Episode 4 A Season of Softness: Hands That Hold So Much

Our hands quietly carry so much — especially during the Christmas season. In this episode of Season of Softness, we slow down to care for our hands with a gentle, nourishing ritual. Winter weather, frequent washing, and the steady work of daily life can leave hands dry, tired, and overlooked. This calming audio invites you to pause, soften, and offer gratitude to the hands that give and serve in so many unseen ways. You’ll be guided through a simple hand-care practice using a balm or cream, along with quiet reflection and a spoken blessing. This episode is not about productivity or perfection — it’s about honoring the work your hands have already done and allowing them to rest. ✨ This episode is especially supportive if you: have dry or cracked winter hands feel physically or emotionally tired carry much of the caregiving or unseen work long for a quiet, meaningful self-care moment 🕯 What you’ll need: A nourishing hand balm or cream A few uninterrupted minutes A willingness to slow down Season of Softness is a Christmas audio series blending skincare, self-care, and gentle reflection. Each episode offers a small pocket of calm you can return to throughout the season. 💛 If this episode brought you comfort, consider subscribing for more slow skincare rituals and seasonal self-care.

• Free download - overnight hand treatment
• Moments of Light Zine
• Newsletter and website

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast,
Slow Beauty, Skincare and Self Care for Women forty plus.
I'm carry Sharp and I'm delighted to share today's reflection
on caring for a part of our body that so
often goes unnoticed, our hands. Let's settle in and honor
these silent carriers as we begin our season of softness.

(00:25):
Welcome back to our series A Season of Softness. Today,
we're going to care for a part of the body
that quietly carries so much, our hands. Take a moment
to look at your hands. Notice their shape, their lines,
the way they rest. These hands have worked, comforted, created
and carried you through this season, often without recognition. Today

(00:48):
we pause to honor them. During winter, our hands are
exposed again and again to cold air, frequent washing, and
the demands of daily life. They tend to show dryness
and fatigue quickly. Caring for our hands isn't indulgent. It's
a small act of respect for the work they do
and the ways they serve. Begin by taking a small

(01:08):
amount of handbalm or cream. Rub your hands together slowly
to warm it, noticing the texture and the warmth. Massage
your palms with gentle pressure. Move slowly, letting the tension release. Now,
take each finger, one at a time, gently roll it
between your fingers, soften the knuckles. Move at a pace

(01:29):
that feels kind. Circle your wrists where the hands meet
the arms, and allow yourself to breathe deeply. Let this
be a quiet moment of gratitude for all that your
hands have done. As you continue this gentle massage, reflect
for a moment think of the meals prepared, the gifts wrapped,
the hands held, the work completed, the care given. If

(01:52):
your hands feel tired, let that be acknowledged. Here they
have carried a lot. Let's close with a blessing for
your hands. May these hands be rested. May they be
gentle with others and with themselves. May they know they
are enough. Take one slow breath in and let it out.
If you'd like, repeat this ritual before bed and allow

(02:13):
the bomb to soak in overnight. Join me next time
for episode five, where we'll create space for rest in
the midst of celebration. Until then, let your hands rest.
They've done enough for today. I hope you enjoyed this
short podcast. Today, don't forget the overnight hand treatment routine.
Download in the show notes. You can also find a
link to my newsletter and journals. Merry Christmas. Thank you

(02:36):
for listening to Slow Beauty, skin Care and Self Care
for Women forty plus with me Carrie Sharp. Remember to
check the show notes for the links mentioned, including the
hand treatment routine, download my newsletter and journals. May the
caring ritual for your hands remind you to honor the
little moments of self care in your everyday life.