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Articles by Annia Baron
The Hobart / Launceston Magazine
Words: Annia Baron I was thirteen years old and the infectious beat of “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” was thumping hard from the chunky speakers on each side of the DJ. Inside the school community hall, students were celebrating the end of term with a supervised disco, and I was buzzing with excitement. My romantic crush had arrived at the party, and I knew that this would be the night I would have my first kiss.
How would you respond if you were taking medication, feeling that it was helping, to then learn that when clinical trials were undertaken to gain its approval, the effects of the drug didn’t outperform that of a sugar pill? What if you also knew that during the testing period, the sugar pill produced better results than the actual drug. Would you continue taking your medication?
Stress, Reset - The Hobart Magazine
For the first month after giving birth, women from some Eastern cultures undertake a practice that has been honoured for thousands of years. Zuo Yue Zi, which translates to “sitting the moon”, encourages a new mother to enter a period of confinement for at least 30 days. During this time, she prioritises rest and stillness, eating nourishing food, and disconnects from the schedule and duties of everyday life.
The Wall of Vaginas
Plutarch, the ancient Greek Scholar, tells the story of a battle between the Persians and Medes. The Persian men were losing. Feeling hopeless, they retreated. Upon hearing this, the women of the village gathered to form a wall so that when the men came back, the way forward was blocked. In one collective swoop, the women raised their dresses to reveal their vaginas. The men, in awe of this astonishing spectacle were filled with vigour and returned to face their enemies. They won.
The Taxi Driver's Advice
There’s a scene from a movie in which a woman is crying in the back of a taxi. The character has just realised that she means nothing to the man she thought she loved. The driver notices her tears and begins telling her about his life in India. He encourages her to try a helpful practice. Not in the mood to engage, she reluctantly asks what it is. He answers, “Happy. Thank you.
How to Make and Nurture Friendships as an Adult
Five years ago, I walked from Hobart to Launceston. I was aching. My mum had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and I felt compelled to do something to heal the years of witnessing her decline. My friend Lee thought I was crazy but I knew she believed in me. No matter the weather (and it sure was cold as it was the middle of winter!), she checked in on me daily, sending me messages to see if I was okay.
Judgement Day - The Hobart Magazine
At a yoga teacher training course in India, we were presented with an image of three yoga practitioners, all sitting cross legged with their eyes closed and hands in prayer position. We were asked to identify the most obviously experienced yogi. The first was a stocky man in his 30s, wearing a designer business suit, looking self-righteous, with money hanging out of his pockets. The second was a fit looking woman in her 40s wearing colourful active wear, hair in a ponytail and a smile on her face.
Do Good, Feel Good
Do Good, Feel Good On that morning many years ago, I woke feeling particularly sorry for myself. With crutches under my arms for the third time and my throbbing, swollen ankle, I treated myself to breakfast at Straight Up. Slowly sipping coffee, the tears started welling in my eyes.
Are Young People Happier?
Young, beautiful people are happier. They glisten in the sun and embody freedom and vitality. Want to be like them? You need thick, shiny hair, porcelain-white teeth an blemish-free, supple skin. Wrinkles and freckles are disgusting, and any age spots should be covered with make-up or lasered so as to not offend. Noticeably, breasts should always be perky. Nipples should remain small, pink and round, and as for vaginas, penises, and the shade of your perineum?
Whose Dream Are You Pursuing?
Whose Dream Are You Pursuing? by Annia Baron Are you ready for a dose of truth? You’re making yourself sick and tired by overloading your mind and body with things you think you need, and holding onto the belief that if you pause, if you really give yourself the time and space to assess what you need to do, everything will feel overwhelming.
Find Your Haven - The Hobart Magazine
With the cooler weather, that soft, golden hue glazing over kunanyi in the afternoon, and the red and brown leaves falling from deciduous trees that line the streets of Hobart, there’s something special about the arrival of Autumn. Birds begin their winter migration and mammals carry out mating instincts. Hibernating animals make their burrows, creating a space for sleep, warmth, and protection.
Who's the leader? Heart or head.
Who’s the leader? Heart or head. by Annia Baron There’s a story about a group of scientists who travelled to Nepal scanning the brains of monks to better understand the secrets of the mind, equanimity, and resilience. After setting up MRI machines and connecting wires to the heads of the robed men, one by one the monks started chuckling. The researchers became confused. “What was so funny?”, they thought. A translator working with the team revealed the mystery.
Is Being Prepared Overrated? Or Does It Just Need a Reframe?
Is Being Prepared Overrated? Or Does It Just Need a Reframe? by Annia Baron Being heavily pregnant with my belly in full bloom, I’m often asked, “So, have you got everything ready?” In truth, I’m not prepared to be a mama. I leave things to the last minute, I’m a perpetual dropper, I’m cranky when I’m sleep deprived, and I can let my ego get the better of me.
Re-plant Your Mindset this Spring
Re-plant Your Mindset this Spring by Annia Baron Ah Spring – the season of new beginnings. Flowers blooming, lighter days, and a general sense that the earth is coming alive again. A time when we feel energised and motivated to clear out the cobwebs and commence new projects. But often, we overlook the most important spring clean – our mindset.
Everything is F**ked
A man once wrote that if he ever worked at Starbucks, instead of writing people’s names on their coffee cup, he’d write this: “One day, you and everyone you love will die. And beyond a small group for an extremely brief period of time, little of what you do or say will ever matter. We are inconsequential cosmic dust, bumping and milling about on a tiny blue speck. We imagine our own importance. We invent our own purpose. We are nothing.
Stop Comparing. Start Celebrating.
Stop Comparing. Start Celebrating. by Annia Baron How to genuinely celebrate other people’s wins. You and your loved one have been trying to get pregnant for years. You’ve done everything you can and have no luck. Your friend, who’s only been with their new partner a short time, posts a photo of their baby bump and merry face. Or you may have been working hard for a long time. You’ve persevered earnestly to better your life but you’re still struggling financially and can’t seem to catch a break.
The Power of Your Own Voice
The Power of Your Own Voice by Annia Baron I was 19 when my dad died. After some months passed, I put on a CD he had made and hearing his voice again, I fell apart. The sound of him singing did something to me and to this day, when I play his songs, it creates an experience more powerful than looking at pictures of his face. Sound is integral to our sense of self and how we interpret and experience life, emotions, and relationships.
Lost motivation? This is for you.
Lost motivation? This is for you. by Annia Baron “Annia, I’ve lost my motivation.” Go on, I say listening intently. “Well, I feel as though I once had oomph, more get up and go, you know? These days, everything feels as though it’s too much effort. And what’s worse is that I know what I should be doing to get out of this funk, but I can’t find the motivation to do it.
Want an Invite to the Dopamine Party?
Want an Invite to the Dopamine Party? by Annia Baron “I just want to be happy.” Imagine getting everything you ever wanted, anytime you wanted it – instantly. How amazing would that be? Keen on a successful career? No need to climb the ladder, you’re handed the keys to the executive office. A desire to travel the world again? “Welcome aboard.” Suddenly you’re greeted at the terminal with a glass of champagne. Seeking the man or woman of your dreams?
Recharging Your AAA Batteries
Recharging Your AAA Batteries by Annia Baron You don’t need a psychologist to tell you that your nervous system is one of the most extraordinarily complex, sensitive, and intelligent structures in the Universe. But you may appreciate hearing the hard-hitting truth: Yours, is most likely fried. These days we’re exposed to more stimulation, toxins, and noise pollution than ever before.
How to Navigate a Career Change During a Pandemic (or any other time)
How to Navigate a Career Change During a Pandemic (or any other time) by Annia Baron “So, what do you do with yourself?” Ah, the standard nice-to- meet-you-question that highlights how so many of us have our identity wrapped up in what we do for work, where we do it, and who we do it with. But how can we not?
Let's Talk About Sex...
Finding yourself fantasising about your colleague even though you can’t stand them most of the time? Faked your orgasm and feel terrible about lying when your partner asked about it? What about your new lover informing you they’ve contracted genital herpes? If you’re feeling uncomfortable. Good. Think of it as your invitation to be part of the much-needed dialogue … honest and open sex-talk.
Walk Away From The Crap That Doesn’t Serve You
Walk Away From The Crap That Doesn’t Serve You Think of the most compassionate person you know. Bring to your mind their kindness, generosity, and caring nature. Picture their gentle, smiling face, willing to offer a helping hand at the drop of a hat. Now, watch them pick up the hat, tip it towards you with a wink, and turn to keep walking their path. They don’t need to explain. They trust in their decisions and live their truth with pride and humility.
Is Self-Sabotage Holding You Back?
Is Self-Sabotage Holding You Back? by Annia Baron Staying up late knowing you’ve got an early start. Picking a petty argument with your partner. Having that third slice of pizza when you’re aiming to lose weight or deciding that watching YouTube tutorials on how to build an elevated garden bed is suddenly more important than finishing off tomorrow’s presentation. Self-sabotage is common and often presents as avoidance, procrastination, distraction, or risk-taking.
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