How many of us actually take good care of ourselves? Do we eat right, exercise regularly, spend quality time with friends and family, pursue our dreams, take time to retreat, choose our associates wisely, say no to overextending ourselves, get yearly medical and dental checkups, indulge in moderation, get the sleep we need, laugh often, save money for extended vacations, wear seat belts, use sunscreen, enjoy holiday celebrations, ask for help when needed, communicate our feelings appropriately, plan for retirement, give and receive love, have fun, learn new things, watch a sunset, and rotate the tires on the car? The list seems overwhelming.
As a busy Mom of four school aged sons, I find it essential to have a daily self-care ritual which includes meditation and journaling as well as a sensitive attending to how I need to grow and develop. As life moves faster and with greater complexity, it becomes more important, but increasingly difficult, to take good care of ourselves. I encourage others to give themselves the gift of a self-care ritual.
What kind of self-care rituals do you practice? Do you think that self care only means taking care of your body? If you do you’re not alone…for years I felt that when I took a trip to the spa for a facial and a massage that I was practicing the ultimate in self care.
I have come to realize and appreciate that we need not only to take care of ourselves physically; but spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and financially…yes financially.
Over the last few years I have been fascinated by self care and self care rituals. Over the next few months I am going to invite you to explore with me the different ways we need to take care of ourselves.
I recently came across an excerpt from a book called “20-Minute Retreats” that I’m going to share with you.
“Supported by Water”
This retreat is for those of us who spend a considerable amount of time and energy taking care of other people. So often we’re warm and supportive to others, while we’re barely holding ourselves together. We can create an opportunity to take care of ourselves whenever we need it, simply by withdrawing into our bath. Candles, aromatherapy oil and bath salts, or music can all be added, but the essence of this retreat only requires a bath tub full of water and a lock on the bathroom door for privacy.
Step 1: Entering into Retreat -In a comfortably warm, very full bathtub, allow yourself to just stretch out for three minutes. Arrange a pillow or facecloth behind your neck for comfort.
Step 2: For a full fifteen minutes, allow yourself to be softened, cleansed, and held by the warm water. With every breath, imagine allowing the water to support you. Allow your arms to float on the surface of the water. Feel how their floating allows you to let go of them from deep inside your shoulder girdle. With every exhale imagine that your arms can float away. Use your exhale to similarly let go of your legs from deep within your hip joint. Even though your legs won’t literally float on the surface of the water, imagine that they can just drift off.. Allow the water to surround and support you.
Step 3: Returning to the World: In the final two minutes, gently begin to shift position in the tub, stretching and preparing to get out. Please move slowly and treat yourself gently as you dry yourself off and get dressed.
This is one of my favorite self care rituals that I practice every morning before my kids get up. It really relaxes me and gets me ready for the day. I want to leave you with the following questions:
- What sort of self care rituals do you have in place?
- How often do you practice your self care rituals?
- Which self care rituals do you need to revive?
To Your Life….In Full Color
