Its February. Month of predictable snow, and increasingly longer daylight hours. Month of cupids, red hearts, passion, roses, and love. We are “gently” or not so gently encouraged to purchase tokens, gifts that make statements about our feelings to our loved ones. To give something to someone we care about. A nice sentiment for some- under appreciated by others. What about the idea of giving to ourselves?
Have you ever considered the idea of giving yourself the gift of self care and compassion? in our society self-criticism is rampant and frequently becomes a sacred path to success. We rarely consider offering ourselves kindness. Women instinctively care for their families, loved ones, others, and sometimes automatically think of the others and their needs. Many were taught that thinking or considering self is “selfish”, “narcissistic”, “self indulgent” “self centered” and a variety of other critical adjectives. So it makes sense that thinking about self care, or self compassion may feel strange an uncomfortable.
By consciously choosing to use self care practices we are taking the initial steps to strengthen and nourish ourselves so that we share the very best of ourselves with those we care for; our clients, colleagues, and families. If we can take the time and energy to care for ourselves not only will we feel better and have more to give others, we will be better able to handle stress.
One of my favorite teachers and authors; Pema Chodron states this simply and beautifully: “what you do for yourself, you’re doing for others, and what you do for others, your doing for yourself."
Soon- Friday February 14, 2014: “the Self Care Promise”
Have you ever considered the idea of giving yourself the gift of self care and compassion? in our society self-criticism is rampant and frequently becomes a sacred path to success. We rarely consider offering ourselves kindness. Women instinctively care for their families, loved ones, others, and sometimes automatically think of the others and their needs. Many were taught that thinking or considering self is “selfish”, “narcissistic”, “self indulgent” “self centered” and a variety of other critical adjectives. So it makes sense that thinking about self care, or self compassion may feel strange an uncomfortable.
By consciously choosing to use self care practices we are taking the initial steps to strengthen and nourish ourselves so that we share the very best of ourselves with those we care for; our clients, colleagues, and families. If we can take the time and energy to care for ourselves not only will we feel better and have more to give others, we will be better able to handle stress.
One of my favorite teachers and authors; Pema Chodron states this simply and beautifully: “what you do for yourself, you’re doing for others, and what you do for others, your doing for yourself."
Soon- Friday February 14, 2014: “the Self Care Promise”