The Pleasant Poop

My Dad instilled in me the comfort and humor to have a detailed conversation about poop. This has been helpful along my journey as both a nanny and in the wellness industry, where poop is a main topic. But let's be honest, life is just so much nicer when we've had a good poo. There are some ideals to shoot for in terms or regularity, and ways to make the daily reality of pooping into a pleasant ritual. Poop is also diagnostic, it can tell us a lot about how our body is digesting the energy of what we are eating, and how we are living. 

From Regular to Ritual

Ritualizing our mundane routines makes life more sacred, one moment at a time. The morning is a vulnerable time for your mental state, so keeping your focus on your own rituals for balance allows you to create a vital vibration of self-care before you shift your focus outward. Putting yourself first creates a habit that allows you to be more available to others in the long run. When considering the daily necessity of pooping, try adding some sacred intention to give an otherwise stinky routine some sparkle:

• Aim for A.M. (we feel a lightness and ease after a morning release)
• Create bathroom atmosphere (some uplifting music and a candle or incense)
• Squat posture for easy elimination 
• Write notes of Gratitude on your phone, instead of checking social media 
• T.P. Spray for next level clean (what's TP spray? See bottom :)

 The Diagnostics of Poop

Are you pooping everyday? Are you constipated? Frequent diarrhea? Undigested food in your poo? All of these can be clues to an underlying imbalance. As a student of Ayurveda I've learned just how sophisticated the poop conversation can get. Each person has a completely unique constitution and therefore an equally unique elimination. I would highly recommend doing some research based on your specific constitution/Dosha. Banyan Botanicals has a really great Dosha quiz on their website to help you understand which elements take precedence in your body and if you are experiencing any current imbalance. Of course they suggest herbs and products to help you out, but if that's not in your budget, don't feel pressured. There are also lots of lifestyle adjustments to consider to get you more regular. Here are a few tips to encourage an easy morning go:

• Add Magnesium/Calcium to your evening routine as a before bed supplement, not only does it help you have a healthy daily elimination, it also aids in restful sleep. . This is one of the most widely recommended supplements in the wellness industry. I personally love the CALMag powder as an evening drink to wash down my other nighttime supplements.
• Triphala is a highly recommended herbal supplement from the Ayurvedic world, aids in overall digestive health. Great before bed as well. I take both Triphala and Magnesium every night and generally poop first thing in the morning.
• Daily hydration plays a big role in your ability to eliminate. At a minimum try for 2 Litres a day.
• Morning cocktail of warm lemon water also really helps to get things moving.

If you're not pooping on that perfect rhythm, don't stress, it's just an ideal to aim for and will help you adjust your overall habits/wellbeing along the way. Some days I really need to have breakfast before anything happens or that cup o coffee for some...or maybe you go like 3 times a day, totally cool, just find your own rhythm for your body and life that leaves you feeling light and easy.

What is T.P. spray?

While I deliberated how and what to share about poop I did some additional research to ensure my poop routine was also sustainable. I’ve been leveling-up all the products in our home one at a time to ensure the highest sustainability (health for me and mama Earth).

In our house we love the “flushable wet wipe” as it takes the post poop cleanup next level. I looked for the most sustainable brand and unwittingly uncovered that I should not be using these at all 🤦🏻 it’s nearly impossible to find wipes that are healthy for me, the sewer and the environment! However, I discovered something new along the way!!!

Toilet paper spray!!! Of course someone makes and sells this, for a silly high price, but it’s also super easy to make at home. There are a few different recipes, but I was able to hack my own without going out to buy new random ingredients. And you know you have a little spray bottle laying around to repurpose! I'm sure any “facial mist” recipe will work too! You basically need sterile water (base), witch hazel (toner/cleanser), body oil (moisturizer), and some lavender essential oil (good smells and feels). Lavender is naturally a great remedy for skin, without being too intense like peppermint 😱 Here’s what I did...

Toilet Paper Spray Ritual Remedy

• 4 oz glass spray bottle (reuse)
• 2 oz distilled water
• 1 oz grape seed oil
• 1 oz witch hazel
• 6-10 drops lavender essential oil

Mix it all together! Works great with one of those lil stick frothers! Or just shake up in the bottle. 

Add a snazzy sticker if you like and leave it near the toilet. This can be a pre poo water spray as well if you like. Although I would not recommend using those pre-poo sprays on your bum.

With a clean hand...Shake before use and spray 2-4 squirts directly onto a few clean squares of your sustainable tp for a perfectly damp and clean wipe!! Works just as well as those wet wipes and leaves your bum both clean and lightly moisturized 

Hoping this leaves you feeling motivated to make even the smelliest routines a pleasant ritual.

Much Love,
c/0
Meghan