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A Simple Path: with Cindy Luquin of Cultura con Wellness

2
Oct
2017
Blog category

The slow living movement can seem rather monocultural, and many people are put off sustainable options like ethical clothing or green beauty products due to their price tag. It's important that the message of living responsibly and minimising our impact on the environment is not just heard within its own echo chamber, or amongst those on higher incomes. Which is why we were delighted to find Cindy Luquin and her blog, Cultura con Wellness, where she talks about her efforts to empower the Latino community and people of colour through her intentionally conscious lifestyle. And we were even more thrilled when Cindy agreed to feature on A Simple Path.

So take a moment to yourself, sit back and enjoy Cindy's thoughts on wellness, balance and how a major health trauma forced her to reevaluate her life.

wellness slow living organic beauty - Cindy Luquin

Thanks so much for joining us, Cindy Luquin. Can you tell us what you do and how you came to be doing it?

I am a Spanish translator/interpreter by profession and have more than eight years' experience working in the public education sector. I received a B.A. in Spanish and completed healthcare interpretation training. I am currently working on my M.A. in Latin American Studies. The rest of the time I am a Latina Wellness Advocate, meaning I blog about topics in the sustainable lifestyle spectrum such as: green beauty, minimalism, less toxic alternatives, social justice, ancestral healing, environmentalism, etc. The start of my green journey began when I endured a laparoscopic surgery in 2015 that resulted in the removal of my entire right ovary due to a massive cyst. After that incident, I started paying attention to the products I was using along with foods I was eating.

If you had one piece of advice or wisdom to pass on to your younger self, what would it be?

It’s surprising that now in my 30s, I have had much time to think about this. I would advise my younger self to stop pushing myself to the brink when it came to physical activity because I was not in a healthy mindspace about my body in my 20s. I believe this resulted in my having back surgery almost a year ago. It was very difficult being a former athletic person to have to learn a new way of living, and a new mindset of what physical activity looks like now. I’ve learned to listen to my body to be kinder to myself.

green beauty latino - Cindy Luquin

What is it about the simple life that you find appealing?

I find the simple life so appealing because it takes the clutter out. It takes away having to worry about unnecessary things. We live in such a hustle and bustle attitude every day that we forget to stop and just look at nature. As a child, I had a real appreciation for nature. I am striving to remember that part of myself, that inner child that was satisfied with the simple things this earth has to offer.

How can we counter the pulls of content-sharing and curating images of our lives with the need for being in the moment?

I believe you have to find your own balance. Everyone has different circumstances, whether someone is a parent or student, or from a different socio-economic status. What I have found works for me is instead of cranking out post after post just for the sake of it, I like to ponder: What value will this provide? Who is the reader? If I were the reader what would be the takeaway? How can I stay true to myself along the process? I personally think we live in a digital world that likes to take a 'one size fits all' approach to success or for appeal. These questions help me stay grounded in my content sharing and to live in the moment.

Who inspires you?

My ancestors and my family history inspires me. I like to hear people’s life stories; we don’t take enough time to listen to people or speak on the phone. Maintaining that connection to my roots is important in shaping who I am today, and the future generations after me.

latino-people-of-colour-green-beauty - Cindy Luquin

What are your essential homeware items/ things you couldn’t do without?

My essential homeware items are my steel pots and pans which consist of four items. I use those for everything. They last so long and they cook everything perfectly without hassle.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I would like to be working in either a university for the Latin American Studies Department in some capacity or incorporate my knowledge of sustainability and Latin American Studies to bring more awareness in the green community for my Latino community in some capacity.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?

The wildest thing I’ve ever done would probably be dying my hair blue when I was 20 and getting my nose pierced. My parents weren’t too happy as you can imagine. Much to their satisfaction that phase didn’t last too long, haha!

Thank you so much for your time, and sharing your thoughts with us! You can find Cindy on Instagram here, and read more about her story here.

For other interviews in our slow living series, go here or here.

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ABOUT

Inga

I'm Inga and this is a space where I celebrate simple, slow living. It's a place to be curious and creative, to share ideas on how to live and work sustainably and mindfully. Being the creative force behind LinenMe.com I also write about my love for linen and natural fabrics. Linenbeauty weaves inspiring stories of slow living with interior style features, travel and cookery tips and outfit ideas. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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