In my Receiving Energy
a special delivery from your almost-30 auntie . . .
it’s 4 weeks into 2024 and i’m just shy of turning 30. evolving into a new decade is always an exciting, yet ominous chapter in our lives; there’s so much unknown and we may only have our curiosity carrying us.
it’s been a reflective time for me from thinking about “who am i?” to “how far have i come” and “where do i want to be next?” we each have funny ways of creating life plans, in which they sometimes work out and other times crash into flames. but that’s the beauty of it all — we can start anew as long as we have tomorrow.
just through life, i’ve learnt to transition away from this planning mindset to setting a mantra perspective each year. for this year, i’m striving to be in my receiving energy by embodying the Empress card (yes, that one from tarot).
visually the Empress is “often portrayed as a beautiful pregnant woman wearing a crown of twelve stars and a loose dress adorned with pomegranates . . . [s]eated upon a luxurious throne in a lushly ripe field ready for harvesting.”
underneath this rich imagery, she symbolizes the nurturing and abundant nature of life; when pulled, her card encourages one to embrace their softer side, explore emotions, listen to intuition, provide empathy, compassion, and nurturing. she confidently sits on her throne while inviting an openness to receive what’s in the world.
i strive for this embodiment — the last few years were personally challenging, yet full of growth and positive change. i’ve reached a point in my life where i’m confident in myself and know what’s right even when there’s more to come.
instead of actively pursuing people, places, and things, i’m letting the right experiences come to me without expectation or urgency, and then using discernment and intuition to decide what’s meant to stay. it’s an inner faith built over personal experiences, not just pure naivety or an inner blindness.
some may think of this mindset as being “in my soft girl era” which is similar with a little more to it. it’s a person inviting faith and the universe in as they continue to pave the path for things they can control. that’s where i am in life and i’m confident in my knowing that good things will come to me in time. because most importantly, you don’t miss what’s meant for you.
ok that’s enough for now! check out 12 gems that have been captivating my mind for the past couple weeks. enjoy, catch ya in the next 2 weeks!
— ten xoxo
the bar Eavesdrop | to say this is my favorite NYC bar is an understatement . . . i absolutely love the team & its overall cool vibe. they always treat me well!
Mamiya film cameras | after dating multiple photographers (lol), i’ve got a fond appreciation for these cameras & their leaf-shutter lenses. definitely my first purchase after i win the lottery!
the album Wave by Antônio Carlos Jobim | stumbled across the title track on the artist Nathy Peluso’s IG and i fell in love. it’s a gem for all my bossa nova lovers!
Birkenstock x Dior collab | i know i’m getting old when i love a comfy shoe, but at least i’m still trendy as you can tell. it’s the shoe’s backstrap for me . . .
the 2021 film The Worst Person in the World | originally thought the main character was chaotic and then the rest of the film unraveled / aligned in the way that only life’s messiness does.
everything from the Gael García Bernal | this TikTok-er best hit the nail on the head — Gael is just so fine on many levels. watch this or this, and tell me otherwise.
Essays One by Lydia Davis | if you know, i admire her writings and translation career. so i had to continue feeding this obsession with this gem.
Panadería Rosetta in CDMX | this city has my heart & this bakery has my belly haha. it’s hands-down one of the best i’ve ever had — get the canela!
Grace Farms in Connecticut | futuristic architecture, open landscapes & engaging events — bless the influencer who put me on to this wonderful space.
the poet Wendell Berry | ooof, here’s one poet who gets me . . . just read my favorite one from him.
the Andrew Huberman podcast | still on my fitness kick and this man has been bringing me behind the science for good health & physicality.
Maison Margiela ss24 collection | i saw a clip of the model Leon Dame’s opening walk and immediately became entranced by the decadence // avant garde fashion.
