HIRR | Carley Mendes
How are you feeling?
Some days I really feel like I’ve got a pretty good handle on things, but of course there are others days where I’m like “what is life?”. Being a full time stay at home mom at the moment, while also continuing to run a business and a team is keeping me busier than ever. For better or worse, that means the weeks (and now months) are going by so quickly. Let’s just say, I’m not bored.
How are you staying connected to your body? Or, How are you keeping your body in movement?
Eternally grateful for all of the leaders sharing their movement classes online right now. The incredible offerings from this community are helping to keep me calm and connected. THANK YOU ALL!
What are you doing to manage your mind?
I sit out in my backyard, which is basically a field of wildflowers right now. Societal norms tell me that it should be more manicured and contained. But honestly, the explosiveness of it really does it for me. I’m so appreciative of this outdoor space during this time.
Well, that... and dreaming about being back in Mexico when all of this is over.
Where are you finding inspiration?
Seeing the people who are diving into the things they feel passionate about. Women finding power in new ways through creative expression. Seeing how much they’re thriving and feeling more fulfilled than ever.
What are you reading, watching, listening to?
I got a subscription to Mubi. It’s a streaming service that features arty films… forgotten gems, festival favorites, and great foreign films. To be honest, I’m usually working at night these days after the kids go to bed. But if I’m going to chill, it’s with Mubi.
How are you staying nourished?
My husband nourishes me. There’s just no way to say this without it sounding like an indulgent brag, but he’s amazing in the kitchen. Now that it’s getting warmer we’ve been doing a lot of cooking on the BBQ as well. Give me roasted veg and grilled salmon every night of the week. My kids fight over the crispy salmon skin.
Honorable mentions for a few of my favorite places to get take out in Vancouver… Ubunti Canteen and Acorn.
What changes do you want to contribute to as a result of these unique times?
This is a uniquely challenging time and devastating for many. But for others, it’s also been an introspective time to take stock of what’s working and what’s not. I run an online school for prenatal nutrition that usually only opens for enrolment a few times a year—but we’re offering open enrolment for the first time ever right now in response to what’s happening right now. People are ready for change. They’re ready to do something they feel really passionate about.
Is there a piece of art, or form of art that you are finding yourself drawn to at this time?
More than anything I’m realizing that there is art in the everyday things that we do. My husband’s been making music, my son has been drawing, my daughter has been dancing, I’ve been making more fermenting foods. There’s an artistic thread that runs through each of them. They’ve all become unique ways that we can express ourselves.