A Beautiful Space for You
For those of you who are new to The Embodied Way…Welcome! I send this newsletter out once per month, usually mid-month. You are always welcome to unsubscribe, which you can do at the bottom of this newsletter. My intention is to provide more value to you, when it comes to your life and your skin without being an annoying nuisance in your inbox! Thank you for being a client and for spreading the word about The Embodied Way:)
This October, I am exploring rites of passage and the importance of ceremony, something that is intentially built in to services at The Embodied Way.
I am one week behind sending this...I have been painting my mom's new home. It was a bigger job than I initially signed up for, but the results are fantastic. It is amazing how a colour change (and clean windows) can transform a space. Now, we await the new blinds and carpet!
As we wrap up October, I send good thoughts to you and hope you enjoy some moments of beauty, too.
Notes from Glenda
Last week I had a conversation with my daughter about rites of passage and the crucial need for ceremony in our lives. You see, she is a ‘COVID Grad’ and missed having all the bells and whistles that are a part of completing high school. Consequently, even though she turns 24 this year and responsible for herself, she says if feels difficult to feel like an adult.
This need for ceremony and rites of passage are very important and I build them in with intention at The Embodied Way.
Did you know there are three stages in a rite of passage?
Stage one involves leaving something behind, cutting ties with the old way of doing, thinking or being, and setting an intention for an outcome that you might like.
Stage two is the in-between stage (you are letting go of the old and inviting in the new). This stage may involve work, reflection, new experiences, instruction and maybe even discomfort.
Stage three is where you return to the world and integrate what you have learned along the way.
All stages might involve different types of ceremony (big and small).
Let’s imagine this in the setting of The Embodied Way. When you walk through my doors, you are silently invited to let go of any guilt you have for caring for yourself, to let go of the idea that you have to go-go-go without enjoyment or pause, and to acknowledge and appreciate your body.
Then, as the service progresses you might be invited to set an intention for your time, to ask for what you need, to take three deep breaths, to share what drew you to a nail colour or particular facial, to share an aspect of your life, to notice how you feel after a service, or to take time to come back to the room. Finally, to be ready to return to your life outside of The Embodied Way.
On my part (and behind the scenes), I am intentional with my presence, so you are able to be free to receive what you need. We both give and receive, by sharing aspects of our lives with each other. In the somatic world, we call this source and beam.
Then, at the end of every service, there is an integration (often this is unspoken). How will you, with purpose, take what you have gained by taking this moment in time for yourself, and bring it into your life?
For instance, you might reflect on what it’s like in your body now or on what you have experienced? Is there any part of the experience you would like to revisit and enjoy again in the coming days? How will you take care of yourself differently as a result of your service?
I love that my daughter was reflecting on her need for ceremony, ritual, and rites of passage and the conversation we had about it. I am curious what she will build into her life now that she is consciously aware this is an important aspect of being a human. Our conversation reminded me again to slow down and notice the moments of my life and to be present to my experience (even when it is uncomfortable!). That, in essence, is how we live well.
Confessions of an Esthetician
Fall foot care…Those feet of yours have undoubtedly seen and done a ton this past summer season. Maybe you are taking them for granted? I know I do! I am the first person to push off getting a pedicure.
In fact, just last week, I forgot to cut my toenails before heading to my mom's and they were digging into my runners all week while painting her new house. Six days solid in runners, up and down on stools, and marching around on concrete and tile… let’s just say my feet were not my best feature. Nor were they feeling seen, heard and understood! In short, they were not so pleased with me. Sorry dear feet, I am booking you in for some TLC today!
At the end of the day, a proper pedicure is not just about a pretty colour on your nails (that is the cherry-on-top and even polish doesn’t look that great if all the pre-work hasn’t been done). There is a lot more to foot care than that.
My pedicures have 20-steps in them, including the wonderful hot stone massage with basalt stones from our very own Lazo beach, using shea and hemp seed butters for moisture and hydration! All of which lead to ‘the best pedicure of your life’! Imagine walking in with ‘feet embarrassment’ written all over your face, and walking out with joy and bounce in your step! Plus, perfect polish! That’s what a Pedicure for the Soul is. Book yours today!
Just like any part of your body, your feet change at the different stages of your life. Each part of life has different stresses and demands, so regular care that adjusts for these changes will enable you to participate in your life the way you want. Try walking around with a blister and see how that goes, lol.
Some essential steps for great feeling and looking feet:
- Keep your toe nails trimmed and shaped so as to prevent in-growns, scratching yourself, shredding the bedsheets, and so that all different types of footwear feel comfortable.
- Hydrate those heels, cuticles and nailbeds. This prevents painful cracks, hangnails, and in-growns.
- Regularly remove callus build up, any torn skin on the bottom of toes, or corns, and inspect your nail bed for lifting or fungus.
- Dry well between your toes after a shower and don’t wear wet, sweaty socks. Dry out your footwear if they get sweaty or wet. This prevents fungus and athlete’s foot from taking hold!
- Daily: Give your feet some appreciation and thank them for all the miles and experiences they give you.
The Giving Corner
Comox Valley Hospice Society
There is no place that is more suited for receiving my financial support this month than the Comox Valley Hospice Society. I just got their newsletter and appreciate the programs they offer such as Partners in Grief, MAid Grief Support Group and their Caregive Support Program (to name a few).
Death and grieving need ceremony and rites of passage, and we especially need community when we experience loss. I admit, sometimes it is weird to imagine that I am mortal. But, what if I embraced loss and death as an essential rite of passage? What would I do differenty in my day-to-day if this were the case?
The caring people at hospice help everyone with this part of our lives. Thank you:)
Quotes
"Ritual and ceremony in their due times kept the world under the sky and the stars in their courses. It was astonishing what ritual and ceremony could do."-Terry Prachett
"A ritual is the enactment of a myth. And, by participating in the ritual, you are participating in the myth. And since myth is a projection of the depth wisdom of the psyche, by participating in a ritual, participating in the myth, you are being, as it were, put in accord with that wisdom, which is the wisdom that is inherent within you anyhow. Your consciousness is being re-minded of the wisdom of your own life. I think ritual is terribly important.” –Joseph Campbell
“Ceremony can bring the quiescent back to life; it can open your mind and heart to what you once knew but have forgotten.” -Robin Wall Kimmerer
Endnotes
October is Client Appreciation Month! It’s almost my 3rd anniversary in my current location and I want to celebrate! Refer a friend and you will both receive a complimentary add on service of a value of up to $25. This could mean a complimentary brow wax, brow tint, lash tint, add on eye treatment (to a facial), upper lip wax, hand and arm massage, nail shape and cuticle oil treatment with take home nail file, or scalp massage with organic hair oil nourishing treatment.
Start calling your friends! Or even better, buy your friend, colleague or special person a gift certificate for any value over $50 and I will add on another $25.00 to their gift certificate at no added cost to you! Plus, you get the complimentary service…a $50 value added no matter how you slice it.
Book soon, spaces in October are filling up (many with me painting my mom’s new home!).
I hope to see you soon, and in the meantime... create a small ceremony that helps you appreciate you.
Glenda
