, I discover more of my own.
Do you have a home relaxation zone?
A few of them actually. My bedroom is my favorite sanctuary in the house. No TV, just cozy bed linens, lots of pillows, candles, essential oils and an array of books. I also have a traditional Tibetan prayer bench that I set up as a meditation altar. In theory this is where I would sit to meditate each day. In reality, it’s supremely zen and not used nearly enough!
Favourite bedtime reading?
Again, it depends on my mood. Right now I’m reading a delicious book (The Night Circus), given to me by a fabulous friend. ;) But most of my time is spent eyeball deep in rather obscure fashion + design magazines. I live for them!
What helps you bathe away your troubles?
A steeping cup of Vanilla Rooibos tea. Also, I love a hot bath followed by a super rich body balm by InFiore.
What’s your chillout soundtrack?
I love digital books. Listening to someone reading to me is highly meditative and relaxing. Right now I’m loving The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte and a series of audio lessons from an online program I did with Ane Axford. Their voices are mesmerizing. If we’re talking music – then it would have to be anything by Cat Power, The Cinematic Orchestra, Damien Rice or Massive Attack.
What’s your idea of comfort on a plate?
Pasta. Specifically I love lobster ravioli in a tomato cream sauce – from my favorite Italian restaurant in Los Angeles (Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi).
What’s your favourite calming fragrance?
Jasmine, French Lavender and Bulgarian Rose Absolute.
How do you beat stress?
I don’t think I’ve figured out how to beat stress, I’m still learning. But I deal with it by talking to friends, eating a healthy home cooked meal, going to bed early and taking a bath. Baths are clearly a common theme for me, aren’t they?
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Stephanie Watanabe is a trusted advisor + mentor to filmmakers, musicians, lifestyle brands and creative solopreneurs — who have a dream project or brilliant idea but no clue how to get it off the ground and into the world. She is also the founder of The Girl Who Knows, a digital inspiration gallery — a curated whirl of whimsy, wonder & wicked-awesome discoveries. It’s there that she muses on life, love, beauty, vision and who makes the best super-luxe body balms (for the record it’s these). Stephanie is a true renaissance woman, having produced + planned events and weddings, managed a luxury spa + yoga studio and co-founded three companies by the age of 30. She is a multi-passionate, multi-talented entrepreneur who has a fondness for hot cocoa, rock ‘n roll, Eric Ripert, The Goonies and obscure fashion magazines.
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Finding the motivation to unwind and concentrate in meditation would differ on every individuals prospective. Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences in dealing stress.