“The rituals we go through every day are ways in which we can reflect the beauty of divinity through what and how we are .” ~ C. Tompkins

Last week I attended an “Off-the-Grid Spa Night” along with twenty other women. In case you’re wondering what that is, exactly, it’s a gathering to educate, inspire, and support one another’s health and beauty. Sort of like a eco-Mary Kay event–not like I’ve ever been to one.

My Medicine Cabinet

We gabbed about products that neither harm ourselves nor our environment (and, a big plus in these times, that don’t cost a fortune). One friend pointed out that that leaves us with more money to buy shoes . If you’re into that sort of thing.

We sipped medicinal smoothies (see the step-by-step video with recipe below) and lathered up with green, homemade beauty products . I learned that I can make my own shampoo and conditioner for less than a penny. And, while admittedly I haven’t tried it yet, I will, once my pretty bottles of expensive products run dry.

What’s Your Beauty Her-Story?

Since last night I’ve been reflecting on what my beauty rituals actually are. As a teenager, I loved giving myself French manicures, choosing and laying aside my outfits for the next day, buying sexy bras at Victoria’s Secret, and scouring Vogue for the latest fashions.

Then, I lived a very Spartan existence during most of my twenties. I never blew dry my hair or wore make up, and I hardly ever bought any new clothes. Somehow I thought that’s what “spiritual” people did. Now, in my thirties, I am redefining what beauty means to me and how much time, money, and energy to put into it.

I am remembering that, as women, we are the most beautiful creatures in the universe. We don’t need to try to be beautiful, we just need to remember that we are. But, here’s the catch: our beauty won’t fully shine unless we acknowledge it ourselves. Sure, the praise of others always helps; but, unfortunately husbands, beaus, and lovers too often forget this.

So, the best way that I know how to do this is to tend to our beauty rituals. We can use these moments each day to relax into the deliciousness of who we always are.

Define Your Rituals

Here’s mine:

1. Drinking lots of alkaline water
2. Using a dry skin brush, then slathering organic coconut or sesame oil all over (including in my nostrils and ears, and in my hair on days when I will wash it). After showering, spraying my Weleda Rose deodorant, applying essential oil du jour (mostly Rose Geranium), and clear Mac LipGlass.
3. Choosing earrings (they light up your whole face): My current staples are crystal, diamond, gold, or pearl studs.
4. Promising myself at least one form of movement each day. My current favorites are yoga (always!), Soul Sweat, hiking, the elliptical machine at my gym, and I am really trying to get into the swimming thing although I’m a slow learner.
5. Hot baths with salts, essential oils, (sometimes Pangea face masks).
6. Lounging on my bio mat as much as possible.
7. “Washing” my face with sesame oil on a cotton ball at night. I learned this one from Sophia Loren, although she uses olive oil.
8. 10pm Lights out (I try)! I heart my beauty sleep.

Beautification Goals

I intend to:

1. Make more of my own beauty products at home (shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste, body scrubs, face masks).
2. Learn how to better read labels on beauty and cleaning products . This book has a great list of what ingredients do all harm and no good.
3. Plant my own garden.
4. Ride my bike more. With my hair down.
5. Practice my swimming. I have a very cute swim cap.
6. Buy myself some new lingerie in colors and styles that my 18-year-old self would have loved.
7. Spend more time in nature and less time at the computer.

What are your beauty rituals, past, present, and future?

Oh, and here’s that smoothie recipe:

4 Comments »