SELF-CARE 2022
As we army crawl into 2022, it seems like one of the common themes for the human family is to get serious about their self-care routine. Approaching Valentine's Day, it’s the perfect time to explore self- love, and practice what nourishes our mind, body, and spirit on a deeper level.
Somewhere along the way the concept of self care got a bit mixed up. At one point in time "self-care" may have ended with young Mo half a bottle of wine in and late night dessert. "Fuck it! I’ve earned it,"- feet up, trolling on the internet. These days self-care looks more like turning my phone off and taking an energy cleansing bath with some tea and 963 hz blasting my pineal gland. Think I'm nuts? Try it.
It’s common to hear how people are experiencing serious burnout these days, without any effective methods of release and restoration.
We are seeing general increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. People are experiencing poor sleep, high reactivity, racing minds, and break downs. The pandemic has brought on higher rates of substance abuse, suicide, domestic violence, financial distress.... you get the gloomy picture. Maybe some are coping with a combo of caffeine and prozac. Some of us are remembering the value in going back to the basics, and back to nature.
In this blog I’d like to explore self care beyond nutrition and good sleep, and turn to the mind-body connection for some profound clues. It's evident that it's time to check out from the external world and check in with our higher self. An effective way to do this is through working with our intelligent hardware. It's increasingly vital to listen to the body on a deeper level. The body knows. It holds our earliest experiences, memories, emotions, trauma, and programming... It is the container for your spirit.
Working with the body may seem simple, but it's not aways easy. Forming a deeper relationship with the innate wisdom inside of us can open up baggage that you may have put into storage a long time ago. Although that’s another suitcase to unpack…
This is a part of self love. The stronger our bond is with the body, the better we can understand how to regulate our CNS under stressful circumstances. I encourage my people to experiment with different embodiment practices that bring a sense of joy and calm. Start by picking a simple way to periodically check in with yourself throughout the day.
If one takes a few moments to pause, become present within the body, tune into the breath, and listen carefully, it will whisper back; revealing secrets of the universe. By acknowledging the body's symptoms (little messages), and tuning into the more subtle sensations, we can form a stronger understanding of what we are holding inside of us. To become more familiar with the fabrics that make us can strengthen our intuition and trust. Why might this be important?
In our age we learn how to manage or constrict our emotions in every day life. We may hold our tongue and suck in our breath, hide our true feelings.... meanwhile, life continues to unfold.
This build up can lead to burn out and illness. When we get triggered, the damn breaks open and we may become reactive, release a big expression in response to something minor, feel overwhelmed, or overcome with panic/ rage.
It's extremely beneficial to have a set of practices intended to detox our bodies of cellular and energetic plaque. After all, negative thinking and a poor diet can manifest into spiritual disconnect, depression, and autoimmune disease. It's all energetic, and all connected. We are being called to be present within the body, especially when we feel overwhelmed or discomfort. Going towards the hard shit is an act of self life that takes time, courage, dedication, and commitment to self.
I have been trying something new. I am not even close to mastering it. I’ll share:
When conflict arises- internal or external, recognize it, and stay in the body. Become the observer.
Try to arrive to meet it with loving inquiry… (Whereas I used to disassociate or suppress).
Pay attention to the feelings that arise, without judgement or reaction. Take a few deep breaths.
Decide if it is an appropriate space and time to attend to the discomfort/emotion. If not, make an agreement with self that I will attend to it later. Use a visualization technique here… Imagine you are placing it in a chest that will be open later, or something that works for you.
Address and digest the emotion compassionately at an appropriate time so that it doesn't manifest into sickness. Honor all of yourself in this process.
WAYS TO ATTEND TO EMOTIONAL BODY
Emotional inquiry... at a being level.
What am I feeling right now now? What is present here for me? (It's okay if you don't know, or feel disconnected).
You might have a somatic experience. For example, sensations of heaviness in chest/ shoulders...tightness in belly or throat.. headache, or tight jaw. We tend to hold on and clamp down energetically and somatically.
Utilize the breath to help turn towards areas of discomfort. Just like when you’re working out hard or lifting heavy.
Notice where you might be holding tension or emotion in the body, without judgement or identifying with it.
Place a hand where you feel tension and consciously allow your breath to spread into these spaces.
In yoga practice we often hear "send your breath there." By sending our breath to a certain area, we are bringing our awareness into this space. Our awareness is healing. There is a healing power within each of us. Activate it!!
We also have sensory receptors.. everywhere. By using sensory awareness we are sending feedback back to our brain. Embodiment practices such as self massage, orienting, and the butterfly hug send signals to our brain that allow us to drift into a state of ease and relaxation. Once we drop into the parasympathetic response, magic, healing ,and restoration takes place in powerful ways.
As parents, business people, neighbors, humans.... we must take time to tend to ourselves in order to replenish our energy source so that we may give and live fully. Establishing a healthy balance between rest and hustle allows us to show up willingly, joyfully, and fully present. Wouldn’t that be ideal?
I invite you, to make a promise to yourself to explore and practice what feeds you. Marry yourself first. Commit to habits that expand your lens of perspective. Release expectations and limiting beliefs. Consciously open yourself up to limitless possibilities.
Self care looks different for everyone.
I'd like to list some some of my preferred ways ways to practice regular self care. I invite you to explore a few concepts from this list and add them into your planner. Find ways to hold yourself accountable to do what’s best for you. You deserve it, and your future self will thank you.
Ask to join my wo(men's) accountability Whatsapp group!
Below are some questions you might journal on to discover your own purpose for engaging in acts of self love.
AFFIRMATIONS; Write them down on a mirror/paper, say them out loud, embody them as you repeat them!
MOVEMENT (LIFTING/YOGA/STRETCH/CARDIO/DANCE/SHAKE/IT DOESN’T MATTER JUSSS MOVE)
MEDITATION
BREATH; So underrated. Our greatest god given tool at the tip of our diaphragm. Explore the power of your breath. Breath is life.
ENERGY CLEANSING BATHS+INTENTION
NOURISHING LIVE FOOD
SET BOUNDERIES
EFFECTIVE SLEEP
FULL BODY PRESENCE
CURATE SOCIAL MEDIA FEED
TIME LIMIT ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND BLUE LIGHT
RE-ARANGE/CLEANSE ENVIRONMENT
JOURNAL
SELF-MASSAGE
CO-REGULATE WITH OTHER HUMAN OR ANIMAL
TIME ALONE
GROUNDING PRACTICE; back to nature!!!
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY
DO WHAT NOURISHES YOU
**anything done with intention makes is sacred. You are a crafty witch. What will you manifest next?
JOURNALING PROMPTS
What does self care mean to me? What does self care typically look like for me? How often do I set aside time for myself?
What makes me feel more balanced and calm?
What makes me feel alive and energetic?
What are some morning habits and rituals that help me begin each day with intention and positivity?
Do I feel in tune with my nervous system? What are some ways I can track the state of my NS? Why is this important?
How do I know when my body and mind is in a resting state? What are the signs and signals my body sends me?
What are some ways that help me process discomfort or intense emotion?
Where do I tend to hold tension or emotion in my body? What does this feel like?
What are some effective ways I can address my inner child lovingly?
What are healthy ways for me to process emotions and learn from them? Do I tend to suppress or hold onto difficult feelings?
What would change for me/ be different if I operated from my highest potential?
How can I remind myself to check in with body and spirit throughout the day?
What are some ways I will hold myself accountable to put aside time for self-care?
