Ritual, not routine
It’s been awhile, me caring for my skin. A practice I value in theory, but is a challenge to keep up with in my morning and night routine. I have found that it’s easier to stick to my routine when life is going well. Practicing this act of selfcare when life is a little overwhelming is challenging. Suffice to say it’s the first thing I let go of in my daily practice.
Unfortunate, because a mundane task like a daily skincare routine can very well be a method to mindfulness. And a means in bringing back structure, a sense of handling the situation as best as I can, especially when other things are out of my control.
A moment in the morning to be present in my body, and a time to be reflect at nighttime.
Knowing all this: I try another approach, where the day and night routine become a ritual where I connect with my skin, body. In the hopes of it sticking, and becoming an effortless act of self preservation.
Even with this mindful approach, it’s an ongoing process where some days are easier than others. Patience and remembering that self care is an ongoing process, are essential in making this work. As everything in life putting more effort into self care is a balancing act, but knowing I’m gradually working towards a routine of self care is what I cling to.
Love always,