For life we need three things only: nourishment, love, and peace.
― Debasish Mridha
Right now, during this time of stress, it's so important to nourish ourselves deeply. All of us need nourishment on many levels, yet so many people don’t really know what truly nourishes them. Overeating is often a misguided attempt to nourish yourself, yet it can never truly give you the deeper nourishment you’re looking for. As long as you neglect your deeper needs, the pull to use food as a stopgap measure will remain strong in your life.
This is what a self-care practice is all about: meeting your daily, weekly, and monthly needs. When I ask my clients what they do for self-care, it usually consists of an occasional massage or a mani/pedi. Though wonderful, these things are more occasional pampering’s. A solid self-care practice is something you do on a daily basis. It’s also an anchor that will keep you grounded when the winds of change, stress, and challenge enter your life.
Women often feel that self-care will take up too much time or that it’s selfish. I recommend going to bed a little earlier and getting up a half hour or even an hour earlier. During this time you can meditate, do some yoga, pray, read, go for a walk, journal, hit the gym, or whatever else suits your fancy.
So what do you need to feel truly nourished? Your body needs nourishing food, movement, fresh air, and plenty of rest. Your mind needs challenge, stimulation, and times of stillness. Emotionally you need love and affection, a sense of belonging, and connection with others. Spiritually you need a sense of purpose, to feel you’re a part of something larger than yourself, and the feeling
that your life matters.
How nourished are you?
Peace and happiness come when I nourish myself deeply on a regular basis.
