Let’s step away from the idea that self care means self improvement.
Self care - at the core - is not about fixing or changing you. It’s not about achieving or kicking goals. It’s not about crossing the finish line. It’s about nurturing.
Self care means accepting yourself for who you are in this moment, in past moments, and for who you might be in the next. It means creating time and space to prioritise you, knowing that you matter. It means nurturing the person you are today; uniqueness, flaws and all.
As we move through life, we will undoubtedly uncover ways to improve our life and level up our habits — but it’s important to leave that ambition aside for a moment.
Self care should be your safe haven for self love. Through your self care practice, know that you are enough, exactly as you are. Find space to feel grounded and nourished. Make the choice to respect yourself, just as you would a sister or friend. Check in with radical honesty, meet yourself where you are, and give endless love and acceptance to today’s version of you. It’s worth it, and you’re worth it.
In his Retreat Ritual, you’ll be reflecting on the parts of yourself that you may find hard to accept. You’ll be looking at your ‘flaws’ and ‘imperfections’, and approaching them with a new light - a sense of acceptance.
Aim to explore and uncover all sides of you through this gentle reflection — be sure to hold space and understanding for the part of you that is imperfect. Show love to every side, and acceptance to every flaw. You do not need to change to become worthy; you are worthy right now.
This practiced acceptance will radiate to others around you, pulling greater love into your orbit and teaching you how to love back.
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Feelings: Feel love, feel nurtured.
Time required: 30 minutes.
What you’ll need: A pen and paper.
Instructions:
- Take five long, deep breaths through the nose, to connect with yourself and your body.
- Pop on some inspirational music if you feel like it.
- Start by thinking of all of the things you love about yourself. Follow this by thinking of some of the things you dislike. Don’t give them too much energy, just think of what they are.
- Now, imagine what you would say to your sister, mother, friend, daughter, if they came to you and told you they disliked the same parts of themselves. What would you say? Smother your flaws in the same love you would give to the ones you love. Imagine them wrapped in a giant big hug, giving them a feeling of acceptance.
- Now, imagine letting them go. Imagine not caring about them anymore, knowing that they no longer matter.
- Then, grab your pen and write a self-love mantra on a piece of paper. Almost like a promise to yourself, reminding you that you are perfect just as you are. Refer back to this any time you’re feeling inadequate or unloved.