Everyday Self-Care with Cassandra Juniphant
In our fast-paced world, finding time for self-care often feels like an elusive luxury rather than an essential practice. For many women, the idea of self-care can be superficially reduced to the occasional massage or spa day. However, as I recently learned from my inspiring conversation with Cassandra Juniphant, owner of the Oriara Self Care Company, self-care is so much more.
Cassandra's approach to self-care is holistic and transformative, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit to help women reclaim their divine feminine energy. Her journey toward self-care stems from her personal experiences and spiritual growth. As a former corporate HR executive and adjunct professor turned pro bodybuilder turned self-care alchemist, she understands the intricate dance of balancing multiple roles. Her current venture, Oriara, highlights the importance of understanding that our bodies are integral to our life's purpose, as suggested by the Yoruba meaning of Oriara, "Ori" meaning purpose and "Ara" referring to the body. Cassandra advocates for the recognition of our bodies not just as vessels, but as sacred homes for our souls.
Cassandra introduces the idea of "the alchemy of self-care," which involves transforming ordinary acts into powerful expressions of self-care. She suggests taking mundane routines like brushing your teeth or showering and transforming them into intentional rituals.
"It's about embracing your body as sacred and everything you do to it should be treated with reverence," she explains.
Her method challenges us to shift from the idea of self-care being an outsourced luxury to an accessible, everyday practice. It's an invitation to find joy and gratitude in simple, daily rituals that elevate our sense of worth and spirit.
Practical Steps to Begin Your Self-Care Practice
1. Mindset Matters
Cassandra emphasizes starting with the mindset realm. "Worthiness is central to us, not just achieving but maintaining our health and fitness goals," she shares. Begin by affirming your inherent worth and trusting yourself to prioritize self-care. Discipline follows naturally once you value and prioritize this practice.
2. Start with Basic Self-Care
Prioritize basic self-care tasks like rest, nutrition, and mindful movement. These foundational practices can transform your well-being profoundly. Ensure that you get adequate rest and nourish your body with wholesome foods. Regular movement, whether through structured exercise or joyful activities like dancing, keeps the body vibrant. As Cassandra mentions, "Our body becomes the biggest impediment when we don't care for it, but a source of freedom when we do."
3. Be Mindful and Present
Focusing on the whole involves staying present and attuned to our bodies. Cassandra advises, "Our body is constantly speaking to us...listen to those whispers before they become screams." By nurturing our spirits, we become better equipped to manage stress and invite peace into our lives.
4. Infuse Intention into Everyday Life
Treat everyday tasks as sacred rituals. This intentionality strengthens your connection to your body's innate wisdom and enhances your life’s richness. Acknowledge that your body is more than a physical entity. It’s a sacred vessel that deserves reverence and attentive care.
5. Find Your Divine Feminine Community
Surround yourself with other women who are prioritizing their self-care. You can join the The Self-Care Collective, an online community where women can make self-care a consistent and supported part of their lives. (Enter code ECSTATICLIFE at check out for 25% off your first month and bring a friend FOR FREE!)
Ultimately, Cassandra's journey of self-care speaks to a deeper feminine reclamation—a return to innate wisdom and divine femininity. Embracing self-care as a holistic, intentional practice opens doors to personal transformation. By following Cassandra's guidance, women can embark on their own heroine's journey, reclaiming their divine essence and fostering a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. Through this path, we learn to navigate life not just with grace, but with an empowered sense of self that honors the divine feminine within us all.
If you want more support in your journey to deep, intentional self-care, you can reach out to Cassandra at oriara.com or follow her @oriara
