The Courage to Slow Down

My life was changed with a foot massage. Indeed, this simple act opened the possibility of self-compassion and healing within my heart. A moment I dedicated each day to practicing stillness and loving kindness towards myself. All with the hopes of recovery.

The path I was walking was one of severe depression and immobilizing anxiety. I looked to western medicine for assistance, and the help I received never resonated with me. I continued to feel worse, and spent much of my time in a place of victimhood, wondering, “why me?” The methods, the medications, the talk therapy had little impact. I was in the space of defeat, my body weight had plummeted, my hair was falling out, and I was unable to sleep. There was no joy, and I was exhausted. I needed to try something new. Maybe find an ayurvedic practitioner? I knew nothing of Ayurveda, but what did I have to lose? My old way of life was meaningless. The methods I had tried did not serve me.

Finding an ayurvedic practitioner was not as easy as I imagined. A quick google search and I was looking at three possible candidates in my county. How could one of these people trained in an ancient healing modality help me when the best of dozens of western doctors hadn’t? I had no criteria in choosing the woman I met with, but her wisdom and compassion would forever change the course of my life.

Her love, kindness, and insight were immediately apparent. Although her practices were unfamiliar to me, I felt an ease with her. When she explained I was out of balance and was possible through diet and lifestyle to return to balance, I felt liberated. I took her suggestions and began to implement them. Meditation and eating a diet suitable for my Dosha was paramount. Still, the direction of abhyanga (self-massage) was the catalyst for a shift in my perception.

I developed an evening ritual centered on abhyanga, the ancient ayurvedic medicine of massaging the body with oil specific for one’s constitution. I would rub my feet with sesame oil and thank them for carrying me while sending thoughts of love and healing to that area. The idea of full body massage was daunting. My feet were all I could muster at that point in my life. This small ritual began the slow shifting of negative cyclical thoughts and unhealthy narratives. It opened the door of joy just the tiniest bit, and I was able to see the possibility.

I was still for a few moments each day while I gently rubbed my toes, arches, and heels. I was quiet long enough to hear my authentic voice, not the loudest or most forceful, but the one that rose from the depths of my being. The one that had been drowned out by all the others I was carrying that were not my own. Sitting with my feet and focusing on my own body provided enough of a damper to the external noise that I could hear the whisper of my authenticity. That sweet, small voice simply said, “You are enough.”

This simple act created an entire way of being. I talked and talked about mindfulness with the plethora of mental health folks I had dealt with, but I never felt that I had good instructions on how to do it. I understood the concept, but my practical knowledge was severely lacking. Through abhyanga, I began to understand what it meant to be present and aware. I began to apply this awareness practice, using it to slow down in more areas of my life.

When I am in my garden or spaces in nature, the slowing down comes very naturally. Digging my fingers through warm soil, feeling my feet rooted to the earth and the grounding energy of ancient trees provides a sense of belonging, a no-rush awareness. Joy to be in that moment. In these settings slowing down is natural. Throughout the day to day routine, it proves more difficult. I am filled with “busy-ness,” and I am working to cultivate the ability to truly slow down.

Ayurveda and the practice of abhyanga started me down the green path. I was absolutely amazed at the profound effects herbs, diet, and meditation had on my state of well-being. I realized how vital a whole-being approach to health is and how segmented my earlier learning feels. I felt empowered and self-sufficient as I re-awakened to interconnectedness with the natural world. This harmony and connection are our legacies as humans.

I use this knowledge that I’ve gained and my continued learning when I create my products. Rooted deeply in love, all of the things I make have the intention of health and kindness within them. Intended to encourage us all to slow down and cultivate our inner compassion. What better time to do this than through the daily routine of body care and grooming? It is a time when we engage in touch. By merely directing heart energy and love to areas we are tending, we can realize profound effects.

Thank you for taking the time to read about a turning point in my journey. May you be filled with love and compassion for yourself and for all beings. Be well.