This is a deep dive into self-worth through daily habits. The Japanese method of Kaizen – meaning ‘change’ ‘good’ – is the practice of making small, step-by-step changes to transform your life in a big way.
This gentle combination of ritual and practice offers a way for you to nurture your whole self with ease. Create space for you to be perfectly imperfect in your own unique way.
The best part about this program is its SIMPLICITY. Each practice can be completed in 15 minutes or less. The more routine one has in their daily life, the healthier the body and mind will be. From the comfort of your own home, embrace the wisdom of the ancients, quantum leaping into your most aligned expression of you.
What Exactly is Body Love?
I believe that body love is tuning in and listening to our body and our changing rhythms. Self-acceptance is the act of gracefully honoring our self and our needs, moment to moment as they shift and change like the weather. Body love and acceptance is having the intimacy with ourselves to know what serves us and what doesn’t. Loving your body is simply taking the time to honor your body’s wisdom through sacred rituals and routine. Practice showing up for yourself with fierce devotion and commitment to your well-being and notice how this simple gesture empowers you. There’s a gentle energy when a woman shows up with the confidence of self-love. HER power is felt. SHE doesn’t need to prove her worth or value. SHE is calm. SHE is patient. SHE knows herself. SHE honors boundaries with love.
Honor yourself with these simple rituals based on five principles of well-being. Boost your energy, improve digestion, sleep soundly, and feel radiant. It’s time to embrace your body’s wisdom.
1: Cleanse
2: Digest
3: Glow
4: Energize
5: Restore
Dietary & Nutritional Guidelines
When we know we are worthy of love, our body becomes our temple of worship. To aid your transformation I suggest eating primarily cooked fresh vegetables and fruits, healthy oils (ghee, coconut, olive, flax, hemp, sesame) as well as some grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
In preparation gather the following items:
- Coconut oil (warmer climates) or sesame oil (colder climates)
- 2-3 lemons or limes
- Dry brush & Body oil
- 1 candle.
The Power of Ritual
The way we start our day impacts all the facts of our lives, from personal health and professional productivity to relationships with others. .
Step #1: Cleanse
Let’s begin with our mouth. Oral health is so important to keep our bodies healthy!
Oil Pulling
Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure that’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10 minutes.
Benefits
The detoxification effect that oil pulling has on the entire body reaches far beyond oral health. This practice can purify the entire system; as each section of the tongue is connected to different organ such as to the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine. Oil pulling deters unwanted bacteria and plaque, while supporting healthy gum tissue as a barrier against bacterial exposure to the bloodstream. And it helps combat bad breath too!
How to do it
Upon waking, before ingesting any food or liquid, take 1 tablespoon of uncooked sesame oil (for colder climates) or coconut oil (for warmer climates) and swish in the mouth for about 10 minutes after brushing. (Do your best to reach 10 minutes!) Spit oil out and rinse with warm water. Enjoy the cleansing effects!
Step #2: Digestion
The digestive system plays a major role in your overall wellbeing as it brings nutrients to your body. The digestive system is made of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. It is responsible for breaking down foods and liquids into their basic chemical components like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The body then absorbs them as nutrients, which can be used as energy to build and repair cells and help you function This ritual is a simple habit to support our DIGESTION.
Think how important the very first thing you put into your belly upon waking is? Kickstart your digestive fire correctly and you will feel light and clear. After your oil-pulling, start each day by drinking 16-ounces of room temperature or warm water, (on an empty stomach) with a squeeze of lemon for extra digestive help, (avoid if Pitta “fire” dominant). This will help to move our bowels and eliminate stool.
Continue this practice each day until the movements are regular. Comfortable elimination each morning is an important sign of healthy digestion and is in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Step #3: Glow
Now it’s time to GLOW! Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the body?
By cleansing the skin from impurities this detox ritual promotes a healthier environment for your entire body. You will not only feel invigorated, you will feel lighter and more radiant, with a youthful glow. Each morning after we cleanse the mouth, the attention turns to the skin.
So, how exactly do you detox your skin? It’s actually quite simple. Follow these tips to get whole body stimulation.
Dry Brush and Oil Massage
How to Dry Brush
Always dry brush on dry skin and naked. Brush in long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders. On the torso, move in an upward direction to help drain the lymph back to your heart. Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet.
There is no greater expression of self-love than anointing ourselves from head to toe with warm oil. A daily self-massage restores balance and enhances well-being and longevity. The effects of oil massage are similar to those received when one is saturated with love. Like the experience of being loved, oil massage provides a feeling of stability and warmth.
Avoid self-massage during menstruation or pregnancy, over swollen, painful areas or masses on the body, over infected or broken skin, during acute illness, fever, chills, flu, or acute indigestion and directly after taking emetics or purgatives.
How to Apply Oil
After dry-brushing, apply oil warm from the top down. Take your time to thoroughly massage each body part with intention and care. Allow your eyes to follow your hands. Leave oil on body for 20 minutes and then shower with minimal soap.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
- Cleans the lymphatic system
- Removes dead skin layers
- Strengthens the immune system
- Stimulates hormone and oil glands
- Tightens the skin by increasing the flow of blood which, in turn moves toxins and lessens the appearance of cellulite
- Tones the muscles
- Stimulates circulation
- Helps digestion.
Benefits of Oil Massage
- Imparts softness, strength and color to the body
- Lubricates the joints
- Decreases effects of aging
- Nourishes the body
- Calms the nerves
- Increases longevity
- Benefits sleep patterns
- Strengthens the body’s tolerance and stability
- Tones the tissues of body
- Stimulates circulation
- Moves the lymph, aiding in detoxification.
STEP #4: Energize
So much of our life we are on autopilot, our breathing is no exception. Taking time to sit with ourselves and breathe consciously is one of the most powerful tools for transformation and healing.
When we pay attention to our breath, we instantly become more aware, more alive, and more connected to ourselves and the world around us. Harness the innate power of your breath to be radiant inside and out.
Kapalabhati breath is a traditional internal cleansing practice that is both energizing and invigorating. This practice will instantly have you feeling more inspired, awake and alive.
Kapalabhati Breath
- Kapala = skull
- Bhati = light (implying perception, knowledge)
Practice:
Sit in an upright position on the floor or in a chair. Close your eyes softly. Begin by taking three deep breaths in and out of your nose. Raise your arms overhead and extend your thumbs. Keep your head level at all times.
Do kapalabhati:
9 rounds for beginners, 18-36 for more intermediate practitioners. Release and lower your arms into your lap. Take a deep inhalation as you lift your chest and spread your collar bones wide. Pause and feel the fullness of this moment. Be content with this stillness inside. Hold your breath comfortably and exhale when you are ready. Control the exhale rather than letting the air rush out immediately. Repeat this entire practice twice, then sit and enjoy your inner radiance.
Before you begin:
Kapalabhati consists of alternating short, clear exhales with passive inhales (through the nose). Exhales are generated by powerful contractions of the lower belly which push air out of the lungs. Inhales are automatic responses to the release of this contraction, which sucks air back into the lungs. Practice by placing your hands on your lower belly to feel the contraction.
Step #5: Restore
This evening ritual will bring deep rejuvenation to your entire being. Let’s be honest, most humans are craving more rest and stillness. Making time to restore ourselves is invaluable to our health and wellness. As the sun begins to set today, take some time to gaze into a natural flame.
Ayurveda calls this practice: TRATAKA. The focal point of your gaze is a flame. If you choose to incorporate this practice into your daily life, be sure to acquire a ghee lamp for the light is golden and quite special.
Prana, tejas, and ojas are the energies controlling the functioning of the subtle body. Prana is responsible for circulation within the subtle energy field. Tejas is responsible for metabolizing psychic impressions. Ojas provides the fluid form for the subtle energy field. Hence, the psychological and spiritual benefits of this practice can be profound.
How To & Why
Place the candle one arm’s length away. As you gaze into the flame, it is understood to increase prana, tejas, and ojas. This practice also cleanses the eyes and improves vision. Practice for 2-3 minutes and over time increases to 5-10.
The eyes are the windows of the soul.
Congratulations!
As you conclude this transformation, pause, get still and take a moment to reflect upon how you feel while truly loving yourself and knowing you are worth the effort. I notice that the more I love myself, the more I can show up and have a positive impact. The greater care I am taking of myself, the greater care and energy I have to offer the world. There is a direct correlation to how you feel in my presence and how I feel about myself. So, take a moment to breathe, close your eyes, and thank your breath, your body, and your heart for choosing to devote your energy to self-care and unleashing the lover within. If you’d like to take these teachings a step further, I am offering private consultations for a discounted rate. Check out my website to book a discovery call. Thank you for taking this time for yourself. May you all be well. Blessings!
“The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.” -Hippocrates
Sole xo
Wellness thrives within me. Quite literally, in my bones and from my soul. Born into a yogic community in California and three decades later, yoga remains the foundation of my life. It’s my joy to share this ancient wisdom with you.
Teaching yoga and meditation has taken me across the globe and filled my life with enriching experiences. I travelled with Fleetwood Mac as a part of their wellness coaching family, I trained and rehabilitated a variety of professional athletes, had the honor of leading private wellness retreats for Oprah Winfrey and teach workshops and trainings on 5 of our continents.
One of my greatest passions is hosting retreats and spiritual adventures around the globe. At home, you’ll find me either on the sandy shores of Venice Beach or the lush Island of Maui.
Solé Weller www.soleweller.com | info@soleweller.com
