What I’m Loving This Week:
Acupressure Mat Benefits , Matcha Magic, and Spiritual Gems
Welcome to my newest obsession-filled corner of CurlyNikki, where I share the things making me smile, breathe deeper, sip slower, or just geek out harder this week. Life’s too short not to shout about the little things that make our days better, right? This week, I’m glowing (and slightly stinging) with joy over a surprisingly effective acupressure mat, a deeply personal book of Padre Pio’s letters, and the most legit ceremonial matcha that just might convert even the skeptics. Buckle up, my GoOD friends, there’s something for your body, soul, and taste buds here.
The Acupressure Mat That Said “Relax, Or Else”
Okay, I need to talk about my acupressure mat. Picture this: you lie back onto what is essentially a bed of gentle spikes, and for the first five minutes, your body is screaming, “Why would you betray me like this?” And then…magic. The discomfort morphs into warmth, and a glorious lightness takes over. It’s hard to explain, but you feel both deeply relaxed and oddly energized, like you could do yoga and then take a nap right after… but it’s more like *starts rapping* doing yoga taking naps at the same damn time.
Acupressure Mat Benefits
If you’ve never experienced an acupressure mat, it’s like having hundreds of little plastic needles activate pressure points along your back, neck, or wherever else you dare to endure it (barefoot? I bow to your bravery). There’s not much scientific data backing it—but anecdotally? It’s a vibe. I’ve read that they improve circulation, soothe muscle tension, and even calm the nervous system, and honestly, I feel that.
Sometimes, I take it to the next level by throwing my legs up the wall while lying on it because apparently, that pose stimulates the vagus nerve, which tells your body, “Hey, you’re safe; no need to fight the world (or your mind) today.” Science-y or not, those 15 minutes are my favorite blend of discomfort and bliss. Bonus tip? Use it right before bed—I’ve accidentally napped on it for an hour before waking up all floaty and dreamy. Try it if you love a little “hurts-so-good” self-care moment! Imma sucker for penance!
Padre Pio’s Letters – A Glimpse Into the Sacred
Switching gears from needles to nuggets of spiritual gold, can we talk about this amazing book of Padre Pio’s letters? This isn’t just your average saint’s biography. It’s raw, intimate, and personal, filled with the letters Pio wrote to his spiritual director. I’ve read his letters to HIS mentees, his directees, but it’s cool to see him sharing UP, to someone he trusts with his experiences, doubts, and dark nights.
Padre Pio is one of those saints whose life reads like a highlight reel of Grace. He was known to be in two places at once (what), had the stigmata (5 wounds of Christ), and was often a conduit for miraculous healings. This book dives into his relationship with God and the struggles he faced, and it’s absolutely riveting so far.
The opening quote (St. John Paul II) sets the tone perfectly with a reminder of what it means to be all in your Faith journey: “We have a duty to show to what depths the relationship with Christ can lead.” I haven’t even finished this book yet, but I’m already recommending it to everyone. It feels like being mentored by someone who is both wildly mystical and completely human all at once. Take notes with this one, friends. Crown.
Ceremonial Matcha Worth the Obsession
And finally, because no week is complete without something delicious, can we talk about the ceremonial-grade matcha that’s rocking my mornings? I stumbled across this brand while on a mission to find the best matcha and, unexpectedly, hit the jackpot. It turns out, it’s the same kind of matcha one of my friends, and Rosary Warriors (hey Christina, girl!) only gets when her people travel to Japan. I sent her a picture of the tin, and her reaction? Pure joy. “That’s the real stuff!” she declared, and now I feel like I’ve been knighted into matcha royalty.
What I love about this matcha isn’t just its gorgeous green color (seriously, it looks like spring in a cup) but the taste. It’s smooth, slightly grassy, and completely pure. None of that bitter, flat, or chalky nonsense. My espresso-loving heart has started something of a morning truce with tea, and my go-to order is as indulgent as I am particular: hot (cause what else is there- if you put ice in my tea or coffee I will call the police) almond milk, and a little vanilla syrup. At home, I sweeten it with maple syrup and sip it slowly while Googling how matcha is good for me because what’s self-care if not justifying your little luxuries?
This particular tin will run you about $25 an ounce, like it’s something else, lol but it is not. ‘Cause we grown, and got stuff to do. And we is Holy! Try it, tho! Read about the health benefits again as you drink it! My go-to order at the cafe is HOT (’cause what else is there- if you put ice in my tea or coffee I will call the police), almond milk, of course, and a little vanilla syrup. At home I make it with maple syrup! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! And thank me later! Try to stay aware of His Presence the entire cup! Make it a game. Make it all about Him, always!
What Are You Loving This Week?
That’s what I’m obsessed with this week! From the sharp (literally) self-care of acupressure mat benefits, to the soul-feeding wisdom of Padre Pio and the earthy luxury of proper matcha (I lick the spoon I scoop it out with), these are all things putting wind in my sail. What about you? Found anything that’s making your week extra lovely? Share, spill, celebrate—we’re all ears!
I love you!
nik
