“You can search throughout the entire Universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire Universe, deserve your love and affection.” Buddha
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
You may be wondering what’s brought me to this platform. The answer is simple – urgency. I’ve arrived at the place as an artist where sharing my work is more than just a lofty unrealized dream, but an urgent need. The words, stories, revelations living inside of me are demanding to escape and take up space.
For so long I’ve allowed myself to be convinced by the voice inside of my head that my art doesn’t matter, isn't worth seeing the light of day, and no one would miss it.
Until recently, beneath all the layers of self doubt, criticism and fear, emerged another voice – do it anyways.
So here we are. Twice a month, I’ll share with you my musings and current learnings on wellness, spirituality, life, love and the human experience. I hope it leaves you with some inspiration, tools or knowledge to integrate into your own life. Or maybe this reading offers you a small moment of contemplation and connection during your day.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NAME
Tender. Loving. Care. TLC — not to be confused with the name of the iconic 90s girl group. We all need more of it, don’t we? Compassion. Mutuality. Understanding.
A couple years ago, sparked by a broken heart (isn’t that how it always happens?), I became very curious about love – in every form. I began to push back against the narrative that romantic love is the most valued form of love, and the only relationships that can be tender, affectionate, nourishing. I tore through bell hooks’ All About Love – classic. I talked to some of my nearest and dearest about the love in their lives. I began to notice the simple everyday expressions of care. A lover anticipating their partner’s needs before being asked, a child reaching for their parent's hand, a lingering hug between two friends who haven't seen each other in awhile.
Love is everywhere, all the time. It is weaved into the connective tissue of our lives.
I turned this childlike curiosity inward and examined my relationship with myself. I noticed the many moments throughout my day where I found myself being harsh, unkind and critical. I slowly infused my thoughts with compassion, encouragement and care, and noticed the transformation that occurred within myself and in my relationships. There's this incredible quote that I love, “Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers or you can grow weeds." By being more mindful of the narratives that I created about myself and my life, I set myself free.
When we learn how to take better care of ourselves we increase our capacity to take care of each other.
In 2022, I left behind a field of work that left me feeling drained and defeated (more on that later, still processing). Growing weary, and wondering what was next for me, I turned my attention inward and returned to the rituals and practices that have buoyed me though every season of hardship and uncertainty. Through mindfulness, movement, nourishment, and connection – I'm beginning to feel whole again. I have newfound clarity around my purpose, and the confidence to share it! My own journey has ignited a curiosity around collective wellbeing – what it means to take care of ourselves, and each other.
What would the world look like if we truly, deeply and holistically tended to the soil of our lives? How much more fully would we then be able to show up for ourselves, our community, our world? Let's explore together.
Taking care of ourselves has the power to heal our lives and transform our world 🌏
As it always does, I’m sure this offering will evolve and change. But for now, I want this to be a space where I can share what I’m currently learning, observing, thinking about, and practicing – in hopes that it resonates with you.
So, that's what we're up to here at TLC! The continually shapeshifting, beautiful and often messy business of healing ourselves and our world.
I want this to be a symbiotic relationship! Thoughts, comments, questions, memes, music, recipe, book recommendations are all welcome. I can't wait to hear from you.
Lastly, I’m sharing the Ted Talk that pushed me to hit send on this welcome letter. I hope it allows you to do the same — give yourself permission.
TED TALK - Give Yourself Permission to be Creative
Take care,
Asha Nia
Somewhere I learned that my voice didn’t matter too. It was easier to blame others for my lack of feeling free in creativity. In reality though, it was me, binding myself. TLC is a practice I have to be so intentional with when it comes to MYSELF. I love this whole vibe 💗 I’m feeling super inspired. So glad to be here