For me, the most important aspect of self-care is decreasing my self judgment. Over 73 years, I have developed a huge number of potential self-care approaches. I seem to be like a butterfly, and move from one to another. I have been very productive for the last 40 years, following my mission to empower people to heal themselves and heal their animals in ways that heal the planet. Even with what I perceive as procrastination I do get a lot done. Yet I have more I want to do, both in work, home and play.
Gratitude for what I do accomplish does help. I am profoundly grateful for the world around me – my home, my plants, the sun, the moon, the canal, friends, family, husband, businesses, air, etc. Reminding myself that I am fine just the way I am and can keep working to do more is a big part of self care.
Saying no is key. This year I have said no to many things to open up space for completing many loose ends and starting a new business. I am taking more time (and not judging when I do not take the time) to notice what brings me joy and finding ways to bring joy to required tasks (banking and taxes) that are challenging for me.
Continuing to explore ways to heal my neuromuscular issues, I have finally found two healers that are amazing for me. Decades of wonderful approaches, which have worked miracles in other people, have helped me in many ways. Neuro Integrative Systems (NIS) with James Bentz in Anacortes, WA, and now Marianne Hennigar with Psycho-emotive anatomy, are bringing me to much increased functioning so I can enjoy life even more.
While Native Americans do not want us to appropriate their culture, their respect for all life, as in many other cultures, has been a key part for my self-care. When I begin to judge myself, or take life for granted, I can shift back to more positive love by acknowledging each season and moment has gifts and challenges.
From ancient Ayurvedic medicine the goal is balance, a state of equilibrium in the body with happiness and joy. A practical approach says to do just the right amount for you in daily life – moderation.
Communicating that there is no one right answer deepens that certainty for myself. When I stop Svaroopa yoga and move to Qi Gong, or go weeks not doing one of them yet thinking of their benefits, I rejoice in where I am now.
Recently the creator of Soul Magic Healing told me a lovely mantra. “How can my life be even better than this!?” Right now life is perfect and this keeps open possibilities.
– Christina Chambreau
