There’s a lot of talk about self-care going around in the anthropocene. I first heard the term about 2 years ago and my initial thoughts were “what a silly idea”, “self-care as in showering?” and “how?”. I soon understood the importance in my own upside down way: There are systems in place, running as smooth as we’re not, that profit from us not having the time to take care of our well-being. Of course, I am the over-analyser so I might be completely missing the point. But am I really?
As a mantra, self-care is wonderful. You put you first. As women, we always have this need to be everything for everyone, often putting ourselves last. It’s exhausting, unsustainable and isn’t it grand when someone tells you, “no you” and that some is you?!
As an actual practice, self-care is hard. For the anxiety-ridden it can be even worse. The fear of failure, wanting to affable…ugh…it’s an endless cycle. I have been trying my best to accomplish the little things on a regular basis and I give myself credit when I do the big things on a not-so-frequent schedule. All of this happens more easily when I make a list. Contrary to what self-care might seem to indicate, a list of routine things really does help smooth the “am I doing enough?” thought cycle. It’s a to-do list that helps the don’t-wanna-to-do list. Am I hyphenating enough? I know it’s strange that I need to write down, “RELAX” but if you’re like me, I’m sure you’re not surprised that you need a bold reminder to shut it all down. I need many. I’ve started making lists almost every morning. They’re short – no more than five or six items. They include a mix of things I know I’ll get to eventually (but need prodding to get them done anyway) and things I really despise doing (like calling people to set stuff up, pay bills blah blah). As yet, I’m lacking on the “fun” things. I haven’t intentionally picked up my art supplies in a couple of weeks, which bothers me a little. But as you know, self-care and improvement is lifelong process. For mousy people like me, it usually takes a little more effort. I will eventually pick up my paintbrush but right now, dealing with my brain is more important.
Before I go, I wanted to share with you this video by actor Tracee Ellis Ross. What she’s trying to say through most of it all is to be mindful of where your feelings or emotions come from. It gave me a few ideas and if you’re done with the exercising and getting 8 hours and reading a book part of self-care, tackle this one with me.
I have fond memories of drinking more than my share of buffalo milk Aarey lassi everyday while living in Bombay. It got me through many summers and it was one of the few things I looked forward to in the morning. They don’t sell them anymore or at least the person in the milk booth I went to the most told me so when I was there last year. I don’t know what was more depressing: That they don’t sell it or that I was away for so long that I DIDN’T KNOW. I miss my many lives all the time.
These aren’t authentic lassis but like curry powder none of it means anything these days! Since I drink very, very little alcohol these days, I have been thoroughly enjoying the bubble world of sparkling water or soda, as we call it in India (every other fizzy drink we call by their names and not the generic word “soda”. I don’t know.) I added some of it to thin out the lassi instead of just water or milk. It has massive amounts of fruit so if it starts to feel too smoothie/healthy for you, add more (fizzy?) water/sugar. Please don’t hate me. And lastly, this tastes best with freshly-made milk curds but I haven’t level-up’d there yet. Until then, basic grocery store tubs of Greek yogurt or your favourite vegan yogurt will do.
Notes: The amount of sugar is just a suggestion here. Recipes like these are very “taste as you go”. Fruit can sometimes be sour or extremely sweet so although I’ve added amounts in both recipes, please taste it and add more or less sugar depending on how you like it. The chilli powder in the mango lassi definitely adds heat so add 1/4 tsp if you want it milder.
Ingredients
Strawberry-rhubarb lassi
- 1/2 cup rhubarb (about 4 stalks), cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp sugar + more if your lassi needs it at the end
- 1-2 tbsp water
- 2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 4 tbsp rose water
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- 4 ice cubes
- Pinch of salt
Place the rhubarb, sugar and water in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir it around and let it stew for about 5 minutes until it softens. Take the saucepan of the heat and scoop the rhubarb into a blender.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Add more sugar if you want it a bit sweeter. Serve chilled. Top with fresh fruit
Spicy mango lassi
- 2 cups mango, diced (about 2 1/2 mangoes)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp Indian chilli powder (add 1/4 tsp if you want less heat)
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 4 ice cubes
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Drink chilled, garnished with diced mango and a tiny sprinkle of chilli powder.
I feel this post SO MUCH. The self care, the struggle, the over analysis. AND the lassi too.