For Your Face, From The Earth

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Mindful is the word.  Expanding our ever evolving awareness, let us thrive as we begin to mind our intentions as well as our actions.  Our so-called "beauty routines" unfortunately often become a form of mindless torture to our skin.  Women daily slather their skin with anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, pore minimizing toxins in hopes of a flawless complexion.  When we work so hard at achieving what a photo shopped magazine cover or character on a television show  tells us we should be (whether consciously or subconsciously) we are admitting that we believe something is wrong with the way we are.  

This is where intention is key- just as with exercise, when a "beauty routine" is meant to change oneself with the belief that one is not right in the first place, an intention of punishment, it is an action that is harmful to the body and soul.  Conversely, when we work to maintain and care for our bodies and souls out of love it is an action of healing and wellness.  Think of the endless diets that fail or gym memberships that expire unused.  When we begin a diet or exercise routine with the belief that we have to because our bodies are wrong, this is an act of self-hate.  By no means am I suggesting that we give up healthy diets, regular exercise, or a daily routine that makes us feel even more beautiful- I simply wish to promote the idea that we do these things mindfully.  A mindful, healthy diet, regular exercise and beauty routines should be done for ourselves- a gift of love- not in spite of ourselves.  

Our bodies are beyond amazing- think of the thousands of actions happening at a cellular level at any given second- we need to be mindful, appreciative and respectful of ourselves.  Our bodies, after all, are ourselves, not something we possess.   

Here are some beautifying facial treatments that are from the earth, and an act of love for yourself:

• For dry skin-
• Use an herbal cleanser.  Combine 2 oz. aloe vera gel with one teaspoon grapeseed oil, one teaspoon glycerin, 1/2 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract, 8 drops of sandalwood oil, and 4 drops rosemary oil; shake well; apply to face and rinse.
• Make a calendula-and-cream moisturizing mask.  Mix 1/4 cup and whipping cream, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons mashed avocado, 1 teaspoon calendula petals, and 1 teaspoon lavender flowers; let sit for 5-10 min.; then whip; apply to skin and leave on for at least 5 minutes. (This mask can also prevent infection).
• For oily skin-
• Make a strawberry and lavender clay mask.  Combine 1 tablespoon facial clay (available from health food stores) with 1 tablespoon witch hazel, 1 mashed strawberry, and 1 drop of lavender oil.  Apply to face, avoiding eyes; leave on 10-15 min.; rinse with warm water.   

Image:http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/creative-reuse/glass-jars-our-favorite-thing-to-repurpose-096062

Recipes from: 
Herbs That Heal; Natural Medicine at Its Best, By Arden Moore, Bridget Doherty, and the Editors of Prevention Health Books for Women.  Rodale Press, 1999.