THE LIHA LETTER - Jan Edition

Jan 10, 2025Abi oye

THE LIGHT IS COMING

At this time of year it is easy to feel a little like a crocus bulb buried deep in the snow. Delicate, closed and still, but still ready to flower when the time is right.

Historically, before the Gregorian and Roman Calendars were in place, the New Year was celebrated on March 25^th when life begins to feel slightly warmer and easier again. So don’t beat yourself up too much if you are taking your time with the resolutions, and focusing on where passion and purpose lie , rather than springing directly into action!

Remember that every day after the winter solstice is slowly getting longer and lighter and spring is closer than it may seem.

This month is a wonderful time to set intentions and visualise where you would like to be/ how you would like to feel in Spring, when the season matches the feeling of new growth and opportunity. Burn your candles to remember the light is coming back, anoint yourself daily and if you may be feeling hard and closed right now, recall the words of the great artist Claude Monet who said of light and its effects on the world around us, “Everything Changes, Even Stone”.

Here is everything we are loving this month.

DOING: Archive of Dissent, Peter Kennard . A very important retrospective of anti-war artworks from one of the UK’s most prolific artists. Banksy has sighted him as one of his biggest influences, and it shows - A must see.

LISTENING: Sodedad, Cesaria Evora. Hauntingly beautiful and soothing at the same time, this song and the accompanying album, Miss Perfumado was made by the legendary Care Verdean singer who released her debut album at 45 and won her first Grammy at 67. She had retired from singing decades earlier when she realised she couldn’t make enough to feed her returning when she had time and space. The notes hold years of reflection and a life well lived, and is the perfect deep dive for this time of year, and the perfect reminder that Passion and Purpose have no age limit.

WATCHING: Luther Vandross- Never Too Much – A heartfelt and moving documentary about the musical arrangement legend from his days singing jingles for pizza companies and back up for David Bowie to global superstardom.

EATING: Soups and stews, Soups and stews! Some amazing hearty recipes can be found here and tweaked at will. ( extra chilli never hurt anyone !)

Bi- weekly baths are a must this time of year! Wednesday for a mid -week reset and Sunday for a fresh head for the week. The ultimate winter warmer follow this ritual:

— Run a warm bath and add Epsom salts/ your favourite bubbles.

— Pop the Idan oil in with the lid closed and allow to melt as you relax.

— Change your bedsheets while your bath is running and lay out fresh pyjamas.

— Light an Idia Candle on the side of the bath.

— Rub the warm Idan oil all over damp skin dry off and hop into clean pjs and sheets!