In an age of hyper connectivity and somehow simultaneously, a lack of connection, ritual is something we often find ourselves seeking, perhaps without even recognising it. Possibly it’s ritual for clarity, ritual for regiment, ritual for connectedness. Throughout millennia, ritual has provided many cultures a sense of community, and within our own lives, a sense of reverence. Even a small amount of control or habituality.

It’s the same way we go to the movies and automatically buy popcorn, even though you don’t eat popcorn any other time. Or go to the football and immediately buy a beer to sip as you watch. It’s holy water before Mass. It’s putting out of crystals on the night of a full moon. It’s the practice of a book club or the customary kiss when you come home of an evening. Some rituals we don’t even necessarily question – we just do. To me, ritual encompasses all those idiosyncratic interactions as well as those that carry much deeper meaning.

Recently, I’ve been trying to implement a few more mindful rituals into my life, particularly small acts of intention that insert joy into my day. In my early 20’s, I found myself heading into a darker place mentally that I was challenged by. My ritual became finding one article, image or YouTube video a day that would make me laugh out loud. It became a tool that helped heal. Towards my late 20’s and working in travel, moving cities every few days, my ritual became my morning coffee (also healing, I can confirm!).

Recently, the rituals I have been thinking about have been based around encompassing more of all of my senses. Which leads me to the beautiful team at The Beach People.

Not too long ago (with impeccable timing!), I was sent a little box by this beloved Aussie Brand. If you have ever been to the beach with me or a Sunday afternoon park session, you will have heard me talk about The Beach People - specifically their revolutionary round towel! (If you haven’t got one, a massive round beach towel is an absolutely joy and game changer). I’ve bought them for myself, I’ve bought them as gifts, I’ve sat on them, under them, around them. It’s fair to say I’m a fan.

So, I was intrigued to see that they had recently launched a product entitled ‘Calm’, a Multi-Sensory Oil. A sidestep from their original product and branding, it’s a beautiful little oil roller with a grapefruit and ylang ylang scent, infused with gemstones inside. It looks simultaneously wholesome and super luxe. It also comes in the most beautiful little hessian-like, plastic-free drawstring bag that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the life of someone who only drinks green juice, wears expensive perfume and never wears makeup because their skin is flawless. How can a bag do all this, you ask? Order one and you’ll see what I mean.

I am someone who adores perfume and has very strong opinions on scent so trying a new one is always fraught with a little danger. This oil is not specifically designed as a perfume as such, but it is designed to fill the senses with a calming balance. When I first roll it onto my wrists, it’s strong. If I’m totally honest, I certainly don’t dislike it, but I can’t quite place it. It’s heady, slightly herbaceous, and feels beautiful on my skin. The mix of jojoba oil and evening primrose oil are immediately moisturising. Both of these work with as the carrier oils whilst also providing relief to dry skin with anti-inflammatory properties.

The grapefruit is woody, nearly bitter. Known as the ‘Forbidden Fruit’ in its home of Barbados, this Caribbean creation is nature’s fusion between the pomelo and an orange. Interestingly, the smell comes from the peel of the fruit. As someone who loves a Negroni, that practically tangy scent is present and hits you first.  

The ylang ylang is what follows. A scent shared with Chanel No. 5, it is widely known in aromatherapy for stress relief and as an aphrodisiac (wohoo!).

A mixture of citrus, wood and tartness, ‘Calm’ is incredibly fresh and unique. I’ve scoured the aisles of perfumeries before and I’ve never smelt anything like it.

The longer it settles in my skin, I’m amazed at how the notes of the perfume change. In saying that, I’m not entirely sold on whether or not I would wear it as ‘my scent’. Like a slightly crazed woman on a mission, I have dinner with multiple friends this week and apply it to their wrists. Each of our skins brings out a really unique take on the scent.

I apply it with regularity over the next few days – and it grows on me with every wear. The strong scent has an unforeseen yet wickedly delightful consequence. I take to applying it every time I need a little hit of ‘calm’ - when I’m taking some deep breaths, when I’m having a brain break at work, even before bed. And I begin to associate the smell with those moments of peace in my day. And bingo – it’s doing its job! Pavlovian responses are go! And I, too, notice that I am creating a ritual – I get joy from the aesthetics of the bottle, the oils sooth my skin to touch, the smell relaxes me. And you know what else relaxes me? I read about a study out of the Smell and Taste Institute in Chicago that found men who smell a citrus scent on a woman often believed her to be up to six years younger?! Now I’m not about perpetuating the fetishisation of youth, but as I hurl rapidly towards turning 30, I won’t lie, I found this stat almost did the job for the product.

Do I smell 22? Maybe I don’t need to buy that expensive eye cream after all. I’ll just douse myself in this calming oil and only drink water and Negronis!

(I’ve just radically gotten into my own bandwagon here! Somebody stop me.)

I digress.

What I definitely find is that the creation of the ritual over the last few weeks has shown up the astounding nature of the brain and the beauty of creating beneficial, feel-good habits. I have no doubt that these scents were hand-picked by the beautiful team at The Beach People because they are calming and soothing, but I also found that in creating the habit of reaching for the oil whenever I was stressed, it created an association that has made me really enjoy this product.

If you’re feeling like you’re in need of a self-soothing habit, or you know people in your life who do, this is the perfect gift. It is honestly one of the most beautifully presented products out there – the tiger’s eye and quartz floating in the golden oil are the perfect touch. And you can apply with abandon knowing it is made with naturally occurring ingredients. No harmful chemicals, no synthetic chemicals, parabens, GMOs, artificial scents, colours or dyes! I will say, however, if you know someone who is solely into florals, this isn’t the oil for them.

I will be keeping up my little ritual and hopefully adding more to the small moments of my day. I would also highly recommend heading over to their website – grab an oil, or a round towel, or a picnic basket….

So, what will your new ritual be? I’d love to hear from you! Whatever it is you choose, may it be fun!

X

LD

https://thebeachpeople.com.au/products/calm-sensory-oil

* media discount applied but not sponsored.