Taking precious care of ourselves supports a more conscious, loving and cherished relationship with ourselves.”Precious” care is nurturing ourselves with the utmost love and attention as we would someone close to us. Having been on an airplane, we have all been reminded to put on our own oxygen mask before we help anyone else with theirs. It’s often difficult to dedicate the time and energy for self-care as our lives are filled with endless to-do-lists, obligations and distractions. Putting off self-care may seem selfless, until we get sick, overwhelmed, or exhausted, and suddenly don’t have the energy to care for anybody. That’s when we realize we haven’t been getting the oxygen, the precious life force energy that we need to sustain wellness. Taking precious care of ourselves isn’t selfish nor indulgent; it’s essential to our well-being.
Taking precious care of yourself may require that ypu say no to someone else in order to say yes to yourself. The behavioral pattern of obligation triggers such feelings as “I must” or “I should” be doing for someone else instead of putting myself first. Becoming aware of your vulnerability to this pattern, you can support yourself by saying “I am taking precious care of myself so that I’m better able to care for others.” When we preciously engage in self-care, we have more positive energy to give to and share with others. It’s a win-win for everybody.
Restorative self-care can be composed of simple, sacred and small acts of kindness to yourself. The best prescription for taking precious care is engaging in simple daily rituals such as: taking a few minutes for yourself at the beginning and end of the day to meditate, journal, or just be. Transform your daily shower or bath into a clearing ritual to cleanse your energy field after a stressful day. Engage in activities such as walking, yoga, massage, acupuncture, energy work to release tension, toxicity and open you to the flow of positive energy.
Make a commitment to at least one simple gesture where you take precious care of yourself. This covenant you make with yourself will sustain your happiness and well-being and also of those you love. The oxygen you need is all around you; sometimes you just need to be reminded to breathe it in.
