We all have moments in life where we feel unmoored, as if the ground beneath us has shifted and the familiar path we were on has disappeared. The feeling of being lost — whether it’s in our personal lives, in a career, or in the seemingly endless chaos of modern life — can leave us feeling disconnected from our centers. But there are ways to gently guide ourselves back to our roots, reconnecting with our home, both the physical kind and the emotional kind.
At KIM+ONO, we have navigated these challenges personally and as a team. Growing a family business is not always a linear path! But we’ve always striven to ride the inevitable waves of life with a bit of grace and as much optimism as we can muster. So today in the journal, we want to share five mindful practices that have helped us when we’re feeling lost at sea. Hopefully these will also help you find your way back when you’re feeling lost, or even just a little confused. We created our ladies’ silk robes to bring every customer a sense of comfort because we know how often you may forget about taking care of yourself in life’s most complicated moments. So we offer you these small but intentional actions to help restore a sense of belonging and balance in your life, because you, lovely, deserve it.
There’s something undeniably grounding about going back to where it all started. For us, Chinatown San Francisco has always been like a second home to us. We feel comfortable in this community and that’s a big reason why we opened our kimono store here on Grant Avenue, right in the heart of Chinatown. Connecting with your geographical roots can be incredibly grounding. Visiting your childhood home can bring back memories and a sense of familiarity that reconnects you to a simpler time. As you step into rooms, playgrounds, cafes, or shops that once felt so expansive or walk through a garden that perhaps now seems smaller, notice how the spaces have stayed the same or changed.
In many cultures, the meaning of a butterfly is tied to transformation, growth, and rebirth. As you visit your childhood home, think of yourself as a butterfly revisiting the chrysalis. The space that once nurtured you may feel different now, but it remains a part of your journey. Remember each time that you slip into a floral silk robe like the Washable Silk Peony & Butterfly, you are allowed to embrace the transformation in your life. Since you’ve been in your childhood home, you’ve changed. And you’ll change again! This is part of life, and even though you’re going through a transformation, you’re not necessarily lost. You can always come home.
When you’re feeling lost, one of the most restorative things you can do is reach out to a friend. A simple conversation with someone who knows you deeply — whether it’s an early morning text or a long overdue coffee date — can serve as a reminder of who you are and offer a perspective it might feel hard to see at the moment. Often, we find that when we’re lost, we’ve simply been carrying the weight of our worries alone for too long. For KIM+ONO, sisterhood (both literal and figurative) is integral to our values and mission. Remember that sisterhood can relieve the burden of all you carry. Speaking with a friend who knows your spirit can lift some of that weight. Our tip? Plug in your headphones to chat with your best friend as you also take some time for self care. Use a facial stone roller and massage your face while you talk. Let the gentle, soothing pressure melt away stress as the conversation unfolds, helping you feel more grounded in your own skin, showing yourself love, and allowing yourself to receive love from your best friend.
Nature is an important part of KIM+ONO. Whether it’s getting inspired by the meaning of a butterfly, or getting swept away in the grandness and vastness of nature, we’ve always felt connected to nature and wanted to bring them through every design. There’s something truly magical about stepping outside, breathing in the fresh air, and walking among trees, grass, and flowers. Nature has a way of reminding us that life moves forward in cycles — there are moments of growth, moments of rest, and moments of rebirth. When you feel disconnected, a walk in your local park can do wonders for your spirit. Walking intuitively, without the distraction of your phone or other technology, gives you the space to simply be present. Notice the changing colors of the leaves, the way the sunlight filters through branches, or even the flutter of a songbird across your path. You are not separate from nature, you’re a part of it. So whether you’re slipping into ladies’ silk robes or simply sitting under a big tree, let nature remind you that you’re exactly where you need to be.
There’s a reason meditation is in every list and article and video about mindfulness and restorative self care. When you’re feeling lost, your mind is often cluttered with thoughts racing in all directions. Taking a few moments to meditate in silence can be one of the most powerful ways to recenter yourself. It doesn’t need to be complicated — a few minutes of focused breathing can do wonders. Find a quiet space in your home, sit comfortably, and simply close your eyes. Feel the weight of the moment. As you breathe in and out, allow the noise of the world to fade away. Go the extra step and wrap yourself in a floral silk robe to create a cocoon of comfort. This small act of self care reminds you to be fully present in the moment and to slowly realign with your inner compass.
Nourishment can come in many ways. You could listen to a song, read a book, feel the embrace of a loved one, or even literally cook a meal you love. Preparing a meal isn’t just about nourishment for the body — it’s an act of creation that can be soothing for the deepest part of your mind. When you’re feeling adrift, go back to a dish that brings you joy or comfort, whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or something simple that makes you smile. If you feel inspired, treat yourself to a little extra self care while you cook. Slip into one of our washable silk kimono robes and let the elegant softness of the fabric make the experience feel more intentional. Cooking a meal is an act of self love, and doing it while dressed in something beautiful adds an extra layer of care.
Finding your way home, whether it’s a physical place or a metaphorical one, is about reconnecting with what makes you feel whole. These small acts of care are a reminder that you are never truly lost — sometimes, you just need a little guidance to find your way back.
