Copyright © 2021 Lee Spirit

It’s -20C for the next 8 days in a row, and as I settle into my cozy home for the week, all I can dream of is Hot Springs Cove on Vancouver Island, BC, pictured in the photo. This hot spring is 109C, and so sweet to soak in at this private little spot. It’s only accessible by boat or float plane, and is the ultimate in self-care!

Self-care has really been on my mind this past week, not only because of the cold. I’ve noticed my neck and shoulder strain from working too many hours on my little laptop in hunched-up positions. It’s my body’s way of telling me I need to take care. It’s time to stretch, get up and move around, and practice better ergonomics. Or maybe it’s time to slow down a little, or stop working so hard!

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Self-Care and Your Body Temple

Sometimes we get so involved in our work and lives, the news, and what’s going on in the world that we don’t even notice that we need some self-care. That is, until we start to feel sensations in the body like tightness in the neck, shoulders, or chest. Maybe we get headaches, eye-strain, or feel wound-up in tension. When we consciously take notice of how our body is feeling, we are more aware of our need for relaxation, meditation, or renewal in some form. Our bodies are our teachers. Listen carefully to its messages, and heed its warning signs. We don’t want to end up with high blood pressure, or turning our “dis-ease” into disease.

We can relax the body by taking a bath, practicing yoga and meditation, stretching, myofascial release on a foam roller, or taking a walk, for example. It also helps to get a massage, or if that’s not available or desirable, you can use self-massagers – like the foam rollers. Sensual touch always relaxes us – if not with a partner, then gently caress yourself!

Kundalini Yoga and a Meditation on Death

I’ve mentioned kundalini quite frequently on my blog posts, as I’ve been practising this regularly for the past year or so. It moves the life-force energy up the spine through breath and movement. Last night I did this amazing 2.5 hour webcast called “The Five Blue Ethers”. The yogis refer to these five blue ethers as the spiritual stages we pass through as we cross over into death.

Death Is Really Just Change

Death isn’t my favourite subject, but it’s something we all need to face at some point. We must deal with our loved ones lost, and contemplate our own mortality. I was drawn to this class not so much because of that, but because “death” is so many things. It is change, and we are all experiencing change in our lives right now with the circumstances we are in. Change is as simple as moving from your childhood into your teenage years. There is a “death” of childhood, and a new beginning of the teenage years. When we end one job, and start another, there is a death and a new beginning.

How does that relate to self-care, you ask? Well, when we come to see death and change as a transformation into something new, it removes the fear associated with it. We move from physical body to ether…We are not gone, we just change form. So it’s good to notice our feelings around death and change, and to take care of ourselves by realizing there is nothing to fear. If you notice you are overly fearful, then try on this new vision of the experience of death. It can help us live more fully and joyously.

The question to ask yourself in this self-reflection is: What are the parts of me that will never die? Your answers are the true essence of your soul. For instance, “I am light. I am love. These parts of me will always live on”. This practice last night gave me a real sense of peace. Peace and the relinquishment of the fear of death are forms of self-care.

Here are a few more ways to Create a Mindset For Positive Change.

Self-Care Rituals: What Do You Love?

My favourite ritual for self-care is heading out on a long road-trip to the mountains for a mini-getaway – often just for the day. I love to sing in the car, take in the beautiful sunshine and scenery, and do a hike to a lake, or a cross-country ski. Think of what you love to do in your spare time, and make plans to do more of that. Doing what you love fills your spirit with joy. Meet up with friends, and have a good laugh while you’re at it. Medicine for the soul.

Self-Care When It’s Cold Outside

On cold days like these, I’m not heading to the mountains, but instead of feeling depressed about the weather, I turn to what I love inside. I just lit my cozy fireplace for the first time this winter, and feeling grateful that the cold never came until now!

A hot, candle-lit bubble-bath does wonders for me. I love to read something spiritually uplifting with a hot cuppa coffee or a Chai latte. And in these times of isolation, I’m loving a good online yoga or meditation class like the one I did last night. It really lifts my spirit and brings me back to my balance.

As I bathe and do yoga and meditation, I love to burn some incense and listen to some soothing yoga-like mantra music. Last night, it was the incense to stimulate the third eye of intuition. Other days, it’s the incense of love. Sometimes it’s essential oils. Aromatherapy can go a long way to soothing the soul!

Not everyone likes the same things, so it’s important that you do you! Just enjoy whatever it is you love, as much as you can. Find pleasure in the simple things in life! Try new things, and notice what you love. Dance and sing, every chance you get! If you find yourself in a rut, and your neck and shoulders are killing you, it’s time to practice self-care, my friend!

You Are What You Eat & Drink

Self-care means taking of your physical body as much as your soul. When you have a healthy diet of fresh vegetables, whole grains, vitamin and mineral rich foods, and don’t smoke or drink, your body functions so much better. It affects your brain, mind, and mental state too. “Healthy body, healthy mind” is such a true statement! This is not a blog on exercise and nutrition, but both are necessary elements of self-care. If you notice you are slipping into unhealthy snacking habits – which I tend to do too – just develop an awareness around it, and remember how much better you feel, and function, when you treat your body well. Eat properly, and stay hydrated, even on these cold winter days.

Self-Care and Social Life

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been struggling with this one during Covid-19 times. While I’d love to get together for some live music and restaurant food with my friends, the combination of health-nut and germaphobe in me says, “Stay far, far away from civilization!” I’m quite happy in my own little healthy zen bubble, even if I may be working a little too hard lately!

But it’s important to keep in touch with our friends, family, and loved ones. Just checking to make sure a friend or family member is okay via phone or text can really lift the spirits of both your friend and you. Sharing a moment, a memory, a laugh, or some love can go a long way to keeping you both mentally healthy. Reach out to your support networks. Stay positive on social media and in your interactions with others. Be the lighthouse for others! Notice when you’re feeling too isolated, depressed, lonely, or anxious, and ask for help if you need it.

Self-Care and Emotional Health

Times like these can really throw us for a loop and turn our worlds and emotions upside-down. If you’re feeling stressed by all the things, know that it’s natural, and that there’s something you can do about it. When we practice stress-management techniques, we are more stable in our emotions as we react to differing opinions and challenging circumstances.

Forgive & Be Grateful, Compassionate, & Kind

In these difficult times, always remember to practice forgiveness, gratitude, kindness, and compassion, first towards yourself, and then towards others. When we fill our cups full of our own kindness, we have more to give to others from an authentic place of fullness. When we forgive ourselves, it’s easier to forgive others and create harmony. Practice gratitude for all circumstances, even if they seem nasty at the time. Struggle is a teacher too. Difficult times teach us what we value and who we really are.

If you notice your emotions are getting too negative, it’s perfectly okay. Just take a few deep breaths, and return to your centre. Practice the self-care rituals that work for you, and find your joy in the present moments.

As you can see, it’s good to develop an awareness around your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual states. When you notice that things are a bit off, or you feel pain of any sort, it’s time to take a step back, observe yourself, and find your balance and joy. Make self-care a habitual practice, and you’ll notice the world events don’t affect you as harshly. Take care!

Lee Spirit is an avid outdoors adventurer with a love for nature, photography, health & fitness, wellness, and spirituality. Her own personal journey has led her to the  study and practice of mindfulness, health, wellness, yoga, spirituality, sound healing, meditation, and personal development for over 20 years. Heal Your Body With Self-Care here!