The Conscious Movement

I never thought I’d say this…

March 31, 2019March 31, 2019by Kymberly Maitland-SmithLeave a Comment

… but I was drawn to share this with you all after watching Happy Feet, last night. Orthopedic shoes are the best! If you’ve watched Grace and Frankie then you know which character I am (most likely) becoming… I’m currently OBSESSING over the wellness of my feet, and all because of one visit to (sound affect, dun dun duuuun)… Dr. Kong, the comfortable and healthy shoe company.

The reason why this was all so surprising to me was that I used to tease the shit out of one of my best friends in high school for wearing orthopedic Dr. Kong school shoes. L O L. I mean, it didn’t help that the shoes she wore were also for boys (she had big feet and my nickname for her was Twinkle Toes), but because of those specific and unaesthetically pleasing pair of Dr. Kong’s, I never thought a day would come where I would be wearing Dr. Kong shoes.

I don’t know about you, but I believe that the Universe is also a conscious being who brings forth into your life, situations, people and things that you consciously, and subconsciously attract or need in that moment. And so this is why, I believe, Dr. Kong is now in my life, hahaha.

It all started with an invite to check out their store in Robinsons Galleria. I was definitely hesitant at first, especially with my fashion background and history with the Kongs, haha 💁🏻‍♀️ but I knew that I had to have a foot-check-up because I saw that my old shoes flattened down where the arches used to be.

[CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH SHORT VIDEO OF MY DR. KONG ADVENTURE]

https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDE0MDg2ODc2MDg0NTQw/

I was instantly inSOLD! 😆 My feet had never truly found comfort until that day! Those insoles made my feet cry with happiness. How sad I now feel to know that I have walked for 28+ years without giving a shit about my feet, and because of it, have caused a misalignment with my ankles. Something I could have prevented if I had only pushed my judgmental, teenage ego aside and listened to Rosie a.k.a Twinkle Toes.

I did mention to her that I got my very own pair of Dr. Kong’s and she was just as surprised as I… I was also surprised to see all the “hipper” styles of shoes and sandals in the store 😎. The pink sneakers caught my eye and they were super comfortable, especially worn with the insoles. I was very impressed with the overall experience; the staff were very knowledgeable and helpful, and the store was comfortable and clean.

I HIGHLY recommend visiting Dr. Kong even if it’s just for a check up, it’s free anyway! To know what’s going on down there is so important. These our very important parts of our bodies that we have been neglecting for years and years! I only wish that I was taught about the effects of flat feet and other foot problems much earlier in life, and this is why I’m taking time on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share my story about my, now grateful, feet! 👣🙂🧡

P.S. I’m still on my orthopedic shoe journey but I want to share that I have come across life-changing arch support, vegan, and PVC-free flip-flops and sandals from Reef in Olympic Village, Ayala, Cebu. There are also other affordable brands that make arch support sandals available! Yay! I’ve also been looking online, but seriously, why are orthopedic shoes so fckin ugly!? Does anyone know of any brands that make “stylish” arch supported shoes for the flat-flooted? 🙏🏼 Write me a comment if you do! I will wifi hug you! Thank you!

All the best, and much love to your feet! ✌🏼️

Wellness

Trust

March 16, 2019by Kymberly Maitland-SmithLeave a Comment

Last Thursday, I chose a card from my mentor’s super pretty oracle deck which read, ‘Trust your path.’

I used to constantly question my life path and my choices and found that trusting myself was one of the hardest things to do. I realized that feeling that way put me in a stagnant cycle where I was stayed stuck and obstructed any real growth in myself and in my life. I do still struggle with trusting some of the decisions I make, but I have stopped questioning my path.

Living everyday knowing that there’s so much to learn, remember, and share gives me a reason to live, have faith, and look ahead. Whatever path you are on, trust it. There is always gain where there is trust 🙏🏼

[Telling myself this while I do tarot readings haha… practice makes perfect 😆 trust trust trust!]

PS. I started practicing tarot about a year ago with Windy at The Gassho Center in Cebu. Fell in love with how they serve guidance to everyday issues, questions or thoughts and I continue to do self-readings and (rarely) read for others as I am still learning to TRUST myself 🙏🏼♥️ For those who are interested in learning, do some research and don’t be afraid! It’s fun and they can assist you in life!

Events, Wellness

TranscenDANCED in Asmara

March 11, 2019March 11, 2019by Kymberly Maitland-SmithLeave a Comment

What an enlightening experience!!!

I was so nervous on Saturday morning, I kept going through all the things I wanted to say during the event. PLUS it was my sister’s birthday so I wanted to make sure she was having a good time.

The weather was beautiful that day, and Asmarawas ready for us to set up when we arrived at 9 15. When people started arriving, I was surprised to see so many new faces, and even familiar faces of friends who I did not expect to see at the event. It was a wonderful feeling :] We started by sitting in a circle, explaining the event, the rules and, what to expect during the dance. There were about 20 of us, most of which have never experienced ecstatic dance before. We started by stretching and shaking our bodies to get warmed up, and then we brought our attention to the breath. So it began…

Transcendance DO’S:

✅ You are FREE to express yourself
✅ Free to move or just mediate on the side or do yoga
✅ No need to follow steps
✅ Parents can bring their kids

Transcendance DONT’S:
❌ No shoes
❌ No alcohol
❌ No drugs
❌ No phones/cameras
❌ No talking in the space

Unfortunately I don’t have any more photos or videos to post just yet, but I will get a few to share with you all soon! Since it was our first time we decided to document some parts of the event, that way others can get an idea of what the experience is all about, and hopefully, join in next time!

This was only my 3rd ecstatic dance experience and although I was worrying about how people were going to react, I was beautifully surprised and happy to see that everyone was so open and receptive to the music and to the movement. I loved catching people in the eyes and then smiling at them, I loved seeing people full of joy and letting go of judgments, and I thoroughly enjoyed being in that space together where we were all embracing the moment and becoming one. I felt emotional and fulfilled.

After about an hour, the music leaded us to shavasana and then we came together for the sharing circle. This was when my heart grew and melted. Everyone shared very kind words about the event, but most importantly, shared their personal experience without fear. I thrive on openness and oneness, and that was given to me last Saturday morning, HASHTAG BLESSED! Haha… :-p . I saw myself in each person and felt so connected to them, to my surroundings, and to my body and soul. We then surprised Divine with a birthday cake :] It was delightful to see her so happy as this was only the second time for her to DJ ecstatic dance music. She did a great job by the way, and I’m not just saying that because she’s my sister!

I’m very grateful to Princess and Jangee for inviting me to start this movement with them, and very thankful for my sister and boyfriend for being so supportive of my ventures. Thank you Asmara for the venue! We are very excited for the future of Transcendance! Please stay tuned on my facebook page for the upcoming events.

Namaste ❤

Fashionably Ethical, Wellness