Self-care but not how you may have thought about it before. Let's dive in.
As we discussed Self-Care we will be using this framework - the 'seven pillars' of Self-Care (International Self Care Foundation).
The lovely Tammie Addley mental health OT, also introduced us to Boring Self-Care, beyond the bubble bath and massages. The stuff that we usually think of when we think of Self-Care. There's a link to it below if you'd like to Read it.
Self-Care a Little Differently
In all the Self's we've explored recently there is one thing, a thread that has run through them all for me that I'd like to tease out a bit more today. It seems to have presented itself quite frequently in recent years. Maybe because I'm more aware of it. Maybe because I need it. The more I practice it, the more important it becomes in my life.
The concept of creating Space.
Holding Space For You:
Self-compassion calls us to be as compassionate towards ourselves as we would be to others. With kindness at its centre. Kind before critical. With empathy (not sympathy). To be in the moment. To listen.
When we do that it's termed, Holding Space.
In a Self-Compassion context, "It means creating a safe space for yourself where you can sit with your thoughts and emotions without judging them. ... In this space, you are compassionate towards yourself and you acknowledge your emotions fully...
It's important to hold space for yourself because you are inherently worthy of compassion and love. Sadly, this loving awareness doesn't come as easily as the judgmental awareness that we primarily hold. Many of us learned to sweep our difficult emotions under the rug due to diverse reasons that a lot of the times are linked to fear and judgement." Yasmeen El Gerbi (her full article is below).
It may be uncomfortable, but "discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life" (Susan David PhD). Living not existing.
Feeling the discomfort, sitting with it, is not being unkind when you approach it from a perspective of open curiosity. What is this feeling? Where is it coming from? What is sitting behind it?
To create space, to have this time with our thoughts may be difficult at first. But as with most worthwhile endeavours, the more we practice it, the easier it becomes and the benefits flow.
Ways To Create Space
This is something we have covered before with the fabulous Fiona Redding (The Happiness Hunter). There are many ways to create space in our minds, for our mental wellbeing. Our Self-Care Practice.
Fiona encourages us to Meditate. Before you click off, sit with this for a moment and read on...
There are many ways to meditate. It's not all sitting on a rock cross-legged umming for hours on end!
Here are 2 simple Mediation techniques you can try.
- Breathing
- Journaling
For me, it is a daily (almost daily) practice of meditative yoga. Before I launch into my day, I create that precious mental space with gentle movement and the meditative words of Sarah Beth. The 15-30 minutes I take to create this space pays off throughout the day. I'm calm. I'm refreshed. I'm ready. And my body is much better for the stretch too.
Fiona takes us through how to Breathe and Journal.
What meditative practice do you use to create your precious space? If you don't, please make a start. Make it a habit.
Creating Space. The most beneficial Self-Care practice of all. It could be for you. It is for me.
Anita xx
Founder & Owner : Sequins and Sand
Where to from here?
Continue to learn more about and talk about Self-Care in our private Facebook group Women 40+ Self Love, Body Love, Summer Confidence. You'll need to be a member to join in. It's easy to do. Click on the link above and ask to join. If you're already a member, thank you!
We explore other MINDSET topics in our paid membership community, The Summer Confidence Society. Monthly Masterclasses and more. Topics around STYLE, MINDSET and WELLNESS. Find our more about joining this beautiful community here. I'd love to see you there.
