Angela Gutzer, DVM
When sensing what it means to provide care for oneself I immediately tapped into the reason we would like to honour ourselves through the practise of care. That is self love. Without love for ourselves the idea of self nourishment becomes a task. One more thing to complete by the end of the day.
Self love is often overlooked as the days events continue almost endlessly. We often have busy schedules and feel that it would be difficult to schedule in another task. I will look at ways you can enter into the space of self love as self care that won’t take a lot of your time!
Inner Voice
One of the ways I give myself love is through the act of self compassion. It is through the interruption of an insidious self harming thought. For example, you see a patient and forget their name in front of the client. Your thought may be “I should know this,” or even “I am stupid for forgetting.” The first step in the self love state is AWARENESS. Recognize that you said a harmful/belittling to yourself.
Once you have mastered the recognition, you can stop and recreate a different story: “Everyone makes mistakes,” “Perhaps I need a glass of water to recharge my body as it has been a long day.” The more we can change the story and give ourselves compassion, the more we can nourish ourselves to sustain the busy day.
Mirror Exercise
The mirror exercise is a quick way to honour yourself. You simply look deep within your eyes and state “ I love you” three times. Each time you state this to your darling self, take a deep lung filling breath, release the breath into your heart and repeat. Although this exercise may appear easy, some people may have an emotional response. Give yourself time to have the response. Write about the response.
Journal
The use of a personal journal cannot be understated. Daily journalling before bed can help clarify what the days events’ held so they will not disturb rest. Morning thoughts are the most sacred as we have a chance to connect with ourselves and create an optimistic flow before we head off to work. Pick out a journal with daily affirmations to kick start your day. Write down 10 things that you rock at! “I am a good listener and have patience.” Make it an exercise to honour yourself through words!
Music
Create an album of your favourite songs! Play it on the way to work. Play it during surgery! Make it fun! Create a song list with love songs meant for you! Have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you there’s no one else above you?” Or make an album dedicated to your peace for the travel home. I personally enjoy Jonathan Goldman. He has many albums dedicated to Sound healing. It brings me to a state of peace quite quickly.
There are many ways to practise self love. Remember–you are important ! In fact, you are the most important! Place yourself at the top of the pedestal. You can not pour from an empty cup. Fill the cup with your never-ending supply of self love!
With my heart,
Ange
