As men, we're often taught to prioritize our careers, our responsibilities, and our sense of duty above all else. This can leave us feeling silently exhausted and burnt out, but exhibiting vulnerability can also lead to non-constructive criticism. That's why today, I am grateful to have received the Rituals gift set from my brother. Despite the beautifully designed packaging, I actually let it sit untouched for at least six months.
A sunny day, I decided to switch off, my work was complete, and I had finished some long-due projects. As I was leaving for the gym, my eye caught the Rituals box set that my brother had bought for me. I decided to take it with me.
After an invigorating workout, I experienced muscular fatigue but my energy levels remained high. I headed to the shower and, of course, took the grooming products with me. It was a rejuvenating wash. As I toweled off, I was suddenly struck by an unexplainable surge of positivity. I took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate my mind, body, and spirit. I relished this feeling of energy before getting dressed. In a world that is constantly demanding that we give more, do more, and deliver more, this was a moment of alternative self-discovery that came as a complete surprise. I took the Rituals products and stepped right back into the shower again. The scent was unreal. I was not ready to leave, I needed more, much more.
As I cleansed my body with this alluring new shower gel and sugar scrub for the second time, I indulged in a time-stopping experience, triggered by the scent and lather. I used it all up. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my physique. The simple act of appreciating my hands that have given me uncountable ways to experience life, my eyes that have witnessed such beautiful sights, and my skin, chest, legs, and feet, my healthy nails, and other body parts that have healed perfectly from injuries throughout my life. This was a profound experience unlike any of my usual practices of gratitude. I was in touch with my vehicle, my body, The only place I have to live. The gym shower theme was also somewhat rustic which helped further increase the quality of the overall experience.
I have always been a huge fan of the game Final Fantasy, and even though I love my EDM, heavy rock, classical and hip-hop, I was listening to the amazing 'Wandering by Masashi Hamauzu' during this time, even in the sauna. I used my Sony Walkman, a waterproof MP3 player (link at the bottom of page)
This day gave me a deeper sense of self-appreciation which shaped my thinking in a profound way. I now have a much lower threshold of tolerance for things that are non-sensical to me. If you get the chance, I highly recommend 'When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress - Book by Gabor Maté. After reading this book, this shower experience is what triggered my acting upon it, as though the book was the fuel, and the Rituals experience was the spark that ignited the fire in me. Since then, I have learned to disregard what does not serve me or the greater good of those who I am associated with. Life has become much better as a result.
In conclusion, don't allow yourself to experience involvement with that which does not serve your greater good. There is a profound power in self-love and self-respect, and self-care is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle overall. It not only improves our physical well-being, but it also boosts our mental and emotional health, helping to deal with the challenges that life may throw our way. Taking the time to care for ourselves can help reduce stress, improve our mood, and increase our overall sense of happiness. We all know that self-care practices, such as taking a relaxing bath or going for a walk, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Since I love to be involved with everything I appreciate, I even became an affiliate for this excellent company. If you have not yet tried any products from Rituals, you are seriously missing out. Click the image below to visit the Rituals site and see for yourself.
Incorporating self-care into our daily routines can be as simple as setting aside time for activities that bring us joy, such as reading a book, meditating, or going for a hike. It can also involve taking care of our bodies through exercise, proper nutrition, and using high-quality grooming products. Self-care doesn't have to be limited to just physical practices. Taking care of our mental and emotional health, through therapy or counseling, can be just as important.
By doing so, we can not only improve our own health and happiness, but we can also set an example for future generations and help break the stigma surrounding self-care for men. Our bodies and minds will thank us for it.
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