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Torii Labs x Bex Rox Interview

From Hollywood to London there can be so many fun and amazing ways to #RoxYourDetox! We sat down with the co-founder of Torii Labs and the creative director of Bex Rox London to find out how they rox their detox. 

Here is what Lulu and Bex had to say:

Get a jump start on your day:

Start your day off at 6am with Day Breaker in Los Angeles or Morning Glory in London. Dance around and get your energy pumped up for the day, followed by a Torii Awake to keep it going. 

You can also kick start your day with one of Bex’s favorites: hot apple cider mixed with vinegar, lemon juice, cyan pepper, hot water, and honey.

For you:

Take it from Lulu, spend a day at the Korean spa. 

Take extra time to write things down. Write down your goals, your struggles, anything! 

Get organized in your home. 

Go see a feel good movie, with friends or better yet, by yourself. 

Buy something for yourself that you truly enjoy, for Lulu it’s hats. 

Engrave your intentional mantra for the year; Bex does hers on her favorite Bex Rox London necklace so that she can always carry it with her. 

Add more candles and incenses around your home and workplace.

 Figure out the things that really make you happy and say no a bit more to the rest.

For your body:

Try taking a hot yoga class, going to the sauna, or trying an infrared session. Follow any of these with a Torii restore to help rehydrate and replenish. 

One of Bex’s favorite things is to soak in an epson salt bath each evening. 

Wear more comfortable soft clothing close to the body, it will help you feel more comfortable and at ease.

Get outdoors:

Feel more alive and get inspired by getting outdoors more. 

Try taking a walk, going on a hike, or even simply going to sit in a park. 

Raining and gloomy outside? Try adding plants to your inside space.

Most importantly, don't overdo it! Set goals for yourself that are achievable, that add color into your life without trying to completely change it.

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Defining Vitality with Caley Alyssa

One of the philosophies of Torii Labs is to really, truly define what it is to be vital. We are expected to perform on higher and higher levels of intensity everyday in order to experience a different stimulation or to reach a higher state of mental and physical satisfaction than what we have previously achieved. But, what does it mean to be truly vital, today? How can we arrive at this state of well being and power while performing at our highest capacity everyday?

We sat down with Caley Alyssa, a super woman in the yogi world and one of the most beautifully spoken souls we have had the pleasure of getting to know, to really explore the mind of someone who is the true Torii definition of a strong and vital human being.

How did you start your yoga practice?

I started yoga when I lived in San Fransisco. I was working at a bank and really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I was invited to a yoga class and fell in love immediately with everything I felt it gave me. Community, sense of worth etc. and I began to take teaching courses when I moved to LA. It was all history from there.

After teaching public and private classes seven days a week, what do you do to keep your body in peak performance condition?

I have to listen to my body and sleep! Sleep is something that is crucial for me, it gives you that energy to perform. I also have to fill my body with the best stuff that I could possibly fill it with which is why I love Torii so much. Instead of drinking coffee, it’s that morning herbal elixir with everything you need in it.

Obviously yoga on such an intense level is physically draining. In what ways do you have to stay mentally strong in order to compensate for being physically tired after a class?

I have learned it’s really who you surround yourself with and to not take on other people’s energy. You must have positivity around you. So many people are trying to transfer their energy or plug into you to feel something different through a class. I have to find a way to energetically turn myself off and not become depleted by others, but still give them enough energy so that they will be able to take something away from a class, which I think is great advice for anyone, in any setting. It’s a mental game and we can always win.

What is your definition of vitality and how do you maintain the essence of vitality?

The best way I can describe vitality is through Brahmacharya in Yoga. It means sexual abstinence. For me I use Brahmacharya in a different way - I like to practice abstinence from spreading myself too thin. To have deeper, more meaningful connections in a day, rather than having a million interactions with people that do not strengthen you as a person in any way. This is how I maintain the essence of vitality as well.

What can we do to create a notion of vitality?

For me, I have to say meditation and constantly learning/creating. Meditation is a place I can go when I'm spinning out or cannot think straight. It realigns.

As far as creativity, it is the source of our power. I believe the reason we exist in the physical realm is to create and co create. I have to constantly be learning in order to feel like I am doing something for myself.

Follow Caley @caleyalyssa to see more of her practice.

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‘INSIDE VOICES’ FEATURING RYAN WEISS

Find your INSIDE VOICE through the practice of meditation.

You’re never too busy to love yourself, according to Ryan Weiss, “How you spend the first five minutes of every day determines how much success and happiness will follow.” It may seem nearly impossible to begin your journey to finding your inside voice through meditation, but little do you know you're already on it. Through meditation you can not only reduce stress and improve well-being, but ultimately rewire the brain. Take a look at how Ryan spends the first ten minutes of his morning incorporating mindful practices into his day:

We know that your first meditation practice can be intimidating, but we are here to help get you through it. The first step is going into it with an open mind; knowing that it will take practice and that the first try may not go exactly as you’d hoped. Learning to calm the mind and control your breath is not an easy task and will take time, but start your practice with this intention. Be patient and don't be too hard on yourself when your brain begins to wander down the inevitable laundry list of the day. Instead, when your mind begins to wander, bring your focus back to your breath and do this as many times as you need throughout your practice.

“For someone just beginning a meditation practice, I suggest you find a tool or a teacher you connect with. That could be an online program with guided audio meditations or a local meditation teacher who can set you on a path. What matters most is that you find a path and stick with it. You will be tempted to quit. Find someone or something that can walk you through the blocks.”

Ryan’s story is an amazing example of how to use meditation throughout your everyday life and just how much it can truly change your life.

Ryan is a Life Coach to many, an instructor at The Den, and writer of Waking up with Ryan- A daily morning email that wakes up thousands of people with the reminder to start their day in a practice. During our interview we learned that he started his spiritual journey consciously 5-6 years ago, but in actuality, he has been on this journey his entire life. “Before, I didn’t have the insight to know that everything I was experiencing was an aspect of my journey. Even back to a car accident I was in at 16 or my first experience in a dance studio at 17, it was all a part of the same journey I am currently on. Life was guiding me without me even knowing it.” Once we become more aware of how life is guiding us, we can then live more in cooperation with the path. 

Meditation can completely change your mindset and ultimately your life. The difference in Ryan was apparent when a friend recently told him, “I miss bitchy Ryan”. Before becoming in tune with his emotions and the world around him, Ryan wasn't as present or grateful in his life; not only grateful for the good things but also grateful for the struggles and all the feelings that arise through those struggles. “This too shall pass”, an amazing mantra that helps Ryan get through the hard days and sit comfortably within those not so comfortable feelings.

“You cannot force the darkness out of a room, the only way to remove the darkness is to turn the light on. By incorporating things such as yoga and mediation into my life, I have been able to turn on the light.”

The best part is there are no rules to your spiritual practice. This was evident when we discussed with Ryan how much time in meditation he spends daily or weekly; there was no straight answer because it’s ever-changing and always right. Meditation isn't about how much time is spent in practice, it is about diving underneath your thoughts to touch base with your most essential presents. Meditation allows you to learn how to watch the mind rather than being a victim of the mind. The hardest part is that we usually can’t pinpoint when we become the victim. Through meditation you can gain tools to learn how to pause and watch the mind in order to ask yourself, “Do I believe this”?

Finding your inside voice through meditation is a practice. Any practice you do is accumulative. It won’t happen over night so don't give up because you're worth it.

Follow Ryan at @wakingupwithryan and check out wakingupwithryan.com to get on his morning emails! 

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Torii Awake Smoothie Recipe by Katie Lemons

When Katie Lemons founded the food blog 'Twist of Lemons,' she just wanted a place to present all of her favorite recipes and habits, with her own unique and unmistakable twist. Now a digital influencer with over 60,000 followers on social media, she plans to integrate nutrition into her future medical practice, focusing on how food can be used as a preventative wellness plan, as well as a source of psychological wellbeing and vitality. She is currently pursuing her Masters in nutrition and functional medicine.

A huge supporter of Torii, Katie shares her smoothie recipe featuring her favorite tonic Torii Awake to help you, in her words, stay "awake AF."

Torii Awake Smoothie by Katie Lemons

-1 bottle of Torii Awake

-Juice from 1/2 orange

-1 frozen underripe banana (great source of prebiotics)

-1 small sweet potato (great source of prebiotics)

-1/4 cup frozen cauliflower

-1/4 cup frozen raspberries

-1 tsp coconut manna or coconut oil (great fat for nutrient absorption)

-1 scoop of vanilla plant based protein powder

-Optional toppings: coconut manna, coconut flakes, pomegranate seeds

Follow Katie on @twist_of_lemons and check out twistoflemons.com for more recipes!

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From time to time we are fortunate enough to come into contact with those people who ooze creativity and authenticity. Emmett Spooner II exemplifies this rare combination. As a full circle creative - singer, songwriter, designer and style enthusiast - we wanted to know what makes Emmett tick, and to know how does one person have so much to go around. We were able to meet for coffee and go into detail about inspiration, health, and of course GUMBO. As expected, the Louisiana native walked in wearing his confidence, style and that southern charm on his wide brim hat for us all to admire.

When did you know you wanted to make music for a living?

As a child, my life was surrounded by gospel choirs and musicians. My family was always in church and involved with ministry. I have a twin sister and 2 brothers and we are all singers. I started singing in church at the age of 3 years old. I was surrounded everyday by music. It was just something that was passed down. I knew I would always be doing it, I just didn’t know to what extent.

How has your childhood/upbringing shaped you as an artist?

My childhood had a big influence on the messaging of my music. Spirituality played a huge part in my upbringing. It taught me how to look outside of the natural world and to see beyond myself. My music speaks a lot about love and dreaming, which my parents always encouraged me to dream. I used to call it, inspirational music.

What do you think has or had the most impact on your music?

The south definitely has a big impact. People think the south is just one thing, one sound. But its really not, it’s a melting pot.. Kind of like Gumbo, you can taste the different spices and flavors. I would also say traveling has a significant impact. Wherever I'm at, I'm pulling from different inspirations.

You have clearly shown the world that you are a full circle creative. Between your music, jewelry and clothing collabs, what and who inspires you?

I use people all the time as inspiration to write music. They inspire me to write stories about what's happening in their lives. Love and creativity inspires me daily, to dream and inspire others to dream.

How do you stay true to yourself and your vision?

I always desired to be original and authentic. I've stuck with that plan, even when others around me were doing conventional things. I always stay true to what makes my heart beat. I've also always had a deep passion for style. It empowers me to do my best, be my best and certain garments, colors and pieces, affects the way I function. It's truly one of my languages and favorite things to do, in this world.

What does focusing on health do for your career?

Im not a health expert but, when I make it a priority, it gives me positive energy and stamina to perform for long hours. Im working on this master piece right now. I’m really in the lab. In and out of the lab and your body & vocal cords are muscles, so i have to keep building it up. Being health conscience challenges and helps me feel better about myself.. It also gives me confidence to keep pushing forward on a daily basis.

Listen to Emmett perform at Torii Music Session here:

https://soundcloud.com/toriilabs/torii-music-sessions-with-emmett-skyy

About Torii Music Sessions At Torii we realized that sometimes its easy to feel like we are in a little health & wellness bubble. We communicate and share with so many others in our field---.Yet so many other communities would benefit from this knowledge! Our intention with this event is to share this wisdom with members in other industries such as music, in particular with artists. Living in the vibrant creative environment that is L.A., we realized that the artistic community is in need of some easy and efficient health solutions to support their crazy- busy, demanding lives. Most of the "quick-fix" solutions offered to them today such as RedBull, coffee or 5 hour-energy are actually not very helpful in the long run. They can deplete endurance, rather than sustain creativity and mind-body performance. At Torii we offer easy and potent health solutions to help us ascend into our better selves. And because we LOVE music, we will be introducing a new band to perform every other month at Soho House, and will then conduct a brief, 15 min interview with the band members to better understand their creative process and health routines used before their shows.

To join our next Torii Music Session, please sign up for our newsletters at toriilabs.com