LUI Ritual: Maria Thattil
Here at LUI, we love the idea of rituals: those little everyday practices that help you feel calm, centred and whole. We believe shaving deserves to be part of this self-care routine. In celebration of mindful moments, the LUI Ritual series asks friends of the brand about their own positive habits and how they elevate their day.
HI, MY NAME IS… Maria Thattil.
BUT EVERYONE CALLS ME… Maria.
WHEN I WAS GROWING UP I DREAMED OF BEING… what I now understand to be a multi-hyphenate, funnily enough! I have receipts, ha! I still have a journal that I kept when I was eight years old and in it I worked on my aspirations as a journalist, songwriter, ‘advertisement designer’ and author. Little me would dance between various creative pursuits in search of what set her soul on fire. Adult me recognisers that ultimately, all she wanted to be was self-expressed. And for me, that means boundless creativity.
BUT NOW I WORK AS… an actor, speaker, advocate, model and creator. Truly fulfilled those multi-hyphenate dreams! No day looks the same because a lot of what I do is project work – but I absolutely LOVE that diversity of work. My weeks look different as they roll around; I’m often travelling, on shoots, sets, giving keynotes, creating campaigns and content, or working with my acting coach and doing auditions.
THE FIRST THING I DO WHEN I WAKE UP IS… open my blinds, bask in the morning sun, play music that I love and have a cold shower.
THE LAST SONG I PLAYED ON SPOTIFY… 'God' by Doechii. On repeat..
MY MORNING ROUTINE IS…
1. LUI and I wake up with a cold shower.
2. Meditate.
3. Get dressed for the day.
4. Eat breakfast.
5. Coffee!
THE PERFUME I SPRAY ON RIGHT BEFORE I LEAVE THE HOUSE IS… My Way by Armani.
MY COFFEE ORDER IS… an oat latte with honey.
THROUGHOUT MY DAY I FIND JOY IN… journaling, warm exchanges with strangers, honouring my body through movement (either strength training or pilates), big walks, big talks with people I love, and hugs.
MY LUNCH ORDER IS… whatever I feel like on the day. Probably something nourishing and delicious.
MY 3PM PICK-ME-UP IS… likely a tea or juice. I’ve committed myself to no longer having coffee after 12pm to improve my sleep but more importantly, I’ve quit soft drink! So the sugary pick me ups are no longer. If I need to reinvigorate myself, I will probably go for a big walk.
AFTER A LONG DAY I SWITCH OFF BY… having a long warm shower. One of those ‘everything showers' usually does it for me. Followed by fresh pyjamas, a good show (currently watching Gossip Girl for the first time – I know, crazy!) and a hearty dinner.
THE LAST BOOK I COULDN’T PUT DOWN… How To Do The Work by Nicole LePera.
MY NIGHTTIME ROUTINE IS…
1. Turn down service! I prep my room by taking my decorative pillows off, folding over the doona etc. I put my lamps on, set the room temperature and play evening jazz.
2. Shower.
3. A delicious skincare routine.
4. Slipping into bed and watching an episode of a comfort show on my projector.
5. Winding down with a book and then lights out!
THE LAST THING I DO BEFORE BED IS… play a sleep story or an all night meditation at a relaxing frequency.
YOU CAN FIND ME ONLINE AT... @MARIATHATILL.