For a long time, I had a reoccurring event on my Google Calendar for Sunday mornings that was called “Yoga: Talk Softly to Yourself”. I needed this weekly reminder to slow down and be gentle with myself…
(to remember to appreciate what I had accomplished during the past week - no matter how small - and not look forward with anticipation of failure but instead with hope and lightness)
(to honor the parts of myself that might be feeling small or need some comfort and encouragement)
(to remember to move my body in a way that was attentive to it in the moment)
My personal yoga practice is about coming into my reality and connecting my mind with my body.
This phrase “talk softly to yourself” was something another weaver said to me during a time when I needed to hear it and it left a vivid imprint. What a wonderful way to express care for yourself.
SELF CARE IS EXPANSIVE
I have recently been challenging the idea that I am the holder of all the emotional support that those around me need and that I am responsible for the well being of others. This idea and pattern of mine is my auto pilot. I tend to feel this responsibility and act on it at my own expense - forgetting that I need emotional support and care too or thinking that my time will come eventually. Or as I once heard my gramma say “I’ll cry tomorrow”
In challenging this idea I have found out that I do not have a finite amount of myself to give. I dole it out to everyone and feel there is nothing left for myself but in fact, when I first give to myself the amount I have in reserve for others is expansive. It grows and is limitless. It feels more present and less reactive.
I’m writing these thoughts down to help me remember the value of nurturing myself and to share this discovery with you. I hope you can find the endless value there is in taking time to be with yourself and appreciate yourself. I hope you enjoy your journey with all its bumps - you really are amazing.
