tion continue, all of the world’s topsoil could be gone within 60
years of harvests. Kiss the Ground [which makes its film-festival
debut at Tribeca Film Festival this month, timed to the 50th
anniversary of Earth Day] focuses on the concept of regenerative
agriculture, a system of farming principles and practices that
increases biodiversity, enriches soil, and improves water quality.
The film does a beautiful job of educating while providing sim-
ple solutions and invites viewers to participate in the movement.
It showcases how the soil and the ground we walk on are the
foundation of everything and the way we use it affects our
planet as a whole. What we consume and how we consume it has
a direct effect on the planet; I try to be as mindful of this as I can.
ON TECHNOLOGY: Our family tries to limit the amount of
screen time. Technology and social media can be a wonderful
platform to spread positivity and awareness, but I do believe it
is important to stay present and mindful of how it is used. The
kids have an iPad where they can sometimes watch movies or
play games, but they do have a time limit on that. I encourage
them to play together and be outside as much as possible.
When they tell me they are bored, I tell them that is good, be-
cause this way they can think of something else that they want
to do. Usually within a few minutes they are running after
each other around the house in some game they made up.
Benny can also spend hours at his desk drawing, and Vivi plays
in her room with her horses and Care Bears. In our home, we
don’t have electronics at the table or in bed. This is a time we
use to reconnect and catch up about our day. I do, however,
understand the value in the connection that technology can
bring as long as it is used in moderation.
ON GREENER FASHION: I am optimistic about the fashion
industry becoming more sustainable. Some fashion brands are
shifting to use sustainable fabrics and being thoughtful in their
approach to production, but there is still a lot of work to be
done. The fashion industry has the power to be a leader on a
global scale and allocate resources toward the use of natural
ingredients, sustainable materials, naturals dyes, and much
more. Some fashion houses have started to incorporate real
change. It’s my hope that more designers and brands will follow.
ON HER LOVE OF NATURE: Growing up in rural Brazil, I was
fortunate to always be in very close contact with nature. If my
sisters and I were hungry, we would run outside and grab fruit
from the trees in our backyard. If we wanted to play, we would
run around barefoot in the grass or visit my grandmother’s gar-
den. I was happiest with my feet in the sand on family trips to
the beach or when I would climb up on a tree and sit there for a
while, watching the world from that perspective. I also learned
so much about having an appreciation for nature from my
grandmother. She ate mostly what she grew in her backyard and
was the person who showed me the cycle of nature and the un-
believable journey a seed goes on before it ends up on our plates.
Being in nature is so healing to me; it brings me peace
and balance.
ON MINDFULNESS IN HER DAILY ROUTINES: My routine
certainly varies, as we travel a lot, but I usually start the day by
taking a few deep breaths, doing a few stretches, and meditat-
ing. I love to exercise early in the morning when I can. Medita-
tion allows me to calm and clear my mind, and exercise helps
me feel energized.
We use a family calendar that helps keep things organized so
I can be more effective with my time. This way, I get to do all I
need to do as well as spend time with my family. I also feel it’s
important to take a little time alone every morning and night to
check in with yourself.
ON STAYING CENTERED: Learning to focus my mind has
helped me achieve a sense of inner balance in my life. My goal in
any situation is to allow myself to be fully present, as our well-
being depends on connecting our mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga and meditation have become such helpful practices
for allowing me to stay centered and balanced. Both bring me
clarity and peace. I use this precious time to reflect and refo-
cus on the things that are important to me. Breathing in itself
is incredibly calming. Pranayama breathing in particular has
changed my life.
I have realized that by working on keeping myself balanced,
I have become more confident and I have strengthened my
relationship with myself. It took me a while to find this inner
balance. For a long time while I was in the public eye, I didn’t
know who the real me was, but throughout the years I have
been able to use these mindfulness practices to really evaluate
myself and embark on a journey of self-discovery. I know that
today I am happier because of it.
ON BEAUTY: My beauty philosophy has always been “less is
more,” which is something I learned from my mother early on.
When I was growing up, she didn’t wear much makeup, and I
feel I got that trait from her. Of course, I love wearing makeup
from time to time, and the ritual of applying beauty products is
a way of caring for yourself. I like natural products and try to
align with beauty brands that are making a conscious effort to
recognize the impact they have on our environment and look for
ways to improve. I’ve recently worked with Dior on its Capture
Totale line, and I am so happy about the company’s efforts to
incorporate natural ingredients. I always have more to learn, but
I am inspired by brands working to further the important mes-
sage of sustainability. It is a step in the right direction.
ON FITNESS: I love any type of exercise that I can do outdoors;
horseback riding, biking, and skiing are some of my favorite
ways to stay active and connect with nature. Not only do these
activities help me stay in shape, but they help in giving me clar-
ity and perspective. Being active fuels my body, mind, and soul.
It just makes me happy.
ON WELLNESS: One of my favorite wellness practices is
aromatherapy. I love using lavender essential oil in particular
to help me peacefully drift off to sleep. Peppermint oil is also
great when I have a headache; a drop on my temples usually
does the trick. Eucalyptus encourages relaxation and recovery.
Essential oils come straight from the earth to strengthen
health and amplify well-being. I also feel that what we eat,
think, and do has a huge impact on our health. Because of
that, I am very aware of what types of foods, thoughts, conver-
sations, and people I invite into my life.
84 MARIECLAIRE.COM April 2020