Self-Love Ritual

Valentine’s is approaching and it can be a difficult day for some. If you are single but are longing to be in a relationship, this day just kinda rubs it in your face.  On V day and everyday, never forget that the most important relationship is the one you have with YOU.  

Let’s be clear, this ritual should not be done with the intent to improve your physical appearance.  This is about self acceptance, owning who we are divinely are.  I want you to go within, to the essence at your core.  

I have created a self-love ritual that you can practice anytime you find your self-esteem low or need some extra self-care. My wish is that this practices supports you in connecting more fully with your beautiful body.  Your body is your temple, and it is important to treat it like so.  Your skin will feel rejuvenated when you are done and some people feel energized.  

To begin, I want you to look at your own eyes in a mirror and give yourself a big high 5. If you are unfamiliar with this practice, I encourage you to check out the book 'The High 5 Habit' by Mel Robbins. As you give yourself a big high 5 in the mirror I encourage you to state an affirmation (you will find some below) at the same time.  I want you to start this ritual by accepting yourself exactly as you are. 

Drum roll please.... Let's begin with the dry skin brushing part of this self-love ritual.  

How to Dry Brush

Start at your feet and brush upward toward your heart.  When you start on your arms, begin at the hands and brush upwards.  Use gentle, small upward strokes or a circular motion.  Don't go over any one area too many times and move in a clockwise direction when brushing your stomach.  I encourage you to perform this ritual for 3 to 5 minutes.  Dedicate this time to you, no distractions.  Lock the bathroom door if you have to.  

How to Choose the Right Dry Brush

I like a long handled brush to get into those hard to reach places.  Other times, I want to get a little more intimate with a handheld brush.  Be sure to choose a brush that it is not coarse on the skin and has natural bristles.  

Benefits of Dry Brushing

1) Improves blood circulation.
I have found this to be a problem for me now that I am in my 40’s. I am cold all the time and my acupuncturist explained to me that this is related to a lack of circulation. I have added dry brushing to my self-care rituals. 

2) Encourages lymphatic drainage. 

We are exposed to a lot of toxins in this modern world. Dry brushing helps the body detox by promoting circulation and opening the pores making it easier for your body to sweat.  

3) Relieves stress and encourages relaxation. 
The ritualistic movements of dry brushing can be meditative if you focus with intent on what you are doing. I encourage you to light a candle, play your favourite relaxing music and bring your focus to pampering your body. 

When Not to Dry Brush  

1) Don’t dry brush over wounded, irritated, or sensitive areas. 

2) Don’t brush too hard. You may think that harder is better, but be gentle on your skin.  Choose a gentle brush that feels good on your skin.  You want this ritual to be enjoyable, so that it becomes part of your routine.  

3) Don’t brush over warts, moles, or other skin growths. 

4) Make sure to use a brush specifically made for dry brushing to not damage the skin. 

Do Not dry brush more than once or twice a week. It may be uncomfortable for your skin at first. If so, dry brush once every few weeks until it feels more comfortable and then slowly increase from there.  

Take a shower when you have finished dry brushing.  I like to place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in the shower to boost immunity.  While in the shower, bring awareness to the feeling of the water washing over your body.  Visualize the water cleansing you of any negativity.  Visualize all negative thoughts and tension in the body going down the drain, to Mother Earth to be transmuted.  You may want to start with a warm to hot shower to promote circulation and finishing with a cold shower. As the cold washes over you, visualize a white light pouring out of the shower, illuminating your entire body, protecting it from head to toe.  Once your skin is clean and dry, move onto the anointing part of this self-love ritual. 

I like to use either pure, unrefined shea butter or cocoa butter as well as my favourite essential oils to practice the anointing part of this self-love ritual (some of my favourite essential oils are listed below).  Lovingly talk to yourself as you massage your skin. This step must not be skipped. Most of us ladies have a lot of negative self-talk that does not support our highest good. It is important to bring awareness and counteract this with some positive affirmations.  

10 of My Fave Affirmations 

1) I love and accept myself exactly as I am.

2) My body is a temple and I nourish it with good food, movement, and rest.
 
3) Love flows through my body, healing all dis-ease.   

4)  Perfect health is my divine right and I claim it now. 

5) I am grateful for my healthy body.  

6)  I live in a paradise of my own creation.  

7)  My body appreciates how I take care of it.  

8)  I drink lots of water to cleanse my body and mind.  

9)  I am in harmony with Nature.  

10)  I trust my intuition and am willing to listen to the gentle voice within.  

Massage your skin in any way that feels good to you as you lovingly touch your body. Most of us have become so disconnected from our bodies.  This practice will enhance your intuition and connection with your body.  

My Top 5 Fave Essential Oils for Self-Love Ritual

1)  Rose

Is known to balance and strengthen the heart chakra, increasing feelings of self-love.  It has the highest vibrational frequency of any essential oil.  

2)  Frankincense
Balances and purifies body, mind, and spirit as it works as an energy medicine.  

3)  Geranium
Helps the bodies ability to detox.  Removes harmful thoughts and emotions that keep us stuck in habitual patterns.  

4)  Vetiver
Is known to be grounding and balances the root chakra.  Helps relieve anxiety and coping with fear and insecurity.  

5)  Lavender
Thought to uplift the spirit and promote inner peace.  It encourages spiritual connection.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.  I encourage you to talk to your doctor before dry brushing if you have existing skin conditions.  

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