A Ritual to Cultivate Relationship to Self

We’ve all spent an inordinate amount of time alone in 2020. We aren’t doing the normal things we usually do: going to restaurants, the cinema, no spending time at parties and with friends. It may feel difficult to even want to attempt to come into a deeper relationship with yourself - it’s boring! But it’s worth it. To notice our bodies. To hold ourselves in reverence. To take the time to nurture ourselves. It is the cornerstone for a solid foundation of well-being.

There’s no reason to over-complicate rituals, which is where we can sometimes trip up and feel like it’s all too hard. Looking inward is a radical way to be effective in the world. Use this short guide to create a ritual for yourself.

The Ritual

In Ayurveda, Abahyanga is a therapeutic self-massage to improve blood circulation. It also detoxifies your largest organ – the skin. It’s a simple way to really get familiar with your body and show it love. Here is a gentle guide to making it work for you – incorporate any or all of these steps to get that self-love glow:

Brush : dry brush in an upward motion from your feet to your chest (make sure you don’t go above your heart). When you’re on your stomach, brush in downward motions.

Oil Massage :  use sweet almond oil or another body oil you may have on hand. If you’re feeling brave jump in a cold shower for 3-7 minutes. A timer can help keep this bearable. It’s an effective way to flush out your organs and give you glowing skin.

Detoxify : take a hot bath with Epsom salts.

Hydrate : dehydration is a leading cause of ageing, so it’s important to stay on top of consistently replenishing fluids.

Practice these simple steps to bring yourself into a deeper relationship with your body and mind.