Compassion And Conscious Consuming: Organic Basics
“Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things”
Compassion is a broad term.
Self compassion is something I've truly struggled with for as long as I can remember, and I'm sure I'm not alone in the battle. I can't remember a time that I've been entirely comfortable in my own skin. Thoughts about my physical appearance used to be the main occupant and intruder in my mind. It would unjustly knock on the window of my brain every time I looked at myself in a mirror, caught a glimpse of my reflection in a car window or strolled down supermarket aisles. I would count calories, exercise excessively, restrict food and impose rules. What I didn't realise was that I was putting my body through immense strain. This ordeal lasted for years until in November 2017, when I was hospitalised and then sectioned in a psychiatric ward. It was the result of an accumulation of various underlying physical and mental health conditions, but what shocked me the most was that it had crept up on me practically unnoticed. I believed that what I was going through and the strains I was putting on my body were completely normal.
Being institutionalised came as a huge wake-up call in regards to my behavioural patterns and the systematic neglect (and arguably abuse) of my body and mind. I made it my mission to not only accept but embrace change. Feeling my thighs swell as I grew, the occasional bump and lump here and there, has been frightening at times, but it's okay. It's okay for my body to change, I don't have to fight it or resent it. It simply is. And it simply is for the best. Recovery and self acceptance is by no means easy, it takes time and patience and kindness. Grow and Bloom through it all and take it in your stride.
But compassion is not just limited to yourself.
A few months ago the opportunity to work with the wonderful brand organicbasics arose, and since it's a topic I'm so devoted to, I simply couldn't let it slip. The fast fashion industry is one of the most cruel and toxic industries out there, something I've always subliminally been aware of but only really began to understand in full colour having watched 'The True Cost' documentary. But alas this is such a huge topic I have to save for another day, since even a whole entire post dedicated to it would only scrape the top of the iceburg. But ultimately everything you do comes at a human and environmental cost. These beautiful and delicate rose nude undergarments are sustainably sourced and crafted, as well as free from any nasty and unkind substances that are harmful to your skin. There's something so empowering about making the conscious decision to boycott contributing to something so harmful to the world around you. Making real resonating connections with the world around is one of the most grounding feelings.
Send compassion out into the world and it will reflect back onto you like a mirror. Redistributing my energy and shifting my perspective into trying to create a better world has helped me to find a lot of inner peace, as well as shaping me into the best and bravest versions of my self.
Find a cause that resonates with you.
And stick to it.
And keep going.
