Be Good to Yourself: Choosing to Practice Self-Care in the Face of Conflicting Interests

We have learned that it is rather easy to fall out of balance and harmony with our soul selves. Finding equilibrium and coherence is a continuous process given what we know, that change is the only constant and that we are interdependent beings. Intense imbalance occurs as a result of shifts in environment. Yet, we have discovered that distortions also occur as a result of attachments formed, relationships created and commitments established. Nevertheless, when we find ourselves out of whack, or spiraling out of our center of gravity, it is essential that we resist blame, guilt, shame and resentment.

When we find that our frequency is off, and our channel is broken, we choose to refocus the gaze on ourselves to restore wellness and be in full integrity. Self-care is the act of restoring and cultivating. It requires mindful presence, trust, devotion, humility and compassion. It is rooted in the understanding that we already possess everything we need, that we are worthy to be loved and realize our hearts desire, that we are free and limitless, that time expands with heightened self-awareness, and that the resources indigenous to our being are renewable.

Michael Bernard Beckwith inquires, "Do you live in a mine field or a garden?" That in itself is an interesting question to meditate on. His assertion is that, "when we live in a minefield mentality, we explode with the weeds of worry, doubt, fear, lack and limitation." To find our purpose, return to love and live in our bliss, we merely have to remember to cultivate the garden within. Self-care reminds us of the savior self.

Social entrepreneurship, the mechanism for positive social transformation, begins with self-alignment. Danielle LaPorte gives us the Truthbomb that "self-care is a divine responsibility." We are empowered by the forces of nature to tap into the universe inside. When we tune into ourselves, we become pregnant with possibilities and in possession of dynamic, innovative potential. When we engage the core of our being, we stabilize our center, making ourselves a force of nature.

As human beings, we are endowed co-creators in this world. When we come to realize that only we can change ourselves and that we can only change ourselves, we do our part to restore balance within ourselves and the world around us. To choose self-care, in a culture in which dominant norms and values contradict nature and depress self-esteem, is to choose to be free. Looking into our own reflection, we recite the Soul of Healing Affirmation "By returning to myself, I will set myself free." There are multiple self-care habits that we implement to ensure personal well-being and self-empowerment, however twelve are highlighted here:

1. Always choose love. Choosing love honors your essential self. Fully engaging the heart chakra fuels the higher and lower chakras, facilitating alignment of the energy centers that propel us in this life.

2. Drink water. Human adults are composed of 55-60% water. Our bodies require water to flush toxins and rejuvenate themselves. Water is essential to your conscious existence. It grounds you to mother earth, and restores balance and clarity in all field of your being.

3. Engage in mindful breathing. Breath is the source of life. It plugs us into all of nature and gently expands us. Deep, paced, mindful breathing yields new information and eases all processes.

4. Trust your intuition, instincts and insight. Your inner compass will never steer you wrong. Study yourself to have the capacity to interpret the messages accurately. Your inner guide is always present and accessible to you. Trust is your source of strength.

5. Allow yourself the space for curiosity and adventure. Maintain an open mind. Embrace expectancy instead of expectation. Life is a magical journey that must be experienced to unleash authentic power.

6. Give yourself grace. Be patient with yourself and others. We are all learning and growing through our journeys.

7. Let go of things outside of your realm of control. Not everything is our responsibility or merits our attention.

8. Stand up, and speak out. Advocate for yourself and others. Your presence and voice are pieces of the puzzle. Never allow anyone to manipulate, marginalize, diminish or denigrate you.

9. Set clear boundaries. Erect a structure that supports your process. Develop a sense of self-discipline. Have a sense of presence in your daily walk.

10. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Forgive yourself and others. Free yourself from attachment to stories that inhibit personal and collective development.

11. Clear the mind of destructive thoughts and thought patterns. Allow thoughts to flow freely through you, but choose those thoughts that create the life you desire.

12. Recite affirmations. Word. Sound. Power. Declare what is, and it will manifest itself.

We are here with a purpose. Stand firm in your purpose. When we focus on ourselves and our own developmental process, we give license to others to do the same. Be a soldier of love and remember this assertion by Audre Lorde, "caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare."

Burn to shine.

End.