Home Body with Tash Francesca
Tash and her Lola
Welcome to the third instalment of Home Body, an interview series where we talk to inspiring folks staying home during the lock down. Find the first interview here and second interview here .
Today we’re speaking with movement instructor Tash Francesa, I met Tash years ago when she was a regular at a restaurant I worked at. She is a beam of bright energy and has a warm loving presence and an incredible laugh. The way Tash approaches her work as a movement facilitator is so thoughtful, she sees her role as supporter ‘that recognizes the best in her participants and wants that to shine through. She considers how she can I support in this remembering and re-calling of true self as best as possible for every single individual in these group dynamics.
I caught up with Tash to see how this time in lock down has been for her, how she copes and some of her favourite ways to stay safe.
How have you been feeling these past months while being in lock down? How have you adjusted to the new normal?
What is normal (insert literally any emoji)? Rather than centralizing normalcy I’m trying my best to centralize ease and presence so I can meet myself clearly every chance I remember to do so (cuz I forget a lot).
This pandemic has reminded me over and over again that I am in constant flux/ change and so for me -- disappointment and suffering occurs when I hang on to who I thought I was/ who I want to be/ who I thought I could be and deny who I actually am (right now, in this moment). At the beginning of the pandemic I thought it was unfair that my career was being taken away from me and now I’m upset that I might have to choose my career and compromising my well being. At the beginning of the pandemic I was eating dairy everything and now I avoid it except when I’m at my boyfriends parents house. Two simple things, but as u can see if I held on tight I would be a mess -- physically and emotionally. So I let go. I ask questions in the form of movement and I listen as my breath guides me. So in short, I’m adjusting by being curious and being open to what I might learn.
What has this time taught you?
What I am dynamic and always changing-- embrace!
What are the things you miss most about pre-covid life?
I think I’m happier this way.
Has your selfcare changed during this time?
Look at what I already have access to (like a walk outside or a few minutes sitting or moving) -- instead of buying something. Practicing meditation and Yoga Nidra has allowed me to witness without judgement. This witnessing has given me space to observe the shifting desires and honour cravings of my body without harming or distressing my ego. If I’m hungry - I eat, if I’m full I stop, neither of those things make me bad, good, less or more… it makes me a person with a body that needs those things.
What have you been doing to feel good during this time?
Everything I want - ha! But really………….. Everything I want. I just discovered I quite enjoy edibles and making my bed, so everything I want is quite simple on the spectrum.
Do you have any favourite products, rituals or recipes you’re loving these days?
Products -- Noto deep serum, Earth Oil: Mr. Sun Oil
Recipes -- At home we’ve been alternating mushroom + bone broth and mushroom Lugaw ( Tagalog/Filipino warm congee/rice pudding) for breakfast or lunch time meals. Having an afternoon cocoa instead of another cup of coffee
Strategies -- Taking lots of breaks when my body needs it. Naming labour even when its unpaid, getting up when I’m awake and resisting using my phone (sometimes I'm half awake looking at my phone to start my day and the whole day my energy levels are low) meditating to follow waking, lots of water, journaling about dreams and thanking guides for messages.
You can find out more about Tash by visiting her website here or follow her on Instagram @biggerthenyoface