If you’re feeling a bit like you’re running on empty after the last few years, the last thing you’re likely to want right now is any LEAPING into 2023. Give yourself a gentle, sustainable taste of self care…
Am posting a bit early to allow time to book if the membership reopening appeals AND to wish y’all a very Happy New Year.
I’m also still enjoying the benefits of my annual 24 hour silence and, while I’ve been doing THAT for several years now, most years, I dread it then love it so much I think I’ll do it EVERY Bank Holiday.
But I only manage it at Christmas. Because life is hectic!
I let loved ones know that my phone and other devices will all be off, no TV, music or even washing machine. They have my landline in case of emergencies.
The benefits make it worth prioritising even when, like this year, I feel really strong resistance.
Even within the first hour, time – normally moving so quickly (in spite of my morning yoga, meditation and other mindfulness practices, it’s a hectic 24/7 world we live in even as London Evie has become more West Coast of Ireland Evie) – begins to feel like it’s stretching.
I feel a sense of deep peace and wellbeing.
Connection to the wider world even though I’ve separated myself from it completely for this short time.
I spend more time journalling, meditating, doing yoga, reading my cards and generally day dreaming and reading books. This year, I got an enormous amount done on a print out of the first draft of a new book I’ve been working on.
Time feels like it stretches
The time I usually spend scrolling and watching TV (much as I adore both) means I read an entire book in a few sittings rather than my usual adding to the perpetual list of around 60 on the go at any given time.
It was a catalyst for some deeper conversations with loved ones about my taking this space. They were (as ever) great about it but more of my resistance (and my work is ALL about self care) came up for healing as I dealt with fears around missing something important (even though they HAD my landline and for the first 20+ years of my life, mobile phones were not in my vocabulary).
And most importantly, it offered me that reminder that I first came across through psychosynthesis, that I’m (we’re all) so much MORE than whatever we’re working on, looking forward to, stressing about, recovering from etc etc.
A chance to really connect with my Self (that highest, wisest, truest, wildest, most miraculous part of myself) which – while I depend on it daily and do all sorts of regular practices to strengthen the connection – hugely benefits from stillness and silence.
What is YOUR version of extreme self care?
For me, the annual 24 hour silence is probably my most extreme (some might consider my weekly, year round sea swims (dips at this time of year. And am back in the full wetsuit)
This year, as always around the 3 hour mark, I began to feel that deeper ahhhhh and so I’ve decided to give myself 3 hours of silence every WEEK.
With three hours, I can simply put it all on silent for that short stretch and enjoy the silence.
How might you support yourself through 2023 by prioritising a TASTE of self care?
The Feel Better Every Day online membership MAY be of interest
As a member, your weekly email with journal prompts and ideas for different energy levels and schedules as well as the weekly live call help you start each week with self care and Self* care (that highest, wisest, truest, most miraculous, wildest part of yourself) front and centre.
It’s certainly not for everyone but, for less than the cost of a coffee each week, you’ll be able to access a large archive of video resources as well as a weekly live self-care coaching call, one to one support from me, bespoke Yoga Nidras to help you harness the power of the unconscious mind, EFT Tap Alongs, crystal energy cleanses, mind body practices and more…
Journal prompts
What did you ENJOY most about the Christmas and/or any other holidays you’ve been celebrating?
Maybe your taste of extreme self care isn’t more silence but more time with loved ones? You might not all be able to gather together for as long as you’ve had this week but you can use this information as inspiration to give yourselves a taste of more togetherness? Maybe arranging to meet up again several months from now so you get to look forward to it? Or even more regular phone calls etc?
Perhaps it was more time and energy to prepare nourishing food?
More time to walk in nature and enjoy the healing benefits?
List it all and find ways to incorporate little tastes of as much as possible into your year ahead (and beyond).
What little TASTES of self care feel both energising and sustainable to imagine in your own life right now?
How might you continue to amp up your self care and Self care as we move into the New Year?
Feel free to email eve@selfcarecoaching.net with any questions or comments.
And please do feel free to share this post on your social media etc so others who may find it helpful can read it.
With love,
If you’re enjoying the features, columns, podcasts, TV and radio clips, book bonus videos, mind body practices and other free Be Your Own Self Care Coach resources throughout the site, you might want to check out the Feel Better Every Day online membership programme and, if it appeals, join us (MEMBERSHIP IS REOPENING UNTIL 2/1/23).
Each week, members have the option to dive deeper into their self care with a special email filled with simple suggestions around the week’s theme. There’s something for everyone (it’s designed to work with different energy levels).
Membership includes a weekly live self care coaching call and unique, relaxing Yoga Nidras to harness the power of the unconscious mind while working with each theme. There are also energy cleanses, other mind body practices and individual support for all who want it. APPLY HERE