When was the last time you stopped to consider your hands in detail?
I mean simply engaging with your hands, feeling them and most importantly, being there for their maintenance.
Now, lets proceed to see how hand andnail care can be a form of mindful beauty.
Most people practice beauty regimes either as a necessity or as a luxury.
When you practice mindfulness, however, these regimes become much more than just a practice.
Just this attention and concern may completely change your view of beauty and self-care.
Consider it a short-term course in meditation, where the final reward is exquisite nails!
What do you want to achieve with this particular moment?
Whatever the case may be, let it in for a second before tackling the task at hand.
Just ensure that you are in a peaceful environment and will not be interrupted.
A reprieve from all activity for just five minutes without any interruption can be very effective.
Also, as you prepare for the activity, pay attention to how the environment affects your body.
For instance is the light harsh, soft or at the right brightness?
Are you at ease with your seat?
Such simple observations can ground one in the present moment and ready them for the upcoming task.
Start by extending both hands in front of you and taking a couple of deep breaths.
Pay attention to the sensations.
Are they warm, sore, knots, or dry?
Do you have any pains or tightness in your hand?
In this manner, you are already mindful since you are practicing mindfulness in your hands.
You are aware of how your hands feel without being judgemental of it at that particular moment.
You may also use this as a time for gratitude and appreciation.
Remember all the tasks and processes that involved your hands today.
Just take a moment and appreciate them without speaking out.
Treat each process respectfully, rather than quickly applying some lotion or resorting to hurried nail filing.
Observe the smell and texture of soap as it is used and foams.
Rather than rushing to fast forward this part, go for patience.
Imagine the currents of water falling over your hands and be totally in the moment.
How does it feel as you rub it in?
Is it coarse in texture or silken?
Observe how the nails sculpt differently with each stroke and be aware of the pressure exerted as well.
Paying attention to the finer details helps you avoid over-filing (we have all suffered from that!
), and the entire experience becomes much more calming.
It is a very easy, but very indulgent activity.
When you rub thehand cream on your skin, try on the lotion texture while it is absorbed.
Now would also be a good time to incorporate a little bit of ahand massage.
Calmly rub your hands together, flex your fingers, and rotate your wrists.
Who knows, maybe you will find out how much stress has been locked in your hands!
I prefer to perceive the utility of nail varnish as a form of meditative practice.
First, find a nail polish that fits your current emotional state.
Take all the time you need after each coat, waiting for the polish to dry.
Do your palms appear to be more tender and pampered?
Is there any kind of tranquility in the atmosphere?
You might even have spotted a few details about your hands that you did not pay attention to earlier.
Rather, it is about acknowledging the nurturing aspects of the practice toward oneself.
Recognize your striving to remain in the moment and the meaning it added to the overall experience.
Within the confines of that window, can you be more mindful while putting on makeup?
Or while taking a shower?
Such brief periods of awareness may work together towards a more at peace and equilibrated day.
However, it can be very effective.
Best Pro Nail Resources
Ready to elevate your nail game to pro-level perfection?
We’ve gathered an unbeatable selection of resources to help you master the art of nail design.
