Caring for Yourself, Caring for the World: Daily Connection Rituals

Today we live surrounded by an avalanche of information. When we decide to start from scratch and adopt healthy habits, we often dive headfirst into research and end up more confused than when we started. We want to do our best, but so much theory overwhelms us and distracts us from what's essential.

Therefore, before choosing any new habit, my invitation is simple: connect with yourself. Think about the habit you'd like to incorporate and feel it in your body. Ask yourself if it resonates with you, if it feels good, if it's realistic given your current stage of life. Being honest with yourself is the first step for it to truly work. You don't need grand gestures for everyone to see or to prove anything to anyone. What's important is you, your well-being, and your inner consistency. Even if the change seems small, it will have a profound long-term impact. Each time you find you can stick to a habit, it will be easier to add another or expand the one you already practice.

To make this journey easier, here's a list of simple suggestions that don't require much physical, mental, or emotional effort. The idea is to start with basic steps that will help you take care of yourself and, at the same time, the world:

 

  1. Mindful eating
    Whenever possible, replace supermarket fruits and vegetables with organic foods, free of pesticides and chemicals. Conventional products often contain substances that act as endocrine disruptors, affecting our hormones, among other consequences that can negatively impact the body's overall functioning. It's also advisable to choose meat from grass-fed animals, raised without hormones or antibiotics, and that have lived a humane life. This isn't just about taking care of your body, but also about supporting practices that are more respectful of nature and animals.
  2. Natural cosmetics
    Our skin absorbs almost everything we put on it. Many supermarket and pharmacy products, even those that are certified, contain ingredients that accumulate and can impact our health over time. A good practice is to check labels and learn which ingredients to avoid. I usually follow a very simple list, but I need it less and less because I've reduced my products to the basics: coconut oil, almond oil, beef tallow, among others. The simpler and more natural, the better.
  3. Eco-friendly cleaning products
    Conventional cleaning products are often very harsh and full of chemicals. Today, there are equally effective alternatives that are much gentler on your home and the planet. Some brands you can try are Ecover and Naturlim . By making a small change in this area, you reduce toxins in your daily life and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
  4. Clothing made with natural fibers
    Clothing is also part of your personal care. In recent years, the use of synthetic fibers has multiplied, which not only affects the environment but also our health. Try to prioritize natural fibers like cotton, linen, or wool. Also, pay attention to dyes: most are chemicals that, although authorized, accumulate in the skin, our largest organ and, often, the most neglected. Finding clothing with natural dyes isn't always easy, but there are already brands and projects trying. In our case, we even use natural dyes for our embroidery, or rather, we use neutral colors, because alternatives aren't always readily available on the market yet.

These changes, though they may seem simple, have great power. By gradually integrating them into your routine, you'll begin to notice improvements in your body and your energy levels. And the best part is that, as you feel better, you'll naturally want to keep adding new habits (literally).

In upcoming posts, we'll share other practices that may require a bit more physical, mental, or emotional commitment, but which also offer enormous benefits. Some examples include: incorporating small anti-inflammatory rituals, using essential oils, drinking filtered water instead of bottled water, or reducing ultra-processed foods. The key will always be to simplify and learn to listen to your body.

Not all habits work the same for everyone. What helps me might not work for you, and that's perfectly fine. The important thing is that each step you take brings you peace, not stress. If a habit makes you uncomfortable or forces you to push yourself too hard, it's not the right path for you right now.

Remember: taking care of yourself is also taking care of the world. And when you do it from a place of calm and coherence, changes become a lifestyle that flows, without guilt and with much more authenticity.

 

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