How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. ~ Annie Dillard.
How do you spend your days? Do you take time to nurture yourself – to replenish your inner source of creativity, inspiration, peace, joy – or to just rest and ‘be’? Or do you rush from morning to night, trying to get everything done on your list?
Often we put our inner needs last and then wonder why our reserves are low, or why life seems to be passing by. To listen to the messages from your soul, it is important to take time for your inner needs – ideally on a daily basis. Why not make it a daily practice to take some time to nurture yourself? What you do is not as important as the fact that you are taking time out for yourself, whether it is ten minutes, an hour or a day.
What qualifies as self nurturing? Words such as these can be used to describe self-nurturing activities: fun, exciting, creative, peaceful, fulfilling, serene, relaxing, uplifting or inspiring.
Is there anything you need to do to ensure that you get the time to nurture yourself? Reassess your priorities? Adjust your schedule? Delegate responsibilities? Say no to activities that do not support you? Whatever you need to do, remember that taking time to nurture yourself supports your health on all levels and it is the biggest gift you can give yourself.
And yes, there will be days where you absolutely cannot fit time in to do your favourite self-nurturing activity. On those days, simply use your imagination. Studies have shown that physiologically, the brain cannot tell the difference between actually doing an activity and imagining that you are doing it. So when time is at an absolute premium, spend a few moments imagining your favourite replenishing activity. It has actual physical benefits. Then plan on resuming your nurturing practice as soon as you are able to. Remember…with these breaks you are investing in yourself!
© Deborah Redfern, 2008. All rights reserved.
