Janell Loving
The
summer season is ripe with transition for each of us, with the movement of
our life cycles, longer days and extended engagements just to name a
few. Transitions create a sense of movement and propulsion in a
forward direction, so, it is important to ensure that we nurture
ourselves as well as we nurture our family, friends and communities.
The essence of our core self requires replenishment and
nurturing with gentleness and compassion. The vibrancy that we extend
out is what we give to others and to ourselves. Several of my
closest friends are experiencing big life transitions – an empty
nest, a big move/new job, and creating a blended family, just to
name a few. The experience of these transitions have inspired many
conversations centering around what we can do to nurture the core
energy that keeps us going. Below are a few key things that I felt
compelled to share from those conversations.
Identify Nurturing Activities
Create a list of activities that is appealing and helps in relaxation and replenishing energy to focus on nurturing. Creating lists allows for organization, and the ability to manage the endless to-do tasks while carving time for nurturing activities.
Make Time
Block out specific time on the calendar to practice self care. This sounds a little silly, but scheduling time for nurturing allows flexibility and creates a routine. Some days you may need 10 minutes of quiet reflection, other days give yourself the luxury of a nap, walk, run, added exercise class or anything else that is just for you.
Express
Identify, express,
and accept the feelings and emotions that come up during big
transitions. Use any medium that will allow you to open up and
express your thoughts. For one of my good friends, throwing pots is
a way to let her mind release the emotions that are bottled up,
providing a repository for imminent changes. Dancing, painting, and
journaling are a few other ideas that may be used to maintain balance
and explore the emotions that
accompany transitions.
Repurpose
Set new goals,
develop new hobbies or interests. Create new ways to inspire and
rejuvenate your spirit. The key to this is to challenge yourself to
build things that are nurturing for you, not designed for the benefit
of others.
Reconnect
Take some time to
enjoy and strengthen your existing relationships. Spend some
uninterrupted time with those who are important to you. A cup of
tea, a glass of wine, or a shared yoga class will often deepen a bond
that allows you to replenish and connect on a deeper emotional level.
Seek Wellness
Think of ways to increase your personal
wellness. Herbal Body Wraps are a key piece of my personal nurturing
routine. By design, they regenerate and boost the immune system
while soothing each of the senses, allowing the core energy to be
replenished.
Occasionally, we need to be reminded
why it's important to take time for our individual needs, and nurture
our being. Life transitions are challenging and
exhilarating, as they force us to let go of the familiar and face the
future with feelings of vulnerability.
Nurturing the senses during these transitions will allow for
rejuvenation of energy, relaxation of the body and quieting of the
mind and spirit. Think about ways and
opportunities that allow you to relax, and fall into the thought that
you not only deserve, but also require the same compassion and
nurturing you extend to others daily.
What do you do to nurture your
senses?
