What Is A Ritual?

What is a ritual? We've all used the word in many ways at many times.  Is it something we do with a certain group of friends or family members before or during a certain activity?  Like we always look each other in the eyes as you raise a glass in cheers, or we always jump into a cold lake in early spring right after a sauna.  Are they celebrations of seasons, of harvest, of death and life?  The answer is yes, all of these things and so much more.

Rituals are as ancient as human life on earth; they are present every day, in every culture on the planet.  Sometimes we perform or participate in them without understanding why, but when we pay attention there is magic in rituals.

" rituals can be many things; at the root of them is often gratitude and thanks"

Well, rituals can be many things; at the root of them is often gratitude and thanks. Thanks for what is or what is hoped to be.  A bountiful harvest, safe passage, thanks for a new life and gratitude for a life that is gone but has left us with wisdom and love.

"As an aromatherapist, I think about rituals all the time"

 As an aromatherapist and the formulator at Calli Essentials, I think about rituals all the time. I never cease to be amazed at the power of plants to heal and nourish us. The use of essential oils and hydrosols is thousands of years old and steeped in rituals. Amazingly, despite our assault on this earth, she continues to produce for us a bounty of goods. Plants and botanicals that heal our bodies, minds and spirit.

We use the ancient knowledge of these botanicals that has since been backed by scientific research. Marrying the formulations with ritualistic guidelines of our own. How botanicals are grown and harvested matters. There is energy in everything we do. The healing power of our plants is intensified when we use plant materials that have been grown or harvested with consciousness and harvested responsibly. This includes not overtaking or producing one thing at the expense of something else. Indigenous cultures innately understand this.

"It requires our intention to do so; and with gratitude for the botanicals, as they are the true heroes"

We truly believe that creating products that renew, heal and nourish our bodies requires more than just the assembly of raw materials. It requires our intention to do so; and with gratitude for the botanicals, as they are the true heroes.

Well, time-honoured rituals are a beautiful thing, rituals can be brand new. Rituals can be something we do for ourselves. Perhaps marrying old and new together. Perhaps creating something that is derived from our intuition and needs.  So, why not create rituals for yourself that incorporate self-care?

Skincare Routine or Skincare Ritual?

Skincare routines are important if we want to truly take care of our skin. Particularly if we suffer from acne, rosacea or some other form of dermatitis and if we want to age gracefully.  A skincare routine is something that becomes a habit and it is a good habit to have.

So What Is A Habit AKA Routine?

Depending on the individual something becomes a habit after 30-60 days.  A habit is something that becomes almost automatic, it becomes our usual behaviour. A habit is something we do almost without thinking. Habits in skincare are good because you tend to do them even when you are low on motivation.

So What Is A Ritual?

A ritual is more of a spiritual endeavour, a time to connect with yourself.  It requires your intention, and for you to be present.  Rituals are meant to be savoured and enjoyed. When you change your skincare routine to a skincare ritual, it becomes magical.

"Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and hydrosols which contain the essence or life force of the plants in every drop"

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and hydrosols which contain the essence or life force of the plants in every drop. These constituents are a healing complex, aromatic and unite the body, mind and soul.  Does that not sound like something that is meant to be part of a ritual?  I sure think so.

How To Create A Skin Care Ritual

At Calli Essentials, everything we create has its roots in aromatherapy. We chose our ingredients for their skin renewing, nourishing and healing benefits. We synergistically blend our formulas to maximize the benefits of each plant and the aromatic results are meant to be enjoyed. To balance your mind and soothe your soul.

This ritual will take about 5-7 minutes of your time. Are you and the nourishment of your skin and the balancing of your mind and spirit not worth 5-7 minutes? 

For this blog, we are keeping it simple and talking about 4 products which is a ritual that will most likely be your evening routine. 

1. More than washing your face - choose a cleanser such as our Roman Chamomile and Calendula Cleansing Milk.  Splash your face with warm to slightly hot water, put a few pumps of cleansing milk into your hand and massage into your face.  Enjoy the soft and subtle feel of this vegan milky cleanser on your skin.  Continue to massage gently into your skin for at least 30 seconds, 60 is even better. Apply a clean washcloth that has been soaked in warm to slightly hot water and drape it over your face, holding for 5-10 seconds, absorb the soft sweet fruity aromas of Roman Chamomile which are profoundly calming and remarkable restorative. Rinse the washcloth with cool water and reapply to your skin or splash with cool water until all traces of the cleansing milk are gone. 
2. Apply your favourite serum or oil such as Triple Serum to your freshly cleansed skin. Put a few drops on each cheek and begin to massage in gentle upward strokes. Do not be in a hurry to finish this, take in the aromas of 7 essential oils synergistically blended to heal, fade dark spots, boost collagen and purify the skin.
3. Spritz your entire face, neck and décolletage with your favourite hydrosol blend such as Cell Renew.  Let your skin and your mind drink in the aromas of spiritual cleansing and cell-renewing rose, immortal and frankincense. Gently massage into your face or even better allow the dewiness to set in while taking a minute to close your eyes and give thanks for this nourishment.
4. Finish with your favourite cream or moisturizer such as Triple Rose.  Put a generous dab onto each check, your chin and your forehead.  Gently massage your face and neck using upward, circular motions. Do not rush this. Let these skin-nourishing ingredients be appreciated; rose water, rose petals and rosehip have the energetic properties of love, beauty and protection and deep cell regeneration and restorative attributes. Finish with a final spritz of your Signature Hydrosol Blend.

We hope that you begin creating rituals of your own.  Rituals that are rooted in self-care. Self-care will ultimately allow you to better serve and care for those around you. 

Need help in figuring out your routine, reach out to us, we are here to help.

As always, we remain rooted in aromatherapy. Nourish your body and ignite your spirit. Natural, nutrient-rich and effective products for your body, mind and soul.