When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brown, novelist Many of us are running ragged without even realizing it. If you find yourself chronically stressed, overwhelmed, tired, achy, irritable, or emotional then it may be time for a little self-nurturing reset. This doesn’t have to be a big or expensive ordeal. You don’t even need to leave your house. But you do need to commit to yourself and create space for it.
Self-care is a form of yoga practice
In yoga and Ayurveda, self-care is an important part of the equation because without it we’re more likely to experience disconnection, mindlessness, and suffering. These things are the exact opposite of the main goal of yoga – union, connection, awareness, and inner calm. According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the oldest most authoritative texts on classical yoga practice, there are 8 Limbs or stages of acquiring yogic power. Yogic power isn’t about how well you can do advanced poses (asanas) or how flexible your body is; it’s about how well you can advance your mind and how flexible your emotions are. Yogic power is about mindfully responding to life instead of impulsively reacting to it. Self-care and self-nurturing (Ahimsa) are the foundation of the 8 stages of acquiring yogic power. Ahimsa is the first of five self-regulating behaviors known as the Yamas in Classical yoga. The yogic principle of Ahimsa is usually thought of as non-harm and non-violence, but at its essence, it goes far beyond that. It’s also about self-compassion and having benevolent intentions towards oneself. ‘Do no harm’ is one of Ahimsa’s mottos. ‘Love thyself first, then others’ is another.
The power of rituals for restoring harmony & well-being
“Rituals are the formulas by which harmony is restored.” – Terry Tempest Williams, writer The yogic lifestyle invites us to adopt small empowering habits and nurturing rituals that when practiced wholeheartedly over time deliver yogic powers in the form of increased vital energy, deeper intuition, and enhanced youthfulness. Rituals don’t have to be long, drawn-out processes we “have to do.” They can be small, pleasurable acts of love we get to do and we choose to do.
The benefits of the Abhyanga ritual for youth-enhancing beauty and wellness
One such ritual is called Abhyanga, the ayurvedic practice of self-massage and self-anointing with oils. According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, this simple practice offers anti-aging (youth-enhancing) effects when practiced regularly if not daily: “Abhyanga should be resorted to daily. It wards off old age, exertion, and aggravation of vata.” – Ashtanga Hrdayam: Sutrasthana: II: 8-9 Additional benefits of Abhyanga:
Soothes the nervous system Relaxes tense muscles Decreases stress hormones Increases inner calm and relaxation Reduced tiredness and fatigue Can enhance deep, restorative sleep and rest Support detoxification Softer, healthier skin (the largest organ in the body!) Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage Improved vision Increased vital energy
It’s believed that the benefits of Abhyanga are amplified when self-massage is accompanied by the healing power of essential oils and ayurvedic oils. In Ayurvedic philosophy, the act of enveloping or anointing yourself with oils is also an act of self-love.
How to practice Abhyanga:
Ideally, you’ll want to dedicate at least 15 minutes to this self-love and anti-aging ritual. Doing it daily is ideal, but you can make this a weekly ritual too. The point is to do whatever is going to work best for your life and your schedule as long as you practice with consistency. This practice is traditionally performed in the morning to better help your body get rid of toxins, but evenings are ok too, especially if you experience chronic stress, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. Think of it as a moving meditation where you place your one-pointed focus (dharana) and full attention on the specific body part you’re massaging. Become present and mindful of your tissues, your skin, and your entire body. Bless your body and thank it for everything it does to keep you healthy. Here’s what you’ll need:
A small closeable bottle that’s easy to pour. (Better if it’s dark glass or at least non-BPA plastic.) At least 3 large towels you don’t mind getting oily. Organic fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, neem oil, almond oil or sesame oil Organic, high-quality essential oils that are known to be calming like lavender, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, rosemary, or vetiver. Hot water A large glass, metal, or non-BPA plastic bowl
How to:
