Less Is More — Simplifying Beauty & Self-Care

In this episode of Plants, Flowers, Oils & Whimsy, I share how embracing simplicity in skincare, self-care, and faith can bring calm and radiance. 🌿 Inspired by Ecclesiastes 4:6, we’ll explore how small rituals—like deep breathing, gratitude, and gentle skincare—help us find peace in the present. I’ll also invite you to simplify one area of your life and join me in Oil & Light for mindful, faith-filled routines.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm Carrie Sharf, your host. Today we're
diving into a topic that's close to my heart, the
beauty of simplicity. We'll explore how pairing back our skincare routines,
our daily practices, and even our thoughts can bring a
sense of calm, clarity, and inner radiance. So whether you

(00:26):
feel overwhelmed by your bathroom cabinet or just crave a
bit of peace, stay tuned. I want to start with
a bit of a personal confession. For the longest time,
I believed that achieving beauty meant doing more, more products,
more steps, more hustle. One day, I remember looking at
my bathroom counter feeling completely overwhelmed by the sheer amount

(00:48):
of bottles, jars, and tubes scattered everywhere. It was chaos,
and instead of feeling beautiful, I felt stressed. That moment
made me realize something deeper. My need to fix perfect
and earned beauty had taken over. But what does our
skin truly need? It needs care, presence, consistency, and kindness.

(01:09):
Nothing more, nothing less. There's a simple yet profound verse
that comes to mind Ecclesiastes four to six. Better one
handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing
after the wind. This scripture beautifully illustrates the value of
simplicity and how less can indeed be more. Let's talk
about simplifying routines and how it brings clarity. It's all

(01:32):
about starting small. Imagine clearing out just one drawer in
your bathroom or choosing one nourishing product for your daily routine.
These small acts can create a ripple effect, bringing a
sense of order and peace into your life. Decluttering isn't
just about physical space. There's a spiritual element to it
as well. By making room, we create space for God

(01:53):
and invite a deeper connection with the Divine into our
daily lives. Think about your skincare routine. Wash your face
slowly and mindfully can be a sacred moment. Feel the
texture of the cleanser, the sensation of the water on
your skin, and allow yourself to be fully present. These simple,
mindful practices can transform a mundane task into a form
of prayer. It's a beautiful reminder that simplicity and intentionality

(02:17):
can bring us closer to clarity and peace. Now let's
shift gears a bit and talk about some small daily
practices that can have a big impact. These are faithful
rituals that might seem tiny, but they carry significant weight
in our lives. They're easy to overlook, yet when practiced consistently,
they enrich our days with meaning and presence. For instance,

(02:39):
when you wake up, consider starting your day with a
warm compress. It's simple. Just soak a washcloth in warm water,
wring it out, and press it gently against your face.
This small act not only cleanses and refreshes your skin,
but also invites you to begin your day with a
soothing touch. It's a reminder to treat yourself with tenders

(03:00):
from the moment you rise. Another practice is the power
of a few deep breaths. When life gets hectic and
your mind starts to race, pause for just a minute
to take a few deep breaths Inhale slowly through your nose,
hold for a moment, and then exhale through your mouth.
This simple breathing exercise can calm your mind, reduce stress,

(03:22):
and help you to refocus. It's a small, yet powerful
way to ground yourself in the present moment. And let's
not forget about moments of gratitude. At any point during
your day, take a moment to reflect on something you're
grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth
of the sun on your face or the sound of
birds singing. These brief moments of gratitude can shift your

(03:42):
perspective and bring a sense of joy and contentment. The
importance of these practices lies in showing up gently, consistently,
and with love. They're not about grand gestures, but about
the quiet, steady rhythms that promise comfort and mindfulness. By
incorporating these small rituals into your daily routine, you're creating

(04:03):
touchstones that remind you of God's presence and grace in
your everyday life. Whether it's the warmth of a compress,
the calmness from deep breaths, or the joy from a
thankful heart, these practices bring us closer to a sense
of divine peace. As we come to a close, I
want to reiterate the profound power of simplicity. Sometimes less,

(04:24):
truly can be more. This week, I encourage you to
simplify just one small thing in your life. It could
be clearing a cluttered shelf, slowing down your pace, or
letting go of an expectation that weighs you down. These
small acts of simplifying create space for peace and allow
your inner radiance to shine through. Consider how making just
a little room can bring about a sense of calm

(04:45):
and stillness. If you're looking for more guidance on how
to nurture both your skin and your soul through faith, simplicity,
and gentle rituals, I'd love for you to join the
Oil and Light membership. As a member, you'll have access
to the Guided Radiant Renewal program, along with a variety
of herbal guides for skin care and soul care. It's

(05:05):
a beautiful way to enrich your journey towards simplicity and
inner peace. Thank you so much for joining us on
today's episode of the Plants, Flowers, Oils and Whimsy podcast.
I'm Carrie Sharf and it's been a pleasure exploring the
beauty of simplicity with you. Don't forget to check the
show notes for all the links and articles we mentioned,
including the link to the Oil and Light membership. Simplifying

(05:26):
our routines and thoughts can bring us more peace and radiance,
so I encourage you to embrace these practices in your
daily life. Remember to show up with love and consistency
until next time. Stay rooted in simplicity and grace. Goodbye,