Self care Schmelf Care
What I have discovered over the last year for myself, I was talking the talk but not really walking the walk so to speak. I was preaching self care, mindfulness but I wasn’t doing nearly enough for me to really make it count. Even discussion with a friend, a former teacher in a couple podcast interviews and one over Zoom just yesterday, you have to look after your well-being before you can help anyone else. We have to fill our cup so we have plenty to provide to others.
With spring around the corner and with Covid hopefully letting up a lot, now is a perfect time for that. Here are a few things I am doing to nourish myself and some ideas that you can take to shed the weight of the world.
Take the time for breath. For me this is part of my meditation practice. I spend about 75-85% of my practices each morning sitting with my breath. I practice several different techniques personally but it doesn’t need to be fancy, just breathing gently in and out of the nose.
Spend some time in nature. With the weather getting warmer, my husband and I have taken advantage to taking walks on a daily basis. In addition, since it’s been getting a little safer, I’ve been meeting a friend in the park every Saturday to train for an upcoming half marathon. Each weekend even though it has been cold (this week finally a little break), it’s a great time to reconnect with nature. We are blessed to have a beautiful park system here with all purpose trails made to move through the woods by the river. The energy has been amazing and I’ve been loving running again because of it.
Take the time to just be. I’ve spent time over the last couple weeks and months, reading, enjoying sound healing sessions offered virtually with essential oils and partaking in other yoga classes with teachers across the county and the world. Taking the time to fill my cup, to invigorate creativity.
Finding nourishment with food. I have to say a portion of my ancestry is based out of Sicily, and every family occasion there was an abundance of food and drink. Naturally I have this appetite that is enormous. While I have tried dieting- it never truly works. So the best I find is to eat clean and natural plant based foods most of the the time and maybe organic fed meats maybe once a week. For me this is what my body needs, plants and proteins. Over this past week especially we have invested in our health by eating out less and cooking healthy meals. So far, I’ve never been so excited about food.
Finding rest. I highly encourage taking naps. Doesn’t have to be for hours, maybe just 45 minutes. Not only can it bring more productivity to our day, it can allow for healing of the body, mind and spirit.
While I’m sure there are other things to partake in, I’ve found the most peace and contentment with each. I’m once again discovering we are just living in this human experience for a short time, so why not find the most fulfilling aspects and embrace them?