My Nanna had full dementia for the last 10+ years of her life, however whenever I made a visit she would look at me and say 'Just do it'. Now I thought this was strange given she didn't talk otherwise, so I started to ponder on her words. I've come to the conclusion it is wise advice for a procrastinating perfectionist like myself!
Lets take the practice of Ayurvedic Body Massage (Self Abhyanga). I love it, I know its nourishing and especially good for me, but in the past I felt it was complicated and time consuming, so I rarely did it. However last year I remembered Nanna Pat's advice and decided to 'Just do it'.
So every morning I get up, tongue scrape, have my warm glass of water and then I massage my whole body with coconut oil. I massage with care but move fairly briskly. I warm the oil in my own hands. I stand at the bath under heat lamps and it takes no longer than 5-7 minutes. At first the kids and pets found it fascinating but now they leave me alone ;-) I then put on my swimmers and I head to the pool for my morning laps. On non swimming days I simply have a shower afterwards and then head to my yoga mat.
Yes it is quick but it is a luscious activity and there is mindfulness in the act. And yes, I do leave a greasy trail on the surface of the pool but no one else notices! And the benefits still come. My joints feel better, my skin is soft and not dry, my muscles feel more supple, warm and nourished, and my mind feels calmer and more quiet. And I just feel happier having done it - it is a deeply loving act.
So here is a video on how to do Self Abhyanga massage, but you should aim to make the practice your own. There are many oils you can use - I personally love coconut oil in summer as it is very calming and soothing. But there are many more oils to suit different constitutions and there are many resources on the web. However please remember the golden rule - just do it!
Lets take the practice of Ayurvedic Body Massage (Self Abhyanga). I love it, I know its nourishing and especially good for me, but in the past I felt it was complicated and time consuming, so I rarely did it. However last year I remembered Nanna Pat's advice and decided to 'Just do it'.
So every morning I get up, tongue scrape, have my warm glass of water and then I massage my whole body with coconut oil. I massage with care but move fairly briskly. I warm the oil in my own hands. I stand at the bath under heat lamps and it takes no longer than 5-7 minutes. At first the kids and pets found it fascinating but now they leave me alone ;-) I then put on my swimmers and I head to the pool for my morning laps. On non swimming days I simply have a shower afterwards and then head to my yoga mat.
Yes it is quick but it is a luscious activity and there is mindfulness in the act. And yes, I do leave a greasy trail on the surface of the pool but no one else notices! And the benefits still come. My joints feel better, my skin is soft and not dry, my muscles feel more supple, warm and nourished, and my mind feels calmer and more quiet. And I just feel happier having done it - it is a deeply loving act.
So here is a video on how to do Self Abhyanga massage, but you should aim to make the practice your own. There are many oils you can use - I personally love coconut oil in summer as it is very calming and soothing. But there are many more oils to suit different constitutions and there are many resources on the web. However please remember the golden rule - just do it!
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