August is National Wellness Month, and it’s just about our favorite month here at Caliva. Wellness being part of our DNA, it wasn’t unusual to see a group of Caliva employees in a downward-dog position in the middle of our courtyard. These days, our in-house shaman Shanny leads us in a weekly guided meditation via Zoom to help calm our nerves and destress. (Join us in our next session on Instagram Live!) We believe that wellness means something different for everyone, and we want to highlight a few of our favorite athletes, fitness gurus, outdoor enthusiasts and just very cool people in general on what wellness means to them, and how they use marijuana as part of their routine to aid in their physical and mental well-being.
(This is part 1 of our Wellness Month series. Click here to read part 2.)
Shove – @fat_girl_has_moxi
Shove is a roller skating diva and content creator on Instagram. Her mission is to spread body positivity and acceptance, as well as introducing and educating newcomers to the vibrant world of roller skating.
“I enjoy cannabis after a ramp sesh because it helps me relax and puts me in the right headspace.”
What does wellness mean to you?
For me, wellness isn't just for the body, but the mind as well. There is a relationship between the two. It's important to keep your body moving and do self-care to keep both in a good place.
What physical activity do you do that brings wellness into your life?
Roller skating! I discovered it when I found out there was a roller derby league close to my city. I don't do derby anymore, but I still skate and it's an amazing full body exercise that also just brings me joy and happiness. Especially when I skate fast and feel like I'm flying.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Step one, buy skates. Step two, watch as many how to videos on youtube and be prepared to fall. The skate community is huge and we love to help one another. Skating is a craft and sport that takes time and resilience. I wish there was a simple how to roller skate, but you just have to lace up and do it, because I've been skating for over three years and I'm still learning new tricks.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Follow Shove on Instagram at @fat_girl_has_moxi.
When I ramp skate, I tend to fall.. a lot. Which I love, because if you're not falling you're not pushing yourself, but I'm also 33 years old. Which means those falls hurt for a while, ha. I enjoy cannabis after a ramp sesh because it helps me relax and puts me in the right headspace. I get in the zone I want to be in and edit my skate clips.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment looks like the pause button was pushed, but I'm still moving. There's no emails to answer, no work, no responsibilities or worries, just me living in the moment, enjoying a carefree moment.
Shove’s Fave Products
Caliva Muscle + Joint Inflammation Lotion
Caliva Dogwalkers Mini Prerolls
April Davidson – @yeahapril
April Davidson is an avid rock climber and fitness enthusiast based in Los Angeles. She uses her platform to spread the message of healthy living and body positivity. April also produces content and is a source of inspiration and knowledge to rock climbers around the world. She is a true believer in the power of the plant, and uses CBD as part of her wellness regimen daily.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is very important to me. My dad was always into health and nutrition and instilled it in me at a young age. When my mother passed away suddenly from leukemia 12 years ago, in my search to make sense of what happened, I was inspired to dive deeper into the effects of how stress and diet play a role in our well being. I immediately changed my diet, started exercising more, and managing my stress in a more healthy way. I have also been a vegetarian for 12 years now.
What physical activity do you do that brings wellness into your life?
I am an avid rock climber. I began climbing 4 years ago this month! I have always been into the outdoors, snowboarding, camping, hiking, yoga. When I discovered climbing it was everything I'd always wanted but didn't know it. It was the perfect extension of all the things I already loved and the community of like-minded people made me feel like I belong here.
“[Cannabis] helps me to release stress, let go of the day, and also help my body and mind relax so I can sleep well.”
Follow April on Instagram at @yeahapril.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
I have used cannabis for a very long time. I am a huge supporter of its benefits! I use a variety of cannabis products ranging from CBD, to THC/CBD capsules, salves, lotions, edibles, tincture, and oils to the actual flower itself. For me, it's always an after climbing, or at the end of the day winding-down routine. It helps me to release stress, let go of the day, and also help my body and mind relax so I can sleep well.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Mostly I just try to eat well, mostly plant-based, get good rest, and manage my stress. I also make an effort to get outside as much as I can to do what I love and that's climbing. Climbing is my passion and there is nothing else I'd rather spend my time doing.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
A happy moment for me is when I come home from a great day of climbing, make a good healthy meal, enjoy the unwinding effects of cannabis, and relax and let it all go from the day.
April’s Fave Products
Caliva Muscle + Joint Inflammation Lotion
Caliva Head, Neck + Shoulder Tension Lotion
Alonso Tal – @alonsotal
Born in Watts, California, Alonso Tal is a creative thinker, photographer and cyclist. As a Fashion Merchandising major he decided that he wanted to pursue a different style of work, one without all the restrictions of fashion. Alonso started studying the books and careers of photographers such as Gordon Parks and Bruce Davidson and began to explore the world of photography with his Leica Minilux, while also racing bikes internationally. Alonso taught himself portraiture by photographing friends and starting a personal project titled #MORETRACKBIKE where he shares a look into the cycling world with an emphasis on Fixed Gear cycling culture.
Follow Alonso on Instagram at @alonsotal.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is starting to become a trend right now and I couldn’t be happier. Wellness is more than just the physical. I think it expends to mental and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and react to things.
What physical activity do you do that brings wellness into your life?
I love cycling around the city and into Griffith park for a little solitude without cars
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis allows me to naturally get rid of negative energy.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
I literally ride bikes everyday! I started riding 14 years ago and I love exploring the city. So when I found cycling it was a game changer. It took me some time to get better at it. Now I can't get enough of cycling. I love it!
Have you used Caliva products before?
Yes, I've fallen in love with Caliva's Head, Neck + Shoulder Tension Lotion. It's a must have essential now.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment is when I’m at the top of the mountain and its just me and the wind... No emails, no text messages just me and the wind.
Alonso’s Fave Products
Amy Hasselbeck – @thatboheme
Amy is a San Francisco based entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger. She loves surfing, travelling, being outdoors and cooking. Amy is originally from Germany and have lived in seven countries before moving to the US.
Follow Amy on Instagram at @thatboheme.
“I feel blessed to live in the Bay Area now and consider it as pure luxury, that I can go surfing whenever the waves are good.”
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
I dreamed of surfing at a very young age. I grew up in a small village in Germany without any waves anywhere near. The first time I went surfing was when I've spend a semester in Australia in my early 20s. I loved it, but since then tried to go as often as possible. I feel blessed to live in the Bay Area now and consider it as pure luxury, that I can go surfing whenever the waves are good. The most beautiful surfing day so far was when there were three whales playing in the Bay. They were so close and the whole experience was so magical, that I didn't realize that I was in the water for four hours and have missed a business meeting - something that usually never happens to me.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me means making choices towards a fulfilling life and having healthy habits. I find fulfillment in the Ocean, that's why I go surfing as often as I can. Surfing is many things at the same time - indescribable feelings, joy, friendships, a source of fear, a spiritual connection, and a path to self-discovery. It's the perfect me-time.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
I care a lot about wellness. Besides surfing, I have dedicated time every evening for my daily skincare routine, I love hiking and travelling, spending time with my family, cooking and reading philosophical literature and autobiographies.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis helps me set the mood. I am relaxed and focus on the task at hand. And usually, it also gives me a good night's sleep.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
I feel relaxed, carefree, and at peace with myself. I feel absolutely fulfilled in these moments.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I prefer the oils, tinctures, chocolate bars and gummy bears and also body lotions.
Amy’s Fave Products
Caliva All Over Body Recovery Lotion
Caliva Head, Neck + Shoulder Tension Lotion
Eric Fallecker – @eric_fallecker
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, at 18 Eric decided to pack up and head for California to chase some dreams. His love for photography started in Los Angeles when his mother sent him a camera and told him to start shooting what he love. Eric started shooting headshots for actors, portraits, and fashion, then on the weekends he would escape into the mountains camping and rock climbing, shooting his friends on sport routes and beautiful mountain landscapes.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is being mindful of spirit, mind, and body. You can have the healthiest nutrition but what are you doing to take care and properly rest your body and mind?
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
I love getting outside to hike and climb. More importantly setting up camp and calming the stress of the city.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Camping is all about relaxation, it's best to bring minimal accessories so you can really disconnect. And always practice Leave No Trace ethics. I discovered my love for the outdoors at a young age with my father but anyone can, it's never too late.
“Personally I love some muscle lotion after along hike followed by gummies by the campfire.”
Follow Eric on his adventures at @eric_fallecker on Instagram.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis is a great way to tune into your body and give attention to where you need it most. Personally I love some muscle lotion after along hike followed by gummies by the campfire.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment feels like a cold breeze during a warm sunset. It looks like clarity and being rooted.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I always enjoy my cannabis. It is a beautiful medicine that has the power to connect people, connect you to nature and yourself.
Eric’s Fave Products
Caliva Head, Neck + Shoulder Tension Lotion
Caliva Muscle + Joint Inflammation Lotion
Valerie Alvarez – @valeriealvarez
Valerie is a San Francisco-based content creator sharing bits and bites of healthy-ish food, sustainable living, and travel across social media with her audience. Valerie’s blog, Live The Little Things, is a space filled with travel guides for responsible travel and gluten-, soy-, egg-free, mostly plant-based recipes inspired by her travels. As a Mindset Coach, Valerie finds fulfillment in helping her clients be the very best version of themselves and unlock their full potential. She is also in the process of becoming a certified Yoga Instructor to complement her mindset coaching. Valerie hopes to combine her loves of eating healthy, yoga, and mental well-being to inspire others to live their most optimal lives.
“I like to start my day – and encourage others – to write down 3 things you are grateful for, followed by setting an intention for the day.”
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is more than just eating healthy or staying fit; it’s about taking care of what I like to call your mental hygiene. Good health is rooted in a healthy mind and mindset.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Bringing wellness into my life starts with the simple act of mindset and practicing gratitude first thing in the morning. I see each morning as a new beginning, a fresh start. I like to start my day – and encourage others – to write down 3 things you are grateful for, followed by setting an intention for the day. This simple 5-minute act helps set the tone of the day and shift your mindset. If you ever find that you are having a challenging day, focusing on the things you are grateful for helps bring life into perspective and that this problematic or stressful moment will pass. It helps with shifting our mindset and shows us that there is so much more to look forward to. Taking a moment for yourself is so important and allows you to invite wellness into your life.
“Cannabis has helped me in times where I’ve had a creativity block or needed deeper insights. It helps me gain a higher perspective and feel more in tune with myself and whatever I am working on.”
Just like how mental wellness is essential, so is physical wellness. I love staying active with yoga, running, and hiking. Being outdoors in nature revitalizes me and keeps me inspired. These are all things that contribute to a well-rounded, balanced life. This might look different for you. The important thing here is to find an activity that keeps your body in motion and get outside. These moments of calm contribute to a shift in your mindset and mood. It’s a form of self-love and self-respect. If you have a difficult time finding 30-minutes for yourself, scheduling it in your calendar helps keep this commitment to yourself.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
For me, cannabis plays an integral part in my life. As a creative, it helps me unlock my creativity when I have a mental block or lack inspiration. It has also helped me with bouts of anxiety, and it helps with post-recovery from strenuous exercise.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
It’s incredible how cannabis can enhance our wellness activities. I’ll admit, I as well had a stigma about cannabis. It wasn’t until I had met my ex-husband over 10 years ago that changed my perception and broke the stigma I once had. He’s a brilliant mind and has found success as an early on tech entrepreneur and credited his successful business ideas to cannabis. Getting through creative blocks, finding more profound insights, and inspiration are things that he explained that he got from cannabis. I can attest to this. I, as well, have found that cannabis has helped me in times where I’ve had a creativity block or needed deeper insights. It helps me gain a higher perspective and feel more in tune with myself and whatever I am working on. My favorite way to do this is the combination of cannabis and brainstorming sessions. I prefer edibles. I’ll have one and brainstorm. These sessions involve a good playlist or sometimes in silence, and scribbling whatever ideas come to mind. It’s incredible!
“I believe that the stigma around cannabis is now starting to get replaced with the reality of what cannabis is, the benefits, and how it can be a significant part of anyone’s wellness routine. ”
Follow Valerie on Instagram for healthy recipes and travel tips at @valeriealvarez.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
Blissful and relaxed! It helps take the edge off, relax, and experience a blissful moment. It’s something that I notice, especially if I am trying to get in the flow with a creative project or simply listening to music.
Have you used Caliva products before?
I have (vape cartridges) as well as brands like Wyld that are offered within the Caliva shop.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I believe that the stigma around cannabis is now starting to get replaced with the reality of what cannabis is, the benefits, and how it can be a significant part of anyone's wellness routine. If I can help be a part of that and educate others about it, I feel like I’ve contributed to breaking this stigma.
Valerie’s Fave Products
Caliva Fresh Flower Vape - Z Cube
Caliva Reef Leaf Hybrid Pre-Ground Flower
DELI Nickels Hybrid Passionfruit Gummy Rounds
Corie Mattie – @coriemattie
With an East Coast mindset and an LA zip code, Corie brings her humility and work ethic to the glamorous lifestyle that the West Coast is known for. She uses her personal experiences to relate to her audience as she finds ways to communicate through wordplay and imagery. She is bold, blunt and somehow subtle in her way of saying what she has to say.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness means taking care of your health not only physically, but mentally as well. It's vital to have a balanced wellness to lead a healthy and happy life.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Painting brings wellness into my life. It helps me process my thoughts and emotions while creating visuals that people can connect to.
“I thought of [LA Hope Dealer] after enjoying cannabis and wrote it down and waited to execute the concept at a time where the world needed more positivity.”
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
There is art therapy for a reason. As a kid, I found myself using art and painting to quiet my mind. It has been a steady constant throughout my life. Once I became the LA Hope Dealer, I wanted to help other people tap into their creative side to find a healthy outlet to destress and alleviate anxiety. Now, I send stencils to everyday people around the world to encourage self-expression and creativity. LA Hope Dealer is bigger than me – it’s a movement to bring positivity and encourage imagination.
“My happy moment is when I am home with my pup and I can let my guard down and not think about things I have to do for work.”
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis helps enhance my wellness experience by opening my mind to new ideas and unlimited boundaries. It energizes my creativity to write down my high ideas (highdeas) and execute them when I am ready. Cannabis helped me become the LA Hope Dealer. I thought of the name after enjoying cannabis and wrote it down and waited to execute the concept at a time where the world needed more positivity.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment is when I am home with my pup and I can let my guard down and not think about things I have to do for work. I can unwind, smoke, watch Golden Girls, and eat dark chocolate.
For more of Corie’s art, follow her on Instagram at @coriemattie.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I like using cannabis in my actual art pieces sometimes. It adds uniqueness and a deeper element to the finished product.
Corie’s Fave Products
DELI Fudge Cookies Indica Flower
DELI Nickels Sativa Sour Apple Gummy Rounds
Vanessa Temblador – @hey.vanessa.renee
Vanessa is an avid hiker and the storyteller behind Forever She Wanders. She finds passion in getting outdoors, exploring new places and creating new memories to share with her audience, in hopes to inspire others to go outdoors and follow their passion.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is becoming aware of your habits, both good and bad, and making the necessary changes to improve your health. Going outside and being outdoors helps to improve my mental health by lowering stress levels, building confidence, and helps to boost my immune system.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Hiking up a mountain with a 25 lb. pack may seem silly to some, but it helps so much with my mental health. The challenges I purposely create for myself brings a sense of wellness; as I'm constantly learning about my limits and reaching new goals.
“Cannabis enhances my backpacking experience by reducing inflammation, which helps with muscle and joint pain.”
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
As an avid hiker, you can only imagine the wear and tear on our joints and muscles. Cannabis enhances my backpacking experience by reducing inflammation, which helps with muscle and joint pain. Being able to deal with the pain, allows for more trail time and more trail time allows for better wellness.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Backpacking itself is quite interesting. You're literally packing up all the essentials needed to basically survive in the wilderness, in a backpack to carry across the forest, for the sake of adventure, and I love it. It's always a challenge, never easy, but always worth it! Simplicity at it's finest.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
Similar to dropping my pack at the end of a long hiking day, I look forward to winding down at camp. My muscles are usually sore, my heart is always full and I'm forever craving a snack.
Vanessa’s Fave Products
Caliva Fresh Flower Vape - Blackjack
Follow Vanessa on her adventures at @hey.vanessa.renee on Instagram.
Mike Ganz – @introvertedoutdoors
Mike is your average 30-year old living in Southern California. Engineer during the week, and self-proclaimed outdoorsman on the weekend. You can find Mike climbing the highest local mountains, or up in the Eastern Sierras.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is not only being in good physical health, but also good mental health. The outdoors and the mountains help me to achieve both of these at once. Pushing myself physically, but also escaping most of the things that stress me out.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Hiking, backpacking, and any other physical activities in the outdoors are where I get my wellness from.
“there’s nothing like looking at the night sky full of stars and the Milky Way [...] after smoking a nice fat joint.”
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Being in the mountains by yourself (or in my case just with my dog) can definitely take a toll on you mentally. Especially if you are out there for long hours, it's nice to unwind and quiet your brain down with a bit of cannabis. Plus, there's nothing like looking at the night sky full of stars and the Milky Way, or an amazing sunrise/sunset, after smoking a nice fat joint.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Back in 2017 someone hit me on the highway on my motorcycle in Southern California. I ended up breaking my ankle pretty bad and got 9 screws and a plate put in there. The doctors and surgeon all thought I would be walking with a cane forever, not being able to do much physical activity, definitely not hiking. I got into hardcore long-distance hiking to show them, and myself, that I could overcome those barriers.
Follow Mike and his pup on Instagram at @introvertedoutdoors.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
A nice view, high up in the mountains, away from everyone else. Blowing some smoke clouds up into the sky.
Mike’s Fave Products
Caliva Dogwalkers Mini Prerolls
Fun Uncle Super Session Hash-Infused Preroll
Kaitlin Espinoza – @pixie.skates
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me means feeling healthy and connected with your mind, body, and spirit. When all are in harmony that is wellness.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Roller skating is what I do and is part of who I am. It makes me feel good inside and out and allows me to express who I am. Aside from skating, I enjoy gardening and painting. Anything that sparks my creativity brings me happiness and wellness in my life.
“I dream about certain tricks and moves that I do on my skates and then I make my dream come true by practicing it. ”
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Cannabis not only relaxes me and eases my anxiety, but it allows me to flow more effortlessly when I am skating. It calms the nerves in my body and aids in keeping my mind and body at a relaxed state. It enhances my abilities both before skating andafter skating when I am recovering.
You can roll with Kait on Instagram at @pixie.skates.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Every time I lace up my skates I’m ready for a new experience and to learn something new. No matter how good you become at it there is always something you can perfect and tweak and I love that. I dream about certain tricks and moves that I do on my skates and then I make my dream come true by practicing it. Skating a lifelong journey for me.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
A happy moment for me is when I get a smile so big on my face and the energy is so infectious it could spread to others. It could be from landing a trick or learning a move on skates that once almost felt impossible to do. It feels good to get that natural high from happiness and to see others happy along with you.
Kait’s Fave Products
Caliva All Over Body Recovery Lotion
Martha Kirby – @martha_kirby
Martha is an experienced creative, movement, and wellness professional living in Venice, California. She is currently working as a Creative Director, Photographer, Yoga and Meditation Teacher. Martha is passionate about visual storytelling, social justice, adventure travel, holistic living, intersectional feminism, and environmental sustainability.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me means feeling your best – mind, body, and soul. That you are connected to nature, and to the present moment.That you are conscious of what you're putting into your body, whether it be material or spiritual, and that you're treating yourself and others in a kind, compassionate way.
“Hybrids enhance my wellness experience by adding a sense of calm and focus to my yoga and meditation practice – allowing me to be fully present on the mat. ”
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
Everyday activities that bring wellness into my life include - taking long walks, running, hiking in Malibu, dancing, doing yoga, meditation and breathwork, journaling, spending time with loved ones.
Follow Martha on Instagram at @martha_kirby.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post activity?
Hybrids enhance my wellness experience by adding a sense of calm and focus to my yoga and meditation practice – allowing me to be fully present on the mat. While indicas allow me to relax and rest after an active day.
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
Growing up dancing, yoga and meditation have also been part of my wellness routine since childhood. I discovered early-on that the practice itself is extremely therapeutic for both your mind and body, and I have been hooked ever since.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
My happy moment looks like lots of laughter, way too many healthy snacks, and a sense of euphoria.
Martha’s Fave Products
Toasties Classic Filtered Prerolls
DELI Nickels Passionfruit Hybrid Gummy Rounds
Bridget Scheiner – @bridgienickis
Bridget is a professional dancer and loves to use dance as a way to creatively express herself and uses movement as a method to heal. She is also an actor who specializes in improv comedy, voiceover and on camera work. On the side, Bridget is the founder of Be Obsessed Fitness and donates half of her proceeds to racial justice initiatives. Outside of work, Bridget like to paint, draw, play with her 3 kittens, and being involved in human rights and animal rights activism.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is a huge part of how I exist and the choices I make every day. I think that taking care of ourselves and taking care of everyone in our community should be a top priority for all. Through both physical fitness, dance, and artistic expression, I aim to constantly improve both my mental and physical wellness.
For me, I have lost people very close to me who didn't take care of their wellness whether it was mentally or physically, and I think understanding the connection between the two and how they tie to our health and continuous well being is so important. I also think we have a moral obligation to take care of the community and world around us so I like to think that wellness extends being just ourselves and always checking in with those around you and having their backs, is equally important.
“Sometimes your body needs to be horizontal and she gets tired, so it’s been great to rely on art all these years as a way to take care of myself.”
In the past couple of years, I have been fully meatless, and have loved the benefits on my body, the animals, and the environment. I'm also originally from Texas, so it was not an easy path for me haha! Overall though, wellness is something I think we should all strive to work on every day. It's not something that you ever stop improving upon whether it's individual wellness or communal wellness. I have found painting and drawing to be a separate type of soothing and healing as well. Sometimes your body needs to be horizontal and she gets tired, so it's been great to rely on art all these years as a way to take care of myself.
What kind of everyday activity brings wellness into your life?
I've been a dancer since I was 3 years old, and when I was 18 turned it into a professional career. I've also been a fitness instructor since I was 18. This has been a huge part of my life for the past 12 years not just financially, but also physically and emotionally. Dance is a special activity because you get to release the endorphins that so many sports and fitness activities will get. Differing from just physical activities, you also get to artistically express yourselves and it can be an amazing creative outlet for anyone who joins. I have felt very lucky discovering something I love, so incredibly much, at such a young age that doesn't just keep my cardiovascular heart healthy, but also keeps my spiritual heart and soul happy.
How does cannabis enhance your wellness experience with your activity, pre or post-activity?
Cannabis has been a major game-changer for me as I've gotten older. From dance and some natural anatomical injuries, I've had two hip surgeries, been in a back brace, and have had arthritic pain increase with certain activities or even not doing enough activity. Cannabis has been to help myself and many other dancers find a quicker recovery time at night. It's also been a huge help for stress.
“There is something quite powerful when your body is synchronized to music and you get to use it to add another layer of dynamic to the music.”
Tell us something fun or interesting about your wellness activity.
I already talked a bit about how I've been dancing since I was 3 and fell in love with movement as a creative outlet and emotional healing. I never fell out of love with that activity and hope that I always have the same passion for dance for the rest of my life. With the current COVID climate, I've been more limited on having the ability to dance, and have turned more to drawing and painting. I first started doodling in school on the sides of papers and realized that I always loved sketching faces of people and capturing their expressions. Also a creature of habit, I started this at a young age, and never lost interest!
No matter how you choose to enjoy your cannabis, the feeling you get when you encounter your happy moment is unmistakable. What does your happy moment look like or feel like?
Either in a contemporary dance class and the teacher chose a piece of music that is so emotional and the words are so spot on with whatever's going on in your life at the moment, that sometimes you just cry. But it's not necessarily a sad cry. It's hard to explain but there is something quite powerful when your body is synchronized to music and you get to use it to add another layer of dynamic to the music. You feel almost an instant high when you can lose yourself in this style. Another happy place is honestly just hanging out at home with my 3 cats and my fiance, coloring, or enjoying the cool sunset air off of our balcony.
Any additional information you’d like to share about your relationship with cannabis?
I think that there is a stigma about cannabis, that is slowly starting to dissolve. Living in California has allowed me to have a much more open mind and try cannabis products for so many other reasons than I ever imagined. I have encountered multiple generations using cannabis products for various reasons, and I hope that more people will continue to try it and see the way it can enhance whatever their current wellbeing regiment looks like. There's also so much for people to try these days. Cannabis comes in so many forms now, whether it's a topical or an oral product. I truly believe there's something for everyone.
Bridget’s Fave Products
Caliva Muscle + Joint Inflammation Lotion
DELI Nickels Passionfruit Hybrid Gummy Rounds
