Home Body with Ruth Lin-Moore

Welcome to the seventh instalment of Home Body, an interview series where we talk to inspiring folks staying home during the lock down. Find the first interview here, second interview here , third interview here , fourth interview here and fifth interview here and sixth interview here .

Ruth is a wealth of information on all things wellness, she is the type of person who has impeccable taste and an eye for quality without being fussy or too of the moment. She has a quiet calm observation and a sense of timelessness, her latest venture is in the world of perfumery. With her training as a natural perfumer, she launched her company Heliotherapy Aromas that blend natural essential oils into incredible perfume blends and scented experiences. She collaborates regularly with the restaurant Lake Inez to bring create incredible multi sensory experiences.

I met Ruth years ago through our mutual work and interest in green beauty, you may know her from her previous post at Detox Market. We soon discovered we were both Nutritionists as well and started a friendship from there. Over the lockdown our friendship grew as we had both become pregnant, discussing all of the ways we were navigating lock down and preparing for this new phase of life while in isolation. Ruth had her beautiful son, Rye in December and I wanted to see how things were going. Ruth shares about navigating this new role and the tools that are keeping her connected and grounded during these times.

How have you been feeling transitioning into motherhood during lockdown?

A lot of emotions come up. Excitement, anxiety, exhaustion, joy. I have never cried as much as I have following my birth, and I try to honor all the feelings that come up. There’s no way around it- caring for a newborn is a lot to handle! So typically, this is a time to call on help from your village. Lockdown obviously hinders a lot of plans you would otherwise like to make. While it’s heartbreaking not being able to share the excitement with loved ones, it’s also been such a blessing to have the time to cocoon with baby and ease my way into motherhood.

What has this time taught you?

To be present, and to be comfortable with the unknown. Babies require so much of you and you are immersed in a web of their needs and wants. It’s dizzying trying to figure it all out especially when you are short on sleep and completely new to this. But if you can stay present, the lessons eventually come and you may be able to navigate this crazy thing called motherhood. I find this similarly applies to living through a pandemic. Take each day as it comes and to the extent that you can, be opened to the lessons.

What are the things you miss most about pre-covid life?

I miss going for cart service dim sum and sharing small plates with friends. I miss picking up the scent of strangers in public spaces. I miss being in the company of loved ones and exchanging hugs.

How has your self-care shifted or changed with motherhood?

Self-care is something I value and try to prioritize but I’ll be honest, these fevered early weeks of motherhood doesn’t make it easy. Right now it may look like something as simple as preparing a mason jar of water in each room so that I don’t have any excuses not to keep hydrated. But I think the biggest shift in self-care is learning to go easy on myself and not judging myself for not knowing what I’m doing and finding moments of grace amidst the chaos.

What have you been doing to feel good lately?

Nothing beats the smell of a newborn! So lots of cuddles with Rye. Sticking to my skincare routine, committing to my pelvic floor exercises, making myself a chai tea, oh and of course, chocolate!

Do you have any favourite products, rituals or recipes you’re loving these days?

I’ve been intentional about keeping my uterus warm in this postpartum phase. I love drinking lots of tea, making Bone Broth in my instapot, and going to bed with a hot water bottle feels really grounding.

Apprenti Organik Body Butter is a generous sized jar that has carried me through pregnancy until now. I love how rich, yet mattifying it is.

Scented candles and incense also help create a ritual in my home. Lately I have been loving the Kohchosai Kosuga Bamboo Incense.

The perfume I’ve been wearing this season is Sigil Amor Fati which smells of palo santo and vintage furniture. I’ve also been reaching for a postpartum diffuser blend I created for myself while pregnant that has Japanese peppermint, vetiver and vanilla. It’s a grounding, yet energizing blend that helps me be present.

To reach out to Ruth or find more information about her work as a perfumer, find her on Instagram @ruthlinmoore