Dear reader,
I felt rich this week.
Not because of the ever-fluctuating stock market. And not because of the things I bought (I managed to buy no thing).
But because of the way I spent time. The rituals I prioritized.
One evening, I went in for a simple combo massage featuring reflexology and traditional Chinese modalities. My masseuse had healing hands. In our out-of-touch times, touch almost feels like luxury. It’s actually feeling like the epitome of luxury.
My pup Jack went in for some light PT. He was blessed with some healing hands as well.
Luxury used to be found in brand names. Now, I believe it really is becoming how well you take care of your body-mind-spirit and the communities and ecosystems around you. I'm finding incredible luxury in meaningful rituals, as I always have, but even more so as I get older.
I got to host a dinner party on Sunday night in my childhood home with my dear childhood friends. Cue Olivia Dean crooning “I’ve seen it dance with friends around the table / in Eleanor, Rosie, and Louise…” (from “I’ve Seen It”).
My friend Maria made World Cup pomegranate paloma cocktails. We mused our way through an oil pastel free-draw session, color lathering itself all over our hands. And it felt like a reminder that there are roots that we have been naturally growing all our lives, roots that we don’t have to strain ourselves to belong to.
In terms of our collective wellbeing, I think there’s nothing more directly nourishing than a daily somatic practice + weekly dinner party + monthly massage.
Luxury is being redefined right in front of us. Luxury is meant to be experienced. And I am experiencing true rest in the form of rituals. Rest seems like the real luxury, a salve for the overstimulation everywhere. I’m also finding that rituals are giving me what I need to live more lightly, live with less resentment, and live with more space to create.
What rituals are making you feel rich today? And if you’ve hosted a dinner party recently, please share the menu and tablescape — I am always looking for ideas!
With much love & to going beyond the surface,
Anjali