On The Move With Sonya Esman
What does a day in your life look like?
I get bored very fast, so I like every day to be different! But I'm also a creature of habit, so I have to get out of the house within the half hour that I wake up to get a cappuccino, then do some work, go to a shoot, or go the airport. I always end my day with a long walk to clear my mind.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, both physically and mentally?
I walk—everywhere. Sometimes that ends up looking like a 20km walk if my meetings are somewhere in midtown Manhattan. I'm a believer that any physical activity you do - whether that be going to the gym or yoga - should be done because it fulfills your soul, makes you happier and increases your quality of life. For example, I personally won't do something like crossfit because it doesn't feel natural to me. I never force or punish myself—that's not an act of self-love. Walking is effortless fitness. Walking with music clears my head, fills me with dopamine, and is actually a form of meditation. Biking is also such a euphoric activity for me—I genuinely think bikes are fifty times cooler than any sports car could ever be.
You seem to be traveling nonstop — what items do you ALWAYS pack?
1. ALL my skincare products, from radio frequency skin-tightening devices to cleansing brushes & skin massagers. I go all out.
2. My Polaroid camera and a pack of film.
3. Comfortable sneakers & clothes in case I decide to go on an all-day walk to discover the city.
4. Like fifty pairs of sunglasses...I'm obsessed with eyewear.
5. At least three different books.
What is the first thing you do when you travel to a new city?
Walk to the closest health food store to discover what cool foreign foods they have! Or if I'm in a small town, I'll just go for a walk to get a grasp of my surroundings.
What are your 3 favorite places to travel, and why?
1. Moscow is always one of my favorite cities to travel to because I get an overwhelming feeling that I am loved there.
2. Greece! I've always had a soft spot for Greek people and their beautiful country. It's such an indescribable feeling to be somewhere with such a rich history you can just feel in the air.
3. The California desert and Palm Springs. I've had an obsession with the desert ever since I was a child—something about being in the middle of nowhere is so romantic and liberating to me.
The most unexpectedly amazing place you’ve visited?
I travelled to Austin, Texas this month and was so surprised that it was nothing like it is made out to be in movies and rumours. It is such a progressive, warm and welcoming city. So wonderfully peaceful, too!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Never complain, never explain.
What does being a spiritual gangster mean to you?
I think being a spiritual gangster means being a conscious, introspective, unapologetically authentic badass. A 21st century warrior, if you will.
