When you see the term self-care, what comes to mind? For many people, the idea of taking care of themselves feels more like a concept rather than a practice. It’s something they’d like to have more of but don’t intentionally choose for themselves on a regular basis.
How do you take care of yourself? What does self-care mean to you? Self-care can be many things to many people.
For Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard trained neuroanatomist, self-care became about setting energetic boundaries. After she experienced a rare form of a stroke in 1996, she had to learn how to completely “re-live” her life again, re-learning how to walk, talk, eat, and interact with people.
During her recovery she was inspired to post on her door this sign: “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” Her intent was to surround herself with only those people who supported her recovery with positivity.
This is a practice that we all can bring into our own lives in so many different ways.
Really look at what you’re allowing in.
Are you conscious of the energy you bring into your body? What about your thoughts and mind? Is your spirit nurtured? Being aware of who and what you surround yourself with and fill your energy with is so important for your spiritual growth and to stay as clear and as happy as possible.
Examine what fills your life.
Clutter, un-loved items that decorate your walls, furniture that is not your favorite—all of it affects your energy. People who are negative or unsupportive, foods that don’t make you feel alive and nourished, or clothes that you don’t adore, are all ways that we fill our lives with “stuff” that doesn’t resonate with joy and what we truly LOVE.
Wouldn’t you rather bring in new life and vibrancy with things that make your heart sing?
We ARE allowed to take care of ourselves in ways that may seem frivolous to others.
Energy work from healing practitioners, bodywork and massage, walks, hot bubbly baths, vacations in a hotel room all alone for a night or a week stay on a Hawaiian island—none of it is off limits or over the top when it comes to self-care. Even simple daily habits of using essential oils, taking flower essences, drinking lots of water, taking supplements and vitamins, eating healthy, or doing yoga, stretching, or exercising can make a huge difference.
Consider it all an investment in YOU, because you are important! Whatever replenishes your spirit, mind, and body to the fullest is important. We are responsible for creating our own vibrant personal wellness, and if we are depleted, burned out, or tired, it shows in our body, energy, and lives. Living our lives with INTENT is going to lead to a joyful life.
Personally, I am just as guilty as the next person of not allowing myself time to do what my spirit needs for recharging, even though I am much more conscious of it now than ever before. My tell-tale signs of needing nurturing are being overly busy, being tired and cranky, having things with my work not fall into place easily, being physically clumsy, etc.
When I see the red flags pop up, I know it’s time to have energy healing sessions and bodywork, take long baths, or head to a park or art museum to rebalance and allow my body and energy to heal and restore. Even just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference. My spirit sings and I am able to create an even more JoyFULL life for myself.
We all need to be more conscious of our presence in the world and how we care for ourselves. As we create a sacred space for our own self-care, those around us can feel this sacredness and aliveness, and may even start to create it for themselves. It allows for life to flow with much more ease, magic, and abundance. What a beautiful world we could live in if everyone were aware and responsible for their energies!
So, what are you going to do TODAY that brings your energy to JOY?
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