I have a crick in my back. It is a minor thing, but it is one of those small pains that causes a big disturbance. I just can’t stop thinking about it, or trying to pop it or stretch it or otherwise find some sort of relief, but nothing seems to make any difference. Sometimes our bodies are the most reliable indicators of how we are doing – if we will listen to them. Unfortunately, our physical self-care is also one of the first things that we let go of when life gets overwhelming. We stuff our face with chocolate chip cookies. We lay around and binge watch netflix. There is certainly a time for these things, but when you are going through a difficult season (whether it’s grief over a person, an idea, or a sense of community) it is important to eventually come to a place where we start caring for our physical bodies. This is a gift that not only helps us feel better physically, but emotionally. I don’t know if you have ever restricted certain items out of your diet to see how they affect you personally, but for me, sugar makes me anxious. I get hyper, anxious, and cranky (after the initial high). Gorging myself on sugar, however helpful it may seem initially, always backfires for me with a stomach ache, emotional angst, and shame. One of the most helpful things for me in the midst of my anxiety as well as walking through a spiritual dessert has been yoga. Practicing yoga this year is the first time that I have done something intentionally for the benefit of my physical body. For the first time, I have learned how to pay attention to how my body feels, what makes it feel better or worse, and what my body may be telling me. It has given me an opportunity to rest and set intentions for my days – it has just been the best self care for me. Maybe for you it’s something else that will start a domino effect of self care in your life, but grab a friend and try something new. Maybe it’s painting or crafting, or running. Find something that stretches you in a good way – that gives you a new experience of Life in the midst of whatever season you are in. Take time to listen and take care of yourself as we head into the Christmas season that can be so busy and full – especially if there is an extra pain attached to the season this year. As the Bible says in Mark, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” If you don’t know how to love yourself well, you won’t know how to love your neighbor well either.
Photo by Marion Michele on Unsplash
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