What do you think of when you hear the term “Self-Care?
I initially think of caring for myself, from myself.
I believe that Self-Care is the knowledge of all your physical, mental and emotional needs, which comes from closely listening to your intuition.
Self-Care is vital in this contemporary society we live in, although not everyone is aware of how important it is.
As one of my Self-Care practices, I like to read, as I can get transported off into another world.
One of the books I’m currently reading is Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and yesterday I continued to read the chapter, Homing: Returning to OneSelf.
In this chapter Clarissa talks about the soul being ‘starved’ and when this happens the woman “must-return to home.”
This reminded me of a decision I made on Thursday to “return home”.
I was at my University in a class and I began to feel overwhelmed.
I felt overwhelmed by the people in the room, the noise, the overload of information and Mr. Anxiety appeared to make matters worse!
When I feel anxious my whole body tenses up, I get pins and needles and I begin to fidget. I scratch my skin, I can’t sit still and my mind wonders off on a negative trail of thought.
Whenever this happens (I cant predict when) I usually try and fight it.
I have a comprehensive battle in my head.
Voice A, always starts the battle and says “Stay, if you don’t stay in the room you are going to get behind and everyone will think your stupid, even though they already hate you”
Voice B, is second and says “Escape, you need time out”.
Mostly, I always listen to Voice A and when I do, I usually (not always) end up feeling worse. However in this case I listened to Voice B, and I felt so so liberated and in control!
I waited, planned my escape route “Ok Georgia, escape in the break!”
10 mins later we were given a short break, and I used that to escape! I put on my jacket and my bag and snuck out.
I started walking, passing by all the tall glass buildings, bicycles and cars. I breathed in deeply, thick London smoke filling my lungs, killing Mr. Anxiety, and on every exhale the remains of him floated away.
I walked to a coffee shop nearby and ordered a hot chocolate.
As I got my card out to pay, the gentleman serving me said “Oh its alright, don’t worry about”, and he smiled (he gave me the drink for free!) that instantly made me smile. He then carried on and said “Would you like anything else? A cake, a biscuit?” (if you know me I NEVER say no to a cake, especially a free one!) I choose my cake and headed over to a seat by the window.
Now I’m not sure if the gentleman serving me ‘fancied’ me or he was just being kind, but what I do know is that it came out of a place that was authentic, no one told him to do that, I saw truth in his eyes.
I sat down by the window and watched everyone on their own paths.
For once I didn't try to over analyse why I felt anxious, or what it meant, I just sat, drank my free hot chocolate, ate my free cake (which both tasted SO good as I didn't pay!) and I gradually became more cantered with my mind, body and soul.
The clouds felt like they lifted and Mr. Anxiety was nowhere to be seen.
Soon it was lunchtime and I met up with my friends to (attempt to eat with a belly full of hot chocolate and cake). Being with them, really lifted my soul, knowing they all cared about me and looked out for me. I know I didn't have to explain to them where I went or why I went, they were just there for me. Completely there. I explained to them Mr. Anxiety came back from his holiday and they all understood, and no questions were asked.
After I read the Homing: Returning to OneSelf chapter in Women Who Run With The Wolves, I learnt, “A woman has to go away and be with herself”, “She must return home” (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).
I had to return home on Thursday, and it was a challenge, to fully accept that it was the right decision.
“It costs a strong act of will to say “I’m going” and mean it” (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).
I went and I meant it.
Going home can mean lots of different things to different people, however going home to me means, connecting with yourself and practicing Self-Care and Self-Love, which comes from you being Self-Aware.
Now you can’t always go home, because life can get in the way, but you can plan times in your week when you can go home.
Returning To Home to practice Self-Care Ideas:
Go to a coffee shop, switch off your phone for an hour and read a book
Write a letter to yourself, about how amazing you are!
Walk in any direction, just follow your intuition (One of my faves, as you discover so much about your town/city you never new existed)
I challenge you to plan a time in your week when you “return to home”.
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