BABES IN HART: PHYLLICIA BONNANO

MEET PHYLLICIA: THE MINDFULNESS MAVEN

Phyllicia Bonanno is a yoga instructor, wellness influencer and sound bath facilitator based in New Jersey and New York City. Infused with the spirit of an artist, yoga is her way of self-expression through movement and connecting deeply with her truest self.

In moments of self-doubt, how do you build yourself back up?
I take a nap! When I feel overwhelmed I just give myself a moment to fully shut off. And if it required more than just a nap I will immerse myself in my mindful movement of choice- this helps to get the blood and energy flowing releasing what is stagnant and no longer serving and also refreshing with new energy. I will couple this with meditation and journaling to ground my thoughts and come back to my own center of being.

What is your favorite part about your work?
I love it! Literally all of it is something I started doing for myself because I knew I needed the mindfulness in my daily life and eventually I started to share that passion with others. I love seeing how effective mindfulness practices are at changing lives.

What is your daily routine for incorporating mindfulness?
I love to do movement when I first wake up. It just offers me natural energy and a full jump to the day. I allow myself to wake up with the sun, I keep my curtains open so I get the beautiful sunlight peeking into my bedroom. I’ll start with a moment of gratitude as I'm still laying in bed. Then I organically get up and take a shower. I have a routine of going to the gym to lift or I'll do yoga at home, or I'll run/walk in my neighborhood. Especially on nice days I love getting outside in nature and going on hikes. Mid day I'll make myself a smoothie and take a moment for meditation. And I normally close out the day with some reading and journaling. I find journaling my number one mindfulness tool. It offers a safe space for me to release my thoughts and feelings and then I can go back and reflect.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their mindfulness journey?
Be kind to yourself. There is no wrong or right way to do anything. Just do what feels good to your mind and body… your soul will know. And it's journey of exploring yourself, give it time, and don’t compare your journey to anybody else's. You are one of a kind!

THE 'WHY' BEHIND HER CHARMS:
"The last few years have been a huge shift for me. I went from a transition of being in a 17 year long relationship to being single. Even though it was my choice to part ways- it was difficult. And time offered myself alot of growth and internal examination. Despite my desire to love and be loved I realized how closed off my heart was… unfortunately it always was due to trauma and it’s been a life process to open it up. So I chose the three heart charms for my necklace to remind myself that I am worthy of giving and receiving love and that love is essentially what I am at the core. I love how large the charms are as they are impossible to miss. A blinding reminder.

THE GOOD STUFF

Favorite quote: "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." - Henry David Thoreau

What’s on your nightstand?
I love crystals and the unique energetic properties that each one holds. Currently on my nightstand I have a large pink Himalayan quartz. This crystal cleanses negative energy and releases emotional blocks. Which promotes a sense of harmony for the space and being. A loftie light that has the coolest settings for lights as well as an alarm clock that I don’t use. I just leave my curtains open and I wake up with the sunrise.

What is in your purse?
Soooo. I have 4 different lippies depending on my mood. 2 matte tints, 1 lip stain oil, and a clear gloss. A nail filer, eye drops, a pen that says ‘grace’. You always need a pen at one point or another.

Worth the splurge?
Skincare. Finding the skincare that best suits you is very important and will make a difference in the long run. It's worth the investment and journey to finding what you need.

Favorite book?
Thats really hard- right now I am reading Happy days by Gabby Bernstein

Favorite podcast?
Jillian On Love by Jillian Turecki- I left my husband who I was with for a total of 17 years and now am freshly new in the dating space. I have found this podcast helpful in understanding different relationship dynamics between others and oneself.

Go-to cocktail or mocktail?
I love anything that has a floral rose or lavender essence to it.

Coffee shop order?
Matcha latte, or Chai tea latte made with oat milk.

Most worn shoes?
I have these white boots from cult gaia that I have worn for 2 winters now. I love how they add a statement to every outfit. They are like a black boot- but cooler.

Must-have makeup product?
A lip stain- since I have 3 in my purse lol. I love having my lips have a natural pink flush to them.