Self-care just got a lot more simple ??

Hello there ???? and welcome back to this week's edition of Love is a Location! ??

In last week's newsletter, I talked about the amazing feature we possess as human beings: we actually have three brains in our bodies, not just one! ??

And while that might seem overwhelming when it comes to optimizing our performance and investing in effective self-care strategies...

it doesn't have to be complicated, because there is ONE thing, ONE element that is common to all of them, ONE master key that unlocks the connection between mind, heart and body: LIGHT.

LIGHT is the one thing that can impact, influence, nourish, sustain and enhance all three brain centers in our body: aka mind, heart & gut health.

When those three are managed properly, everything else runs smoothly; we feel better, we have more capacity for creativity, we make better decisions and experience less damaging effects from stress overall.

In a world where we often find ourselves immersed in artificial environments, disconnected from the natural rhythms and energy of light, it's crucial to pause and recognize the true impact light has on our well-being.

...and what do makeup, color & self-care have to do with all of this?

Keep reading to find out more! ??

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The Science of Light and Perception

• Our eyes, often referred to as the windows to the soul, are not merely passive receptors of visual stimuli but are intricately connected to the very essence of our being—the brain.
• As light enters our eyes, it sets off a cascade of neural signals that travel to various regions of the brain, triggering hormonal responses and influencing our mood, cognition, and overall sense of well-being.
• This intricate dance between light and the brain underscores the importance of nurturing our connection to natural light sources.

Enlightening the Brain

• Scientific research has long supported the notion that exposure to natural light is essential for optimal brain function.
• Studies have shown that individuals who spend more time in natural light environments exhibit improved cognitive performance, heightened alertness, and enhanced mood compared to those who are deprived of sunlight.
• Moreover, light exposure plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms, helping to synchronize our internal body clocks and promote restful sleep—a cornerstone of mental and emotional health.

Recent advancements in light therapy have further highlighted the therapeutic potential of light in treating conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression. By mimicking the natural spectrum of sunlight, light therapy can help alleviate symptoms of mood disorders and restore balance to the brain's neurotransmitter systems, offering hope and healing to those struggling with mental health challenges.

Illuminating the Heart

• Beyond its effects on the brain, light also holds sway over the beating rhythm of our hearts.
• Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health, including reduced blood pressure and enhanced circulation.
• The mechanisms behind this cardiovascular benefit are multifaceted, involving the synthesis of vitamin D, the release of nitric oxide, and the regulation of stress hormones—all of which contribute to a healthier heart and a happier life.

Incorporating light therapy into our daily routines can further bolster heart health by supporting the body's natural rhythms and promoting relaxation.

Whether through mindful exposure to natural sunlight, the use of light therapy devices, guided visualizations, or leveraging the full spectrum of light through other forms of color therapy - harnessing the power of light can be a simple yet effective way to nurture our cardiovascular system and safeguard against heart disease.

Digesting the Light

While the connection between light and the brain and heart is well-documented, its influence on the digestive system is less widely recognized. However, emerging research suggests that light plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, metabolism, and digestive function.

• Our bodies rely on cues from natural light cycles to govern the release of hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which control hunger and satiety.
• Disruptions to these circadian rhythms, often brought about by artificial lighting and irregular sleep patterns, can lead to dysregulation of appetite and metabolism, contributing to weight gain and digestive disorders.

Fortunately, light therapy offers a promising avenue for addressing such imbalances and promoting digestive wellness. By aligning our exposure to light with the body's natural rhythms, we can help restore harmony to the digestive system and support optimal nutrient absorption and assimilation.

The Healing Power of Color

Beyond its role in illuminating our physical surroundings, light also carries within it the entire spectrum of color—a palette of hues that holds the potential to heal and transform our inner landscape.

• The field of color therapy, rooted in ancient healing traditions and modern scientific understanding, explores the ways in which different colors can influence our emotions, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being.
• Each color of the rainbow carries its own unique vibrational frequency that resonates with specific energy centers within the body.
• By incorporating color into our daily lives—whether through personal style in the wardrobe, personal expression through makeup, or other forms of aesthetic design —we can harness the transformative power of light to uplift our spirits, balance our emotions, and enhance our vitality.

As we journey through life, may we remember to honor the profound connection between light and wellness, allowing its radiant energy to illuminate our path and nourish our mind, body, and soul.

If you feel inspired but unsure about what practical steps to take to let more light into your life... that's what my work is all about! As a coach and as a makeup artist, my number one priority is to help my clients feel more connected and calm. And that starts with simple things like color and light.

That's why I created a unique 1:1 guided session for personal discovery and integration, that can be done anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. My clients say it's one of their favorite things to do as a personal reset each week, each month - whenever it feels most supportive.

You can find out more about it via the link below:

stan.store/TheBeautyHermit/p/color-magic-11

Thanks so much for being here, and I'll see you soon for the next installment -

until then, let there be light ? ... and let love lead the way!

?? Raffi

P.S.: As always, I welcome your feedback, questions and comments! You can always send me a DM if you are in need of support, encouragement or if you'd like to get more info, and you can find out more about me in the "Featured" section on my LinkedIn profile, or by visiting my website: www.beinghumanisbeautiful.com

I offer customized and accessible transformational coaching (including a pay-as-you-go format) and all my services are trans-affirming, diversity-inclusive & trauma-informed. ???????

No matter who you are or how you identify, you are welcome here, and you are not alone. ?? #beinghumanisbeautiful