Awaken & Anoint: A Sacred Morning Ritual for Radical Self-Love

In a world that demands we rush the moment our feet hit the floor, reclaiming your morning is an act of power and reverence.

Before you check your phone, before you pour your favorite hot beverage, there is a sacred window of time to tune your instrument—your body—for the day ahead.

Today, we are sharing a foundational practice in our routine: a morning anointing ritual. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda (where it is known as Abhyanga), this 30-minute practice is more than just moisturizing skin deep.

It is a powerful self-love exercise designed to regulate your nervous system, stimulate lymphatic flow, and foster a sense of awe and wonder at the amazing, divine gift that is your body. It is a daily opportunity to check in and ask yourself: How am I feeling today? And what do I need?

Here is how to create this sacred container for yourself three to four times a week.

Phase 1: Preparation & Warmth

Oil applied cold can be shocking to the system. To truly soothe the nervous system, we want warmth.

1. Choose Your Constitution Oil

First, select a base oil that honors your unique constitution.

• If you, like me, have a Vata constitution (prone to dryness, cold, or anxiety), a rich, grounding oil like cured sesame oil is medicine. This also works for a Kapha constitution.
• If you have a Pitta constitution (prone to running hot or irritation), choose something lighter and cooler, like coconut or sunflower oil.

Want to know more about your constitution? Book a session with me

2. Warm Your Oil

Pour your chosen base oil into a small, 2 oz amber dropper bottle. To warm it gently and safely, we recommend placing the bottle on a dedicated mug warmer.

We love using this specific warmer. It brings the oil to the perfect temperature while you brush your teeth or set your space.

Caution: Always test the oil on your wrist first. It should be pleasantly warm to the touch, never burning.

Phase 2: The Anointing Process

This is a moving meditation. Do not rush. Perform this act mindfully, thanking your body for all it does for you as you move through each area.

The Golden Rule of Flow: As you massage, ensure your strokes move towards your heart. This supports the natural flow of blood and lymph back to your center, aiding detoxification and circulation.

The Sequence:

1. Foundation: Begin at your feet. Massage the soles, the toes, and the ankles, grounding yourself into the earth.
2. Upward Movement: Move in long strokes up your shins, calves, and thighs.
3. The Center: Upon reaching your stomach, shift your movement. Rub your abdomen in a clockwise direction. This is crucial, as it honors the natural direction of digestion in your intestines.
4. Waking the Vital Organs: Move to your lower back to locate your kidney area. Using loose fists or cupped hands, lightly tap this area to create vibration. This wakes up the kidneys and adrenal glands, offering them gentle stimulation.
5. Upper Body: Move to your hands, massaging the palms and fingers. Continue with long strokes up your forearms, upper arms, and over your shoulders.
6. The Heart & Head: Gently massage your chest, moving up the neck, and finishing by massaging on and around your ears. You can also massage your scalp if you wish.

As you do this, cultivate gratitude. Foster wonder and awe at the intricate, intelligent creation you are.

Phase 3: The Sacred Pause & Integration

Once you are oiled from head to toe, do not rush to rinse it off. This next 10 minutes is where the magic settles in.

Allow the base oil to soak into your skin. While you wait, transition into stillness.

1. Intuitive Anointing

Take your separate, special anointing oil—the one chosen for its scent and vibrational intention. Intuitively anoint the chakra points that are calling to you today. Trust your gut here; there is no wrong way.

2. Meditate & Listen

Sit in meditation. Smell the anointing oil deeply. Hold your intention for the day in your heart.

Allow the oil to speak to you. This is the time to access the wisdom within. Keep a journal nearby; the messages that bubble up during this sacred pause are often profound guides for the day ahead.

Closing the Ritual

After about 10 minutes of soaking and meditation, step into a warm shower or bath to rinse off. You will find a thin layer of oil remains, leaving your skin nourished. Rinse off your feet first before you get into the shower so you don’t slip.

You step out of the shower not just clean, but anointed. Grounded in your power, connected to your wisdom, and wrapped in self-love.