An article from Spirituality & Health caught my weary attention. It was titled, “Practicing self-care during stressful times.” Yep, I thought, that would be just great to know how to do.
I don’t consider myself a rookie when it comes to self-care. I am a Reiki Master, an EFT practitioner, and I’ve written for Women of the ELCA about self-care in “Sacred Spaces” and “Sacred Space as Metaphor.” Even so, stress happens!
The article recommended taking five minutes each day to sit in silence and pay attention. This idea was not new to me, but I confess I only do it on weekends (when I take as much as 15 minutes). On weekdays, I only do five minutes two or three times a week.
Yet, we really need only five minutes to listen to our heart, our mind and our body. If we check in with and listen to each of these three areas, each will tell us what is needed—if we listen. The article says that self-care is about balance between movement and stillness. I would add prayer, adequate rest and hydration. What will you give five minutes to today?
This message is adapted from “Self-care in stressful times” written by Inez Torres Davis, for the Women of the ELCA blog, on April 10, 2014.