A Privilege to Connect

Proactive Self-Care

Last week I had the privilege of speaking to the phenomenal teachers and staff of Holly High School. 

The staff is close-knit, caring, and super compassionate. I spoke to them as they are continuing to grieve, heal, and mend from two unexpected building tragedies,

Learning new information about the nervous system, and the power we have within to self-regulate, was just one part of their Professional Development Day focused on wellness and self-care

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“As long as I’m alive, I will continue to try to understand more 
because the work of the heart is never done.” 
~ Muhammad Ali

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Leveling Up Our Routines
Enhancing Our Self Care

​Hello friends!

Maybe some of it is the empathy I feel after spending time with the teachers at Holly High School?

Perhaps that in combination with my studio class this week when someone requested that we “release grief?”

It definitely is the horror and tragedy of the daily news. 

There are a lot of challenges surrounding us, and I feel the heaviness of this time that we are in. 

Regardless of the specifics for any one of us, the struggles are real.

While there are many pathways of active self-care, today I want each of us to pause. 

And then, remember some of the simple ways to release, reboot, and be revitalized. 

Reminder: we have to re-source ourselves in order to be a resource for others. It’s vital we take some moments to tune into how we’re doing. From there, we can determine steps forward from a place of enhanced calm and clarity.

I’m a big proponent of our self-care routines being just that . . . routine.

In other words, we want some things built into our daily lives that are relaxing, nourishing, and empowering. These things don’t need to be complicated, or difficult. In fact, I think routines are more likely to take root when they are delightful!

One way to up level your self-care is to piggy back on routines you already have established. What do you already do automatically each day? 

• Brush your teeth? 
• Drink coffee or tea? 
• Walk your dog?
• Drive to work?
• Answer emails?
• Prepare and eat meals? 

Okay, great. You have ideas of things you do daily.
Some with very little thought and incredible regularity.

So, what can you add into those well-worn grooves that enhances your own well-being? 

• Pause, and take 3 deep, even breaths after brushing your teeth? Every single time?
• Drink your first morning bevy while exploring what you are grateful for in your life?
• Walk your dog without other stimulus (no phone, no podcast, etc.) and allow it to be a moving meditation? Maybe set an intention of what you are moving towards?
• Listen to something inspiring during one leg of your commute? 
  Mantra music or an uplifting podcast?
• Limit how many times per day you check your email so that you’re not constantly attached to incoming requests? Or, put an end time of day on when you’re willing to answer most texts and emails? 
• Cook something special for yourself or for others. Surprise a neighbor or friend with a hot soup, or a loaf of bread, or an invitation to share a meal? 
• Before eating, pause and thank everyone who made it possible for that food to reach you. 

These are just a few examples of simple things. 
Notice, they don’t cost anything. 
And, when you build them into your existing routines, they can begin to happen automatically, effortlessly. 

This is one way we can continue to support ourselves and to lift ourselves up.

My advice? Have fun with it! 
Create what works for you and explore what you truly delight in. 

So much gratitude for November sunshine and for each one of you, ☀️

~ m

P.S. Mark your calendars and be sure to join me! On Winter Solstice, Thursday, December 21, Teresa Van Eyk and I will be hosting a special yoga event at the Saugaqtuck Yacht Club: 6:30 - 8:00 P.M. Details and registration coming soon!