At Splendid Spoon, we want to make the mindfulness world accessible. Whether you find mindfulness on your yoga mat, running, dancing, or doing jumping jacks, we encourage it! Strengthening, healing, and nourishing your body & mind is central to our philosophy. This month, we’re talking to our favorite wellness experts about what mindful movement means to them

Today, we speak with Tina Z., Founder & CEO of activewear company Eagle Rock Werkshop.

Splendid Spoon: What does mindfulness mean to you?

Tina: To me, mindfulness means calmly thinking something through before reacting. I tend to be impulsive and act without thinking. I call it running on autopilot. However, I now always stop and consciously think things through, before moving forward. This applies to everything, from figuring out how to deal with counterfeiters who are stealing my artwork, to whether I actually need another square of chocolate!

SS: What’s your favorite way to move mindfully?

TZ: I love my evening yoga and meditation class. It’s a slow flow done in candlelight, and set to calming music. It helps me balance my stress levels. I try to go a few times a week.

SS: When do you feel most at peace?

TZ: I feel most at peace when I’m at the beach, gazing out to the horizon. The ocean is so humbling to me: it reminds me how big the world is, and that I shouldn’t let little things get me down. I get the same feeling when I look up at a starry sky. Although, if I look into space for too long, I start wondering if there’s life on other planets, and that scares me! My imagination can go from calm to chaos in two seconds flat!

SS: What is one thing you do that makes you feel powerful and strong?

TZ: Spinning! I spin 5–6 days a week. Every class is an emotional roller coaster. First, I’m super excited to see all my friends and get on the bike. Halfway through class, I’m exhausted and wonder why I’m putting myself through such torture. But by the end of class, I get that initial rush of excitement back, and am so proud of myself for not quitting! Spinning makes me feel like I can do anything.

SS: Where else do you incorporate mindfulness into your day?

TZ: By staying up-to-date with my ever-growing to-do list! Without a plan, my days easily spiral out of control. Having an itemized daily task list on my desk is the best way for me to calmly go through my day, without becoming overwhelmed. Splendid Spoon also helps here, as it means I don’t have to worry about what to have for lunch!

SS: If you were one Splendid Spoon meal, which one would you be?

TZ: I would have to be the Cauliflower Coconut! I thought it sounded crazy at first, but it’s actually such a smooth, perfectly-balanced surprise. I like to think of myself as a surprisingly successful balance of creative and professional ;).