SOULCARE 7: ALICIA KEYS

What she’s reading, her go-to rituals, and a beautiful hidden talent.

– KEYS SOULCARE

During Alicia’s turn with our signature question series, she shares her go-to book picks, self-care rituals, and the little trick she uses to find just the right mantra for the moment-at-hand.

What is your favorite daily ritual that’s just for you?

Stream-of-consciousness journaling. Grab a piece of paper or a favorite journal (I love journals) and just write down exactly what you feel. Don’t try to make it sound good. Don’t try to make it look good. Don’t try to make the punctuation right. Just completely let go. It frees up so much space for you to be you.

How do you take a moment for yourself?

I love a bath. I get some Epsom salts. I’ll put beautiful rose petals in it or whatever smells good — maybe some oil. And I’ll relax and read a book, just let go and be good. For 20 minutes, or however long I can manage to stay in [the tub].

What is your personal mantra of the moment?

I make one up daily, in the morning, [based on] whatever I need. I say, “What is it that you need for yourself?” And I’ll just claim it. Right now, I’m focusing on abundance and manifestation — just knowing that anything I am seeking, searching for, wanting to bring forth or feel, [I can] create. That’s where I’m at right now. Whatever you need, look in the mirror and say it, 10 times even.

What music, books, or podcasts are you vibing out to?

The Gardener and the Carpenter by Alison Gopnik

I love books about parents and kids.

Go Ahead In the Rain by Hanif Abdurraqib

This is a crazy, beautiful ode to A Tribe Called Quest. (And, it’s gorgeous, right?)

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

I’ve been dying to read this one.

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

My favorite, Sue Monk Kidd, is on my list.

I’m listening to music by Giveon, Kehlani, Nicky Jam, and Rauw Alejandro…and my new song, 3 Hour Drive!

When it comes to podcasts, I’m loving Black Frasier and On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

What does beauty look like to you?

Owning your you-ness, you know what I mean? Whatever that is that makes you kind of quirky and special — however you like to dress, however you like to express yourself. Being completely unafraid to be different and fully yourself. It’s gorgeous and so inspiring.

What dreams do you have for your future?

So many, but I guess my dream for the future is that we can finally get to that place where everybody — no matter where you’re from, what you look like, what language you speak, what you believe in, who you love — that we can just accept each other and celebrate each other’s differences. That we can allow the space for uniqueness and ourselves to come through. That we can get rid of the discrimination, racism, stereotypes, and gender inequalities…and just open our hearts and our doors to everyone.

Do you have a hidden talent?

Creating the energy that I want around me. I can walk into a room and feel the energy that’s there. And because I’m receptive to it, I know how to shift it or create it in the way that would most benefit that moment in a really beautiful, uplifting way. It brings people into a zone that maybe they didn’t think they were in before. That is one of my secret talents. We all have it, by the way!

How are you loving yourself today? What do you love about yourself, from the inside out? Share what’s on your mind in the comments.