Why Self-Care needs to be part of your Ritualistic Rhythm, not just as a Reward
By Contributing Writer: Kalotina Tsangaris, Clinic Client Services Manager - MO+
What a year 2020 has been. Autumn/Winter, traditionally a time when nature takes time to rest and hibernate, we too were encouraged to do the same in ways that were unexpected.
I have viewed the “lockdown” as a locking in of new ways of being on a deep level. On a level that perhaps I might have prolonged that little bit longer in the busy-ness of life.
New rituals of celebration were discovered in online coffee catch ups and birthday celebrations with a twist, to say the least! What I have remembered is the Brady Bunch TV screen that always fascinated me as a young child and yet I too was able to create my own rendition of it. Who would have thought that would have happened? The love really felt in every cell of my body to all on those shared screens, even if it was a zoom class or meeting, as each of us was sharing this experience at the same time.
I listened to an interview with author Kate Northrup, who summed it up well when she expressed that we need to incorporate “self-care as a rhythm, not a reward”.
So, what this year has taught me most is self-love and self-care on speed dial. In this month’s blog, I have shared some of my heartfelt rituals that saw me through these unparalleled times. I hope you enjoy my tips as much as I have enjoyed experiencing them.
Self-care can be in the simplest things. A small ritual for yourself. It might be just sipping on a wonderful cup of mint and cacao tea from my new fave Mayde Tea collection, whilst sitting in my beloved comfy chair. It could be many things, and I have learned that for me it can vary depending on my day and what my body, mind and spirit are calling for.
It might be dry brushing my body with rhythmic long strokes toward my heart, stimulating my lymphatic system and exfoliating my skin at the same time. Then followed by a warm shower or bath with a few drops of lux crystal infused oils for hydration and to gently calm my spirit. Sometimes I use oils as an alternative to perfume and treasure the scent as it wafts in and out of my awareness all day.
Another favourite, spraying my desired mist on my face, or physical space, just as a pick me up and to change my energetic field in that moment. Or just before bed. The light scent always delicious!
Then at other quieter moments, just the lighting of a beautifully scented soy candle is perfection. The warm glow of its flame flickering in the corner, whilst its scent hugs me and the aroma delighting my senses. Such simple bliss!
Heart shaped dry brushes made with soft natural goat hair.
Shemana body oils in Dream, Alchemy and Heart variants.
Mayde Tea in flavour Energise
Others may find calm in the gifts of the earth, crystals raw cut or polished - sharing their wisdom just by being present. Not only a beautiful decorative addition to the home or office space (with summer on its way and windows open to the breeze they are great paper weights) as they weave their magic. They can sit in a pot plant or the garden too. Or, if you are like me, they can take up residence in your handbag!
Then there is a small smoking ceremony through the lighting of a sage bundle. Whatever your intention is in that moment, the traditional knowing that the light smoke from the sage will cleanse the negative energetics of your personal and work space. Visually beautiful, the handcrafted creative expressions from smudge stick maker With Good Intentions, are perfect art pieces in their own right. They may simply be a piece that you look at and touch, and by simply rubbing it gently the aromas of the sage, herbs and flowers will linger to calm you.
However self-care looks to you, it can be simple and treasured moments. Essentials in the everyday.