The Essential Nature of Self-Care

Sometimes we just have to slow down, stop, relax, and listen. With a world that seems spiraling beyond our control: unrest in Libya and other parts of the Middle East, rising gas prices, economic uncertainty, it's easy to get caught in a feeling of overwhelm.

It's important to notice when this happens. Some of us manage our daily stressors better than others. For many, financial concerns present a huge level of stress. Even so, no matter what our situation, it's important to step back from all of this swirling craziness or upset, and return to our center, our core - remembering what is most important - our health, our inner peace and happiness, the health and well being of our families.

Ultimately, we are only responsible for our own happiness. And I believe, it is from this place of honoring our own happiness, we are better able to effect the most change in the world.

I think one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and the world is to take care of your self. Whether you are a parent, an active member of the community, married, single, student, teacher, etc. Taking time for self-care is essential. How can we ever expect to effect any kind of change if we operate from a place of 'not enough' 'not good enough' 'undeserving'.

I was reminded of this important element of living, 'take care of yourself', a few weekends ago. I felt the stress in my body building up for several weeks. Some of it self-imposed, and other work deadlines, household and general living demands. And, that nagging feeling I ought to be doing something more - outside enjoying the snow, inside organizing my files, writing, grading, clearing ice, etc etc.

What I realized at the end of that busy week was, no, what I needed was to take a few hours and allow myself and my body the deep relaxation it needed.

So, I scheduled an appointment at the Roosevelt Baths. If you've never been to Roosevelt Baths, I highly recommend a trip. For $25 you get a 1/2 hour soak in the Spa mineral waters. The baths are deeper and longer than a standard bathtub. When you arrive they bring you to a waiting/relaxation room. Someone will then escort you to the bath, provide you with a robe and slippers, and set you on your way to a wonderful 1/2 hr soak. For a few dollars more you can get an herbal oil added.

When finished, they show you to the relaxation area or you can head to the sauna for more watery heat. I chose to skip the sauna and enjoyed a warm cup of tea while relaxing in one of the long reclining chairs, surrounded by peaceful music, warm green tinted walls and the gentle sound of bubbling water from the wall fountain.

I know some people who are seemingly always on the go. They fill their weekends with activities which sound great, but I often wonder, how do they have time to get anything finished? When do they simply just stop, slow down and relax? Perhaps this is one of those 'to each his/her own'.

But I think getting in touch with our own needs of our own inner soul is really essential. However you do that is great. For me, sometimes it's being in nature, sometimes writing, or sometimes simply a quiet relaxing afternoon in a healing place - the Spa, a beach on a warm day, cozying up in front of my woodstove.

From this place of peace and quietitude, we often can find the healing our soul needs, solutions to questions we may be facing, or simply that deep place of healing love acceptance and forgiveness that allows us to move on to a next phase in our lives.

In the study of Permaculture, the inner-self, is called Zone 00. The philosophy behind Permaculture is to create a home/living space, garden, land, that is in harmony with nature - that provides nourishment, creates systems that are regenerative for both the individuals and the earth resources on the site.

This first Zone 00 represents starting from within - the body, mind and spirit. From there the zones extend out to our families, systems inside the house, the immediate land surrounding your home, the forest and larger landscapes beyond.

Installing a water-retention system to capture rainwater for use in watering your garden is an example of a regenerative system. Within a family unit, communicating your needs and desires, and owning how those get met, is essential to creating harmony and peace within the family unit.

I continue to be convinced, we must continually remember to reenergize our inner-self as when we are in harmony and peace within ourselves and our relations, we allow for greater harmony and peace in other spaces and places in our homes and our lives. And this is what builds true sustainability.

Namaste
ps. Here's a link to a resource on EcoTherapy, applying permaculture principles to psychotherapy. I had this 'aha' moment in my first permaculture course - that principles of permaculture apply to all of our relationships, human and otherwise - to self, to others, to community, to nature.